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{{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
<!-- See [[Bharatpedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Kodaikanal
| name               = Kodaikanal
| image_skyline           = Blue Kodaikanal.jpg
| image_skyline     = {{Multiple image
| image_alt                =  
|border = infobox
| image_caption            = View from Kodaikanal, 2008
|perrow=2/2/2
| nickname                 = Princess of Hill Stations
|total_width = 300
| pushpin_map             = India Tamil Nadu
|caption_align = center
| pushpin_label_position   = right
|image1= Boating in Kodaikanal Lake with Mist.jpg
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
|image2= Terraced farming- Kodaikanal.jpg
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
|image3= Bryant Park, Kodaikanal.jpg
| coordinates             = {{coord|10.23|N|77.48|E|display=inline,title}}
|image4= View from Coaker's Walk in Kodaikanal.jpg
| subdivision_type         = Country
|image5= Kodaikanal Solar Observatory-a.jpg
| subdivision_name         = India
|image6= Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal.jpg
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
|caption1=[[Kodaikanal Lake]]
| subdivision_type3        = [[Taluk]]
|caption2=[[terrace (agriculture)|Terrace farming]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
|caption3=Bryant Park
| subdivision_name1       = [[Tamil Nadu]]
|caption4=Coaker's Walk
| subdivision_name2       = [[Dindigul]]
|caption5=[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]
| subdivision_name3       = [[Kodaikanal taluk|Kodaikanal]]
|caption6=Pillar Rocks
| established_title       = Established
}}
| established_date         = 1845<ref name=DMA>Kodaikanal Department of Municipal Administration And Water Supply, [http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm Historical Moments] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324043243/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm |date=24 March 2009 }}, 2005</ref>
| nickname           = Princess of Hill Stations<ref name="TT"/>
| founder                 =  
| pushpin_map       = India Tamil Nadu
| named_for               =  
| pushpin_label_position = right
| government_type         =  
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| leader_title1            = Chairman
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
| leader_name1            =
| coordinates       = {{coord|10.23|N|77.48|E|display=inline,title}}
| unit_pref               = Metric
| subdivision_type   = Country
| area_footnotes           =  
| subdivision_name   = India
| area_total_km2           = 21.45
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| area_rank               =  
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| subdivision_type3  = [[Taluk]]
| elevation_m             = 2133
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| population_total         = 36501
| subdivision_name2 = [[Dindigul district|Dindigul]]
| population_as_of         = 2011
| subdivision_name3 = [[Kodaikanal taluk|Kodaikanal]]
| population_footnotes     =  
| established_title = Established
| population_density_km2   = 1100
| established_date   = 1845
| population_rank         =  
| founder           =  
| population_demonym       =  
| named_for         =  
| demographics_type1       = Languages
| government_type   = [[Municipality (India)|Municipality]]
| demographics1_title1     = Official
| unit_pref         = Metric
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| area_footnotes     =  
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| area_total_km2     = 21.45
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| area_rank         =  
| postal_code             = 624101
| elevation_footnotes =  
| area_code               = 04542
| elevation_m       = 2133
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| population_total   = 36501
| registration_plate       = TN-57, TN-94
| population_as_of   = 2011
| blank1_name_sec1         = Nearby town
| population_footnotes =  
| blank1_info_sec1        = [[Palani]]
| population_density_km2 =  
| blank1_name_sec2        = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| population_rank   =  
| blank1_info_sec2        = {{cvt|1650|mm|in}}
| population_demonym =  
| website                 = {{URL|https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/}}
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_info1     = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and English
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| blank2_name_sec1         = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| blank2_info_sec1         = M 51% F 49% [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| blank3_name_sec1         = Literacy
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| blank3_info_sec1         = 89.50% (2011)
| postal_code       = 624101
| blank2_name_sec2         = Avg. summer temperature
| area_code         = 04542
| blank2_info_sec2         = {{convert|19.8|°C|°F}}
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| blank3_name_sec2         = Avg. winter temperature
| registration_plate = TN-57, TN-94
| blank3_info_sec2         = {{convert|8.3|°C|°F}}
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| official_name           =  
| blank1_info_sec1  = {{cvt|1650|mm|in}}
| blank_info_sec1          = [[Dindigul]]
| website           = {{URL|https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/}}
| blank_name_sec1          = Nearest City
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and English
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = M 51% F 49% [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank3_name_sec1   = Literacy
| blank3_info_sec1   = 89.5% (2011)
| blank2_name_sec2   = Avg. summer temperature
| blank2_info_sec2   = {{convert|19.8|°C|°F}}
| blank3_name_sec2   = Avg. winter temperature
| blank3_info_sec2   = {{convert|8.3|°C|°F}}
| official_name     =  
| leader_party      = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]
| governing_body    = Kodaikanal Municipality
| leader_title      = Chairman
| leader_name        = P. Chelladurai
}}
}}
'''Kodaikanal''' ({{IPA-ta|ko'ɖaɪ'kaːnəl|lang}}) (English: {{respell|ko|DYE|KAH|null}}) is a [[hill station]] which is located in [[Dindigul district]] in the [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/kodaikanal/attractions.php|title=Tourist Attractions |publisher=Tamilnadu.com|date=8 February 2013}}</ref> Its name in the [[Tamil language]] means "The Gift of the Forest".<ref name="about">{{cite web|url=http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_city.htm|title=About City|publisher=Kodaikanal Department of Municipal Administration And Water Supply|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=23 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316080804/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_city.htm|archive-date=16 March 2010}}</ref> Kodaikanal is referred to as the "[[Kodaikanal|Princess of Hills]]" and has a long history as a retreat and tourist destination.
'''Kodaikanal''' ({{respell|ko|DYE|KAH|null}}, {{IPA|ta|ko'ɖaɪ'kaːnəl}}) is a municipality and [[hill station]] in [[Dindigul district]] in the [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], India. It is situated at an altitude of {{convert|2225|m|abbr=on}} in the [[Palani Hills]] of the [[Western Ghats]]. Kodaikanal was established in 1845 to serve as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[tropical disease]]s during the summer in the plains. It is a popular tourist destination and is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" with much of the local economy is based on the [[hospitality industry]] serving [[tourism]]. As per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]], the city had a population of 36,501.
 
[[File:Kodaikanal Main Town with Mist Covered.jpg|thumb|Kodaikanal Main Town covered with mist]]
[[File:Boating in Kodaikanal Lake with Mist.jpg|thumb|Boating in Kodaikanal Lake]]
Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[tropical disease]]s of the [[Deccan plateau|plains]].<ref name="books.google.com">Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&q=tropical+disease ch 2, Rational for Tropical Hill Sations, pp13-15], 1972.  Original from the University of California Digitized 28 January 2008</ref> Much of the local economy is based on the [[hospitality industry]] serving [[tourism]]. As of 2011, the city had a population of 36,501.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
{{main|History of Kodaikanal#Etymology}}
The word ''Kodaikanal'' is an amalgamation of two [[Tamil language]] words: ''kodai'' meaning "gift" and ''kanal'' meaning "forest" translating to "gift of the forest".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/reasons-that-make-kodaikanal-a-perfect-monsoon-travel-destination/articleshow/64191398.cms|title=Reasons that make Kodaikanal a perfect monsoon travel destination|date=16 May 2018|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225174849/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/reasons-that-make-kodaikanal-a-perfect-monsoon-travel-destination/articleshow/64191398.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
It is not known who first used this name or what they intended it to mean.


The word ''Kodaikanal'' is an amalgamation of two words: ''kodai'' and ''kanal''. The [[Tamil language]] has at least four possible interpretations of the name Kodaikanal. By pronouncing the first syllable of Kodaikanal with a long Tamil 'O', as in ''k''oe''-dei'' (கோடை), it means "summer", whilst the final two syllables ''kanal'' (காணல்) means "to see", rendering ''Kodaikanal'' as a "place to see in summer". Kodaikanal is a summer forest, and it is a place that the first missionaries used as a refuge to escape the overbearing and mosquito-ridden heat of the plains – a place that they would have counted on seeing in the summer.
==History==
[[File:View from Sucide Point, Kodikanal.jpg|thumb|Suicide Point, Kodaikanal]]
The earliest references to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills are found in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] [[Sangam literature]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Mitchell|last=Nora|title=Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal|publisher=University of Chicago|page=97}}</ref> Tamil composition [[Kuṟuntokai]], the second book of the anthology [[Ettuthokai]], mentions the mountainous geographic region ([[Sangam landscape|''thinai'']]) of [[Sangam landscape#Kurinji—Mountainous_Region|''Kurinji'']]. The region is associated with Hindu god  [[Murugan]] and is described as a forest with [[lake]]s, [[waterfall]]s and trees like [[teak]], [[bamboo]] and [[sandalwood]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Modern Sannyasins, Parallel Society and Hindu Replications: A Study of the Protestant Contribution to Tamil Culture in Nineteenth Century Sri Lanka against a Historical Background|last=Hoole R.|first=Charles|publisher=McMaster University|year=1993|pages=71–74, 77}}</ref> The name of the region, ''Kurinji'', derives from the name of the famous flower [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Kurinji]] found only in the hills and the occupants of the region were tribal people whose prime occupations were [[hunting]], [[Honey hunting|honey harvesting]] and [[millet]] cultivation.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Social History of Early India|last=Chattopadhyaya|first=Brajadulal|date=2009|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-8-1317-1958-9|pages=33|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Untouchability: A Historical Study Upto 1500 A.D. : with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu|last=Hanumanthan|first=Krishnaswamy Ranaganathan|date=1979|publisher=Koodal Publishers|pages=123–124|language=en}}</ref> The hills were populated by the [[Palaiyar]] tribal people.<ref>{{cite book|last=Thurston|first=E.|year=1909|title=Castes and Tribes of South India. Vol IV|publisher=Government press|location=Madras}}</ref>
''Kanal'', in Tamil, can mean dense or closed forest. In this case, ''Kodai'' can have at least four meanings. By pronouncing ''Kodai'' with the long Tamil 'o' and short 'e', Ko-dai means "the end". Kodaikanal could mean "the end of the forest" which makes poetic and geographical sense – Kodaikanal is at the crown of the [[Palani Hills]] and is effectively surrounded and protected by thick forests.<ref name="about"/>
 
By pronouncing Kodai with the short Tamil 'o' (as in Kodi), it means "creepers" or vines. Kodaikanal could mean "forest of creepers" or the forest of vines. "The forest of creepers" is thought to be the English language meaning given in 1885 during the early western habitation of the place<ref>[https://archive.org/details/cyclopaediaofind02balfuoft/page/482 <!-- quote=point calimere. --> The Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia] by Edward Balfour, Published by B. Quaritch, 1885, Item notes: vol.2 H-NYSA, P583, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized 29 January 2008</ref> and is still accepted.<ref>Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&q=+place+creepers+ place creepers, p. 98], 1972. Original from the University of California, digitized 28 January 2008</ref>
 
By pronouncing Kodai with a short Tamil 'o', and a long 'e', it might be interpreted to mean "gift", rendering "Kodaikanal" as "gift of the forest". Keeping the short Tamil 'o' but adding a long 'a', Kodai could be understood as the Tamil word for umbrella, where Kodaikanal is a forest fashioned like a protecting umbrella.<ref name="about"/>
 
Another Tamil word for creeper or vine is [[valli]], the honey collecting daughter of the chief of the Veddas mountain tribe. The chief and his wife prayed to the Mountain God for a girl and their prayers were answered when the chief found a newborn girl child during a hunting expedition. As she was found among creeper plants, they named her Valli and she grew up as princess of the tribe in [[Sangam landscape#Kurinji .E2.80.93 Mountainous Region|Kurinji]] and became the consort of lord [[Murugan]].<ref>[[Sangam landscape#Kurinji .E2.80.93 Mountainous Region]]</ref> The romantic traditions of Murugan in [[Murugan#Sangam literature|Sangam literature]] are thus associated with the name Kodaikanal.


