Driving
into Kodaikanal from Palani is a dramatic experience,
reminiscent in parts of the drive up the Ghat
road from Kallar to Ooty. It is a relief to leave
the hot, dusty plains behind and drive up into
the cool hills. The vegetation changes gradually
from palm-fringed paddy fields to wild brush with
flaming blossoms to plantations interspersed with
stately silver oaks. The view of the Amaravathi
Dam, a shimmering sapphire sheet of water is an
unforgettable sight. Driving higher, banana
trees give way to tall eucalyptus trees, and the
whole countryside is dotted with wildflowers in
jeweled colors, magenta and purple predominating.
There is a marked nip in the air, as one reaches
for one's cardigan, or shawl. At a bend in the
road, the shimmer and roar of the Silver Cascade
waterfall welcome the tourist.
A
travel Map of Kodaikanal is a must carry for the
tourists. The distance Map of Kodaikanal comes
in handy while in Kodaikanal. Map of Kodaikanal
can also be used for the detailed location information
of various landmarks. For distance calculations
too Map of Kodaikanal may be used.
LOCATION
Tour
to Kodaikanal Tucked away among the Palani
Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously
guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests,
is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means
'gift of the forest' in Tamil. A more appropriate
and evocative name could not have been imagined
for this quaint, unspoilt little hill station,
where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly
beautiful, and serenity seldom found in other
hill stations.
Cradled
in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills,
in the Western Ghats, 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal
is located 2133 m above sea level. Founded by
American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal
is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of
the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can
still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even
today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave.
In the early days, there were no roads-people
had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving
the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal
developed, missionaries established church properties,
many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes,
clubs were opened, school and hotels were built,
and civic amenities were introduced.
Arriving
in Kodai town, one is greeted by orchards of pear
trees with their graceful branches silhouetted
in artistic curves against the evening sky like
stark Zen etchings. Buildings with gabled roof
dot the skyline. Broken fragments of light from
the setting sun are caught and kindled in the
wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp
floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue,
lights start twinkling all over the hillside,
and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven
and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming
messages of goodwill to each other.
