Kodaikanal's picturesque grandeur never ceases to amaze visitors, with densely forested jungles, undulating hill slopes, meandering rivers, gushing waterfalls, and verdure valleys. Kodaikanal is one of South India's most famous tourist sites. Kodaikanal, located at an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level above the crest of the Palani Hills, provides visitors with a plethora of attractions. From all sides, the Parappar and Gundar valleys surround Kodaikanal. It has also become a famous honeymoon resort in Tamil Nadu because of its natural beauty. The hill station was built as a retreat by British missionaries who used Kodaikanal as their summer capital in the mid-19th century.

Past of Kodaikanal

The Palaiyar tribal people were the first to settle at Kodaikanal. Early Christian Tamil Sangam literature contains the earliest precise allusions to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills. In 1845, American Christian missionaries and British administrators founded modern-day Kodaikanal as a haven from the plains' extreme heat and tropical diseases. During the twentieth century, a few wealthy Indians recognised the worth of this beautiful hill station and began migrating here.

Culture and Tradition of Kodaikanal

The culture of Kodaikanal is a mixture of colonial traditions and authentic south Indian customs and heritage. It's a place where you may find amazing and unusual handicrafts, handlooms, leather goods, and needlework. Pongal, Tourist Fair, Jallikattu, Miladi Sherif, Mother Salette Festival, Dance Festival, Natyanjali Festival, Chithirai Festival, Tea and Tourism Festival, Summer Festival, Deepavali, Christmas, and other holidays are all celebrated with great pomp and majesty in Kodaikanal. Throughout the year, there are boat races, contests, trade fairs, and flower shows.

Language, People and Religion

The bulk of the people here are Tamils, with Paliyans and Puliyans making up the minority. Because it is a tourist destination, the majority of the population understands and speaks English, however Tamil is the primary language. Many people here practise Christianity, and you can see a lot of churches when driving about. While tourism is the main source of income, plantations and animal husbandry also contribute to the little town's economy.

Things to do when in Kodaikanal

• Enjoy the hazy boat journey - Boating on the lake has to be one of the most popular activities in Kodaikanal. With that stated, the allure of Kodaikanal Lake is nothing short of enchantments, especially on frigid days. The lake is shrouded in a gentle mist, giving it an allure that most people have only seen in movies. The star-shaped lake offers great views of the surrounding vegetation even on days when there is no mist, and it is a budget-friendly opportunity to spend a few serenity-filled hours interacting with mother nature.
• Make hiking an excursion to remember - If you are a hiking enthusiast visiting Kodaikanal, this is a must-see site that you should not miss. There is a network of paths that lead to numerous picturesque views from where you may enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley, camp, and spend the night enjoying bonfire festivities. Before you go camping, make sure to check with the local authorities.
• Wander into the woodlands - The Pine Forest in Kodaikanal, located on the road to Guna Caves, is a lovely and refreshing environment where you can do everything from take a stroll to camping to spotting nilgai and deer. A stroll through the beautiful Pine Forest will make you feel as if you're in a fairytale. This magnificent forest location has been used to film a number of Bollywood and South Indian films.
• Adventurous night safari for couples - The night safari in Kodaikanal, which is particularly popular with couples, is not for the faint of heart, but it is one of the most popular things to do in Kodaikanal at night. The excursion is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to get a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Kodaikanal's natural wildlife. The best part is that getting up close and personal with the local fauna isn't the only attraction.
• Feel the thrill of entering into dark caverns -The Pillar Rocks have carved a cave called Guna. The dark and spooky cave system is a popular attraction for visitors to the Pillar Rocks, and with good cause. While tourists are no longer permitted to enter the cave, the surrounding natural beauty and sense of mystery continue to draw thousands of visitors.

Places to visit in Kodaikanal

• Kodaikanal Lake - The Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake, is a man-made lake in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. Vera Levinge was in charge of the lake's resourcefulness and originality, which are placed in the center of Kodaikanal town. The star-shaped lake is nestled in the verdant Palani Hills Range in the center of Kodaikanal.
• Green Valley View - The Green Valley View, formerly known as Suicide Point, offers a stunning view of the plains, deep valleys, and hills. The breathtaking vista of the Vaigai Dam is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Because of the perilous valley, which is dense and deep; below the point of more than 5000 feet drop, it was once known as suicide point.
• Pillar Rocks - The Pillar Rocks have become a popular picnic destination. The location is named by three vertically positioned stones that reach a height of 400 feet, forming a lovely small garden. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, as if it were the setting for a beautiful love story. David Gell's excellent tribute to love was reflected by the 'white cross' that previously stood on these rocks.
• Bear Shola Falls - The Bear Shola Falls are a famous picnic destination in the region, located only 2 kilometers from the Kodaikanal Lake. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that erupts into life during the rainy season. Bear Shola Falls was named after a bear who used to frequent this water body to drink water, according to folklore.
• Coakers Walk - Coakers Walk is a stunning one-kilometer-long man-made walking plaza built on the mountains in Kodaikanal's fascinating city. The magnificent Coakers Walk trail, which arcs around the side of the beautiful mountain, was designed primarily for morning and evening walks. The lovely environment can also be explored by riding a bicycle.
• Thalaiyar Falls - Thalaiyar Falls, also referred as Rat Tail Falls, is nestled in the luscious green Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District of Kodaikanal. It is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu and the sixth highest waterfall in India, with an elevation of 297 meters. The park near the Dum Dum Rock has a view tower from which you can enjoy a great view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam.

How to reach? 

• By Air - The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai, which is 120 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to all major Indian cities, with regular flights operated by major airlines.
• By Rail - Kodaikanal is 80 kilometers from the nearest railhead, Kodai Road. Trains to Kodaikanal run on a regular basis from Trichy and Madurai, and are fairly accessible.
• By Road - All major cities, including Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore, are well-connected by roads and buses to Kodaikanal.