==History==
[[File:Kodai Coakers Walk 1900.jpg|thumb|left|Coakers Walk in 1900]]
{{Main|History of Kodaikanal}}
The earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the [[Palaiyar]] tribal people. The earliest specific references to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills are found in Tamil [[Sangam literature]] of the early Common era.<ref name=Mitchell>Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&q=+kodaikanal+sangam Kodaikanal Sangam, p97], 1972 Original from the University of California Digitized 28 January 2008</ref>
Modern Kodaikanal was established by American [[American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions|Christian missionaries]] and [[Company rule in India|British bureaucrats]] in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[Tropical disease#Relation of climate to tropical diseases|tropical disease]]s of the [[Deccan plateau|plains]].<ref name="books.google.com"/> In the 20th century a few elite Indians came to realise the value of this enchanting hill station and started relocating here.<ref name=TDC>Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism,  [http://tamilnadutourism.org/places/CitiesTowns/Kodaikkanal.aspx CatId=C1&SubCat1Id=C1S1&SubCat2Id=C1S1S13 Kodaikanal Princess of Hill Stations]</ref>


Tourism has been impacted by industrial pollution issues including the closure of a mercury factory owned by [[Unilever]]'s Indian [[subsidiary]] [[Hindustan Unilever]] after evidence of widespread [[mercury pollution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=260#env|publisher=[[Corporate Watch]]|title=Unilever Environmental Pollution|access-date=2007-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213856/http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=260#env|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> To date no proper clean-up operation has been mounted.
In 1821, a [[East India Company|British]] Lieutenant, B. S. Ward, climbed up from his headquarters in the Kunnavan village to Kodaikanal to survey the area and reported of beautiful hills with a healthy climate with about 4,000 people living in well-structured villages.<ref>{{cite book|last=Ward|first=Capt. B.S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rBgYAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22Madras+Journal+of+Literature+and+Science%22+%22vol+vi%22&pg=PA280|title=Memoir of the Vuragherry and Kunnandaven Mountains|publisher=Madras Journal of literature and Science|year=1837|page=280|access-date=27 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227031305/https://books.google.com/books?id=rBgYAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22Madras+Journal+of+Literature+and+Science%22+%22vol+vi%22&pg=PA280|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1834, J.C Wroughten, then [[District collector|revenue collector]] of [[Madurai|Madura]] and C. R. Cotton, a member of the [[Madras Presidency]]'s board of revenue, climbed up the hills from [[Devadanapatti]].<ref name="HM">{{cite book|title=Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal|first=Ameer|last=Shahul|year=2023|isbn=978-9-3907-4202-8|publisher=Pan Macmillan}}</ref> In 1836, [[botanist]] [[Robert Wight]] visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations in the 1837 ''Madras Journal of Literature and Science''.<ref name="RW">{{cite book|last=Wight|first=Robert|title=Observations on the Pulney Mountains|publisher=Madras Journal|volume=5|page=280}}</ref> In 1852, Major J. M. Partridge of the Bombay Army built a house and was the person to settle there.<ref name="HM"/> In 1853, only six to seven houses were there when then Governor of Madras Presidency [[Sir Charles Trevelyan, 1st Baronet|Charles Trevelyan]] visited in 1860.<ref name="FL"/> In 1862, [[American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions|American  missionary]] [[The Scudder family of missionaries in India#First generation|David Coit Scudder]] arrived.<ref name="HM"/> In 1863, acting on a suggestion of Vere Levinge, then collector of Madurai, an artificial lake was formed.<ref name="FL"/>


===Train===
In 1867, Major J. M. Partridge imported Australian [[eucalyptus]] and [[acacia|wattle]] trees and in 1872, Lt. Coaker cut a path along the steep south east facing ridge which overlooks the plains below and prepared a descriptive map the region.<ref name="Shola"/><ref name="CW"/> In the later half of the 19th century, it became a regular summer retreat for American missionaries and other European diplomats as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[Tropical disease#Relation of climate to tropical diseases|tropical disease]]s of the plains.<ref name="CR">{{cite book|last=Crossette|first=Barbara|publisher=Basic Books|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EEBhMxZu7LMC|title=The Great Hill Stations of Asia|year=1999|isbn=978-0-4650-1488-0}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Brit">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kodaikanal|title=Kodaikanal|publisher=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173347/https://www.britannica.com/place/Kodaikanal|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1901, the first observations commenced at the [[Kodaikanal Observatory]].<ref name="SO"/> In 1909, the area had developed into a small town with 151 houses and a functioning post office, churches, clubs, schools and shops.<ref name="CR"/> In 1914, the ghat road was completed.<ref name="FL"/> It continued to serve as a summer retreat during the [[British Raj]] and became a popular hill station later.<ref name="TT">{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/kodaikanal|title=Kodaikanal|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=16 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216221734/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/kodaikanal|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Kodaikanal-Gudalur Railway line was under the contemplation of the Government from 1889 when the Madras and Travancore Governments made an agreement regarding the waters of the Periyar river in 1895 a survey was made in 1897 after the completion of the Periyar dam, the Government granted permission to the then Wilson and Company, Madras to construct a light railway from Kodaikanal railway station, then Ammaayanaickanur railway station, which lies between Dindigul and Madhurai railway stations, to Gudalur within two years The company failed in floating the capital wanted within the period allotted and thus the permission granted automatically expired. Then the Government made several surveys till 1920 After the close of the First World War, the Government sanctioned in 1920 this line under the postwar reconstruction scheme and directed the District Board, Madurai to intimate to the Government within two years whether it was willing to take up this work, as the then South Indian Railway Company and the two planters of the Kannan Devan Hills were willing to undertake the work. In 1922 the district board of Madurai initiated the Government to cancel the sanction of the Kodaikanal road- Gudalur railway line and requested sanction for the construction of Madurai-Bodinayakanur line Accordingly.<ref>https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1656/1/lsd_02_07_02-03-1959.pdf page 112</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:AMS-Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|left|1955 topographic map of Kodaikanal]]
[[File:AMS-Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Topographic map (1955)]]
The town of Kodaikanal sits on a [[plateau]] above the southern [[escarpment]] of the upper [[Palani Hills]] at {{convert|2133|m}}, between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. These hills form the eastward spur of the [[Western Ghats]] on the western side of [[South India]]. It has an irregular basin as its heartland, the centre of which is now [[Kodaikanal Lake]] a {{convert|5|km}} circumference manmade lake. A few kilometres away from Kodaikanal a small village named Vattakanal is located in the Dindigul District on the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the state of Tamil Nadu, along the eastern coast of the Western Ghats.
The town sits on a [[plateau]] above the southern [[escarpment]] of the upper [[Palani Hills]] at {{convert|2225|m}}, between the Parappar and Gundar valleys.<ref name="Brit"/> These hills form the eastward spur of the [[Western Ghats]] on the western side of [[South India]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Nutritional, Antinutritional, and Nutraceutical Aspects|first1=V. R.|last1=Mohan|first2=P. S.|last2=Tresina|first3=A.|last3=Doss|year=2019|isbn=978-0-4296-6308-6|publisher=Apple Academic Press}}</ref> It has an irregular basin as its heartland, the center of which is now [[Kodaikanal Lake]]. The lake is a man-made lake of circumference {{convert|5|km}}, formed by blocking three water streams in 1863.<ref name="FL"/><ref name="GT">{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/kodaikanal/history-culture.php|title=Kodaikanal history|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227065347/https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/kodaikanal/history-culture.php|url-status=live}}</ref>  
 
Vattakanal is better known as 'Vatta', which means circle and by most or 'Little Israel' by the villagers that observe a large number of Israeli tourists who flock there from October onwards. One of the main attractions of Kodaikanal city, very near to the Upper Lake View, a beautiful waterfall, is Vattakanal Falls. A perfectly calm and quiet place to enjoy waterfalls and natural beauty.  
 
[[Meadow]]s and [[grassland]]s cover the hillsides. Gigantic [[eucalyptus]] trees and [[shola]] forests flourish in the valleys. Mighty rocks and cascading streams lie above the valleys. There are many high waterfalls and ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in bloom.<ref name="TDC"/>


[[File:Pine Forest in Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|left|Pine forest in Kodaikanal]]
North of the town, high hills slope down into the villages and on the east, the hill slopes less abruptly into the lower Palani. A precipitous escarpment facing the [[Cumbum, Tamil Nadu|Cumbum valley]] is on the south with a plateau leading to [[Manjampatti Valley]] in the [[Anamalai Hills]] in the west. There are many streams and waterfalls.


Kodaikanal is known for its rich flora. Of the big trees, cypress, eucalyptus and acacia are the dominant varieties. Pear trees are numerous and the fruits are of high quality. Competing with the fruit trees are the flowering ones, mainly rhododendron and magnolia. Large dahlias of different hues are the main attraction of Bryant Park, situated close to the Kodai lake. At a distance of {{convert|700|m}} from Kodaikanal Bus Station, Bryant Park is a splendidly maintained backyard located in the direction of the South-East nook. Water lilies in the park's pond are another pleasing sight. The town abounds in yellow wild flowers.<ref>[http://www.frontline.in/archives.htm The declining Kodai], Frontline Magazine pgs 74-81, 26 May-8 Jun 1989</ref>
===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Strobilanths kunthiana.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Native vegetation includes [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Kurinji]] flower that blooms once in 12 years.]]
In 1836, botanist Robert Wight visited Kodaikanal and recorded over 100 plant specimens.<ref name="RW"/> In 1861, [[Douglas Hamilton]] recorded 114 species of birds in Kodaikanal.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://forest.kerala.gov.in/images/managementplan/eravikulam/2.mangementplan.pdf|title=Management plan|publisher=[[Government of Kerala]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706190814/https://forest.kerala.gov.in/images/managementplan/eravikulam/2.mangementplan.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1867, [[William Thomas Blanford|W T Blanford]] described a new species ''Callene albiventris'' of [[White-bellied blue robin]], obtained by [[Samuel B. Fairbank|Samuel Fairbank]] from the Palani Hills.<ref>{{cite journal|author= Blanford, WT|year=1867|title= On a new species of ''Callene'' from the Pulney Hills in Southern India|journal= Proc. Zool. Soc. London|pages=832–834|url=https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofzoo1867zool#page/832/mode/1up/}}</ref> The native vegetation consisted of [[Meadow]]s and [[grassland]]s on the hillsides with [[shola]] forests in the valleys. When the British established the town, big invasive species of [[pine]], [[Acacia sensu lato|wattle]] and [[eucalyptus]] were planted and they became the dominant species replacing the native shola forests.<ref name="Shola">{{cite book|title=Regeneration of Indigenous Shola Species Under Exotic Pine Plantations in the Palni Hills, South India|first=Birgit|last=Einhellinger|year=2016|isbn=978-3-6682-3874-9|publisher=GRIN Verlag}}</ref><ref name="SA">{{cite web|url=https://www.sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/article/the-next-big-thing|title=The Next Big Thing|date=6 June 2006|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Sanctuary Asia|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227035403/https://www.sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/article/the-next-big-thing|url-status=live}}</ref> There are numerous [[pear]] trees with flowering [[rhododendron]] and [[magnolia]] trees.<ref name="FL">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.frontline.in/archives.htm|title=The declining Kodai|magazine=Frontline|page=74-81|date=26 May 1989|access-date=29 September 2011|archive-date=4 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304001544/http://www.frontline.in/archives.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Kurinji]] flower that blooms only once in 12 years is unique to the town.<ref name="TT"/>


North of the town, high hills that slope down into the villages of Pallangi and [[Vilpatti]] stand guard. On the east the hill slopes less abruptly into the lower Palnis. A precipitous escarpment facing the [[Cumbum, Tamil Nadu|Cumbum Valley]] is on the south. On the west is a plateau leading to [[Manjampatti Valley]], [[Indira Gandhi National Park]], the [[Anamalai Hills]] and the main body of the [[Western Ghats]] of Kerala border. ‘Ecoville,’ an ecological village park set up in Vilpatti panchayat in Dindigul district by retrieving about four acres of encroached land has set an example for other local bodies to replicate and help sustain the ecosystem around them.
[[Nilgiri Tahr]]s were reported in the open grasslands in the region in the 19th century.<ref name="SA"/> Other major fauna include [[Indian elephant]], [[Indian gaur]] and [[Flying squirrel]]. There are many species of butterflies also found in the region.<ref name="TN"/> After multiple proposals over the years, the [[Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary]] was notified by the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] in 2013 and covers over {{convert|700|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="TN">{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/kodaikanal-wildlife-sanctuary|title=Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205191904/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/kodaikanal-wildlife-sanctuary|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/conservation/a-sanctuary-and-many-challenges/article7809257.ece|title=A sanctuary and many challenges|date=28 October 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227035403/https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/conservation/a-sanctuary-and-many-challenges/article7809257.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The lake has various introduced fishes.<ref name="GT"/>


===Climate===
===Climate===
Kodaikanal has a monsoon-influenced [[Oceanic climate|subtropical highland climate]] (''Cfb'', according to the [[Köppen climate classification]], with a ''Cwb'' tendency). The temperatures are cool throughout the year due to the high elevation of the city.
Kodaikanal has a monsoon-influenced [[Oceanic climate|subtropical highland climate]] (''Cwb'', according to the [[Köppen climate classification]], bordering on ''Cfb''). The temperatures remain cool throughout the year due to the high elevation.


