Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India.
Shopping in Kodaikanal
Shopping in Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
Although Kodai residents still talk of going “shopping to Madurai”, Kodaikanal’s range of consumer goods expands from year to year. You can now buy banking pans (when in stock), socks (of a kind) and pressure cookers (but no spare parts). But the resident grumbles because everyday household thigs are always I short supply, everything has to come up in lorries.
What sort of shopping dies a tourist usually indulge in? You won’t be looking for pressure cookers or plastic buckets, most probably. You may want to take back souvenirs, or gifts for friends. Cottage craft is the place for you. This is rather a unique institution, which promotes and sells the handiwork of development projects. Some of these produce exquisite embroidery, among the finest to be found in the south. There is a wode range of pricesl from candles for a few rupees to heavily embroidered table cloths for a thousand. Following in Ooty’s footsteps, Kodai is also becoming known for home-made chocolate.
There is a chocolate shop in the bazaar as well as one on Seven Roads, across the road from Tava restaurant. You must also try and take back some Kodai cheese. The cheese factory was started twenty years ago by its enterprising proprietor after training in Switzerland, and makes cheddars, gruyere and processed cheese. These, as well as cheese make at the Kodai Milk Union are on sale at several shops including Ravi’s, across the road from Kodai School. And if you haven’t brought enough warm clothes, pop down to the Goodwill centre on the Milk Union Road. They have knick-knacks as well as second-hand sweaters and clothes from the States; on a lucky day when new boxes have been opened, you can pick up a smart sweater, very cheap. Proceeds from sales go to social work projects in the local community, so you’re doing a good turn to someone else as well as second-hand sweaters and clothes from the States; on a lucky day when new boxes have been opened, you can pick up a smart sweater, very cheap. Proceeds from sales go to social work projects in the local community, so you’re doing a good turn to someone else as well. Opposite the dental clinic on the lake is the” Art Gallery” where you can buy driftwood art pieces, dried flowers and other souvenirs.
Handicrafts
Kashmir Handicrafts center in Anna Salai is famous for shawls, Jewellary, Brass, Leather items, Bone and Walnut wood articles. Cottage Crafts Shop (Anna Salai), run by the voluntary organisation Corsock, (Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai), sells goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission charged to help the needy.
On PT Rd you'll find Kashmiri shops, as well as the Potter's Shed (Time: 9am - 8pm Thu - Tue, 9am - 5pm Wed) with fine ceramics; proceeds go to help disadvantaged children. The road leading south to the lake is sometime lined with stalls run by Tibetans selling warm clothing, Shawls and other fabrics - good, cheap stuff to keep you warm on chilly nights.
Animals in Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
In the not sodistant past, big game was one of the features of kodai life. When carrying visitors up the Coolie Ghat in chairs and doolies, porters sang and yodeled to keep panther and elephants away. It is said that the Raja of Podukottai would sit over tiger kills at the Golf Courses; another nimrod shot a bison near Coaker’s Walks from his window, in the 1950s. An underground occupant of the old cemetery was killed by one. And up until fifteen years ago, the baleful chorus of a pack of jackals was often heard as darkness descended.
Like the tale, a few years ago, of the panther at the bottom of the ghat road. The watchman at the “Rock Garden” compound was sitting at the fence, watching life go by – cars, bicycles, and cattle. But then he sat up with a start: there was a panther, sedately plodding along the road towards the village. He’d hardly recovered when back it came with a puppy in its mouth!
Bison or Gaur
Surfacing at the crack of fawn or before then is difficult; your warm bed sems to have some kind of magnetic power. But it is worth the misery. If you drive out into the high hills towards Berijam there is a fair chance of seeing bison, a single bull or a herd. There is one enormous muscle-bound fellow who often grazes in Marin shoal at this time, his blue-black form starkly silhouetted among the grass and bracken. Further north towards Mannavanur herds of twenty or thirty are often seen. On the Berijam drive you may also hear the eerie, ascending call of the Nilgiri langur, a black monkey endemic to the Western Ghats. Heavily hunted for their supposedly medicinal meat, these primates have become thoroughly man-shy and will not all a close approach. Their calls often elicit an immediate response from the giant Malabar squirrel -a loud, rolling chuckle.
