Travel Guide Kodaikanal

population: 36,000. Kodaikanal lies 116 km northwest of Madurai, 2,100 meters above sea level. With its abundantly wooded slopes, picturesque paths, tumultuous waterfalls and steep rock outcrops, Kodaikanal is undoubtedly Tamil Nadu's most beautiful climatic resort. A few minutes' stroll in any direction from the heart of the town takes the tourist through spectacular scenery that is truly mesmerizing. As well as being a popular tourist resort, Kodai is also known for its educational institutions.The best times to visit are between April and June, when the heat suffocates the plain, and August to October.Hidden among the Palani hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is guarded like a precious jewel by the dark surrounding forests. And indeed, its name means "the gift of the forest" in Tamil. No name could be more fitting for this picturesque, unspoilt hill town, where the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and a serenity rarely found elsewhere reigns.