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| location = Kodaikanal (1981–2010, extremes 1901–2012)
| location = Kodaikanal (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
| metric first = Yes
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| single line = Yes
Line 127: Line 122:
| Aug record high C = 22.9
| Aug record high C = 22.9
| Sep record high C = 22.8
| Sep record high C = 22.8
| Oct record high C = 22.2
| Oct record high C = 22.7
| Nov record high C = 23.4
| Nov record high C = 23.4
| Dec record high C = 24.5
| Dec record high C = 24.5
| year record high C = 27.8
| year record high C = 27.8
| Jan high C = 18.4
| Jan high C = 18.6
| Feb high C = 19.4
| Feb high C = 19.4
| Mar high C = 20.7
| Mar high C = 20.8
| Apr high C = 21.1
| Apr high C = 21.0
| May high C = 21.4
| May high C = 21.2
| Jun high C = 19.6
| Jun high C = 19.4
| Jul high C = 18.5
| Jul high C = 18.1
| Aug high C = 18.5
| Aug high C = 18.2
| Sep high C = 18.8
| Sep high C = 18.6
| Oct high C = 18.0
| Oct high C = 17.9
| Nov high C = 17.0
| Nov high C = 16.9
| Dec high C = 17.3
| Dec high C = 17.4
| year high C = 19.1
| year high C = 19.0
| Jan low C = 8.6
| Jan low C = 8.8
| Feb low C = 8.9
| Feb low C = 9.1
| Mar low C = 10.5
| Mar low C = 10.7
| Apr low C = 11.9
| Apr low C = 12.1
| May low C = 12.8
| May low C = 13.0
| Jun low C = 12.2
| Jun low C = 12.4
| Jul low C = 11.7
| Jul low C = 11.9
| Aug low C = 11.6
| Aug low C = 11.8
| Sep low C = 11.4
| Sep low C = 11.7
| Oct low C = 11.0
| Oct low C = 11.2
| Nov low C = 10.1
| Nov low C = 10.3
| Dec low C = 9.0
| Dec low C = 9.4
| year low C = 10.8
| year low C = 11.0
| Jan record low C = 2.7
| Jan record low C = 2.7
| Feb record low C = 3.8
| Feb record low C = 3.8
Line 171: Line 166:
| year record low C = 2.7
| year record low C = 2.7
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 37.9
| Jan rain mm = 22.0
| Feb rain mm = 37.5
| Feb rain mm = 37.2
| Mar rain mm = 55.7
| Mar rain mm = 49.0
| Apr rain mm = 127.5
| Apr rain mm = 122.5
| May rain mm = 126.4
| May rain mm = 144.1
| Jun rain mm = 89.8
| Jun rain mm = 89.1
| Jul rain mm = 111.6
| Jul rain mm = 101.9
| Aug rain mm = 128.5
| Aug rain mm = 156.1
| Sep rain mm = 216.9
| Sep rain mm = 199.8
| Oct rain mm = 259.0
| Oct rain mm = 269.6
| Nov rain mm = 239.9
| Nov rain mm = 259.9
| Dec rain mm = 137.5
| Dec rain mm = 127.6
| year rain mm = 1568.3
| year rain mm = 1578.7
| Jan rain days = 2.3
| Jan rain days = 1.6
| Feb rain days = 1.7
| Feb rain days = 1.6
| Mar rain days = 3.6
| Mar rain days = 3.5
| Apr rain days = 7.5
| Apr rain days = 7.6
| May rain days = 8.9
| May rain days = 9.2
| Jun rain days = 8.7
| Jun rain days = 8.7
| Jul rain days = 9.2
| Jul rain days = 8.2
| Aug rain days = 8.7
| Aug rain days = 9.8
| Sep rain days = 12.6
| Sep rain days = 11.3
| Oct rain days = 14.2
| Oct rain days = 14.0
| Nov rain days = 11.1
| Nov rain days = 11.2
| Dec rain days = 6.6
| Dec rain days = 6.1
| year rain days = 94.9
| year rain days = 92.8
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 73
| Jan humidity = 74
| Feb humidity = 70
| Feb humidity = 72
| Mar humidity = 67
| Mar humidity = 69
| Apr humidity = 78
| Apr humidity = 79
| May humidity = 82
| May humidity = 84
| Jun humidity = 86
| Jun humidity = 87
| Jul humidity = 86
| Jul humidity = 88
| Aug humidity = 86
| Aug humidity = 88
| Sep humidity = 87
| Sep humidity = 88
| Oct humidity = 87
| Oct humidity = 89
| Nov humidity = 87
| Nov humidity = 88
| Dec humidity = 79
| Dec humidity = 80
|year humidity = 81
|year humidity = 82
| Jan sun = 248.0
| Jan sun = 248.0
| Feb sun = 220.4
| Feb sun = 220.4
Line 237: Line 232:
| Decd sun = 5.1
| Decd sun = 5.1
|yeard sun = 5.4
|yeard sun = 5.4
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]] (sun 1971–2000)<ref name=IMDnormals>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]] (sun 1971–2000)<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
Line 269: Line 269:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
}}
}}
[[File:Morning Mist in Kodaikanal seen at Sunrise.jpg|thumb|left|Morning mist in Kodaikanal at sunrise]]


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
 
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Kodaikanal had a population of 36,501 with a sex-ratio of 1,004 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A total of 3,893 were under the age of six, constituting 1,945 males and 1,948 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 19.86% and .28% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city was 79.78%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The town had a total of 9,442 households. There were a total of 14,103 workers, comprising 163 cultivators, 744 main agricultural labourers, 130 in household industries, 12,118 other workers, 948 marginal workers, 10 marginal cultivators, 51 marginal agricultural labourers, 34 marginal workers in household industries and 853 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Kodaikanal|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=691034|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145123/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=691034|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Kodaikanal had 48.8% [[Hindu]]s, 12% [[Muslims]], 38.7% [[Christians]], 0.5% following other religions or did not indicate any religious preference.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Kodaikanal had a population of 36,501 with a sex-ratio of 1,004 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> A total of 3,893 were under the age of six, constituting 1,945 males and 1,948 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 19.86% and .28% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city was 79.78%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The city had a total of 9,442 households. There were a total of 14,103 workers, comprising 163 cultivators, 744 main agricultural labourers, 130 in household industries, 12,118 other workers, 948 marginal workers, 10 marginal cultivators, 51 marginal agricultural labourers, 34 marginal workers in household industries and 853 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Kodaikanal|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=691034|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Kodaikanal had 48.84% [[Hindu]]s, 12.0% [[Muslims]], 38.69% [[Christians]], 0.02% [[Sikhs]], 0.22% [[Buddhists]], 0.04% [[Jainism|Jains]], 0.15% following other religions and 0.04% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>


==Economy==
==Economy==
[[File:Terraced farming- Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Poombarai Village and terraced farming in Kodaikanal]]
The economy of Kodaikanal predominantly depends on [[tourism]] with about 3.2 million tourists visiting in 2009.<ref name="anon">{{cite book|title=Tourism in forest areas of Western Ghats|year=2001|location=Bangalore|author1=S. Molur|author2=K.G. Smith|author3=B.A. Daniel|author4=W.R.T. Darwall|url=http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/RL-540-001.pdf|page=82|access-date=26 September 2011|archive-date=23 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223072133/http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/RL-540-001.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Changes are made every year in the summer in preparation for the peak tourist season with major roads converted into one-way lanes to regulate the constant inflow of traffic and special police are brought in for the safety of the tourists and protection of local businesses. [[Plum]]s, [[pear]]s, [[Piperaceae|pepper]]s, [[carrot]]s, [[cauliflower]], [[cabbage]], [[garlic]] and [[onion]]s are cultivated by [[terrace (agriculture)|terrace farmers]] in surrounding villages and are trucked to the market.
{|class="wikitable" align="right"
|- style="background:#87CEFA; color:white; float:right margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
| align="center" |'''Season'''
| align="center" |'''Months'''
|- align="center"
|'''Peak season'''
|April–June
|- align="center"
|'''Low season'''
|Feb-March; July–September
|- align="center"
|'''Second season'''
|October–January
|}
 
The economy of Kodaikanal predominantly depends on [[tourism]]. The number of tourists increased from two million in 1999 to 3.2 million in 2009.<ref name="anon">{{citation
|title= Anon. 2011. Tourism in forest areas of Western Ghats. Equations, January 2001, Bangalore.
|work=THE STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY IN THE WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
|author1=S. Molur |author2=K.G. Smith |author3=B.A. Daniel |author4=W.R.T. Darwall |url=http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/RL-540-001.pdf
|page=82
|access-date=2011-09-26
}}</ref>
The town's infrastructure changes every year in preparation for the peak tourist season. Major roads are converted into one-way lanes to regulate the constant inflow of traffic and special police are brought in for the safety of the tourists and protection of local businesses. Hotels are often fully booked during the high season, and remain virtually empty during the off-season. Due to the rapid development of nearby cities such as [[Madurai]], [[Palani]] and [[Coimbatore]] the town is learning to deal with year-round tourism.
 
[[File:Hillview of Kodaikanal from Coaker's Walk.jpg|thumb|Hill view of Kodaikanal from Coaker's Walk]]
Plums, pears, chile peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, and onions are cultivated by [[terrace (agriculture)|terrace farmers]] in surrounding villages. Most are trucked to other parts of India and some are sold in the local market. C
 
[[File:Mist covering the boating in Kodaikanal Lake.jpg|thumb|Mist covering Kodaikanal Lake]]
Due to its relatively unpolluted image, various locations<ref>Filmapia.com, [http://www.filmapia.com/published/places?placeId=1562 Movie Location > Kodaikanal]</ref> in Kodaikanal are used for movie shoots. Some examples are ''[[Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar]]''<ref>Filmapia.com, [http://www.filmapia.com/films/movies/scenes/dehradun-ratans-town Ratan's Town in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar]</ref> though depicted as [[Dehradun]], the Tamil movie ''[[Guna]]'', ''[[Manmadhan Ambu]]'', and ''[[Thenali]]''.
 
==Health==
The major medical facilities are KHMS Hospital, Van Allen Hospital, the Government Hospital, and the Prana Spa. These hospitals treat patients with common ailments and injuries and perform child delivery and care, but are not equipped with modern medical equipment for complicated diagnoses and surgery.


KHMS hospital was formed in 2009 to provide quality health care to residents and visitors.
==Administration==
Kodaikanal is administered by the Kodaikanal municipality, established in 1899. It became a Grade Two municipality in 1960, upgraded to first grade in the year 1975 and Selection Grade in 1983. It is a Special Grade Municipality with effect from 31 May 1994. The Municipal Council has 24 wards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/|title=Kodaikanal, urban administration|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203122908/https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/|url-status=live}}</ref> There is a government run hospital and a few private centers, which are not equipped for complicated diagnoses and surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/hospitals/|title=Kodaikanal, hospitals|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924232322/https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/hospitals/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In April 1915, Dr. Van Allen raised funds to construct the first unit of the hospital at the entrance of Coaker's walk. It was named after him. Its facilities have been updated and now it has an X-ray machine, well equipped pathological lab, and operation theatre with blood transfusion facilities. Van Allen Hospital established by a group of Christian missionaries to be a place where people could receive quality medical attention in a picturesque setting of comfort and caring atmosphere in Kodaikanal. Van Allen receives about 7500 as outpatients per year. The number increases during the summer due to the influx of the tourist.
==Transportation==
[[File:Laws ghat road.jpg|thumb|Ghat road in the early 1900s]]
Early travelers traveled {{convert|50|km|mi|sp=us}} by [[bullock cart]] and then the last {{convert|18|km|mi|sp=us}} journey to Kodaikanal was undertaken by foot, horse, or [[palanquin]]s with hired [[coolie]]s. In 1854, an improved {{convert|16|km|mi|sp=us}} bridle path was built and was extended up to Kodaikanal in 1878. Engineer Major G. C. Law was deputed to study and submit a plan to build a motor-able road to the hills and the road was finally completed in 1914 and opened for public traffic in 1916.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kodaikanal.com/history.htm|title=Kodaikanal — History|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Kodaikanal.com|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227033154/http://www.kodaikanal.com/history.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The road is currently designated as [[SH-156 (Tamil Nadu, India)|SH-156]] with a length of {{convert|52.4|km|mi|sp=us}} and starts at the intersection with [[Grand Southern Trunk Road]] (NH-45), about {{convert|8|km|mi|sp=us}} west of [[Batlagundu]]. Also, during [[World War II]], the [[Kodaikanal–Munnar Road]], an evacuation road from Kodaikanal along the hillcrest to [[Top Station]] and [[Munnar]] was built, which was abandoned in 1990.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bradnock|first=Roma & Bob|title=South India handbook: the travel guide|publisher=Footprint Handbooks|location=Bath, England|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/footprintsouthin00foot/page/171 171]|chapter=Kodaikanal|isbn=1-900949-81-4|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jim5jwTAxGEC&q=%22highest+road%22+in+peninsular+India&pg=PA171|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/footprintsouthin00foot/page/171}}</ref> The two main road routes to reach Kodaikanal are via [[Palani]] and Batlagundu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dindigul.nic.in/tourist-place/kodaikanal/|title=About Kodaikanal|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928174247/https://dindigul.nic.in/tourist-place/kodaikanal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bus services are operated by the state owned [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]] (TNSTC).  


