Nestling amidst the folds of the verdant Pali Hills, is the idyllic retreat of Kodaikanal, popularly known as Kodai. Apart from being a much sought after tourist resort, Kodai is also famous for its educational institutions, which are globally renown. Kodaikanal (also known as Kodai) is a city and a Taluk division of Dindigul district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, South India.Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and is a popular tourist destination. Much of the local economy is Hospitality industry based on national and international tourism. Kodaikanal was established by American missionaries around 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.

There is an excellent bazaar where one can buy woollen clothing, flowers, vegetables, fruit, meats, handicrafts, hot snacks, children toys, medicinal herbs and oils. The cosmopolitan nature of Kodai is evident at the market place where it is not uncommon to see Scandinavian backpackers, retired French tourists and people from other parts of India enjoying fresh pastries served by Tibetan refugees. An artificial star shaped lake is located close to the centre of town.An artificial star shaped 45 ha. (60 acres) lake built in 1863 is located close to the centre of town. Next to the lake is Bryant Park, a botanic garden. Rowing boats and pedalos and riding horses can be hired. A five-kilometer path that skirts this lovely lake is a favourite walk.Suicide point, Pillar Rocks, Silver Falls, Kodai Television tower and Guna cave are popular places where many tourists visit. The Kurinji Andavar temple is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms only once every 12 years.Kodaikanal is a romantic place for newlyweds to go for a honeymoon.

Tourist Attractions of Kodaikanal

Lake :
One of the main attraction for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the man made Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3km from the bus stand.

Brynt Park :
This Park is situated in the heart of the town, 0.3 km from bus stand. The park was originally planned and formed by a forest officer of Madurai, Mr. H.D. Bryant in 1908 and named after him.

Bear Shola Falls :
So named because it once attracted bears, it is a favourite picnic spot, about 1.6 Kms from the lake, and 2 kms from the bus stand.

Silver Cascade :
The waterfall is Located on the Ghat road leading to Madurai and is about 8Kms from Kodaikanal. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as 180 feet high falls. If the temperature of water is suitable, tourists can take bath in the falls.

How To Reach Kodaikanal?

By Air: Nearest Airport : Madurai (135 km)
By Rail: Nearest Railway station : Palani (64 KMs)
By Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km), Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km-3 1/2 hrs).