Nestling amidst the folds of the verdant Pali Hills, is the idyllic retreat of Kodaikanal, popularly known as Kodai. Apart from being a much sought after tourist resort, Kodai is also famous for its educational institutions, which are globally renown.

The resort is, virtually, a heaven for trekkers and avid nature lovers. Amongst its other natural attractions is a star - shaped lake, set in a dreamy locale

Places to see
Berijam Lake
The Lake which supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town is 21 Kms from Kodaikanal (Beyond the Pillar Rocks). It is a fine picnic spot offering beautiful scenery. In 1864,Douglas Hamilton wrote : - "The Vicinity of this lake is in my opinion by far the best sight on the Hills".

Bryant Park
This Park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for flowers, hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters over fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. Flower show conducted every year
during May, as a part of Summer Festival is to be seen by one and all.

Shenbaganur Museum
The Flora and Fauna Museum is maintained by the Saced Heart College.A Theological Seminary was founded in 1895. It is devoted to the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best Orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species is also located here.It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum. A wide ranging collection of birds classified into ground birds, water birds, tree birds and large high flying birds such as Black Eagle, Bengal Vulture, Honey Buzzard, Crested Hawk-Eagle.

Boat Club
In 1910, a new boat house was constructed. From May 1929, few tourists were only permitted to avail boat ride as temporary members.Then boat service was extended to the public and tourists in 1932. The tourists can avail boat services in the lake. T.T.D.C boats, Kodai boats, Carlton boats are available on hire for hours. Annual boat pageant is held in May every year as a part of Summer Festival Celebrations.

Lake View
A magnificent star-shaped lake glitters like a jewel amidst the Emerald Green wooded slopes. This 24 hectare lake is skirted by 5 Kms long. Blacktapped road is a focal point of Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge(1885), who was the Collector of Madurai, retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and the members sailed in the boat.

Pillar Rock
Three Boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 metres (400 feet), providing a beautiful view. It is 7.4 Kms from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.

Kurinji Temple
Kurinji Andavar Temple is at a distance of 3 Kms from the lake. This is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flower which carpets the hill side and blooms once in 12 Years. "Kurinji" means "Hilly Region" in Tamil literature. "Andavar" means God.Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hills here.From this temple, one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Bear Shola Falls
About 1.6 Kms from the lake, Bear Shola Falls can be reached through a picturesque rugged hill path. This is an ideal picnic spot.

Stroblantus
Kodaikanal is rich in Flora and Fauna. It has a unique plant.The Kurinji, which blossoms once in 12 years, makes the hillslopes a "Blaze of Purple".

Silver Cascade
This is Located on the Ghat road leading to Madurai and is about 8Kms from Kodaikanal. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as 180 feet high falls. If the temperature of water suits, tourists can take bath

Coaker's Walk
This hill-edge path way was identified by Er.Coaker in 1872. About a Kilometer from the lake, Coakers Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the Plains. Entry fee is collected per head here.

Excursion
Dolphin's Nose
This is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a look at the breath-taking view of the Yawning Chasm below. It is about 8 Kms from the lake.

The Perumal Peak
It is 2,440 metres high and is about 11.3 Kms from Kodaikanal. his peak offers excellent opportunity for trekking. The climb begins from a point known as Neutral Saddle(Perumal Mallai Village).

Moer Point
A lovely view of the valley can be seen, which is 3 Kms from Pillar Rock to Berijam lake road.

Fairy Falls
A delightful picnic spot which is 1.6 Kms from the lake. This can be reached through an artistic bathing basic.

Chettiar Park
A neat little part off the beaten tract is in North-East corner of the town, on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple.

Green Valley View
It is about 5.5 Kms from the lake and very near to Golf club. It commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam. As the valley is very deep and dangerous, this place was once called as "Suicide Point".

Silent Valley View
From Pillar Rock to Berijam lake road, this Silent Valley View gives a thrilling valley view. Children may be allowed to see only with precautionary defence steps.

Kukkal Caves
Once the habitat of cavemen, it is now a favourite camping site ideal for trekking. It is 40 Kms from Kodaikanal.

Dolmen Circle
It is 18 kms from the lake. Pre-historic remains are to be seen here. Original burial urns unearthed in this region and models of dolmens may be seen in Shenbaganur museum.

Solar Physical Observatory
It is 3.2 Kms from the lake. Its elevation is 2343 meters. It was founded in 1989 at the top most point in Kodai. Visitors are allowed to closely observe the stars, planetary movements during visiting hours and on prior appointments.

How To Get There
The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. The nearest railhead is Kodai Road Railway Station, 80 km away. Kodaikanal is linked by road to all major towns. Taxis are available for hire.