The Government Hospital is situated on the hillside near Rock Cottage on Lower Shola Road. It was a small municipal hospital until 1927. Now it has X-ray, dental, and maternity wards and other facilities.
In 1875, the Indian Railways extended its line from [[Chennai]] to [[Tirunelveli]] and a train station named [[Kodaikanal Road railway station|Kodaikanal Road]] to facilitate visits to Kodaikanal.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Kodaikanal Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply|url=http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm|title=Historical Moments|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324043243/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm|archive-date=24 March 2009}}</ref> The nearest railway stations are [[Palani railway station|Palani]] ({{convert|64|km|disp=or}}) and Kodaikanal Road ({{convert|80|km|disp=or}}). The nearest major rail-head is [[Madurai Junction]] ({{convert|114|km|disp=or}}) in the east. The Kodaikanal-Gudalur Railway line was under the contemplation from 1889 with the first survey in 1897 and several surveys till 1920. In 1922, the district board of Madurai initiated the Government to cancel the sanction of the railway line.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1656/1/lsd_02_07_02-03-1959.pdf|title=Lok Sabha debates, 1959|page=112|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326023528/https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1656/1/lsd_02_07_02-03-1959.pdf|url-status=live}}.</ref> The nearest airports are [[Madurai International Airport]] ({{convert|115|km|disp=or}}) and [[Coimbatore International Airport]] ({{convert|170|km|disp=or}}) with regular flights from/to major domestic destinations and international destinations like [[Sharjah (emirate)|Sharjah]], [[Colombo]] and [[Singapore]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/coimbatore_generalinfo.jsp|title=Coimbatore Airport|access-date=26 July 2015|publisher=airportsindia.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804052414/http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/coimbatore_generalinfo.jsp|archive-date=4 August 2015 }}</ref>
 
===[[Kodaikanal mercury poisoning]]===
Air and water-borne [[Mercury (element)#Toxicity and safety|mercury emissions]] have [[Kodaikanal Mercury Poisoning|contaminated large areas of Kodaikanal]] and the surrounding forests. A study conducted by the Department of Atomic Energy confirmed that Kodaikanal Lake has been contaminated by mercury emissions.
 
[[Mercury poisoning#Organic mercury compounds|Mercury pollution]] was reported in Kodaikanal affecting lakes in the area. The causes, originating from a [[Hindustan Unilever]] thermometer factory nearby, were reported to be dispersal of elemental mercury into the atmosphere from improper storage and dispersal into the water from surface effluents from the factory. Apart from tests conducted on Kodaikanal lake, [[moss]] samples collected from trees surrounding the Berijam Lake, located {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from the factory, were also tested. These showed mercury levels in the range of 0.2&nbsp;µg/kg, while in Kodaikanal lake the [[lichen]] and moss levels were 7.9&nbsp;µg/kg and 8.3&nbsp;µg/kg, respectively. Fish samples were taken from Kodaikanal lake also showed Hg levels in the range of 120 to 290&nbsp;mg/kg, confirming that pollution of the lake had taken place due to mercury emissions from the factory.
 
The Hindustan Unilever thermometer factory caused widespread mercury pollution through improper disposal of broken thermometer waste containing large quantities of mercury. The factory sold much of this waste to a junkyard in Kodaikanal and also dumped large quantities in the forest behind the factory. The factory was eventually closed in 2001 after 18 years of operation. Hindustan Lever have used considerable legal manoeuvering to avoid paying compensation to the workers and their families, many of whom died or became physically handicapped as a result of mercury poisoning.
 
The ex-workers joined to form the 559-strong Ex-Mercury Employees Welfare Association and in 2006 filed a [[Public Interest Litigation]] (PIL) suit in the [[Madras High Court]]. The association wants an economic rehabilitation scheme, healthcare treatment and a monitoring programme at the company's expense for everyone who ever worked in the factory. It also wants the company prosecuted. Hindustan Unilever denies that any of the health problems of the workers or their families were the result of mercury exposure in the factory. In 2010 the workers were still fighting for compensation.
 
In June 2007, the Madras High Court constituted a five-member expert committee to decide on the mercury workers' health claims. The last court hearing was in June 2008. The committee later failed to find sufficient evidence to link the current clinical condition of the factory workers to past mercury exposure in the factory.
 
Additional site remediation studies are being undertaken by national institutions, as desired by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the Court's Scientific Experts Committee (SEC) during the project review meeting in January 2010. [[IIT Delhi]] is revalidating the risk assessment study and site-specific clean-up standards; the [[National Botanical Research Institute]], Lucknow, is studying the impact on trees and preservation of trees; and the Centre for Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Ooty, is studying the impact on soil and soil erosion. Based on the above study findings, results of remediation trials and recommendations of the SEC, the TNPCB will take a final decision on the clean-up standards. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. will commence soil remediation work at the factory site once a decision on clean-up standards is taken and consent is given by TNPCB.
 
The Hindustan Unilever, however refused the responsibility for the mercury poisoning even after multiple online petitions and protests by environmental activists.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unilever refused responsibility[sic] for Kodaikanal mercury poisoning, India {{!}} EJAtlas|url=https://ejatlas.org/conflict/hindustan-unilever-thermometer-factory-kodaikanal-tamil-nadu-india|last=EJOLT|website=[[Environmental Justice Atlas]]|language=en|access-date=2020-05-15}}</ref>


==Education==
==Education==
There are many educational institutions in Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal comes under the Batlagundu educational district. The head office for the educational district serving from Batlagundu government boys higher secondary school.
Kodaikanal comes under the Vaththalagundu educational district. The town has a government school and many private schools. There are a few colleges, major of which is the [[Kodaikanal Christian College]] and [[Mother Teresa Women's University]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu Governor Appoints K Kala As Vice-Chancellor Of Mother Teresa Women's University|url=https://www.ndtv.com/education/tamil-nadu-governor-appoints-k-kala-vice-chancellor-of-mother-teresa-womens-university|access-date=1 February 2023|work=NDTV|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201044157/https://www.ndtv.com/education/tamil-nadu-governor-appoints-k-kala-vice-chancellor-of-mother-teresa-womens-university|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== Schools ===
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram
* Brindavan Public School
* [[Kodaikanal International School]]
* Kodaikanal Public School
* Presentation Convent Primary School known as PCK (Presentation Convent Kodaikanal)
* R.C.Town Higher Secondary School
* Sholai School (CLOAAT)
* St. Theresa High School
* St. John's Girls Higher Secondary School
* St. Joseph's Public School
* [[St. Peter's School, Kodaikanal]]
* St. Xavier's Higher secondary School
* SRI Sankara Vidhyalaya MHSS
* Zion Matriculation High School
*Government Higher Secondary School Varkala
*Saantham matric higher secondary school
}}
 
===Colleges===
* [[Kodaikanal Christian College]]
* Kodai International Business School
* Kodaikanal Institute of Technology
 
===University===
* [[Mother Teresa Women's University]]
[[Mother Teresa Women's University]]  was founded in 1984 by the enactment of Tamil Nadu Act 15. The university's goal is to expand its services to female students in all communities. Academic courses offered BA, B.Sc, BBA, B.Com, M.Sc, MCA, M.Ed, MBA, PG degree, Ph.D., Certificate Courses.Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has appointed K Kala as Vice-Chancellor of Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Governor Appoints K Kala As Vice-Chancellor Of Mother Teresa Women's University |url=https://www.ndtv.com/education/tamil-nadu-governor-appoints-k-kala-vice-chancellor-of-mother-teresa-womens-university |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=NDTV.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
== Houses of Worship ==
=== Temples and Mosques ===
There are many [[Hindu temples#South Indian temples|Hindu temples]] in Kodaikanal including the [[Durga]]i Amman Kovil, Kurinji Andavar Kovil, [[Mariamman]] Kovil, Observatory [[Murugan]] Kovil and [[Vinayagar]] Kovil. The [[Tamil Muslim|Muslim]] [[mosque]]s are Ellis Villa, Munjikal, Naidupuram, Observatory, Perumal malai and Anna nagar. There is an active community of [[Tibet]]an [[Buddhist]] refugees.
 
The [[Kuzhanthai Velappar temple]] (Kulandai Velayudha Swami Tirukkovil) has three thousand years of history and was consecrated by [[Bhogar]]. The idol is made of Dashabashanam (10 metal alloys). This temple comes under [[Palani]] [[Devasthanam]]. Every year Poombarai celebrates the Ther Thiruvizha procession for Lord [[Muruga]]. This temple was built by the [[Chera dynasty]] and still holds 3000-year-old inscriptions.
 
=== Churches ===
 
* '''Christ the King Church Kodaikanal''' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Christ the King Church Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/tamilnadu/christ-king-church-kodaikanal.html |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.tourmyindia.com}}</ref>
 
Brimming in history and soaked in spirituality, Christ the King Church is a revered CSI church in Kodaikanal. Traces its history from the 19th century, the church is popularly known for its highly-sacred significance and captivating architecture that together lure a larger chunk of travellers and devotees. Christ the King Church was constructed by American Madurai Mission and boasts Gothic style architecture that comprises granite stones. In the initial years, the church was esteemed as Union Church and was a prominent place for natives to offer their prayers to Lord. The main altar of the church is adorned with a beautiful Jesus Christ image. Moreover, the painted glass windows add a grandeur touch the interior of this protestant church in Kodaikanal.
 
* '''La Salette Church kodaikanal''' 
 
The church initially served a small Catholic population; many in the congregation worked for Protestant foreigners. Today locals and tourists alike, including Hindus and Muslims, come to it with requests and thanks. This is evident from the sacristan’s account, TripAdvisor reviews and the inscribed names of donors. (Even as places of worship are precariously poised in India’s highest courts, the secular spirit of La Salette in Kodaikanal feels salutary.) The diversity and generosity of devotees is especially evident every August, during the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
 
==Civil societies==
[[File:Kodai GC groomed green.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal Golf Club]]
Kodaikanal has several [[Club (organization)|club]]s and [[civil society]] organizations operating for social, charitable and environmental goals. Established clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club (est. 1985) under the jurisdiction of [[Lions Clubs International]] (district 324B); Kodaikanal Boat Club (est. 1890) with nearly 650 permanent members; [[Kodaikanal Golf Club]] (est. 1895) with over 600 members and an 18-hole golf course, spread over {{convert|143|acre|order=flip}}; the Indian Club (est. 1915) on Poet Thyagarajar Road; and the Rotary Club of Kodaikanal.<ref>http://www.dt3000internationalryla.info {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329122722/http://www.dt3000internationalryla.info/ |date=29 March 2013 }}</ref>
 
