Kodaikanal

Located in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, Southern India
Population: 32,931 (2001^[update])
Area : 21.45² (1429 sq mi)

Kodaikanal is one of Tamil Nadu's finest hill stations. It is situated 7,200 feet above sea level amongst the picturesque western ghats of India,it is an ultimate splendor spot for those who love being close to mother nature. They say every bird must sing it's own throat while we say every traveller should find his own way out of variegated and unblemished paths of deep valleys and steepmountains. And why would a nature eccentric would go on the same path that everybody else follows. While at Kodai, we would recommend you to take all the opposite turns and follow unknown paths. Kodaikanal offers a variety of breathtaking spots and attractions to lure travellers.

                                       Eco-tourism places in Kodaikanal                                      

Guna Caves
With loose and wobbly rocks, these caves are also known as the Devil's kitchen for there is amusing variety of plants and small insects that are found here. These caves have a bat infested chamber which sets between three boulders which has a mention in a book as well. The scary sights of the cave are loved by teenagers who stand outside the cave and shout their names to hear their scaring echoes.

pine forest :

its a really very good forest of pine tree. you can ride horses there. it's on the way to the guna cave.

kodai lake

Kodai lake
The deserted roads of Kodai will take you to Kodaikanal. This 6km long lake is famous for walking strolls and bicycle tours. So you can trip around Kodai without harming the ecological balance by the fumes of Jeeps. The splendid flora with its flowering beauty lures the attention all. If lucky enough, you may spot a rare bird and have a view of birds romancing under the green woods that adorn Kodai. 

Green Valley View/Suicide Point : 

has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicides.

Berijam Lake
A great spot for those who wish to live secluded, amidst refreshing as well as charming setting of mother nature. Only a few kilometers from Kodai, this calm and soothing lake is a reservoir of witching fauna. This star shaped lake is famous for its pure water. You may need to take permit from Forest Department 24hrs in advance. 

Silver Cascad

8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), is a 55-metre (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake.The water quality is reportedly poor and not good enough for bathing.This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here.

Waterfalls
There are a few waterfalls that drench the hills at Kodai. When water rushes down from steep slopes and precipitous paths of Kodai, the whole aura looks magnificent. Silver Cascade is located 8km off Kodai and is a witching fall. Bear Shola Falls are other important falls here. These waterfalls are famous for bears which used to come here for water. The third major waterfall of Kodai are Thalaiyar falls. It is the widest waterfall here with a sheer drop from a height of 957ft. These splendid waterfalls are so magnificent that even a maundering trip can let you explore very interesting shrubs and small plants.

Coaker's Walk

Coaker's Walk

500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far
as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.

Reaching Kodaikanal

By Air : Visitors can make a trip to Kodaikanal via Madurai Airport and Coimbatore Airport which are situated at a distance of 120km and 175km respectively. There are regular flights from all major metros of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore etc, which enroute Kodaikanal. There are taxis outside the airport along with private cabs which can be hired to reach Kodaikanal.

By Rail : There are a number of trains that you can take from all major metropolitan cities of India to reach Kodaikanal. From Chennai, you can take Nagarcoil Express or daily Pandain express while tourists from Delhi can board at Navyug Express that leads to Kodaikanal Road Station.

By Road : Private coaches and inter state buses run by government, make up and down trip to Kodaikanal. Buses from Kodaikanal Road Station can be hired for a nominal fee of Rs. 30/-. From station, it takes three and a half hour to reach Kodaikanal.