Tucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, in South India, and jealously guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means 'gift of the forest' in Tamil. A more appropriate and evocative name could not have been imagined for this quaint, unspoilt little hill station, where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, and serenity seldom found in other hill stations.

Cradled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level.

The best way to spend time here is to walk leisurely around the place appreciating the beauty. Otherwise, there are facilities for boating, cycling, pony riding, angling, and playing golf. One can spend his/her time at the evenings in the clubs or search for the books in the nearby market. The region around Kodaikanal abounds in natural beauty and splendour and an excursion should be at the top of one's itinerary.

Important sites to explore in Kodaikanal are Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal School, Lutheran Church and King Church, Colonial structure, Bryant's Park, Coaker's Walk, Green Valley View, Kodai Club, and Golf Links.

touristplacesinindia offers fixed as well as customized itineraries and tour packages for Kodaikanal that helps you in discovering the glimpses of Kodaikanal that are rare and unforgettable. Contact us for your travel requirements or with your plans, if you have one for yourself or consult us.

Driving into Kodaikanal from Palani is a dramatic experience, reminiscent in parts of the drive up the Ghat road from Kallar to Ooty. It is a relief to leave the hot, dusty plains behind and drive up into the cool hills.The view of the Amaravathi Dam, a shimmering sapphire sheet of water is an unforgettable sight. Driving higher, banana trees give way to tall eucalyptus trees, and the whole countryside is dotted with wildflowers in jeweled colors, magenta and purple predominating. There is a marked nip in the air, as one reaches for one's cardigan, or shawl. At a bend in the road, the shimmer and roar of the Silver Cascade waterfall welcome the tourist.

Arriving in Kodai town, one is greeted by orchards of pear trees with their graceful branches silhouetted in artistic curves against the evening sky like stark Zen etchings. Buildings with gabled roof dot the skyline. Broken fragments of light from the setting sun are caught and kindled in the wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue, lights start twinkling all over the hillside, and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming messages of goodwill to each other.