Kodaikanal

Situated at an altitude of more than 6854 ft above sea level, Kodaikana is located on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills 120 km northwest of Madurai. A typical hill station, Kodaikanal offers you boat rides, nature walks, hiking, trekking and rock-climbing. The delectable taste of homemade chocolate and cheese is a specialty of Kodaikanal, also referred to as Kodai. Surrounded by thick Shola Forests and scenic greenery, Kodi leads to some of the South India's best trekking terrain. A favorite among the honeymooners, the highlight of the city is a centrally located star-shaped lake. There are interesting slopes covered with thick forests, pleasantly cool climate, cascading waterfalls and steep rocky outcrops that make it a perfect tourist destination.

The spectacular Kurinji Andavar temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is one of the most beautiful vantage points that provide panoramic views of Kodaikanal and its suttoundings. The Flora and Fauna Museum of the Sacred Heart College in Shembaganur has a good collection of stuffed animals and about 300 species of orchids at its Orchidarium. The venue of annual horticultural shows held in May, Byrant Park features tiered flowerbeds, rare collection of flowers, grafting and hybrids. One can opt to cruise in the star-shaped Kodai Lake or choose to stroll or bike around this gorgeous lake. Then there are Pillar Rocks, a series of granite cliffs more than 100 m in height rising abruptly and towering above the hillside. While at Kodaikanal don't miss out on the Bear Shola Falls, which is so called because once the bears could be easily spotted drinking water upstream from here. The other highlights are Orchid House and Silver Cascade Waterfalls.