We have twice seen barking deer on this route, bouncing away at our approach. Sambar are also still around but their size makes them easy poacher’s targets and they like to stay hidden in the denser forest. Mouse deer inhabit the lower elevations, towards Shenbaganur. But the most startling herbivores for this altitude are the elephants, which used to occasionally visit the Kodai area from their homes lower down Several herds seem to stay up here year round now, probably victims of dire habitat alteration.
In the early 1990s there were panther down by the lake near Sunnyside , one of the first houses built by the American Madura Mission. “ They were rather bold, because they took the cows right out of the sheds.” There are occasional reports of tigers in the Palnis, but people often confuse them with panther and hyenas. In fact the Tamil name for hyena is donkey-tiger. Other rare remanats of these hills are the sloth bear and the brilliantly spotted leopard cat. Scattered groups of Nilgiri tahr still roam the high slopes and steep escarpments; but the increasing conversion of grassland to plantations may well drive them away from the Palnis altogether.
Trekking to the Plains, Tamilnadu
There is something highly satisfying about walking from the top of a mountain to plains, and there are many spectacular hikes along well-trodden paths that take you from misty heights to the sweltering heat. Many of these are regular routes taken by barefoot fruit and vegetable vendors who nimbly run up to Kodai on steep trails with heavy loads, leaving the puffing hiker far behind! Fr.K.M. Matthew of the Anglade Institute of Natural History at Shenbaganur has identified 21 hiking routes from the Kodai plateau to the plains. Five of these are described below.
Kodai Dolphin’s Nose Vellagavi Kumbajarai
It is a 10 km hike to Dolphin’s Nose (described earlier). Continue on the well-beaten path to Vellagavi. Just before entering the village and before th small school, is a path to the right which will take you down to Kumbakarai or Tope, as it’s familiarly known. This hike can take anything from three to six hours, depending on how fit you are. It is a steady downhill trudge and a bit hard on the knees. At “Tope”, there are several places where one can swim. Stay overnight or take a bus back to Kodai. There is usually one which leaves for Periakulam around 3 pm. From there one can get buses to Batlagundu, and on to Kodai. Ideally hire a car which will meet you at Kumbakarai. Some stalwarts hike back up; but it is very tough!
Kodai Thopi Thukki Varai Periyur Periyakulam
Proceed to Thoppi Thukki Varai, which, incidentally, means Hats-Off Point! It is said that if you fling your hat over the edge, the updraft will sail it back to you. It is about 18 kms. From Kodai, on the Kodai-Berijiam road. From here, a footpath leads to Periyur village. There are lovely views, including that of Sathanur reservoir, one of the large water catchments of South India. The path is very steep. Make sure you don’t bump into any gaur, which are numerous here. On reaching Periyur hamlet you will no doubt be ready for a short rest. Continue on through coffee plantations and forest until you reach the road; follow it to Periakulam.
Kodai Vilapatti Ganesapuram Puliamanathope Palani
A 16 km, roughly six-and-a-half-hour walk. From the telephone exchange, take Convent Road and walk past Presentation Convent and on to Valpatti village, past Naidapuram. From here, ask for the path to Ganguvar Kodai Forest Bungalow. Then go down the zigzag path along the Palar river, which is very steep. This is elephant country, so keep eyes and ears open and don’t get to close to them, however much you want to take a photograph. After the Palar-Porundalur reservoir you will come to a bridle path and a pipe line which will take you to the foothills. Get a bus to Palani from here.
Kukkal Kudiraiyar Dam
This is a difficult hike. . The distance is 13 kilometres and a good hiker will take about 5 hours. It is best to have g guide along. From Kukkal, follow a foot-path leading to Pappampatti. After three kilometers this crosses the Kudiraiyar River and continues along the river. A waterfall 90 metres high can be heard to your left. Elephants are not uncommon here. You’ll walk though shoals, and deciduous forest. On getting to Kudiraiyar Dam, take a bus to Palani and back to Kodai or, better still, have a car meet you.
Pallangi Porundalur Dam
14 kilometres, about 5 hours. This is a very beautiful but very tough hike. Take a guide. You’ll walk through plantations, teak forest and shoals. After a refreshing swim in the river, follow the path which runs parallel to the river. When you reach the dam, you have to walk three kilometers on the bridge, which seems like a LONG way if you are tired and its’s hot! From here take a bus to Palani, and on back to Kodai.