In 1890, the Kodaikanal Missionary Union (KMU) was formed to enable missionaries of the various denominations to come together for recreation and to develop a mission strategy and outreach in cooperation with each other. In 1923 it built an [[Edwardian]] style clubhouse with large central hall for social events and afternoon teas, six tennis courts, a reading room, and other spaces for meetings.<ref>Heideman, Eugene P. ''From Mission to Church: The Reformed Church in America Mission to India'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing,[https://books.google.com/books?id=0A6ruPk7-lcC&dq=Kodaikanal+Missionary+Union&pg=PA349 "Kodaikanal Missionary Union" (KMU), p. 348] (2001) {{ISBN|0-8028-4900-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8028-4900-7}} 512 pages</ref> With the decline of missionary activity in India, the KMU was wound up in the 1980s, and the property was turned over to Kodaikanal International School. The KMU library with many valuable old books besides newer materials, is still functioning in one room, and provides something of a social venue. The valuable original KMU archive materials have been incorporated into the archives of the school, which has hired an archivist and is in process of converting the whole original KMU building into an archive and display centre for the school and the community.<ref>Kodaikanal International School, [http://www.kis.in/foundation/archives.html KIS Archives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004133308/http://www.kis.in/foundation/archives.html |date=4 October 2008 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Kodaikanal Lake View.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal lake View showing Mount Perumal, boat house, Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal International School, fish hatchery, and Lake Road]]
Kodaikanal has several [[social service]] societies which promote local trade and increase employment of rural villagers in the town's periphery by participating in its tourism fuelled growth. These include the Kodaikanal People Development Group (KOPDEG) which has been successful in providing employment for marginalized women and marketing their products. The ''Made-in-India'' tagged products from Kopedeg are unique to Kodaikanal and are targeted at foreign tourists who regularly buy them as souvenirs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm |title=Kodaikanal People Development Group |access-date=5 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204060530/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm |archive-date=4 February 2011 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
 
The Cottage Crafts Shop at Anna Salai is run by the voluntary organisation Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai (CORSOK). They sell goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission charged to help the needy.<ref name=shop>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/shopping.htm Kodaikanal – Shopping]</ref>
 
In 1994 the Potter's Shed was inaugurated. This pottery and craft Shop in Kodaikanal has made and sold hundreds of thousands of fine pieces of locally made pottery. All profits from this business are contributed to the Bethania Kids Center For Children with Disabilities.<ref>Bethania Kids  [http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6 Potter's Shed, Kodaikanal]</ref>
 
The Kodaikanal Lake Protection Council and Vattakkanal Organization for Youth, Community and Environment (VOYCE) are active in preserving Kodaikanal's environment. Plastic bags are banned and almost all shops and roadside vendors heed the rule and use recycled paper bags in fear of social reprisal. Local hotels have also participated in improving the environment by placing garbage cans all across the town, with their prominent ''donated by'' signs acting as silent salesmen.<ref>R.W. Stewart and Tanya Balcar, Shola – Environmental Newsletter, The Anglade Institute of Natural History, Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur, Kodaikanal 624104, India, pp318-319, No. (26 December 2000) Environmental Information System – ENVIS : India, [http://envis.nic.in/sdnp/casestudy/cases/pambarshola.html Pambar Shola : A Success Story in Conservation-V – Profit from Waste] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170315/http://envis.nic.in/sdnp/casestudy/cases/pambarshola.html |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>
 
==Places of interest==
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| caption3  = [[Eucalyptus]] plantation
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| caption4  = Green Valley View (formerly called Suicide Point)
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[[File:Kodai Lake.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal lake]]]]
Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which attract visitors and make it a destination for newlyweds. Young people also come for bike trips and leisure.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} It is also known for home made chocolates and eucalyptus oil.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
 
These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand.
 
[[File:Upper Lake View in Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Upper lake view in Kodaikanal]]
'''[[Kodaikanal Lake]]''' is an artificial, roughly star-shaped {{convert|45|ha|adj=on}} lake built in 1863. It is Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} Rowboats and [[pedalo]]s can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The {{convert|5|km}} path that skirts the periphery of this lake is a favourite walk for locals and tourists alike.
[[File:Bryant Park, Kodaikanal.jpg|left|thumb|Bryant Park]]
'''Bryant Park''': Just east of the lake and {{convert|500|m}} from the bus stand is a well maintained {{convert|20.5|acre|adj=on|order=flip}} botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D. Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs, and cacti, the park is a rainbow of flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. 59th Flower show is conducted after the gap of two year in 2022.  The annual flower show is held in Kodaikanal in the first or second week of may. 
 
[[File:Flower Show in Bryant Park, Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Flower show in Bryant Park]]
There is an 1857 [[eucalyptus]] tree and a [[Bodhi tree]] which adds a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer, to coincide with the peak season. The entrance fee to the park is nominal, and it is open all year.<ref>Kodaikanal Travel Guide, [http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/bryant-park/ ''Bryant Park''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307215310/http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/bryant-park/ |date=7 March 2009 }}, 2007</ref>
 
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[[File:Kodai Coakers Walk 1900.jpg|thumb|Coaker's Walk (1900)]]
[[File:View from Coaker's Walk in Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|View from Coaker's Walk]]
'''Coaker's Walk''', {{convert|500|m}} from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, is a {{convert|1|km|ft|adj=on}} paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road, and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the [[Pambar River (Kerala)|Pambar River]] in the southeast, [[Periyakulam]] town and even the city of [[Madurai]]. A fascinating rare phenomenon called the ''[[Brocken spectre]]'' can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. The entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.
 
'''Poombarai Village (Kudhanthai Velappar Temple)''' is {{convert|15|km}} from the bus-stand. In Poombarai village there is a temple of [[Lord Muruga]]. The village is fully covered by [[reserve forest]]. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path.
 
[[File:Poomparai village.jpg|right|thumb|Poombarai village]]
 
'''Green Valley View''' (formerly called Suicide Point), {{convert|5.5|km}} from the bus-stand and near the golf course, has a panoramic view of the plains and a sheer drop of {{convert|1500|m}} overlooking the [[Vaigai Dam]] to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops to tempt tourists.<ref>TripsGuru Travel Services, ''Switzerland of the East'', [http://www.kodaitrips.com/greenvalleyview.html Green Valley View]</ref>
 
[[File:Kodaikanal Suicide Point.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal Suicide Point]]
 
'''[[Pine trees|Pine forests]]''': In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, H.D. Bryant started
the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.<ref>{{cite book |author=Madras (India : State) |author2=B. S. Baliga (Rao Bahadur) |title=Tamil Nadu district gazetteers |publisher=Printed by the Superintendent, Govt. Press |year=2002 |page=166}}</ref>
 
'''Shembaganur Museum of Natural History''', {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public (except Tuesdays) for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic [[orchid]] species. The museum is affiliated with [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]] in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the ancient [[Palaiyar]] tribespeople whose descendants still live in these hills.<ref>NLC Ltd. (2004) [http://www.nlcindia.com/about/about_05f.htm "Important places – Kodaikanal"], retrieved 4/12/2007</ref>
 
[[File:Kodaikanal Solar Observatory-a.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]]]
'''[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]''', {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at {{convert|2343|m}} is the highest location near Kodai. The first observations were commenced here in 1901.<ref>Indian Institute of Astrophysics – A Brief History, Solar Observatory at Kodaikanal, retrieved 3/13/2007. [http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai]</ref> Former Director [[John Evershed]] discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in [[sunspot]]s, now known as the [[Evershed effect]]. The Kodaikanal [[Refracting telescope|Terrestrial Telescope]] can view a grand panorama including Sothupparai Dam, [[Vaigai Dam]], Periyakulam and Varaha river. This [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]] facility has a comprehensive [[Astronomy|astronomical]] [[science museum]] with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.<ref>Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, [http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai Kodaikanal Observatory]</ref>
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| caption2  = South facing escarpment from Dolphins Nose
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[[File:Pillar Rock View with and without Mist in Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Pillar Rock view with and without mist]]
'''Pillar Rocks''', {{convert|8|km}} from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand {{convert|122|m}} high.<ref>Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism, "Kodaikanal-Princess of Hill Stations", {{cite web |url=http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hillstations/tnhillstations/HS_Kodaikkanal1.aspx?catid=c3&subcat1id=c3s1&subcat2id=c3s1s1 |title=Tamil Nadu Hill Station - Kodaikkanal |access-date=2008-10-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921081209/http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hillstations/tnhillstations/HS_Kodaikkanal1.aspx?catid=c3&subcat1id=c3s1&subcat2id=c3s1s1 |archive-date=21 September 2008 }} p. 2</ref> Managed by the [[Tamil Nadu Forest Department]], The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint.
 
'''Bear Shola Falls'''<ref>{{Cite news |title=Interesting experiences in Kodaikanal, the Princess of Hills |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/interesting-experiences-in-kodaikanal-the-princess-of-hills/photostory/91933226.cms |access-date=2023-02-01 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> Silver Cascade is the name given to these seasonal waterfalls. Bears were known to come here in search of drinking water many years ago, hence the name. They're in full swing after the monsoon and make for a fantastic experience, especially if you're fascinated by waterfalls.
[[File:Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Pillar Rocks]]
 
'''Guna caves''',<ref>Filmapia.com, [http://www.filmapia.com/published/places/guna-cave-devils-kitchen Movie Location > Guna Cave (Devil's Kitchen)]</ref> made popular by the Tamil movie ''[[Gunaa]]'', previously called Devil's Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the deaths of twelve youths there.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://citypatriots.com/asia/india/tamil-nadu/kodaikanal/guna-cave |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031252/http://citypatriots.com/asia/india/tamil-nadu/kodaikanal/guna-cave |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar. In the late 1970s the inside of the caves was well photographed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1461517056667.2067697.1195666682&type=1|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}{{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=June 2023}}</ref>
 
[[File:Silver Cascade Falls in Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Silver Cascade Falls]]
'''Silver Cascade''', {{convert|8|km}} from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude {{convert|1800|m}}, is a {{convert|55|m|adj=on}} waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake.<ref>By Indian Academy of Sciences, Published by Indian Academy of Sciences (1972) Item notes: v.76 1972 Jul-Dec, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized 12 Apr 2006, [https://books.google.com/books?id=O6kEAAAAIAAJ&q=%22silver+cASCADE%22+kodaikanal+-com Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, p. 126]</ref> This waterfall is a common stop for first-time visitors.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
[[File:Silver Cascade Waterfall.jpg|left|thumb|Silver Cascade Waterfall is formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake.]]
 
[[File:Wandern in den Palanis.jpg|thumb|Dolphin's Nose]]
'''Dolphin's Nose''', {{convert|8|km}} from the bus stand, is a flat rock projecting over a chasm {{convert|6600|ft|order=flip}} deep. It is an undisturbed area {{convert|1|km}} down a steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here to Pambar Falls (which is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the Liril Soap advertisement filmed in 1985).
 
 
'''Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple''', {{convert|4|km}} from the bus-stand, is known for its [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Kurinji flower]] which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easwaran, who is Lord [[Murugan]]. This temple was built in 1936 by a European woman, who on coming to Ceylon, converted to Hinduism. She changed her name to Leelavathi and married Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani by Devi Prasad Bhaskaran (also known as Padmini, niece and adopted daughter of S Natesan Pillai, son-in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband R. Bhaskaran.
 
'''The Shrine of La Saleth Church''' <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-04 |title=The Shrine of La Saleth - Kodai's French Connection {{!}} The Kodai Chronicle |url=https://www.thekodaichronicle.com/community/the-shrine-of-la-saleth-kodais-french-connection/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=www.thekodaichronicle.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
''For more than 150 years, locals and tourists have made their way to this quaint old church, dedicated to the Lady of La Saleth, to light candles, offer prayer, and lift their voice in worship.''
 


'''[[Berijam Lake]]''' is surrounded by nature at a distance of around {{cvt|20|km}} from Kodaikanal. Boating is prohibited as the lake is a source of water for villages. Forest department permission is required and a limited number of vehicles (up to 80) are allowed to enter the forest area where the lake is situated. Entry is restricted into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bison, deer, panthers, and snakes are often spotted in this area. The fire tower, Silent Valley, Medicine Forest, and Lake View are other attractions around the lake.
==Tourism and recreation==
[[File:Kodai_Lake.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal Lake]] is one of the most popular geographic landmarks]]
Kodaikanal has several [[Club (organization)|club]]s and [[civil society]] organizations operating for social, charitable and environmental goals. Established clubs in Kodaikanal include Kodaikanal Boat Club (1890), [[Kodaikanal Golf Club]] (1895), Indian Club (1915), Kodaikanal Lions Club (1985) and Rotary Club. In 1890, the Kodaikanal Missionary Union (KMU) was formed to enable missionaries of various denominations to come together for recreation and in 1923 it built an [[Edwardian]] style clubhouse, which was handed over to Kodaikanal International School in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite book|author=Heideman, Eugene P.|title=From Mission to Church: The Reformed Church in America Mission to India|publisher=Eerdmans Publishing|page=348|year=2001|isbn=978-0-8028-4900-7}}</ref> Kodaikanal has several [[social service]] societies which promote local trade including the Kodaikanal People Development Group (KOPDEG), which has been successful in providing employment for marginalized women and marketing their products.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm|title=Kodaikanal People Development Group|access-date=5 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204060530/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm|archive-date=4 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The cottage crafts shop at Anna Salai is run by the voluntary organization, Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai (CORSOK) and the Potter's Shed, selling locally made pottery was established in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Bethania|url=http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6|title=Potter's Shed, Kodaikanal|archive-date=25 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825161115/http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kodaikanal Lake Protection Council and Vattakkanal Organization for Youth, Community and Environment (VOYCE) are organizations involved in preserving Kodaikanal's environment.


