One of the best hill stations in India; Kodaikkanal or Kodai is a very beautiful place in the Western Ghats. Wrapped in mists, covering her with mystique and magic and the ochre earth covered in emerald silk studded with gems of sheer glittering water; Kodai is sure to leave you enchanted and enthralled.

Surrounded by lush green forest and dotted with numerous walks where one can have a pleasant morning stroll, the wooded hills, pleasant walks, picturesque waterfalls and a magnificent lake where you can spend the evening watching the sun go beyond the hills, add to the attraction of the place. An ideal place for trekking, Kurinji, a plant special to Kodai region, turns the slopes into a sea of purple once in 12 years!

In 1845, Kodaikanal was exploited as a hill station, in the Palani Hills, at 5375 ft. British Lieutenant Ward, first surveyed the Palani Hills in 1821. The first people lived in the hills were dolmen builders, who have left here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated.

Created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India, in the 20th century an Indian elite visited Kodai and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans and thus later Kodaikanal became a mixture of different plural societies.

Originally created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India, in the 20th century an Indian elite visited Kodai and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans and thus later Kodaikanal became a mixture of different plural societies.

The idol is made of medicinal herbs, it is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and one of the major Pilgrim centers is South India next only to Thirupathi. An electrically operated winch takes the pilgrims to the top. 105 kms. from Coimbatore, direct frequent buses are available from Kodaikanal and Coimbatore

The ambient beauty of this hill station lies in its peaceful ranges, surrounded by a misty blue haze. Known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty, it is a delightful place to escape from the oppressive summer heat for the South Indians and in the winters for north Indians wanting to avoid the cold.

The museums prize possessions however, are the relics from the 2nd century AD, Buddhist site at Amaravati. Prehistoric exhibits from the Stone and Iron Ages, exquisite carvings and a fairly large collection of South Indian musical instruments and jewellery, also add to the invaluable collection in the museum. The bronze gallery, with its ancient icons and modern bronzes, is perhaps the best found anywhere in the world.

The avifauna is varied with minivets, hornbills, fairy blue birds, jungle fowls etc. Python, monitor lizard, and flying lizard etc represent the reptilians. Picturesque scenic spots in the sanctuary include the Moyar Waterfalls, the Chief Ministers watch tower, Ombetta Swamp, Theppakad elephant camp etc.