Trekking to the Plains, Tamilnadu
Kodaikanal Fast Facts
Police Emergency
Police Station
Government Hospitals
Veterinary Hospital
Distirct Forest Officer
Sub Collector Office
Panchayat Union Office
Fire Service Station
Eating Out in Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
Kodaikanal Restaurant
About Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.
The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji'(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor and is frequented all through the year.
Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.
Kodaikanal is one of the most visited hill stations in Peninsular India. The place is situated at the altitude of 2100 meters amidst beautiful Palani Hills. Kodaikanal is 120 Kilometers from the city of Madurai that is situated close to the foothills of Palani. Kodaikanal is a place that is completely secluded from the madding crowd and that is what makes it one of the very few loveable hill stations in India. This is the reason why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled.
The name Kodaikanal in Tamil means the "gift of the forest". Situated in the state of Tamilnadu, Kodaikanal is one of the very few unaltered and unadulterated destinations of southern India. Kodaikanal has created a niche for itself with its intoxicating air, breathtaking scenery and serenity that you can hardly find in any hill station in the Himalayas.
An early morning walk near the Lake marks the start of a perfect day in Kodaikanal. This can be followed by a Filter Coffee cuppa at any of the numerous cafés at the mall road. You are dead if you miss the Sunrise at the Astrophysical Observatory. For the rest of the day, you can just loiter around or stretch yourself in the sun with a copy of any of the masterpieces of Fredric Forsyth. In the evening, move towards the mall road where the Sun gives way to the billion night flies that twinkle in the sky. The evening marks the birth of real Kodaikanal when people start assembling in the marts. Shop around till your legs succumb to fatigue and seal the day with a dinner in one of the numerous joints available in the town.
Tourist Attraction
Kodaikanal is a hill resort in Tamil Nadu, which mesmerizes you with its beauty and tranquility. A honeymooners' haven, Kodaikanal nestles beautifully amidst the folds of the Pali hills. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years, imparting an ethereal beauty to the hills. Kodaikanal seems to be bestowed with all forms of beauty by Nature-majestic hills, mighty rocks, beautiful waterfalls, a serene lake, fruit orchards, lush flora -which makes it one of the most popular hill stations in South India.
Museum at Shenbaganur
The Sacred heart College was started in 1895 for the training of young Jesuit priests, in Shenbanganr, which means the village of the ‘shenbangam’. This is a tree endemic ro the South India hill forests, Michelia nilagirica. Early students and professors, mostly European, set themselves the task of studying the flora and fauna of a Palnis. One of them was A. Anglade, and when the Institute of Natural Historu was started within the college, it was named after him. The museum is open to visitors and has collection of birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles.
Dolmen Circle
Kodai has been put on the anthropological map by the presence of dolmens and kistavens, dwelling and burial places from the Stone and Iron Ages. This dates some if these stone structures as early as 5000 Bc. Sadly, many if them have been destroyed, both willfully as well as through neglect. Two of the more intact sites are Dolmen Circle on the ghat road not far from Periakulam and the one two kilometers past Pannaikadu village, on the highest point before descending to Pattiveerampatti.
Learn More arrow_forwardThe Observatory
The Kodaikanal Observatory is one of the oldest int the workd, and has been functioning since 1898. It is a well equipped, productive laboratory and has made its mark in research. In 1909 its director Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots; this is known as the Evershed Effect. The Observatory is open to visitors on Friday mornings.
Learn More arrow_forwardThe Apple Research Station
A very pretty location on Fairy Falls Road. Run by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, the station studies new varieties of fruits and vegetables, to propagate those that grow best in Kodaikanal. It has been for fermers.
Mannavanur Sheep Station
This was started in the late 60s and functions under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research in Delhi. It is a beautiful campus, 1340 acres of rolling grassland where scientists work on sheep development programmes for South India. Several Varieties of sheep and rabbits have been bred for wool and meat including the angora, chinchilla, white giant and others with equally exotic names. Mannavanur is about an hour’s drive from Kodai and visitors are welcome. See the officer-in-charge at the main office building. This is one of the last extensive chunks of high altitude grassland left in the Palanis, the others have been taken over by eucalyptus, wattle and other plantations. Spottted deer, gaur, wild dogs, sambar and other animals are regular visitors to the campus. The small lake within it has common and morror carp, and otter. Educational institutions can get permission from the officer-in-charge for small groups to camp overnight.
