Introduction to Kodaikanal : Tucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, 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 a 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. Driving into Kodaikanal from Palani is a dramatic experience, reminiscent in parts of the drive up the Ghat road from Kallar to Ooty. The vegetation changes gradually from palm-fringed paddy fields to wild brush with flaming blossoms to plantations interspersed with stately silver oaks. 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.

Sightseeing: Once you are in Kodaikanal, the list of places to visit is endless. You must try to visit as many of them as possible. The places to visit in Kodaikanal take care of your likes and tastes. Starting from picturesque natural sites like the Kodaikanal Star Shaped lake, the Coaker walk and Priest’s walk to scientific and astrological wonder the Solar observatory, the storehouse of botanical species Orchidorium, breathtaking Perumal Peak and Fairy Falls, the list goes on and on. Once you are through with your sightseeing schedule, you can also browse through the local market in the town to get a glimpse of the locally produced goods and knick-knacks to buy.

Excursions: Kodaikanal has a number of excursion spots to visit. Abundance of natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna makes them more attractive and worth visiting. Madurai, Ooty are some of the distant excursion spots to visit from Kodaikanal. But Palani is a must visit site for it satisfies your religious cord as well as the nature lover inside you. Easily accessible from Kodaikanal, it is an important pilgrimage centre especially for the Hindus as it houses one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya in the temple here.