To enter into the Berijam Lake permission must be obtained from the Forest Department. Usually, they give permission around 8 a.m. every day except Tuesdays. They give permission to about 80 to 100 vehicles per day and collect an entry fee of around Rs. 150 depending upon the vehicle.
There are many [[Hindu temples#South Indian temples|Hindu temples]], [[mosque]]s and [[Church (building)|churches]]. [[Kuzhanthai Velappar temple]] is believed to have been built three thousand years ago by the [[Chera dynasty|Cheras]] and consists of a [[Murugan]] idol made of Dashabashanam (10 metal alloys) believed to have been conscreated by [[Bhogar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/new.php?id=2315|lang=ta|work=[[Dinamalar]]|title=Kuzhanthai Velappar temple|access-date=25 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225174849/https://temple.dinamalar.com/new.php?id=2315|url-status=live}}</ref> Kurinji Andavar Temple which takes its name from the indigenous Kurinji flower that blooms once in 12 years at the location, was built in 1924 and is dedicated to Lord Murugan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/honouring-the-kurinji/article7167847.ece|title=Honouring the Kurinji|date=4 May 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121030732/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/honouring-the-kurinji/article7167847.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="OL">{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/travel/kodaikanal-naturally-beautiful-news-220377|work=Outlook|title=Kodaikanal naturally beautiful|date=September 2022|access-date=25 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173347/https://www.outlookindia.com/travel/kodaikanal-naturally-beautiful-news-220377|url-status=live}}</ref> La Saleth Church is a church dedicated to [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]], located near Coaker’s Walk.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 December 2022|title=The Shrine of La Saleth - Kodai's French Connection|work=The Kodai Chronicle|url=https://www.thekodaichronicle.com/community/the-shrine-of-la-saleth-kodais-french-connection/|access-date=1 February 2023|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201052453/https://www.thekodaichronicle.com/community/the-shrine-of-la-saleth-kodais-french-connection/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Psilocybin mushrooms which produce hallucinogenic effects when consumed, and other poisonous mushrooms grow around Berijam. Medicine Forest has a certain species of trees whose fragrance is believed to have hallucinogenic effects.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}
[[File:Silver Cascade Waterfalls- Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|Silver Cascade waterfall]]


==Transport==
[[Kodaikanal Lake]] is an artificial, roughly star-shaped {{convert|45|ha|adj=on}} lake built in 1863 and is Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction with rowboats and [[pedalo]]s that can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/kodaikanal-lake|title=Kodaikanal Lake|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173354/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/kodaikanal-lake|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Berijam Lake]] is an artificial lake located {{convert|22|km|abbr=on}} from Kodaikanal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/berijam-lake|title=Berijam Lake|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173357/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/berijam-lake|url-status=live}}</ref> Bear Shola falls is a waterfall located about {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} from Kodaikanal inside the forest with the water flow rate varying depending on the [[monsoon]]s.<ref name="OL"/> Bryant Park is a landscaped park on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, is named after the British officer who founded it and hosts an annual flower show in May.<ref name="OL"/> Coaker's Walk is a {{convert|1|km|abbr=on}} walkway constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872 running along the edge of slopes on the south from which there is an unhindered view of the valley and plains below.<ref name="CW">{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/coakers-walk|title=Coakers walk|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173348/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/coakers-walk|url-status=live}}</ref> Dolphin Nose is a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the valley and can be reached by a {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} trek on an unguarded narrow path.<ref name="OL"/>


===Air===
Green valley view is located {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}} from the Kodaikanal lake and offers a view of the [[Vaigai Dam|Vaigai dam]] located below.<ref name="OL"/> In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, H.D. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal and the [[Pine trees|Pine forests]] have become a tourist attraction.<ref>{{cite book|author=Madras (India : State)|author2=B. S. Baliga (Rao Bahadur)|title=Tamil Nadu district gazetteers|publisher=Printed by the Superintendent, Govt. Press|year=2002|page=166}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/pine-forest-kodaikanal|title=Pine forest|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222180735/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/pine-forest-kodaikanal|url-status=live}}</ref> Pillar rocks are two {{convert|122|m|abbr=on}} high rock-formations situated {{convert|7|km|abbr=on}} from the Kodaikanal lake.<ref name="OL"/> Shenbaganur museum is located {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}} from the Kodaikanal lake and has an orchidarium along with an archaeological museum.<ref name="OL"/> Silver Cascade is a {{convert|100|ft|abbr=on}} waterfall formed by the overflowing waters of the Kodaikanal lake, located {{convert|8|km|abbr=on}} ahead of town.<ref name="OL"/> Located on the outskirts of Kodaikanal, [[Guna Caves|Guna caves]], made popular by the Tamil movie [[Gunaa]] and previously called Devil's Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the gigantic boulders that are the pillar rocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/guna-caves|title=Guna caves|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173356/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/guna-caves|url-status=live}}</ref>
Almost all distances from Kodaikanal are calculated with the lake as the central point of reference.


The nearest airports are as follows:
[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]], {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at {{convert|2343|m}} is the highest location near Kodaikanal. The first observations were commenced here in 1901.<ref name="SO">{{cite web|work=Indian Institute of Astrophysics|access-date=13 March 2007|url=http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai|title=A Brief History, Solar Observatory at Kodaikanal|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717041929/http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai|url-status=live}}</ref> Former Director [[John Evershed]] discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in [[sunspot]]s, now known as the [[Evershed effect]]. The Kodaikanal [[Refracting telescope|Terrestrial Telescope]] can view a grand panorama including Sothupparai Dam, [[Vaigai Dam]], Periyakulam and Varaha river. This [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]] facility has a comprehensive [[Astronomy|astronomical]] [[science museum]] with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing.<ref name="SO"/>
* [[Madurai International Airport]] ({{convert|115|km|disp=or}})
* [[Coimbatore International Airport]] ({{convert|170|km|disp=or}})
* [[Tiruchirapalli International Airport]] ({{convert|197|km|disp=or}})
* [[Tuticorin Airport]] ({{convert|262|km|disp=or}})


===Train===
==Environmental pollution==
The nearest railway stations are [[Palani railway station|Palani]] Station ({{convert|64|km|disp=or}}) north, [[Kodaikanal Road railway station|Kodaikanal Road]] Station ({{convert|80|km|disp=or}}) south east, [[Oddanchatram]] Railway Station ({{convert|90|km|disp=or}}) north east, [[Dindigul]] Junction ({{convert|100|km|disp=or}}) east,<ref>Kodaionline,  [https://web.archive.org/web/20070420092925/http://www.kodaionline.com/Travel.php Kodaikanal Travel Mode], 2008</ref> and [[Madurai Junction]] ({{convert|114|km|disp=or}}) nearly east.<ref>http://distancebetween2.com/,  [http://distancebetween2.com/madurai/kodaikanal Kodaikanal Travel Mode] 2015</ref>
{{see|Kodaikanal Mercury Poisoning}}


===Bus===
In 1983, a second-hand mercury thermometer factory was relocated from [[New York (state)|New York]] to Kodaikanal. The factory, owned by [[Unilever]], was shut down in 2001 over allegations of mercury contamination and serious environmental violations.<ref name="IE">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/feb/09/heavy-metal-book-on-kodaikanal-mercury-poisoning-catastrophe-to-release-on-february-10-2545881.html|title=Heavy metal book on Kodaikanal mercury poisoning catastrophe|date=9 February 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710140945/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/feb/09/heavy-metal-book-on-kodaikanal-mercury-poisoning-catastrophe-to-release-on-february-10-2545881.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By the time the factory was closed, air and water-borne [[Mercury (element)#Toxicity and safety|mercury emissions]] had already contaminated large areas of the town including the Kodaikanal Lake and the surrounding forests. The dispersed contaminants are projected to remain in the soil for centuries.<ref>{{cite news|date=23 August 2007|title=Prevent mercury pollution|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352980300.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104021328/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352980300.htm |archive-date=4 November 2007|orig-year=23 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mercury-may-be-present-in-kodaikanal-forest-soil-for-centuries/article66661779.ece|title=Mercury may be present in Kodaikanal forest soil for centuries|date=26 March 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724055138/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mercury-may-be-present-in-kodaikanal-forest-soil-for-centuries/article66661779.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> A committee was appointed by the [[Ministry of Labour and Employment (India)|ministry of labour]] in 2011 to investigate the issue. The committee estimated that about 11.2 tonnes of mercury could have been dispersed into the air and disposed as waste from the thermometer factory.<ref name="IE"/>
From [[Madurai]] Aarappalayam bus stand and [[Batlagundu]] frequent bus services are available. Buses are also available from Palani, Oddanchatram, Kodairoad, and Dindigul.


There are '''two main bus routes''' to reach Kodaikanal – [[Palani]] and [[Batlagundu]].
Initially, Unilever denied dumping the wastes, denied compensation for the workers affected by the mercury poisoning and refused to take up the responsibility of cleaning up the contaminated soil.<ref name="IA">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/kodaikanal-mercury-contamination-unilever-pays-settlement-workers-312550-2016-03-09|title=Kodaikanal mercury contamination: Why Unilever is paying settlement to its 591 workers|date=10 March 2016|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[India Today]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173347/https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/kodaikanal-mercury-contamination-unilever-pays-settlement-workers-312550-2016-03-09|url-status=live}}</ref> After years of legal proceedings in the [[Madras High Court]], Unilever agreed to compensate the workers in 2016.<ref name="IA"/> Site remediation studies were undertaken by various national bodies to assess the clean-up that required to be done.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Kodaikanal-mercury-poisoning-case-and-Hindustan-Unilever/article59784547.ece|title=Ensure a credible clean-up in Kodaikanal|date=17 November 2021|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173347/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Kodaikanal-mercury-poisoning-case-and-Hindustan-Unilever/article59784547.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Following an order of the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] and the [[National Green Tribunal]] in 2018, Unilever was asked to carry out site remediation work. The company began removing the hazardous materials in 2021. Several complaints were raised by the locals and non-governmental organizations that the company was flouting procedural norms, while Unilever denied these allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/Jun/24/hindustan-unilever-begins-mercury-remediation-work-in-kodaikanal-activists-allege-violations-2320967.html|title=Hindustan Unilever begins mercury remediation work in Kodaikanal, activists allege violations|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=25 June 2021|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>


The 2–3-hour drive to Kodaikanal via the steep and winding [[Ghat Roads|Ghat roads]] from [[Palani]], [[Oddanchatram]] or [[Batlagundu]] is a memorable experience. Travellers may stop at turnouts on the road and view the [[Palani]] [[hills]].<ref>Dindugal District Collectors Office, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm About Dindugal District] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420072113/http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm |date=20 April 2007 }}</ref> There is a {{convert|49|km|adj=on}} shortcut road from [[Periyakulam]] to Kodaikanal via [[Kumbakarai]] and Adukkam.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
The [[Government of Tamil Nadu|state government]] has banned the usage of plastic bags due to the pollution caused by them to the fragile ecosystem.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seal Kodaikanal shops using single-use plastic|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/96896311.cms|date=11 January 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==In popular culture==
<gallery>
Kodaikanal has been the location for many movie shootings including  ''[[Darling, Darling, Darling]]'' (1982), [[Welcome to Kodaikanal]] (1992). ''[[Guna (film)|Guna]]'' (1991), ''[[Manjummel Boys]]'' and ''[[Rasavathi]]'' (2024) <ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/what-a-hit-film-can-teach-us-about-saving-our-hill-stations/|title=What a hit film can teach us about saving our hill stations|date=30 March 2024|access-date=1 April 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=1 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401014003/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/what-a-hit-film-can-teach-us-about-saving-our-hill-stations/|url-status=live}}</ref>
File:Boating in Kodaikanal Lake.jpg|Boating in Kodaikanal lake
File:Kodaikanal Hills as seen from Roadside.jpg|Kodaikanal Hills as seen from Roadside.
File:Bryant Park in Kodaikanal.jpg|Bryant Park
File:Colorful dresses .jpg|Colorful dresses on Coaker's Walk
File:Upper Lake View, Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu, India.jpg|Upper Lake View, Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu, India
File:View from Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu, India.jpg|View from Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu, India
File:View from Sucide Point, Kodikanal.jpg|View from Suicide Point, Kodaikanal, TamilNadu, India
File:FlamingWaters.jpg|Flaming Waters by Remya Kumar (Artist Depiction of sunset near the boat house in Kodaikanal Lake)
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
Line 535: Line 318:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* [[Charlotte C. Wyckoff|Charlotte Chandler Wyckoff]]: ''Kodaikanal: 1845-1945.'' London Mission Press, Nagercoil, Travancore, Indien. 1945.
* [[Charlotte C. Wyckoff|Charlotte Chandler Wyckoff]]: ''Kodaikanal: 1845-1945.'' London Mission Press, Nagercoil, Travancore, Indien. 1945. [https://archive.org/embed/KODAI1845195]
* Nora Mitchell: ''The Indian Hill Station Kodaikanal''. Research paper, University of Chicago, Department of Geography, No. 141. Chicago Ill., 1972.
* Nora Mitchell: ''The Indian Hill Station Kodaikanal''. Research paper, University of Chicago, Department of Geography, No. 141. Chicago Ill., 1972.
* Volker Winkler: ''Kodaikanal. Land of the Clouds''. Hillsboro Press, Franklin (Tennessee) 1999.
* Volker Winkler: ''Kodaikanal. Land of the Clouds''. Hillsboro Press, Franklin (Tennessee) 1999.


