Kodaikanal, 'Switzerland of the East', Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu
Tips & Information for the tourists
Its better to hire a vehicle (specially if traveling with a family or group) at the start point to pick up from downhill, to travel upwards to Kodai. [ Rs.100 ? 125 is charged after bargain from Kodai road to uphill so about Rs.1200/- for Tata Sumo]
For Trek details ? The DFO?s office (Ph: 04542-40287) sells a pamphlet called Sholas For Survival, which describes 17 local treks ranging from leisurely 8km walks to 27km full-fledged treks. This handy booklet provides a map and details the degree of difficulty for each trek.
Fishing is allowed at the lake with permits. Those who are interested in angling can contact the Inspector of Fisheries.
A visit to Berijam Lake requires permission from the District Forest Officers? (DFO) office, which is open from 9.30am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-6.00pm on weekdays. As only 10 permits are given every day, to avoid disappointments get yours the previous evening.
Do remember that if you see bison?s on the road, DO NOT get out of your car. If you are outside, stand erect to look taller, stay as quite as possible without moving. Bisons are generally non-dangerous, but if contested, they always like to take a charge at you.
On clothing, light woolen in the evening during summer and heavy woolen during winter. Wear multiple layers of light cloths, so you can remove and put them on as you wish.
About the home-made chocolates, they are good but as you descend from there they melt off.
There are few shops selling so-called everlasting flowers at least for a year costing about Rs.20/- ranging in different colurs from violet, pink, etc. They just wither off in 2 days by the time you come back to your home, not like the well-known fresh ooty yellow flowers. so beware.
There are no Autorickshaws (Three Wheeler) in Kodaikanal
The chilly weather and frequent showers makes the following items an essential luggage. Sweater, Shawl, Socks, Shoes, Umbrella, Woollen Vests, Stockings, Caps for bald people and Good Walking shoes for a hiker.
Special medicines or other specific family needs should be brought along. A binocular and Camera is a must for viewing spectacular sceneries.
It is better keep lemon and travel with empty stomach in early morning, who has vomiting sensation.
Every one should use Ear-Plugs while travelling in cold regions.
Use Cold Creams to protect the skin from severe cold.
Use Pain Killers
It is advisable to take Branded Mineral water.
First-Aid Kit should be taken with us.
While travelling in vehicle the diesel should be filled little above the need. In hill stations starting problem will occur. To avoid this it is better to fill the diesel there itself which contains some chemicals to prevent the starting problem.
To Make us happy the horses are sacrificing their life taking us riding. Is it a needy one?
Every one should use Ear-Plugs while travelling in cold regions.
While travelling in vehicle the diesel should be filled little above the need. In hill stations the starting problem will occur to avoid this it is better to fill the diesel there itself which contains some chemicals to prevent the starting problem
Major travel tips to get maximum fun and satisfaction while visiting Kodaikanal city are as follows:
In winters, the frosty weather and recurrent showers make some items essential for a tourist to carry. They are: Shawl, Sweater, Socks, Shoes, Woolen Vests, Stockings and Umbrella.
It is advisable to take Branded Mineral water.
Use Pain Killers and First-Aid Kit should be taken along.
Special medicines or other specific family needs should be brought along.
A binocular and Camera for viewing spectacular sceneries.
Travel with empty stomach in early morning.
Use Cold Creams to guard the skin from brutal cold.
Use earplugs while traveling in cold regions.
For most of us, holiday is dictted by the children?s school, which usually means summer. April and May are the ?season? months in Kodaikanal. The weather is mild and dry, plum trees are red with fruit and there is carnival-like atmosphere in town. If you are crowd hater, stay away at this time or plan to stay at a hotel far from the bazaar circuit; there are plenty of hotels away from the town. By regulating your timings a little, and choose excursions off the beaten path, you can ?beat the tourists?. For example, heading for Coaker?s Walk on a Sunday morning at 10 is to avoided if are looking for peace and quiet!
There is another ?season?; September-October, between the south-west and north-east and north-east monsoons. There is less of a tourist frenzy at this time. Avoid November if possible, because although there are some beautiful dry blue-sky days, the north-east monsoon is on its way. There are sometimes long periods or non-stop rain when clothes don?t dry, children are cooped up inside, and the electricity goes off (but most hotels have generators). In short, a November or December visit can be wonderful; on the other hand it can be pretty wet as well. January manages to shake off the rains but it gets very cold, with frost on the lake; you must come equipped with warm clothing and bedding. February and March are delightful, though the air is still a little nippy.
Must Carry while you are heading to Kodaikanal - 1. Some Lemmon Chocolates if you suffer from Mountain sickness. 2. Some Pain Killers 3. An Umbrella 4. A Jacket, cap and Muflers
Climate in Kodai is as follows Summer (April - Sep) 10-12 degrees Winter (Oct- March) 4-6 degrees,.
Packing Lists Tips for Camping - Tent, backpack, sleeping bag, ground mat, water bottle, walking shoes, warm clothes, rain gear, sun hat, Pocket knife
Ideal site for photography