Kodaikanal, a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is also referred to as the princess of Hills and is located 2,133 m above sea level. The word Kodaikanal means gift of the forest in local language. The dense forest with many varieties of trees, the huge rocks in the wilderness and the enchanting waterfalls, makes it a real gift for the tourists visiting this place.

Kodaikanal is also well known for the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years in December and covers the valley in a beautiful sea of blue. It last bloomed in 2006; the next bloom is expected in 2018.

General Information
State: Tamil Nadu
Altitude: 2,133 m (6,998 ft)
Clothing : Summer- Light woolens and Winter- Heavy Woolens
Temperature: Summer:11-19 C and Winter: 8-17 C
Languages: Tamil, English
STD Code: 04542
 
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October
 
How to reach :
Air: The nearest airport is Madurai , Which is 120 kms away.
Rail: The nearest railway stations are Palani Railway Station (64 kms) north, Kodai Road Station (80 kms)
Road: Kodaikanal is well-connected by road with Chennai, Ooty, Coimbatore etc.