==External links==
==External links==
*{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Kodaikanal |volume=15 |short=x}}
{{Commons category|Kodaikanal}}
*{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Kodaikanal|volume=15|short=x}}
{{Wikivoyage|Kodaikanal}}


{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Dindigul District}}
{{Dindigul District}}
{{Tourism in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


Latest revision as of 00:28, 28 March 2026

Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal Lake
Terrace farming
Bryant Park
Coaker's Walk
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Pillar Rocks
Nickname: 
Princess of Hill Stations[1]
Kodaikanal is located in Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal
Location in Tamil Nadu, India
Coordinates: 10°14′N 77°29′E / 10.23°N 77.48°E / 10.23; 77.48
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictDindigul
TalukKodaikanal
Established1845
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • BodyKodaikanal Municipality
 • ChairmanP. Chelladurai (DMK)
Area
 • Total21.45 km2 (8.28 sq mi)
Elevation
2,133 m (6,998 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total36,501
Languages
 • OfficialTamil and English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
624101
Telephone code04542
Vehicle registrationTN-57, TN-94
Precipitation1,650 mm (65 in)
Sex ratioM 51% F 49% ♂/♀
Literacy89.5% (2011)
Avg. summer temperature19.8 °C (67.6 °F)
Avg. winter temperature8.3 °C (46.9 °F)
Websitewww.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/

Kodaikanal (ko-DYE-KAH-null, ta) is a municipality and hill station in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,225 m (7,300 ft) in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. Kodaikanal was established in 1845 to serve as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases during the summer in the plains. It is a popular tourist destination and is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" with much of the local economy is based on the hospitality industry serving tourism. As per the 2011 census, the city had a population of 36,501.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The word Kodaikanal is an amalgamation of two Tamil language words: kodai meaning "gift" and kanal meaning "forest" translating to "gift of the forest".[2]

History[edit | edit source]

The earliest references to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills are found in Tamil Sangam literature.[3] Tamil composition Kuṟuntokai, the second book of the anthology Ettuthokai, mentions the mountainous geographic region (thinai) of Kurinji. The region is associated with Hindu god Murugan and is described as a forest with lakes, waterfalls and trees like teak, bamboo and sandalwood.[4] The name of the region, Kurinji, derives from the name of the famous flower Kurinji found only in the hills and the occupants of the region were tribal people whose prime occupations were hunting, honey harvesting and millet cultivation.[5][6] The hills were populated by the Palaiyar tribal people.[7]

Coakers Walk in 1900

In 1821, a British Lieutenant, B. S. Ward, climbed up from his headquarters in the Kunnavan village to Kodaikanal to survey the area and reported of beautiful hills with a healthy climate with about 4,000 people living in well-structured villages.[8] In 1834, J.C Wroughten, then revenue collector of Madura and C. R. Cotton, a member of the Madras Presidency's board of revenue, climbed up the hills from Devadanapatti.[9] In 1836, botanist Robert Wight visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations in the 1837 Madras Journal of Literature and Science.[10] In 1852, Major J. M. Partridge of the Bombay Army built a house and was the person to settle there.[9] In 1853, only six to seven houses were there when then Governor of Madras Presidency Charles Trevelyan visited in 1860.[11] In 1862, American missionary David Coit Scudder arrived.[9] In 1863, acting on a suggestion of Vere Levinge, then collector of Madurai, an artificial lake was formed.[11]

In 1867, Major J. M. Partridge imported Australian eucalyptus and wattle trees and in 1872, Lt. Coaker cut a path along the steep south east facing ridge which overlooks the plains below and prepared a descriptive map the region.[12][13] In the later half of the 19th century, it became a regular summer retreat for American missionaries and other European diplomats as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.[14][15] In 1901, the first observations commenced at the Kodaikanal Observatory.[16] In 1909, the area had developed into a small town with 151 houses and a functioning post office, churches, clubs, schools and shops.[14] In 1914, the ghat road was completed.[11] It continued to serve as a summer retreat during the British Raj and became a popular hill station later.[1]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Topographic map (1955)

The town sits on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the upper Palani Hills at 2,225 metres (7,300 ft), between the Parappar and Gundar valleys.[15] These hills form the eastward spur of the Western Ghats on the western side of South India.[17] It has an irregular basin as its heartland, the center of which is now Kodaikanal Lake. The lake is a man-made lake of circumference 5 kilometres (3.1 mi), formed by blocking three water streams in 1863.[11][18]

North of the town, high hills slope down into the villages and on the east, the hill slopes less abruptly into the lower Palani. A precipitous escarpment facing the Cumbum valley is on the south with a plateau leading to Manjampatti Valley in the Anamalai Hills in the west. There are many streams and waterfalls.

Flora and fauna[edit | edit source]

Native vegetation includes Kurinji flower that blooms once in 12 years.

In 1836, botanist Robert Wight visited Kodaikanal and recorded over 100 plant specimens.[10] In 1861, Douglas Hamilton recorded 114 species of birds in Kodaikanal.[19] In 1867, W T Blanford described a new species Callene albiventris of White-bellied blue robin, obtained by Samuel Fairbank from the Palani Hills.[20] The native vegetation consisted of Meadows and grasslands on the hillsides with shola forests in the valleys. When the British established the town, big invasive species of pine, wattle and eucalyptus were planted and they became the dominant species replacing the native shola forests.[12][21] There are numerous pear trees with flowering rhododendron and magnolia trees.[11] Kurinji flower that blooms only once in 12 years is unique to the town.[1]

Nilgiri Tahrs were reported in the open grasslands in the region in the 19th century.[21] Other major fauna include Indian elephant, Indian gaur and Flying squirrel. There are many species of butterflies also found in the region.[22] After multiple proposals over the years, the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary was notified by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2013 and covers over 700 km2 (270 sq mi).[22][23] The lake has various introduced fishes.[18]

Climate[edit | edit source]

Kodaikanal has a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate (Cwb, according to the Köppen climate classification, bordering on Cfb). The temperatures remain cool throughout the year due to the high elevation.

Climate data for Kodaikanal (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 25.4
(77.7) 		24.7
(76.5) 		26.7
(80.1) 		26.1
(79.0) 		27.8
(82.0) 		25.1
(77.2) 		23.9
(75.0) 		22.9
(73.2) 		22.8
(73.0) 		22.7
(72.9) 		23.4
(74.1) 		24.5
(76.1) 		27.8
(82.0)
Average high °C (°F) 18.6
(65.5) 		19.4
(66.9) 		20.8
(69.4) 		21.0
(69.8) 		21.2
(70.2) 		19.4
(66.9) 		18.1
(64.6) 		18.2
(64.8) 		18.6
(65.5) 		17.9
(64.2) 		16.9
(62.4) 		17.4
(63.3) 		19.0
(66.2)
Average low °C (°F) 8.8
(47.8) 		9.1
(48.4) 		10.7
(51.3) 		12.1
(53.8) 		13.0
(55.4) 		12.4
(54.3) 		11.9
(53.4) 		11.8
(53.2) 		11.7
(53.1) 		11.2
(52.2) 		10.3
(50.5) 		9.4
(48.9) 		11.0
(51.8)
Record low °C (°F) 2.7
(36.9) 		3.8
(38.8) 		4.4
(39.9) 		6.1
(43.0) 		7.8
(46.0) 		5.0
(41.0) 		8.6
(47.5) 		8.3
(46.9) 		8.3
(46.9) 		5.6
(42.1) 		3.9
(39.0) 		2.8
(37.0) 		2.7
(36.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 22.0
(0.87) 		37.2
(1.46) 		49.0
(1.93) 		122.5
(4.82) 		144.1
(5.67) 		89.1
(3.51) 		101.9
(4.01) 		156.1
(6.15) 		199.8
(7.87) 		269.6
(10.61) 		259.9
(10.23) 		127.6
(5.02) 		1,578.7
(62.15)
Average rainy days 1.6 1.6 3.5 7.6 9.2 8.7 8.2 9.8 11.3 14.0 11.2 6.1 92.8
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 74 72 69 79 84 87 88 88 88 89 88 80 82
Mean monthly sunshine hours 248.0 220.4 235.6 210.0 192.2 117.0 99.2 114.7 114.0 124.0 132.0 158.1 1,965.2
Mean daily sunshine hours 8.0 7.8 7.6 7.0 6.2 3.9 3.2 3.7 3.8 4.0 4.4 5.1 5.4
Source: India Meteorological Department (sun 1971–2000)[24][25][26][27]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

According to the 2011 census, Kodaikanal had a population of 36,501 with a sex-ratio of 1,004 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.[28] A total of 3,893 were under the age of six, constituting 1,945 males and 1,948 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 19.86% and .28% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city was 79.78%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[28] The town had a total of 9,442 households. There were a total of 14,103 workers, comprising 163 cultivators, 744 main agricultural labourers, 130 in household industries, 12,118 other workers, 948 marginal workers, 10 marginal cultivators, 51 marginal agricultural labourers, 34 marginal workers in household industries and 853 other marginal workers.[29] As per the religious census of 2011, Kodaikanal had 48.8% Hindus, 12% Muslims, 38.7% Christians, 0.5% following other religions or did not indicate any religious preference.[30]

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Kodaikanal predominantly depends on tourism with about 3.2 million tourists visiting in 2009.[31] Changes are made every year in the summer in preparation for the peak tourist season with major roads converted into one-way lanes to regulate the constant inflow of traffic and special police are brought in for the safety of the tourists and protection of local businesses. Plums, pears, peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic and onions are cultivated by terrace farmers in surrounding villages and are trucked to the market.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Kodaikanal is administered by the Kodaikanal municipality, established in 1899. It became a Grade Two municipality in 1960, upgraded to first grade in the year 1975 and Selection Grade in 1983. It is a Special Grade Municipality with effect from 31 May 1994. The Municipal Council has 24 wards.[32] There is a government run hospital and a few private centers, which are not equipped for complicated diagnoses and surgery.[33]

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Ghat road in the early 1900s

Early travelers traveled 50 kilometers (31 mi) by bullock cart and then the last 18 kilometers (11 mi) journey to Kodaikanal was undertaken by foot, horse, or palanquins with hired coolies. In 1854, an improved 16 kilometers (9.9 mi) bridle path was built and was extended up to Kodaikanal in 1878. Engineer Major G. C. Law was deputed to study and submit a plan to build a motor-able road to the hills and the road was finally completed in 1914 and opened for public traffic in 1916.[34] The road is currently designated as SH-156 with a length of 52.4 kilometers (32.6 mi) and starts at the intersection with Grand Southern Trunk Road (NH-45), about 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) west of Batlagundu. Also, during World War II, the Kodaikanal–Munnar Road, an evacuation road from Kodaikanal along the hillcrest to Top Station and Munnar was built, which was abandoned in 1990.[35] The two main road routes to reach Kodaikanal are via Palani and Batlagundu.[36] Bus services are operated by the state owned Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC).

