Kodaikanal, Hill station in Dindigul district, India.
Kodaikanal is a hill station in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, positioned at 2133 meters elevation and surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and valleys that remain wrapped in mist for much of the year. Roads wind along steep slopes, passing green meadows and rock formations that rise above the forested landscape, offering views over the lower plains.
British administrators and Christian missionaries founded this settlement in 1845 as a summer refuge to escape the oppressive heat of lower regions. Over the decades, the town grew into a popular retreat for colonial officers and their families, who built schools, churches, and European-style cottages.
Residents maintain a close relationship with the surrounding environment, and many continue to speak Tamil at home while preparing meals with local spices and celebrating regional festivals. Visitors often notice women in saris at the markets and small temples along the roads, reflecting a blend of Indian customs and colonial influences that still shape daily life.
The months from April to June bring comfortable temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, suitable for walks through town and the surrounding forests. Outside this period, cooler conditions and persistent fog often reduce visibility, which is worth considering when planning excursions.
The Kurinji flower, found only in this region, follows a rare biological cycle and covers entire hillsides in a sea of purple blossoms every twelve years. This event draws visitors from across the country who arrive to witness the short window of this natural display.
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