Kodaikanal Better known as Kodai, is on the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu in South India, an eastern off-shoot of the Western Ghats. At an altitude of 2200 meters, Kodaikanal is a bio variety hot-spot, rich in flora and fauna. The ‘Shola’ forests of Kodaikanal, is unique in the world for its bio-variety and supports a vast range of tree, plant life and a wide range of Insects, birds and wildlife. Kodaikanal hills have large forest areas as well as large agriculture areas. A number of remote hill villages still exist in Kodaikanal, offering breathtaking views, waterfalls and lakes, This makes it ideal for trekking and photography. The name Kodaikanal means the "gift of the forest". Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, among the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the unexplored destinations of southern India. With its exciting air, breathtaking scenery and calmness that you can hardly find in any other hill station, Kodaikanal is an ideal summer resort for the travel buffs of the southern plains.

Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal LakeThe main attraction of Kodaikanal is the enchanting lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. This is an artificial lake built by Vera Levine, a former District Collector of Madurai. He used his creativity and money for converting the marsh land with many small lakes into a beautiful lake, which attracts a lot of tourists every year. The boat club provides boating facilities for the tourists. Fishing can also Berijam Lake done obtaining permission from Inspector of Fisheries.

Astrophysical Observatory
Built in 1889, this laboratory stands on the highest point in the area. The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics. It also houses a small museum.

Kodai Club
Kodai Club the Kodai Club is a masterpiece of colonial India. It has a well stocked library of classical English literature. Heads of tiger and bison adorn the walls of the club. The restaurant at the club serves many delicacies of the British period.

Pillar Rocks
There are three vertical pillars that stand side by side and measure 112 m. On most occasions, the rocks are surrounded by mist and leave one guessing whether they are real or a creation of one's imagination.

Solar Physical Observatory
Solar Physical Observatory The Solar Physical Observatory is located at a height of 2343 m, the Kodaikanal observatory, is popular among tourists who come here. People can look through the telescope for a view of the near by country side and the skies. This was built in 1898.

Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kurinji Andavar Temple is situated 3 km from the lake. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flowers, which carpets at hill sides once in 12 years. There are many other beautiful places in around Kodaikanal for anyone to explore.

How to Reach

• By Air
  The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. It is well connected to other airports.
• By Rail
  The nearest railway station is Kodai Railway Station, which is 80 km away.
• By Road
  Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.