State: Tamil Nadu

District: Dindigul district

Main languages: Tamil and Malayalam 

 

History:

 

Kodaikanal is also known as Kodai and is a city in the Taluk division of Dindigul district. This city is also referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and had been established by American missionaries around 1845. The city was a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. The town had been discovered in early 19th century by British Lieutenant, Ward, and the region became a summer retreat for many European diplomats. But it was much later that the Indians valued this beautiful hill station. The Kodai Lake was made in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge, the Collector of Madurai. It was made for the purpose of stocking fish from the local streams and gradually boat clubs developed here. 

 

Geography:

 

The city is located on the southern summit of the upper Palnis, at a height of 2133 meters. It is situated between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys of the Palni Hills of the Western Ghats. The city is like an irregular basin at the centre of which lies the lake with a 5 kilometer circumference. The lake here is the charm of Kodaikanal and has meadows and grasslands covering the slopes around it. 

 

Climate:

 

The city has a pleasant climate through out the years with the winters being much colder than most of the southern Indian cities. The annual rainfall here is mainly through the monsoons but the hill station can get rainfall at any time of the day. 

 

Economy:

 

The city predominantly survives on tourism for economy. The town is usually altered every year in preparation for the peak tourist season by converting major roads into one-way lanes. There are various hotels and restaurants here but even they seem to fall short in the peak seasons. The city has major banks and hospitals here including some administrative centers. 

 

Tourism:

 

The city has various churches built in the 19th century like the Sacred Heart, Munjikal, St. Francis Xavier, Gorapur, St. Mary's, La Salette, St. Joseph's and other churches. The Hindu temples here include the Kurinji Andavar temple, Mariamman, Vinayagar and Murugan Temples. The Kodaikanal Lake is the main tourist attraction of the region. Beside the lake is Bryant Park which is a magnificently maintained botanical garden. The other attractions here include Coaker's Walk, Shenbaganur Museum, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Green Valley View or Suicide Point, Guna caves and Silver Cascade, which is a waterfall. There are trekking tours also organized here. 

 

Local Specialties

 

There are various fruits and vegetables which are famous in this region like the Plums, pears, Kodai chilies and carrots. The fresh pastries, cheese and marshmallows of the area are also very popular. 

 

Educational Institutions:

 

The town is the home for some of the renowned institutions like Kodaikanal International School and the Kodaikanal Public School along 

 

Transportation:

 

The nearest airport for Kodaikanal is Madurai, about 135 km away. Palani Railway Station is the nearest railway station and there are various roads connecting the city to other parts of southern India.  

 

Comments