Kodaikanal

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
skyline= Lake_Kodaikanal.jpg
native_name = Kodaikanal | type = city | latd = 10.23 | longd = 77.48
locator_position = right
inset_

inset_map_size = 75px
inset_map_x = 160px
inset_map_y = 205px
inset_map_marker =
inset_map_marker_size = 4x4px
inset_map_default = Tamil Nadu | state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Dindigul
leader_title = Deputy Commissioner
leader_name = Tmt. R.Vasuki, I.A.S.
altitude =2133
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 32931| population_density =
area_magnitude=
area_total = 21.45
area_telephone = 240 - 242
postal_code = 624601
vehicle_code_range = TN 57
sex_ratio = M 51% F 49%
unlocode =
website = www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm| footnotes = e-mail: [e-mail]

Kodaikanal (also known as Kodai) is a city and a Taluk division of Dindigul district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and is a popular tourist destination. Much of the local economy is Hospitality industry based on national and international tourism. Kodaikanal was established by American missionaries around 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. The exhilarating ambience and the salubrious climate of Kodaikanal attract thousands of tourists from far and wide nowadays.

History

Kodaikanal, meaning "The Forest of Creepers" [ [http://books.google.com/books?id=yvNWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA482&dq=point+calimere&ei=JsDVSM7oFYGCywSH64XIAw&client=safari#PPA583,M1 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 Jan 29, 2008] , was discovered by Westerners in the early 19th century. British Lieutenant, Ward, first spotted Kodaikanal in 1821. In 1845, the first two bungalows, "Sunny Side" and "Shelton" were built by American missionaries with the help of an Englishman, Mr.Fane. Later many American and British families visited and decided to remain in the pristine hill station, as the weather reminded them of that at home. It also became a summer retreat for many European diplomats who came here primarily to escape the sweltering summer of the plains. However, it was only in the 20th century that a few elite Indians came to realise the value of this enchanting hill station and started relocating here. Amongst the current Indian locals, there are often discussions about how their ancestors trekked and climbed the mystic hills, from the villages in the foothills. It sometimes took them up to two full days to scale the steep valleys, braving attacks from wild animals and eventually reaching the summit of what is now Kodaikanal market, basically to sell their produce from the plains.

The Kodai Lake was laid out in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge who was then the Collector of Madurai. The lake was originally stocked with fish from the local streams. In 1890, the first Boat Club was formed and today there are three different Boat Clubs with a variety of boats available on hire. Surprisingly, pictures taken in Kodaikanal during the early years of its foundation show the area around the lake with very few trees and a marshy landscape because the manmade lake had no bunds. Today, with an excellent paved path around it and strict municipal laws against construction near the lake, Kodai lake is as pristine as ever.

Geography

The town of Kodaikanal sits astride on the southern summit of the upper Palnis, 2133 metres msl., between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys of the Palni Hills that form the eastward spur of the Western Ghats on the Western side of South India, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It has an irregular basin as its heartland at the centre of which lies the lake with a 5 kilometre circumference. High hills that slope down into the villages of Pallangi and Vilpatti stand guard on the north of the town. On the east the hill slopes abruptly into the lower Palnis. The precipitous slope facing the Cumbum Valley is on the south and the plateau leading to the body of the Western Ghats is on the west.

The charm of Kodaikanal lies in the vast and placid waters of the Kodaikanal Lake, the meadows and grasslands that cover the slopes of hills, the gigantic trees and the shola forests that flourish in the valleys, the mighty rocks and creeks that rise up from the valleys, the cascading streams and waterfalls and the ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in glorious colours. The synthesis of these factors with the hospitality of the host community is a unique experience that will beckon the visitors time and time again.

Economy

Since the economy of Kodaikanal is predominantly run by tourism, the infrastructure of this quaint little town is quickly altered 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. Hotels are almost always fully booked during the high season, and remain virtually empty during the off-season. However, due to the rapid development of the cities like Madurai which are in close proximity to Kodaikanal, the town is starting to enjoy year-round tourism. During the low season period the town becomes a tranquil paradise with its splendid rustic ambience returning as the urban tourists leave.