In 1875, the Indian Railways extended its line from Chennai to Tirunelveli and a train station named Kodaikanal Road to facilitate visits to Kodaikanal.[37] The nearest railway stations are Palani (64 kilometres or 40 miles) and Kodaikanal Road (80 kilometres or 50 miles). The nearest major rail-head is Madurai Junction (114 kilometres or 71 miles) in the east. The Kodaikanal-Gudalur Railway line was under the contemplation from 1889 with the first survey in 1897 and several surveys till 1920. In 1922, the district board of Madurai initiated the Government to cancel the sanction of the railway line.[38] The nearest airports are Madurai International Airport (115 kilometres or 71 miles) and Coimbatore International Airport (170 kilometres or 110 miles) with regular flights from/to major domestic destinations and international destinations like Sharjah, Colombo and Singapore.[39]

Education[edit | edit source]

Kodaikanal comes under the Vaththalagundu educational district. The town has a government school and many private schools. There are a few colleges, major of which is the Kodaikanal Christian College and Mother Teresa Women's University.[40]

Tourism and recreation[edit | edit source]

Kodaikanal Lake is one of the most popular geographic landmarks

Kodaikanal has several clubs and civil society organizations operating for social, charitable and environmental goals. Established clubs in Kodaikanal include Kodaikanal Boat Club (1890), Kodaikanal Golf Club (1895), Indian Club (1915), Kodaikanal Lions Club (1985) and Rotary Club. In 1890, the Kodaikanal Missionary Union (KMU) was formed to enable missionaries of various denominations to come together for recreation and in 1923 it built an Edwardian style clubhouse, which was handed over to Kodaikanal International School in the 1980s.[41] Kodaikanal has several social service societies which promote local trade including the Kodaikanal People Development Group (KOPDEG), which has been successful in providing employment for marginalized women and marketing their products.[42] The cottage crafts shop at Anna Salai is run by the voluntary organization, Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai (CORSOK) and the Potter's Shed, selling locally made pottery was established in 1994.[43] Kodaikanal Lake Protection Council and Vattakkanal Organization for Youth, Community and Environment (VOYCE) are organizations involved in preserving Kodaikanal's environment.

There are many Hindu temples, mosques and churches. Kuzhanthai Velappar temple is believed to have been built three thousand years ago by the Cheras and consists of a Murugan idol made of Dashabashanam (10 metal alloys) believed to have been conscreated by Bhogar.[44] Kurinji Andavar Temple which takes its name from the indigenous Kurinji flower that blooms once in 12 years at the location, was built in 1924 and is dedicated to Lord Murugan.[45][46] La Saleth Church is a church dedicated to Virgin Mary, located near Coaker’s Walk.[47]

Silver Cascade waterfall

Kodaikanal Lake is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45-hectare (110-acre) lake built in 1863 and is Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction with rowboats and pedalos that can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club.[48] Berijam Lake is an artificial lake located 22 km (14 mi) from Kodaikanal.[49] Bear Shola falls is a waterfall located about 3 km (1.9 mi) from Kodaikanal inside the forest with the water flow rate varying depending on the monsoons.[46] Bryant Park is a landscaped park on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, is named after the British officer who founded it and hosts an annual flower show in May.[46] Coaker's Walk is a 1 km (0.62 mi) walkway constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872 running along the edge of slopes on the south from which there is an unhindered view of the valley and plains below.[13] Dolphin Nose is a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the valley and can be reached by a 3 km (1.9 mi) trek on an unguarded narrow path.[46]

Green valley view is located 5 km (3.1 mi) from the Kodaikanal lake and offers a view of the Vaigai dam located below.[46] In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, H.D. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal and the Pine forests have become a tourist attraction.[50][51] Pillar rocks are two 122 m (400 ft) high rock-formations situated 7 km (4.3 mi) from the Kodaikanal lake.[46] Shenbaganur museum is located 5 km (3.1 mi) from the Kodaikanal lake and has an orchidarium along with an archaeological museum.[46] Silver Cascade is a 100 ft (30 m) waterfall formed by the overflowing waters of the Kodaikanal lake, located 8 km (5.0 mi) ahead of town.[46] Located on the outskirts of Kodaikanal, Guna caves, made popular by the Tamil movie Gunaa and previously called Devil's Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the gigantic boulders that are the pillar rocks.[52]

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at 2,343 metres (7,687 ft) is the highest location near Kodaikanal. The first observations were commenced here in 1901.[16] Former Director John Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand panorama including Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river. This Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility has a comprehensive astronomical science museum with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing.[16]

Environmental pollution[edit | edit source]

Further information: Kodaikanal Mercury Poisoning

In 1983, a second-hand mercury thermometer factory was relocated from New York to Kodaikanal. The factory, owned by Unilever, was shut down in 2001 over allegations of mercury contamination and serious environmental violations.[53] By the time the factory was closed, air and water-borne mercury emissions had already contaminated large areas of the town including the Kodaikanal Lake and the surrounding forests. The dispersed contaminants are projected to remain in the soil for centuries.[54][55] A committee was appointed by the ministry of labour in 2011 to investigate the issue. The committee estimated that about 11.2 tonnes of mercury could have been dispersed into the air and disposed as waste from the thermometer factory.[53]

Initially, Unilever denied dumping the wastes, denied compensation for the workers affected by the mercury poisoning and refused to take up the responsibility of cleaning up the contaminated soil.[56] After years of legal proceedings in the Madras High Court, Unilever agreed to compensate the workers in 2016.[56] Site remediation studies were undertaken by various national bodies to assess the clean-up that required to be done.[57] Following an order of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal in 2018, Unilever was asked to carry out site remediation work. The company began removing the hazardous materials in 2021. Several complaints were raised by the locals and non-governmental organizations that the company was flouting procedural norms, while Unilever denied these allegations.[58]

The state government has banned the usage of plastic bags due to the pollution caused by them to the fragile ecosystem.[59]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Kodaikanal has been the location for many movie shootings including Darling, Darling, Darling (1982), Welcome to Kodaikanal (1992). Guna (1991), Manjummel Boys and Rasavathi (2024) [60]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Kodaikanal". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  2. ↑ "Reasons that make Kodaikanal a perfect monsoon travel destination". The Times of India. 16 May 2018. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  3. ↑ Nora, Mitchell. Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal. University of Chicago. p. 97.
  4. ↑ Hoole R., Charles (1993). Modern Sannyasins, Parallel Society and Hindu Replications: A Study of the Protestant Contribution to Tamil Culture in Nineteenth Century Sri Lanka against a Historical Background. McMaster University. pp. 71–74, 77.
  5. ↑ Chattopadhyaya, Brajadulal (2009). A Social History of Early India. Pearson Education India. p. 33. ISBN 978-8-1317-1958-9.
  6. ↑ Hanumanthan, Krishnaswamy Ranaganathan (1979). Untouchability: A Historical Study Upto 1500 A.D. : with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu. Koodal Publishers. pp. 123–124.
  7. ↑ Thurston, E. (1909). Castes and Tribes of South India. Vol IV. Madras: Government press.
  8. ↑ Ward, Capt. B.S. (1837). Memoir of the Vuragherry and Kunnandaven Mountains. Madras Journal of literature and Science. p. 280. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Shahul, Ameer (2023). Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal. Pan Macmillan. ISBN 978-9-3907-4202-8.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Wight, Robert. Observations on the Pulney Mountains. Vol. 5. Madras Journal. p. 280.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 "The declining Kodai". Frontline. 26 May 1989. p. 74-81. Archived from the original on 4 March 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Einhellinger, Birgit (2016). Regeneration of Indigenous Shola Species Under Exotic Pine Plantations in the Palni Hills, South India. GRIN Verlag. ISBN 978-3-6682-3874-9.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Coakers walk". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Crossette, Barbara (1999). The Great Hill Stations of Asia. Basic Books. ISBN 978-0-4650-1488-0.[permanent dead link]
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Kodaikanal". Britannica. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "A Brief History, Solar Observatory at Kodaikanal". Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
  17. ↑ Mohan, V. R.; Tresina, P. S.; Doss, A. (2019). Nutritional, Antinutritional, and Nutraceutical Aspects. Apple Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-4296-6308-6.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Kodaikanal history". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  19. ↑ Management plan (PDF) (Report). Government of Kerala. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  20. ↑ Blanford, WT (1867). "On a new species of Callene from the Pulney Hills in Southern India". Proc. Zool. Soc. London: 832–834.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "The Next Big Thing". Sanctuary Asia. 6 June 2006. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  23. ↑ "A sanctuary and many challenges". The Hindu. 28 October 2015. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  24. ↑ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  25. ↑ "Station: Kodaikanal Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 419–420. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  26. ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M197. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  27. ↑ "Table 3 Monthly mean duration of Sun Shine (hours) at different locations in India" (PDF). Daily Normals of Global & Diffuse Radiation (1971–2000). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  29. ↑ "Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Kodaikanal". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  30. ↑ "Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2011. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  31. ↑ S. Molur; K.G. Smith; B.A. Daniel; W.R.T. Darwall (2001). Tourism in forest areas of Western Ghats (PDF). Bangalore. p. 82. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 December 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  32. ↑ "Kodaikanal, urban administration". Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  33. ↑ "Kodaikanal, hospitals". Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  34. ↑ "Kodaikanal — History". Kodaikanal.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  35. ↑ Bradnock, Roma & Bob (2000). "Kodaikanal". South India handbook: the travel guide. Bath, England: Footprint Handbooks. p. 171. ISBN 1-900949-81-4.
  36. ↑ "About Kodaikanal". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  37. ↑ "Historical Moments". Kodaikanal Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply. Archived from the original on 24 March 2009.
  38. ↑ Lok Sabha debates, 1959 (PDF) (Report). Government of India. p. 112. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023..
  39. ↑ "Coimbatore Airport". airportsindia.org. Archived from the original on 4 August 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  40. ↑ "Tamil Nadu Governor Appoints K Kala As Vice-Chancellor Of Mother Teresa Women's University". NDTV. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  41. ↑ Heideman, Eugene P. (2001). From Mission to Church: The Reformed Church in America Mission to India. Eerdmans Publishing. p. 348. ISBN 978-0-8028-4900-7.
  42. ↑ "Kodaikanal People Development Group". Archived from the original on 4 February 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
  43. ↑ "Potter's Shed, Kodaikanal". Bethania. Archived from the original on 25 August 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  44. ↑ "Kuzhanthai Velappar temple". Dinamalar (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  45. ↑ "Honouring the Kurinji". The Hindu. 4 May 2015. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 46.6 46.7 "Kodaikanal naturally beautiful". Outlook. September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  47. ↑ "The Shrine of La Saleth - Kodai's French Connection". The Kodai Chronicle. 4 December 2022. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  48. ↑ "Kodaikanal Lake". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  49. ↑ "Berijam Lake". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  50. ↑ Madras (India : State); B. S. Baliga (Rao Bahadur) (2002). Tamil Nadu district gazetteers. Printed by the Superintendent, Govt. Press. p. 166.
  51. ↑ "Pine forest". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  52. ↑ "Guna caves". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "Heavy metal book on Kodaikanal mercury poisoning catastrophe". The New Indian Express. 9 February 2023. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  54. ↑ "Prevent mercury pollution". The Hindu. 23 August 2007 [23 August 2007]. Archived from the original on 4 November 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  55. ↑ "Mercury may be present in Kodaikanal forest soil for centuries". The Hindu. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Kodaikanal mercury contamination: Why Unilever is paying settlement to its 591 workers". India Today. 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  57. ↑ "Ensure a credible clean-up in Kodaikanal". The Hindu. 17 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  58. ↑ "Hindustan Unilever begins mercury remediation work in Kodaikanal, activists allege violations". The New Indian Express. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  59. ↑ "Seal Kodaikanal shops using single-use plastic". The Times of India. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  60. ↑ "What a hit film can teach us about saving our hill stations". The Times of India. 30 March 2024. Archived from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Charlotte Chandler Wyckoff: Kodaikanal: 1845-1945. London Mission Press, Nagercoil, Travancore, Indien. 1945. [1]
  • Nora Mitchell: The Indian Hill Station Kodaikanal. Research paper, University of Chicago, Department of Geography, No. 141. Chicago Ill., 1972.
  • Volker Winkler: Kodaikanal. Land of the Clouds. Hillsboro Press, Franklin (Tennessee) 1999.

External links[edit | edit source]


Template:Dindigul District Template:Tourism in Tamil Nadu

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