Kodaikanal�s emergence on India�s map as a major tourist destination is mainly due to the ancient ruins and the lovely scenery. These remains, dating back to 5000 BC, make it a significant source of curiosity and interest for historians and tourists alike. Offering several tourist attractions in Kodaikanal, the place is positioned on the southern region of the greater Palani Hills. One of the finest hill stations in India, it occupies a sprawling area of 21.45 sq km at an elevation of 2133 meters above sea level.

Situated on the southern tip of the greater Palani Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is one of the finest hills stations in India. The hill station, scattered across an area of 21.45 sq km, is situated at an altitude of 2133 meters above the sea level.

With tourists largely preferring hill stations for their vacations in recent times, Kodaikanal has seen a major upward trend in tourism sector. There is plenty of interesting tourist spots in and around the area. Some of them are discussed below:

Palani - Situated 64 kms away from Kodaikanal, Palani is a significant pilgrimage site in southern India, and is one of the main tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. The place has a traditional charm about it as it is referred to as one of the six holy abodes of Lord Dhandayuthabani.

Coaker�s Walk � Named after Lt. Coaker, who was actually the chief designer of the town of Kodai, Coaker�s Walk is located 1km away from the famous Kodaikanal Lake and it offers beautiful scenery of the plains below.

The Kurinji Andavar Temple - Constructed in the year 1936, the Kurinji Andavar Temple was thus christened after the plentiful Kurunji flowers that bloom once in twelve years. Lord Murugan is the presiding here.

Bryant Park � One of the outstanding tourist attractions of Kodaikanal, the Bryant Park, covering 20.5 acres, is particularly famous for growing rare collection of blooms.

Waterfalls � Among the beautiful waterfalls found around Kodaikanal are the Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls, and the Fairy Falls. The most important of them is the 975-feet high Thalaiyar Falls.

Green Value View � At 5 km away from the Kodaikanal Lake, along the grand River Vaigai, Green Value View offers charming views of the Vaigai Dam.

Pillar Rocks - This area stands at almost seven kilometers from the center of Kodaikanal. There are three rocks, each pointing to the sky presenting a captivating view, and rising to an altitude of about 400 meters.

Shenbaganur Museum - The museum is sited just 5 kilometers away from the Kodaikanal Lake.

The Observatory - The Observatory, positioned at a height of 850 feet above the lake, is mostly used for research work in meteorology and solar physics. This is one of the important Kodaikanal tourist attractions.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on Tourist Destinations in Kodaikanal on your tour to India.