Your Honey Moon at Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is on the southern crest of the Palani Hills, about 120 km north-west of Madurai at an altitude of 2100 m. it is surrounded by wooded (not so thickly any more) slopes, waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops. The journey up and down is breath taking. At Kodai nature is at her most beautiful where the ochre earth covers herself in emerald silk. That is studded with gems of sheer glittering water. The mist is her shawl, covering her with mystique and magic. Kodai is the only hill station in India set up by Americans, though they were soon joined by the British.
 
Australian blue gums provide the eucalyptus oil sold in Kodai’s street stalls and create numerous environmental problems. Plantations of exotic species together with rampant tourist development have resulted in local action to save Kodaikanal from further environmental damage.
 
Kodaikanal provides an escape from the heat and haze of the plains and the opportunity to hike in the quiet forests.
 
Places to see
 
The Kodai lake in star shape dominates this sleepy hill station. Have pleasure in walks. Yes, walking is the best way to reach any place interesting in this tiny Kodai and, you can enjoy a magnificent display put by nature at Bryant’s Park.
 
We can catch a glimpse of the heavens (literally speaking) at the Solar Observatory and from Kodai’s two telescope houses.
 
Kodaikkanal is dotted with enchanting picnic spots. Coaker’s walk, running along a steep slopes, offers a panaromic view of the plain; Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls, a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.
 
Berijam lake, situated 21 Km from the township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin’s Nose (8 Km), a projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below.  Climb the misty and high Perumal Peak. And you’ll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.
 
Cavemen habitat at Kukkal caves (40 Km) and Dolmen’s Circle (22 Km) are famous pre-historic, archaeological sites. You can see no cave man today!
 
Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Km.). is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor, more than 300 species of orchids.
 
The Kurinji shrub, unique to the Western Ghats, is found in Kodaikanal. Kurinji turns the slopes into a sea of purple once in 12 years(the next blossoming will be in 2004). 
 
The Kurinji Andavar Temple (3.2 Km) is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani Hills.
 
Flora & Fauna Museum - Also worth a visit is the Flora & Fauna Museum at the Sacred Heart College at Shembaganur. It’s a 6 km hike and all uphill on the way back. The museum is open 10 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm; closed Sunday.
 
Near the start of Coaker’s Walk is Bryant Park, a botanical park landscaped and stocked by the British officer after whom it is named. At Chettiar Park, about 3 km up hill from town, 1.5 km past the Kurinji Andavar Temple, you may be able to see some Kurinji flowers.
 
There are numerous waterfalls - the main one, Silver Cascade, is on the road up to Kodai.
 
Stay
 
Hotel prices in high season (1 April to 30 June) increase by up to 300%, especially at the lower end of the market.
 
Mid-Range Hotels
 
Hotel Sunrise (Tel. 40358), Near Bus stand
Yagapa Lodge (Tel. 41235), off Club Rd.
Taj Villa (Tel. 40940, Coaker’s Rd), off Club Rd,
Hotel Anjay (Tel. 41089, Bazaar Rd),
Snooze Inn (Tel. 40837), Hotel Sangeeth (Tel. 40456),
Hotel Astoria (Tel. 40524), next door to the Sangeeth,
Hotel Jewel (Tel. 41029, Hospital Rd),
Hilltop Towers (Tel. 40413, fax 40415), Club Rod, opposite the Kodai International School,
Hotel Garden Manor (Tel. 40461, Lake Rd).
 
Deluxe Luxury Hotels

Kodaikanal Club (Tel. 41341),
Valley View Hotel (Tel. 40181, Post Office Rd),
The Carlton Hotel (Tel. 40056, fax 41170, Lake Rd).
 
How to reach?
 
Bus : Kodai’s bus stand is basically a patch of dirt opposite the Hotel Astoria. State buses run to Madurai,  Tiruchirappalli and Kanyakumari  and twice daily to both Coimbatore and Chennai. Frequent buses also go to Palani, Dindigul and Kodai Road train station. There’s a KSRTC semideluxe bus daily to Bangalore . Deluxe minibuses operate in the high season between Kodaikanal and Ooty.

Train : The nearest train stations are Palani to the north (on the Coimbatore-Madurai-Rameswaram line), and Kodai Road on the Madurai-Trichy-Chennai line to the east. Both are about three hours by bus. Train bookings can be made at one of the many travel agencies.