Hotels & Restaurants

There are at least 50 hotels catering to all categories of tourists and over 30 south & north Indian, continental, western and Chinese restaurants, not including the many small eateries and tea stalls.

Banks

There are eight major banks: Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Kodaikanal Urban Bank, State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. Almost all of these banks are located in the centre of the town and have ATM facilities.

Hospitals

Although Kodaikanal is a wonderful holiday destination, it is not a place with a commendable medical infrastructure. The two major medical facilities are the Van Allen Hospital and the Government Hospital. While they can assist and treat patients with mild ailments, they are not equipped with modern medical instruments for complicated surgeries.

Places of worship

Since it is believed Kodaikanal was founded by the American and European Missionaries, praiseworthy churches are abundant in Kodaikanal. They include the Sacred Heart, Munjikal, St. Francis Xavier, Gorapur, St. Mary's, La Salette, St. Joseph's, Lutheran Mission and Lake End church. Amongst the most popular ones, Margaret Eddy Memorial Chapel (Kodai International School's chapel) has a distintive stone architecture with lively services in a typically American style every Sunday.

There are many Hindu Temples in Kodaikanal including the Kurinji Andavar temple (a popular tourist attraction), Mariamman, Vinayagar and Murugan Temples. The only two mosques for Muslims are Ellis Villa and Munjikal mosques.

Clubs and Societies

Established clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club "(estd. 1985)" under the jurisdiction of Lions Clubs International "(dt. 324B)", Kodaikanal Boat Club "(estd. 1890)" has nearly 650 permanent members. Kodaikanal Golf Club "(estd. 1895)" has 18 holes, spread over 143 acres and The Indian Club "(estd. 1915)" on Poet Thyagarajar road. [Kodaikanal General Information, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.kodaikanal.com/generalinformation.htm Hotels/Restaurants, Banks, Hospitals, Schools, Temple, Recreation] ]

Kodaikanal also has societies like Kodaikanal People Development Group (KOPDEG) [ [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm Kodaikanal People Development Group] ] which have been extremely successful in providing employment for marginalized women and finding a market for 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. Of late, many such organizations have mushroomed, promoting local trade and encouraging the rural villages in the town's periphery to participate in its growth fueled by tourism. The local council is also active in preserving Kodaikanal's environment. Plastic bags are banned and almost all shops and even roadside vendors heed the rule and use recycled paper bags in fear of a social reprisal. Local hotels have also participated in creating environmental awareness by placing garbage cans all across the town, with their prominent "donated by" signs acting as silent salesmen.

Distances

The nearest airports are Madurai (135 km), Trichy (200km) and Coimbatore (170 km). The nearest Railway stations are Palani Railway Station (64 km) north, Kodai Road Station (80 km) south east and Dindigul Railway Junction (100 km) east. The 2 - 3 hours drive to Kodai by bus or taxi via the Ghat roads is a fantastic experience. Travelers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills. [Dindugal District Collectors Office, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm About Dindugal District] ] There is a 28 km shortcut from Periyakulam to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai under construction. Bicycle rentals, taxis, vans and limited city buses are available. Rickshaws are not available.

Places of Interest

Kodaikanal is particularly popular as a romantic destination for newlyweds. An artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha "(60 acres)" lake built in 1863 is located close to the centre of town. The Kodai Lake, as it is called, is instantly recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Almost all distances in Kodaikanal are calculated with the lake as the pivotal point of reference. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club with its main entrance near the Carlton Hotel. Horses and bicycles can also be hired beside the lake for short periods. The five-kilometer path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike.

Just beside the lake is Bryant Park, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. With a staggering array of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park shimmers with a rainbow of stunnning flowers during the peak season. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer. Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all round the year.

Coaker's Walk, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a kilometre-long paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk winding around Mt.Nebo, starts near Van Allen hospital and joins the main road above 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 south, the valley of the Pambar river in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating, yet extremely rare phenomenon called "Brocken spectre" can be witnessed here, in which a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs only 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.

Kodaikanal is also an ideal location for adventure tourism and eco-tourism, which are presently gaining momentum in this part of the world. Ample infrastructural facilities have been provided for journey to and fro and for trekking along the secluded wilderness all around.