Learn More arrow_forwardBryant and Chettiar Parks
Bryant Park, named after the Forest officer who designed and laid it out in 1980, is situated on the lake. It has a wide selection of flowers and ferns, and residents oftern “shop” here for special varieties if plants. This is where the flower and vegetable show is held in May; enormous cabbages, carrots and potatoes from neighbouring villages compete for the prizes. Being so centrally located, Bryant Park is a hot tourist spot, especially on weekends and during the season. Chettiar Park, on the way to the Kurinji Temple, is more quiet.
Learn More arrow_forwardBryant and Chettiar Parks
Bryant Park, named after the Forest officer who designed and laid it out in 1980, is situated on the lake. It has a wide selection of flowers and ferns, and residents oftern “shop” here for special varieties if plants. This is where the flower and vegetable show is held in May; enormous cabbages, carrots and potatoes from neighbouring villages compete for the prizes. Being so centrally located, Bryant Park is a hot tourist spot, especially on weekends and during the season. Chettiar Park, on the way to the Kurinji Temple, is more quiet.
Learn More arrow_forwardKodaikanal Golf Club
It you are an avid golfer, you will be interested in what the honorary secretary of the KGC writes, “The Kodaikanal Golf Club was first started in 1895 by a handful of dedicated golfers. To start with there were only 9 holes and the putting surfaces were browns, In the early fifties it was extended to 18 holes and 1986 the putting surfaces were relaid with greens.
“The course itself is situated on verdant green slopes and hollows at an elevation of about 7000 ft. A golfer teeing early in the morning is more than likely to come across herds of wild bison or gaur. Otherwise wild boar and barking deer are plentiful. However the only danger to the golfer are the monkeys who often pick up the unwary golf ball and smartly run up a tree! “While the club is run by its members for its members, tourists and other non-members are allowed to play, by either becoming temporary members or by paying the required green fees. The only proviso is that they have a handicap or required to take lessons before the are let loose on the course.”
Learn More arrow_forwardFestivals of Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
Mother Salette Festival
Kodaikanal, a Hill station situated in Southern India, is known for its beautiful and ancient churches. Its rich Christian culture and tradition, still stands apart. One of the ancient churches is the "Mother Salette" church, which is 133 years old. Every year on the 14th and 15th of august, a unique carnival takes place at this church. This brings about the conclusion to a Nine-day festival.This festival attracts a congregation of people from all over south India, irrespective of religion, creed or faith. The festival is marked by special services and a special procession.
The sculptural elegance of the churches in Kodaikanal add to the natural beauty of the surroundings and provide not just inner but aesthetic pleasure as well. The meaning of Kodaikanal is "the Shade in Summer". The credit of being the first catholic priest goes to Father Louis Saint Ceer. Father Louis belongs to Christ Church. He came to Kodaikanal on 1952 for the first time. He reached Kodaikanal travelling by horse for 4 days even in Thunder and heavy rain. When he arrived Kodai, there was only Baynes, Parker, Clark, Parday bungalows. After viewing this he returned to the plain.
In the year 1860, May 24th Father Louis sait came with his father Rettary and stayed in Baynes bungalow at Kodaikanal. After some days they owned the Baynes bungalow under their responsibility on September 29. That bungalow was changed as a rest house for the members of Christ Church. Father Rettary became the first president of the church. La-providence, a lady, gave 20,000 rupees as donation for the reconstruction of the bungalow. So Baynes bungalow was now called as La-providence. But it's sold out now.
In 1858, Father Saint Ceer was severely affected by viral fever. With lots of hope he prayed to the Lady of La Salete. Soon after, the priest was cured and he vowed to setup a church in India that would mirror the church of La Salete in France. He happened to choose the mountainous region Kodaikanal to built this special House of God because the church he wished to emulate encased with in the mighty mountain rains of the alps. This church was made towards his feeling and to heel others as well.
