Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a small, calm, and stunning hill station. It is located in the Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. You would be aware of Ooty as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'! Nevertheless, Kodaikanal is well known as the 'Princess of Hill stations'. The name 'Kodaikanal' has originated from two Tamil words, Kodai means 'summer' and Kanal means 'Dream'. Kodaikanal hill station is best in South India, Tamil Nadu.
From the colonial days until now, it has never failed to attract tourist as well as Travelers from all over the world. One will surely fall in love with Kodaikanal after experiencing the fresh air, lush green woods, beautiful lakes, rocks, meadows, and the magnificent waterfalls. However, it is also enriched with a natural scenic beauty, which makes it a popular romantic destination for honeymoon.
Kodaikanal is set at an altitude of 2100 meters above the sea level. It soothes the tourist with the cool climate. The surrounding forest provides great trekking opportunities and some of the awesome scenic views. The best way to spend your time here can be a walking around the near by places and appreciating the beauty of nature. Nevertheless, there are many other facilities, which include boating, cycling, pony riding, angling, and playing golf.
The early history of Kodaikanal dates back to the 14th century AD. When the residents of Palani Foot hills went to Kodai to save themselves from the invasion of Tipu Sultan. Lieutenant B.S.Ward was the first European to visit the Kodaikanal hill station in the year 1821. The reason behind, his visit to this place was to keep the place cleans and hygienic around Madhuria. Since the missionaries, operating in the south Tamil Nadu should not face any problems of summer heat and any other epidemic disease. This place was accessible form Madhurai and at the same time, it has a pleasant climate. These additional points helped the hill station to gain popularity in immigrating population in a short period.
In the year 1834, the Madurai collector built a small bungalow on the Devadanpati hill. BY the half of the 19th century, churches and other colonial architecture started to be constructed in and around the Kodaikanal. The result of which was the series of beautiful structures including the Union Church , la Province , Church for Anglicans and many other bungalows. Sir Vere Hendry Levinge (Collector of Madurai) created the Kodaikanal Lake in the year 1863. He was the person who brought the first boat to the Kodaikanal Lake and started boating club here.
In the history of Kodaikanal, the year 1875 was a watermark. In the same year, Kodaikanal saw the first steam engine. A railway line was extended from Chennai to Tirunelveli and the station was being created at the Ammainayakkanur. Later, the same station was renamed as Kodai Road. It facilitated hordes of visitors to visit Kodaikanal. The distance between the Kodaikanal town and the Kodai Road Railway Station is near about 80 km by roadways.
In 20th century, some of the Indian Class members visited Kodaikanal, purchases property and also provided stunning and different colors to the place. Kodai is an ideal summer holiday destination. You will surely love the pleasant summer weather and the clear blue sky. Well, summer months are very crowded and busy. The winter seasons are less crowded. Always make sure to carry some woolen cloths.
The important places of attraction to visit on a trip to Kodaikanal are Kodaikanal Lakes, Kodaikanal school, Lutheran Church , King Church, Colonial Structure, Coaker's walk, Green Valley view, Golf club, Pillar rocks, Devil Kitchen , pine forest, Moier point, Shanti Valley View, Upper Lake view, Kodai City view, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Palani View, Silver Cascase, Museum , Brayant Park, Kundar Falls, Poomparai Village View, Sheep Farm, Lake view nose, Mountain Beauty, Pambar Falls, Fairy Falls, any many more.
Kodaikanal is a same hill station visited by numerous people from all the lifestyles. Still this place has not lost its charm and sylvan environment.