Kodaikanal Select Region   Select city  
 
Festive Ideas Things to see & do Gourmet Treats Shopping Fiesta
Festive Ideas
Another hill retreat in the South, Kodaikanal is probably one of the beautiful and quieter hill stations. Located south of the Palani Hills, it is covered in thick forests and waterfalls. Its centrepoint of activity is the huge star shaped lake, which is thronged with tourists on boat ride. Walk through old churches, stay at some of the finest hotels and savour some heavenly home-made chocolates! Kodaikanal celebrates with great pomp the annual Mother Salette Festival, on 14th & 15th of August for 9 days. The festival is marked by special services and processions. Navratri in October is another 9-day festival, in which the first 3 days are dedicated to Lakshmi, the next 3 to Saraswati and the last 3 to Durga. In addition, the Summer Festival commences in May and the Two-day Flower Festival also in May.
 
Things to see & do
  • Lakes: The most defining feature of this hill retreat is the star-shaped Kodai Lake situated amidst the emerald green wooded slopes. This lake is flanked by a black road. Another artificial lake in the upper regions of Palani Hills is the Berijam Lake. It is a beautiful picnic spot allowing you to catch some striking scenery.

  • Coaker's Walk: : Located a kilometer away from the lake, it derives its name from Lt. Coaker, who is credited with preparing the map of Kodai. Built along a steep, green slope, this walk offers you breathtaking views of the plains below.

  • Parks: The Bryant Park is situated on the eastern side of the lake and is noted for its flowers, hybrids and grafts. A Flower Show is hosted every year in May as part of a summer festival. Another well-maintained park is the Chettiyar Park, which is located en route the Kurinji Andavar Temple.

  • Green Valley View: Located close to the Golf Club, it offers a beautiful view of Vaigai Dam.

  • Pillar Rocks: Located about 7 kms from the Lake, the name is derived from the three boulders that stand next to each other. It also houses a mini garden within it.

  • Kurinji Andavar Temple: One of the well-known temples of the area, it is dedicated to Lord Muruga, Lord of the Hill. This temple also offers a view of the Palani and Vaigai Dam.

  • Solar Physical Observatory: Its foundation was laid at the topmost point in Kodai. Prior appointment is needed to observe the planetary movements.

  • Shenbaganur Museum: This museum houses the archeological remains and the flora/fauna of the hills. It also houses more than 300 species of orchids.

  • Falls:Thalaiyar Falls is credited as being one of the highest waterfalls in India with a 975 feet drop. One of the more popular picnic spots is the Bear Shola Falls, which owes its name to the fact that bears once came to drink water. These falls are best visited in the rains. The Pambar Falls or Grand Cascade Falls, it is more of a criss-cross stream that flows over a series of rock formations and precipices.

  • Palani: Located a little away from Kodaikanal, it is a popular pilgrim center and one of the six abodes of Lord Dhandayuthabani. Direct buses ply between Palani and Kodaikanal.

  • Dolphin’s Nose: This is one of the most important locations in Kodai to explore the forest around. Make sure you don your most comfortable walking shoes. There are a number of small shops en route that sell snacks, tea and coffee. Catch breathtaking views of the landscape as you stand on the edge of the rock. The mountains around are covered with clouds most of the time, so it’s an enthralling experience indeed.

  • Churches: The Lutheran Church, is situated close to the Kodai School and is a gothic-style stone building with stained glass windows and modern paintings that portray the life of Christ. Another famous church in the region is the Christ the King Church, another gothic and granite structure with stained glass windows.

 
Gourmet Treats
Kodaikanal has a whole range of eateries to suit your taste buds. The market area has a wide assortment of bhajjis, parottas and South Indian cuisine. Try some amazing pastries at Fay’s Confectionery. Tibetan and Chinese cuisine is available at Tibetan Brothers in the Hospital Road. Silver Inn offers a super combination of western food. For organic food, you must try out the Eco-Nut. It offers a wholesome variety of fresh brown bread, muffins, peanut butter and a variety of chocolates along with other herbal foods.
 
Shopping Fiesta
Pick up some souvenirs from the main market area of Kodai. Embroidered items, home made chocolates, Kodai cheese and dried flowers are available in a wide range of prices. Eco-Nut offers a whole range of foods, brown bread, jams, peanut butter, cheese and muffins. Also check out the road leading to the south of the Lake, which often has Tibetans selling warm clothing.
 
Hotels in Kodaikanal
Star Hotel name Rate(Rs.)* Inclusions
  Hotel JC Grand 195 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  JC Woodville Manor 195 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  J's Heritage Hotel 295 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Hotel Grand Palace 375 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Hilltop Tower 400 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  Hotel Mount View  400 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Hotel Jai 413 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Royal Hotel 425 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Hotel S.V. International 425 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  J's Heritage Resort 475 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
JC Residency 613 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Hotel Sivapriya 645 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Green Acres Resort 675 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  Sterling Resorts Kodaikanal Lake View 883 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Summer Migrations 1,250 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Silver Castle Resort 1,400 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  Elephant Valley 1,650 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Hotel Kodai International 1,750 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
  Zest@Coakers Villa 2,250 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
Goldan Parks Inn 2,500 Breakfast Dinner All Meal Airport Transfer Tax  
       
 
* All the above rates are per person per night
 
 
 

Untitled Document
About Travelguru | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
About Us | Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Sitemap