The foundation for Mother Salete Church was laid on 1865 February 28. In the same year March 17 the building work was started with the blessings of Father Saint Ceer. In 1866 the day, when brother Lamothy built the body of the Church, thank's offering was fulfilled.
In the year 1866, the last sunday of May, Mother Salete Church was dedicated by Keanos. This is the first pilgrimage place in India for Mother Salete. So from 1866 onwards every last Sunday of May, the festival was celebrated for Mother Salete. Huge crowd of people will travel from plain for 3 days and reach Mother Salete Church. The British people complained about the disturbances of the crowd. So this festival was banned up to 1893. In the year 1904 the steps were taken to recelebrate the festival and it was succeeded on August 15th. Very few Europeans will be there at Kodai on this occasion.
Mrs. Kacondys helped hand to build up Mother Saleth Church. Her busy daughter felt sick and she was cured by the water of Salete inty with the advice of Saint Ceer. To show him gratitude she donated some amount which was helpful for raising the church. In the year 1869 Mr.Natigan the engineer at Dindigul gave 19 acres of land for Mother Salete Church.
In the year 1883, ' The entrance of Mother Salate Church ' was established. In between 1884 and 1885 the Church was extended 5 mtrs by its sides and the front portion is affixed with several spires that end in the figure of the cross and square bell tower was also established. The statue of Mother Salete was given as a gift to John, the Baptist by Fara Bishop of Grenoble. Holy Michael's statue was given as a memorial statue to Father Michael Besard.
Father Saint Ceer expired on January 17th, 1887. His Holy Body was burried at the entrance of the Mother Salete Church. Summer festival programmes in the month of May includes Flower Show , Dog Show and Boat Shows.
Funeral Ceremony
In Sikhism, display of grief over death is discouraged. After the death, the body is bathed and clothed by family members. Before taking the body to the cremation grounds, it is taken to the Gurudwara, to pay the last homage but it is not taken inside the premises. During the cremation process Kirtan Sohila is recited followed by Ardas. The ashes are disposed of in the river For Ten days Guru Granth Sahib is read at home or in the Gurudwara.
Other Ceremonies
Amrit Sanskar, Baptism, Amrit Chakna
To become a Khalsa Sikh, one participates in the sacred ceremony. After becoming Khalsa Sikh one has to recite the hymns of Japji, Jaap, Ten Sawayyas, Bainti Chaupai and 6 verses from Anand Sahib.
Akhand Path
Akhand Path is performed on all occasions be it joyous or sad. It is a non-stop reading of the Holy Book Guru Granth Sahib. At the conclusion (Bhog), Karah Parsad is offered.
Gurupurbs
The birth and deaths of Gurus are celebrated as Gurupurbs. First installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev, Birth of Guru Nanak (traditionally celebrated in November), Birth of Guru Gobind Singh, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Martyrdom of The Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh) are celebrated with great zeal in Golden Temple
Baisakhi
On Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Guru gathered thousands of people at Anandpur Sahib to found the Khalsa order by baptizing 5 brave Sikhs who were willing to give their life for the Guru. This day is celebrated as birthday of Khalsa.
Sangrand
It marks the beginning of a new month. At the Gurudwara, portions of Bara Maha, Song of the 12 Months are read.
Maghi
In the memory of the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals, Maghi is celebrated. Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed them salvation and cremated them at Muktsar.
Hola Mohalla
Hola Mohalla falls on the Holi Festival of the Hindus. Military exercises swordsmanship and horse riding like are displayed by Nihang Singhs. Various competitions of Poetry and Music are held to celebrate this day.
Ram Tirath Fair
Ram Tirath Fair is celebrated at Ram Tirath, located at a distance of 11 kilometers to the west of Amritsar. The fair is celebrated about a fortnight after Diwali. Pilgrims visit the Temple to plunge in the sacred tank of the Temple in the early hours of the Puranmashi (full moon night). After the plunge the pilgrims take a circumambulation of the tank along with incantations. Women light lamps of pure ghee (deshi ghee) or mustard oil (sarson ka tel) made from kneaded flour and put them in tank by placing them on leaf plates. It is believed that this ceremony absolves one's sins and is known as tulla toarna (meaning floating of tullas). Throughout the ceremony devotional songs and hymns are recited.
