Located in the Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal was a favorite hill station of the British administrators and missionaries who wished to escape the stifling summers of the South Indian cities, especially nearby Madurai. The air is scented with the smell of pine and eucalyptus forests. The artificial lake in the heart of the town was created by damming the lower marshy parts of the town.

Tourist Attractions in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Lake, 3 kilometers from the town bus stand, is ideal for boating. The banks are good for picnics, though swimming is not an option owing to the pollution.

The Croaker's Walk, built by Lt. Croaker in 1872, is a narrow mountain road running around the southern slopes surrounding Kodaikanal.

The Kunji Andavar Temple, north of Kodaikanal, is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It lies 3 kilometers away from the Kodai Lake. Lord Murugan is thought to be associated to the Kurinji flowers that grow on the hillside. They bloom once in 12 years and their honey is supposed to have miraculous properties.

The Solar Physical Observatory, built in 1898, is perched atop the highest point in Kodaikanal- the 8,000 feet high Kodai Hill.

St.Peter's Church, dating back to 1884, has an old stained glass window.
Dolphin's Point is a flat rock leaning over a 7,000 feet ravine. It can be reached by trekking across the Levinge Stream.

The Pillar Rocks, 7 kilometers away from the Kodai Lake, are threegranite rocks over 100 meters high. The view of the Kodaikanal town from this vantage point is remarkable.