On the southern crest of the Palani Hills about 120 km north-west of Madurai at an altitude of 2100 meters, Kodaikanal-better knomn as Kodai, is surrounded by thickly wooded slopes, waterfalls and precipitious rocky outcrops. The journey up and back down again is breathtaking, though there's no toy train and access is by bus or car. In the town, there are lookouts with spectacular views of the south within easy walking distance of the town centre.Kodai has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be set up during the Raj by Americans, though it didn't take long before they were joined by the British.

Kodaikanal is not just for those who want to get away from the heat and haze of the dusty plains during the summer months, but also for those seeking a relaxing place to put their feet up for a while and do some occasional hiking. In the surrounding hills you'll find plantations of Australian blue gums which provide the eucalyptus oil sold in Kodai's many street stalls. Here too is the Kurinji, a shrub with light, purple-blue-coloured blossoms which flowers every 12 years.

Also worth a visit is the Flora & Fauna Museum at the Sacred Heart College at Shembaganur. It's a six km hike and all uphill on the way back. Near the start of Coaker's Walk is Bryant Park, a botanical park laid out, landscaped and stocked over many years by the British officer after whom it is named. At Chettiar Park, about three km uphill from town near the Kurinji Andavar Temple, you may be able to see some Kurinji flowers. There are numerous waterfalls in the area, the main one Silver Cascade is on the road up to Kodai. The lake at Kodai has been wonderfully landscaped, and rowboats and pedal boats are available for hire. Down here you will also get horses on rent.