Diwali
Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Golden Temple. It is celebrated even after three days of Diwali. It is believed that during the reign of Jahangir, after his release from Gwalior fort Guru Ram Das reached Amritsar on Diwali. People greeted him by illuminating lamps.
Basant Panchami at Chheharta Sahib is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magh or Maghi (end of January or beginning of February). The celebrations commence early in the morning and end the next day afternoon. Whole night kirtan darbar (chanting of hymns, poems belonging to Sikh literature) is held. On the eve of Basant Panchami kites are flown and kite-flying competitions are held.
Gurupurbs
Gurupurbs are celebrated throughout the world. These are celebrated on the occasion of the birthdays and martyrdoms of Gurus. In Amritsar, Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib are celebrated with great religious fervor and devotion.
Kodaikanal Location
Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerizes any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station. It Presents a Very Natural Eco-Environment, Which Provides You a Great Freshness.
There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai Hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.
By Air
The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 kms south-east of kodai. From there, buses, tourist vans and taxis are easy to get. It is a three-and-a half hour drive. People coming from Bombay fly in to coimbatore, which is a slightly longer drive of about 5 hours. Trichy airport is about the same distance.
By Train
The Station you nee to get to is kodai Road, 80 kms from kodaikanal. Incidentally it was from here that, until 1920 or so, Travelers began their journey up to Kodai in bullock carts and palanquins. Today, old Kodai hands always take the Pandian Express which leaves Madras around 7 p.m. every evening. You have to get off at 5.30 a.m. Should you oversleep, however, you can just go on to Madurai and make your way up from there.
By Road
Kodai is 520 kms from Madras, a 12 hour drive. There are regular overnight buses to and from madras. There are also several buses a day to large nearby cities – Madurai, Palani, Coimbatorem Dindigul for example which have buses going in all directions. And if you really want out during a packed season period when tickets are hard to get, go to Batlagundu, two hours by van and head for the big bus station there.
The last lap of journey to Kodai has to be done by road. Just before the ghat section begins there is a tourist recreation area on your left called “Rock Garden” with tea, coffee and toilet facilities. As you leave the plains and start climbing you will see one of the highest waterfalls in the world: Rat Tail or Thalaiyar Falls. It is a spectacular sight in the monsoon but subsides to a mere trickle in the dry season. An hour or so later you will pass Silver Cascade on your right, in Tiger Shola. This is the run-off from Kodai lake, and during the monsoons has a Naiagara-like splendour, complete with roaring sound and foamy spray. Once every few years the ghat road may be closed when heavy rains cause landslips which have to be cleared away. But work is quickly begun and rapidly finished. In any case there is also another escape route out – or in – th Palani Ghat which leads to the town of the name on the plains.
Best Time to Visit
Kodaikanal can be traveled round the year. but the best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to October, Rainfalls, as this is the most ideal time for all visitors.
Travelers Document
For most of us, holiday is dictted by the children’s school, which usually means summer. April and May are the “season” months in Kodaikanal. The weather is mild and dry, plum trees are red with fruit and there is carnival-like atmosphere in town. If you are crowd hater, stay away at this time or plan to stay at a hotel far from the bazaar circuit; there are plenty of hotels away from the town. By regulating your timings a little, and choose excursions off the beaten path, you can “beat the tourists”. For example, heading for Coaker’s Walk on a Sunday morning at 10 is to avoided if are looking for peace and quiet!
There is another “season”; September-October, between the south-west and north-east and north-east monsoons. There is less of a tourist frenzy at this time. Avoid November if possible, because although there are some beautiful dry blue-sky days, the north-east monsoon is on its way. There are sometimes long periods or non-stop rain when clothes don’t dry, children are cooped up inside, and the electricity goes off (but most hotels have generators). In short, a November or December visit can be wonderful; on the other hand it can be pretty wet as well. January manages to shake off the rains but it gets very cold, with frost on the lake; you must come equipped with warm clothing and bedding. February and March are delightful, though the air is still a little nippy.
Travel Documents
All visitors are required to carry a passport valid at least for the next 6 months. Visa exemptions include:
Special restrictions apply to Pakistani and Afghan nationals.