KODAIKANAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.

Famously known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal offers the perfect mix of culture and nature to tourists, and its perfectly manicured slopes, scenic waterfalls, rolling hills and clear lakes all come together to create the perfect setting for an ideal mountain getaway. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the huge forests surrounding the town.

Climatic Conditions

Located in the Western Ghats at a high altitude location, Kodaikanal enjoys a temperate subtropical highland climate. Nevertheless, the temperatures stay cool throughout the year due to the town’s location. The summer months between April and July are relatively cool compared to the low lying plains of Tamil nadu and the daytime temperature never exceeds 22 degrees. Monsoon months between July and September see the maximum rainfall followed by the mildly chilly winter months with temperatures never going below 8 degrees Celsius.

Best Time to Visit

Kodaikanal is one of the best perennially visited hill stations in India. Although the town is located in the subtropical belt of the southern India, it enjoys a cool and temperate climate throughout the year. The best time to visit is said to be the summer months between March and June, nevertheless the town can be visited from October after the monsoons retreat right up till the beginning of the monsoon season in July.

Attractions/Things to Do

Known by several monikers such as the ‘Princess of the Hills’, ‘Switzerland of the East’ and ‘Set of Southern Emeralds’ etc., Kodaikanal is one of the finest hill stations in India. Being established by the missionaries in the 19th century, the town is famous for its colonial architecture, Churches, lakes, waterfalls, surrounding flora and fauna. Being mentioned in the Tamil Sangam Literature Kodaikanal is also a famous pilgrim spot for the Hindus and has several temples as well. The Brocken Spectre is a famous optical illusion that can be witnessed on foggy days at the famous croaker’s walk.

How to Reach

Kodaikanal is well connected to the other towns in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airports to the hill town are located in the nearby cities of Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy, which are all accessible via roads. The nearest railway station is 100 kilometers away from the town at Kodai Road but it is advised for the visitors to get down at Dindigul, as transportation services are much easier to find here. The town is accessible via roads and several buses from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy are available.