Summer is the time when you
simply need to escape the steaming plains of Tamil Nadu and plot a
course towards greener pastures. Head for Kodaikanal, 2,133mt,
Tamilnadu's evergreen hill station in the Palani Hills of the
Western Ghats. Kodaikanal (also called Kodai or Kody) is blessed
with balmy weather throughout the year, barring a few wet months in
winter. Green hill slopes with many a waterfall; thick forests with
eucalyptus trying to reach for the skies, fruit orchards and a
beautiful lake paint the Kodaikanal picture. The Kody Lake is at the heart of town, a glimmering, star-shaped lake that is Kodaikanal's prettiest sight.
You can drink in Kodaikanal's beauty for hours at the lakeside - this is a lovely place to linger awhile, stroll around or go boating. Pedal boats and rowboats are available to splash across the lake. |
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Prime Attractions of Kodaikanal
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21-km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one among the beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.
Kodaikanal Trekking
Head for Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You can take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a night at a local village.
Fairs & Festivals - Kodaikanal
There are several beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals, the hills are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival is held in the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the evergreen Ooty; the exquisite Kodaikanal or the salubrious heights of Yercaud. Cultural programs, adventure sports, boat races, flower and fruit shows add to the splendour of the festival.
| Getting to kodaikanal |
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Kodaikanal is 520 km from Chennai and 120 km from Madurai, which has the closest airport. Kodai Road and Palani are the nearest railheads, from where Kodaikanal is 3 hours by road. The drive from Chennai or Bangalore takes 12 hours and from Madurai takes 4 hours. State Transport and private buses are available; taxis and vehicles can be hired.
| Best time to visit |
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Summer- April to June- is peak season in Kodaikanal, when the weather is great and there are Summer Festivals to liven the tempo. The crowds thin between July and October but the weather remains pleasant. Temperatures range from 10º to 20ºC, with wet winters.
| accomodation |
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Kodaikanal has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels near the lake, to middle budget and economy motels that are concentrated around the centre of town. Dormitories are available for those on a shoestring budget. Tariffs start at Rs 200 for economy and Rs 2,000 and above for luxury rooms. For details contact Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation, Municipal Bus Stand, Rest House, Kodaikanal, Tel 04542-241675 or TTDC at West Veli Street, Madurai, Tel 0452-2334757.
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