Kodaikanal is better known as Kodai it is situated 120 km northwest of Madurai at an altitude of 2100 m. Located on the southern peak of Palani Hills, wooded slopes, waterfalls and steep rock projections surround it. The journey is breathtaking.

Kodaikanal is the only hill station set up by the Americans. In mid 1840s the American missionaries opened a school here for the European children whose legacy is the Kodaikanal International School, one of the most esteemed private schools in the country.

Eucalyptus oil sold in Kodai's street stalls cause many environmental harms. Plantations of exotic species together with rampant tourist development have resulted in local action to save Kodaikananal from further environmental damage. The light, purple colored shrub Kurinji that blossoms and flowers every 12 years remains unique to the Western Ghats. It will next blossom in 2004.

Kodaikanal provides an escape from the scorching heat and haze of the plains and opportunities as well as avenues for trekking in the quiet forests.

Best time to visit Kodai is April to June or August to October. The mild temperatures here range from 11 °C to 20 °C in summer and 8 °C to 17 °C in winter.

One of the world's oldest solar observatories is situated in Kodai, built in 1899 and telescope houses to catch a glimpse of the heavens. Coaker's walk, running along a panoramic view of the plain. Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.

Silver Cascade (8km/5mile) and Kumbakkarai (65km/41mile) are waterfalls sit wooded parts of the hill station. Berijam Lake, situated (21 km/13mile) from the beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin's Nose projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below. Climb 2400 meter high - be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in around Kodaikkanal. Sherbag - km/305 mile) at the Sacred Heart College where about 300 species of orchids bloom the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor. Kodai's most enchanting sights include the star shaped lake, spread over an area where you can take fishing and boating. A short walk from the lake and you can enjoy put by nature at Bryant's park.

Kukkal caves (40 Km/25 mile) and Dolmen's Circle (22 Km/14 mile) are famous archaeological sites.

Kodaikkanal too offers the visitor two historic temples.The Kurinji Andavar Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the Palani Hills.Palani (64 Km/41 mile) is of course, a famous pilgrimage center and is to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Other than these two, the Mariam Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, Two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal and Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St. Mary's Church, Lassalete, St. Joseph mission church, Lake end offer, the devout a relaxed genteel place to pray.

Trekking Routes:

• Kodaikanal-Dolphin's Nose-Vallagavi-Kumbakkarai (8 Km/5 mile) - It would be very rough and the hiking need strong physique.
• Kodai-Thopi thokki parai-Periyar Periyakulam: Roughly a 5 hours & 19 Km/ steep rise and one can have a glimpse of Guar. Coffee plantations are treks of 16 km takes you to Vilpatty village and from there, zigzags seep path runs along Elephants may cross. Be alert.
• Kukkal-Kudiraiyar Dam: A difficult 13-km/8 mile long trek route takes 5 hour Water falls, sholas and deciduous forests will arouse interest.
• Pallangi-Poruthalur Dam: A 5-hour trek covering 14 Kms/ 9 mile runs through plantations. It is advisable to have a guide.

Sightseeing EXCURSION
Palani (62 kms) The temple at Palani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, dedicated to Sri Dandayuthapani, the temple is built atop a 140m high and can be reached either using the steps or the electrically operated winch. During the festivals of Panguni Utthiram (March-April) and Adi Krithikai (July-August) Kavadi dancers dance and walk their way from their way from far and near as they flock to the temple in hundreds, often in a state of trance.