Boating

Boating in Kodaikanal can be an enthralling experience. You will have to rush as early as possible to beat the rush at the lake for boating. Moving in water across the variegated scenic surrounds of Kodai is a memorable experience. A brisk tour round the lake can take 45minutes but provides breathtaking views which you will remember for life.

Shopping at Kodaikanal

You may find residents of Kodai going to Madurai to shop for themselves but that does not eliminates Kodai from a shopping place. Pressure cookers, socks and buckets; that is what Kodai's residents buy from Madurai but we are sure that you will not be interested in any of these. Kodai has, rather, unique range of handicrafts and exquisite embroidery that is one of the finest in South India. Wide range of candles and heavily embroidered table cloths can be purchased from here. Kodia is a centre for home made chocolates as well. The cheese factory here exports great quantity of cheese to various countries across the globe. So if you are at Kodai, try buy some cheese for yourself.

Horse - Riding

At most of the hill stations in India, riding on a horse's back is a favorite tourist activity. In 40 to 60 rupees, you can have a small trot arond the lake. If you are very keen, you can hire a horse for yourself and trot around Kodai for a perfect eco-tour. There are a number of bears as well which can scare your horse away. To avoid such a situation, we advise you follow the path that government has decided. There are few soft riding tracks at Kodai which will provide an unforgettable horse r

Pine trees

‘Kodaikanal’ literally means, ‘the gift of the forest’. The most inimitable of things certainly, are natural. Cradled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 kms from Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level. Special efforts are being made by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department to prevent the commercialisation of this scenic beauty.

Waterfalls

There are a few waterfalls that drench the hills at Kodai. When water rushes down from steep slopes and precipitous paths of Kodai, the whole aura looks magnificent. Silver Cascade is located 8km off Kodai and is a witching fall. Bear Shola Falls are other important falls here. These waterfalls are famous for bears which used to come here for water. The third major waterfall of Kodai are Thalaiyar falls. It is the widest waterfall here with a sheer drop from a height of 957ft. These splendid waterfalls are so magnificent that even a maundering trip can let you explore very interesting shrubs and small plants.

Kodaikanal Golf Club

Kodaikanal Golf Club came in to existence on June 17, 1895, it is laid over natural grasslands and is criss-crossed by streams. Located about 6 kms from the centre of town on the road to pillar rocks. Total length of the course is 6426 yards.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga who is considered to be the God of the Hills as per Tamil literature. In Tamil, Kurinji means “hilly region? and the word Andavar refers to “God?. This temple is located at about 5 km from the bus station and the summer festival that is most anticipated event by the locals is celebrated in the month of May every year. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the summer festival to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga.

Handicrafts

Kashmir Handicrafts center in Anna Salai is famous for shawls, Jewellary, Brass, Leather items, Bone and Walnut wood articles. Cottage Crafts Shop (Anna Salai), run by the voluntary organisation Corsock, (Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai), sells goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission charged to help the needy. On PT Rd you'll find Kashmiri shops, as well as the Potter's Shed (Time: 9am - 8pm Thu - Tue, 9am - 5pm Wed) with fine ceramics; proceeds go to help disadvantaged children. The road leading south to the lake is sometime lined with stalls run by Tibetans selling warm clothing, Shawls and other fabrics - good, cheap stuff to keep you warm on chilly nights

Pillar Rock

This magnificent pillar rock is one of the best sight in kodaikanal. Forget the place where you stand and view this rock and the adjacent hills definitely you feel you are on otherside of planet .Three Boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 meters (400 feet), providing a beautiful view. It is 8 Kms from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil's kitchen.