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Located on the Palani Hills, an offshoot of the Western Ghat mountain
range, Kodaikanal is a
spectacular summer resort and ecological paradise of Tamil Nadu. A span of
2,068-sq-kms of hills with varied types of forest cover,
Kodaikanal offers ideal
sites for Trekking, Hang-Gliding, Angling and Golf.
Sholas occupy key position!. Scrub jungle, deciduous, semi evergreen
forests form habitats for Nilgiri Langur, Flying Squirrel, Sambhar, Gaur,
Panther, Hyena, Chameleon and variety of birds.
Trekking In Kodaikanal
Head for Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You can
take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local
viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a
night at a local village. Hike with a guide or without; it is entirely on
one's own choice. In Kodaikanal, several guides giving one tips on treks
and offering help will hound one. Use a recommended guide or see his
credentials before deciding. Trekking enthusiasts must check out Perumal
Peak.
1) Kodaikanal-Dolphin's Nose-Vallagavi-Kumbakkarai
(8-km/5 mile) - It takes 5 to 6 hours. The return trip would be very
rough and the hiking needs strong physique.
2) Kodai-Thopi thokki parai-Periyar Periyakulam - Roughly a 5
hours and 19-km/12 mile trek, includes steep rise and one can have a
glimpse of Guar. Coffee plantations are in abundance.
3)
Kodai-Vilpatty-Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope-Palani - A 6 hours trek of
16-km/10 mile distance, takes you to Vilpatty village and from there, a
zig-zag steep path runs along the river Palar. Elephants may cross. Be
alert.
4) Kukkal-Kudiraiyar Dam - A difficult 13-km/8 mile long trek
route takes 5 hours for a trained trekker. Water falls, Sholas and
deciduous forests will arouse interest. It is advisable to have a guide.
5) Pallangi-Poruthalur Dam -A 5-hour trek covering 14-km/9 mile
runs through sholas, Teak forests and plantations. It is advisable to have
a guide.
Madurai is the closest airport and a 3-hour bus journey away from Kodaikanal. To explore Kodaikanal town, hire a cycle or explore it on foot.
Accommodation is available at the star and budgeted hotels in Kodaikanal.