Princess of Hill Stations - Kodaikanal

There are a number of attractive tourist places in India, especially in the southern India. Of all these places, one that has a unique charm of its own is Kodaikanal. The city is also known as the Princess of Hill Stations. For long it has been attracting tourists from India and from other parts of the world. Even though the city is not very far from Chennai, the most important city of south India, Kodaikanal has a much cooler environment. The city was established in 1845 by the British rulers who wanted a place to escape from the heat of Madras as well as from the tropical diseases. Since Kodaikanal has been regarded as a holiday retreat from the very beginning, it is obvious that the entire economy of the city is centered around the tourism industry.

Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is dotted with a number of places that you must visit while you are in the city. First of these is the Kodaikanal lake. This is an artificial lake which is located just about half a kilometer from the bus stand. This lake was built in 1863. It is spread in an area of 60 acres and is the most important tourist destination of the city.

Bryant Park is another important place in Kodaikanal which is a must visit. The park is also located at a distance of just half a kilometer from the bus stand. This is primarily a botanical garden that is spread in an area of 20.5 acres. The main attraction of this park are its roses. A Bodhi tree and a tree of Eucalyptus are also the attractions of this park.

Bear Shola Falls located at the distance of 3 km from the city bus-stand are another favorite tourist haunt. Bear Shola, is a tall waterfall located in a forest reserve. As you are approaching the falls, you would enjoy a quiet area where you travel on a gently climbing path.

Things you must do while in Kodaikanal

There are a number of things which you must do while you are in Kodaikanal. You must go boating in the Kodaikanal lake. Boats can be hired from the Kodaikanal Boat Club. You must also go for a walk around the periphery of the lake. Horses and bicycles are available if you would prefer not to walk. You must also visit the Caoker's Walk and witness the rare and attractive phenomena of Brocken spectre.

While you are in the city, also make sure that you take a tour of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The observatory has a number of astronomical treasures in its stores. You can not only visit the observatory's museum and its full fledged astronomical library in conducted tours, there are special night time sessions of sky viewing which just should not be missed.

Kodaikanal being an extremely popular and well established tourist destination, has seen a lot of commercialization so you can easily get all that you want in the city itself though be careful of being overcharged.