The Shenbaganur Museum of Natural History, founded in 1895, is still open for the public to view their outstanding taxidermal collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and also over 300 exotic orchid species. The museum also has on exhibit artifacts of the ancient Paliyans tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills. [NLC Ltd. (2004) "Important places -Kodaikanal" retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.nlcindia.com/about/about_05f.htm "Important places -Kodaikanal"] ] There are several popular hiking and trekking trails in the Palani Hills that originate in Kodaikanal. [DINDIGUL DISTRICT "DESCRIPTION OF TREKKING ROUTES IN Kodaikkanal", retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/KodaiTrek.htm "DESCRIPTION OF TREKKING ROUTES IN Kodaikkanal"] ]

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is at the highest location near Kodai. A former director John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view the complete surroundings of the hills which covers Sothupparai dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river. Although it is open daily during peak season, the observatory is open to the public only for a few hours on Fridays the rest of the year.

Green Valley View (formerly called Suicide Point) beside the golf course has an excellent panoramic view of the plains. However this area has become highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops to tempt tourists. Nearby the Pillar Rocks (name derived from Pillayar, a Hindu deity) has an equally exhilarating view.

The Guna caves (made popular by the Tamil movie Guna) is another popular attraction among the tourists. The steep ravines of the caves (which are now closed to public due to the large number of recent deaths), are highly protected now, and tourists can see a part of the caves from afar. The Kurinji Andavar temple is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms only once every 12 years.

Silver Cascade, a beautiful waterfall formed from the spillway of the Kodai Lake, is situated 8 km from Kodaikanal and is a major tourist attraction. Ideally located in a wide bend in the long and winding road to Kodaikanal, the 180 feet high waterfall has become a perfect stop-over for first-time visitors.

Trekking is organised by Government agencies, which lead short trips to destinations like Kukkal Caves and Dolphin's Nose. On special request, the guides can also take trekkers to many virgin forests surrounding the hill station. Kodaikanal is near the center of the proposed 736.87 km² Palani Hills National Park.

Local Specialities

Plums, pears, Kodai chillies and carrots are the most common natural edibles available. Cauliflower, cabbage and onions are cultivated on the outskirts of Kodaikanal which the farmers bring to sell in the local market. Popular souvenirs amongst tourists include handicrafts, home-made chocolates, postcards and Eucalyptus oil. There is an excellent bazaar where one can buy woollen clothing, flowers, fresh grocery, meat, handicrafts, hot snacks, cheap toys, medicinal herbs and oils. The cosmopolitan nature of Kodai is evident at the market place where it is not uncommon to see independent Scandinavian backpackers armed with just a guidebook, retired French tourists and people from other parts of India enjoying fresh pastries served by Tibetan refugees.

Educational Institutions

Kodaikanal is renowned for the Kodaikanal International School and the Kodaikanal Public School [ [http://www.kodaikanalpublicschool.org Kodaikanal Public School] .] The other renowned schools are: St. Peters Matriculation Higher Secondary School [http://petersschoolkodai.com St. Peters School] , Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram, Brindavan Public School, St. Joseph's Public School , St. Xavier's High School and St. John's Girls Higher Secondary School. The two colleges are Kodaikanal Christian College and Sacred Heart College. Mother Theresa University is distinctive as India's only university devoted to exclusively women's issues. [ [http://www.kodaikanal.com, Mother Theresa Women's University] , retrieved Feb 25, 2007] [ [http://www.kodaikanal.com/annaitherasauniversity.htm Mother Theresa Womens University] ] Recently a new engineering college, Kodaikanal institute of technology under Anna University, has been established 22km below Kodaikanal town providing a lot of opportunities for the students studying there. It provides exciting careers for the students in a wonderful environment.

References

External links

* [http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/kodaikanal/kodaikanal.html Wildvistas/Nationalparks/Kodaikanal]
* [http://www.palnihills.org Palani Hills Conservation Council]
* [http://books.google.com/books?id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&q=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&pgis=1 Indian Hill-station: Kodaikanal.] By Nora Mitchell Published by University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, 1972 Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008 199 pages