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Monday, January 11, 2010

Kodaikanal Tourism


Kodaikanal - General Info

Kodaikanal - Agriculture

The vegetables and fruits in Kodaikanal are famous for their freshness and quality. Peaches, Pears, Grapes , Plums and all the other fruits of temperate hills are grown here. Potatoes in huge volumes, Cauliflowers and other vegetables attract the picnickers which are seen everywhere in markets. The weather helps for cultivation of these fruits and vegetables in large volumes.

Apart from coffee estates in the plantations, cultivating orchards, flowers, blue gum, eucalyptus trees, pines, wattles and fruit trees are most profitable business here. Among the different kinds of flowers, sweet smelling Madonna lillies, Daturas, Dahlias, etc., are notable which are available for sale.

Kodaikanal – Shopping

Daily Activities 

The foremost activity of the residents are to make their living out of tourists. By making a attractive display of items, they make the picnickers to buy things. All the commodities are brought from far away places, cleaned properly and arranged in such way that it invites visitors to purchase. Woollen material, Flowers, Vegetables, handmade articles, hot snacks, children toys, medicinal herbs and oils, almost all can be seen in street side small shops. In a nutshell the daily activities of Kodai people is centered around inflow of tourists. One could see school crowd after school hours and on weekends. In last five years the boom in hotel industry resulted in hike of workers, the owners, managers, receptionists, room boys, waiters, gardeners, cooks whose activities vary according to their profession.

Shopping Spot

The Residents of Kodai grumble since essential household things are always in short supply as everything has to come up in lorries. However the need of tourist viz, Souvenirs, gifts and momentoes can be bought easily and upto fullest satisfaction. Exquisite embroidery, home made chocolates, Kodai Cheese, enough of warm cloths, dried flowers are also available in a wide range of prices. In Anna Salai excellent fresh vegetables available in the town market of the bazaar. Eco-nut in Pt- Road has good whole foods, brown bread, Jams, Peanut, Butter, Cheese, Muffins which will be very tasty.

Handicrafts

Kashmir Handicrafts center in Anna Salai is famous for shawls, Jewellary, Brass, Leather items, Bone and Walnut wood articles.
Cottage Crafts Shop (Anna Salai), run by the voluntary organisation Corsock, (Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai), sells goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission charged to help the needy.On PT Rd you'll find Kashmiri shops, as well as the Potter's Shed (Time: 9am - 8pm Thu - Tue, 9am - 5pm Wed) with fine ceramics; proceeds go to help disadvantaged children.The road leading south to the lake is sometime lined with stalls run by Tibetans selling warm clothing, Shawls and other fabrics - good, cheap stuff to keep you warm on chilly nights.

Kodaikanal - Schools - Colleges – University

Mother Theresa University

This Women's university got established in 1984 by Tamilnadu Government at Anandagiri. Its goals are learning and research with focus on women and their problems. Mother Teresa Women's university earns a distinctive place in the higher educational system as, the only university devoted to women's issues.

The University is of unitary type which offers monitory, consultancy services and research in the area of women's studies. The university offers diverse courses whose academic programme is pivoted around women's studies in the discipline of Economics, Education, English, Human Ecology, and Consumer studies, Historical studies, Pshycology, Socioliogy, Tamil and computer science.

Major objectives are
Monitoring and developing Women's education in the state.Developing research in studies relating to women
Affiliated Colleges
Places
Arulmigu Palaniyandavar Arts College For Women
Palani
Nadar Saraswathi College of Arts and Science
Theni
Jeyaraj Annapakiyam College For Women
Periyakulam
Sri Adi Chunjanagiri Arts and Science College For Women
Cumbum
MTWU College
Kodaikanal
M.V.MuthiahPillai Arts College For Women
Dindigul
Goverment Arts College For Women
Nilakottai

 








 College of Mother Teresa Women's University Kodaikanal, Established by the Act 15 of TamilNadu
Quality Teaching is the need of the hour. It depends up on competency skills of the Teachers. These skills can be developed and promoted through Quality Teacher Education. Women’s University College of Education is proposed by Mother Teresa Women's University and application is submitted to NCTE’s approval. After getting NCTE’s approval it will function as a constituent college of Mother Teresa Women's University - the only Women’s University in Tamil Nadu, and it will strive and take definite effort to “educate, enhance and empower Quality of Teachers” through its best principles and practices. It will be first of its kind in Palani Hills and a boon for the socially and economically underprivileged candidates who have the teaching attitude and aptitude. Another salient feature of this college of Education will be, it will grow and flourish because it can get pedagogical and research support from the Department of Education which is functioning from the time of the inception of the University.

Contact Us
Anandagiri
Kodaikanal - 624102, Tamil Nadu
India

Telephone: +91 - 4546 - 241021
Fax: +91 - 4542 - 241021, 241122

Kodaikanal – Recreration

Kodaikanal Lions Club  

This club started was in the year 1985. The members of this club meets 1st and 3rd Friday of every month at Garden Manor Hotel. The club is under the jurisdiction of International Lions Dt. 324B.

Kodaikanal Boat Club

This club was started in 1890 and has number of boats for the use of its permanent members. Boats can be hired for other members. There are nearly 650 permanent members. Nearby there is a restaurant. In case of emergency there are rescue parties.

Kodaikanal golf Clubs

This golf club came into existence on June 17, 1895. It has 18 holes, spread over 143 acres. This club is about 6 kms from the centre of town on the road to pillar rocks. Total length of the course is 6426 yards. Major events will be held in April, May & January and other competitions are held throughout the year. Golf classes are also offered here.

The Indian Clubs

Started in 1915 and was popular till kodaikanal club opened its membership to Indian residents. Located in Poet Thyagarajar road

Kodaikanal – Festivals

Mother Salette Festival

Kodaikanal, a Hill station situated in Southern India, is known for its beautiful and ancient churches. Its rich Christian culture and tradition, still stands apart. One of the ancient churches is the "Mother Salette" church, which is 133 years old. Every year on the 14th and 15th of august, a unique carnival takes place at this church. This brings about the conclusion to a Nine-day festival.This festival attracts a congregation of people from all over south India, irrespective of religion, creed or faith. The festival is marked by special services and a special procession.

The sculptural elegance of the churches in Kodaikanal add to the natural beauty of the surroundings and provide not just inner but aesthetic pleasure as well. The meaning of Kodaikanal is "the Shade in Summer". The credit of being the first catholic priest goes to Father Louis Saint Ceer. Father Louis belongs to Christ Church. He came to Kodaikanal on 1952 for the first time. He reached Kodaikanal travelling by horse for 4 days even in Thunder and heavy rain. When he arrived Kodai, there was only Baynes, Parker, Clark, Parday bungalows. After viewing this he returned to the plain.

In the year 1860, May 24th Father Louis sait came with his father Rettary and stayed in          Baynes bungalow at Kodaikanal. After some days they owned the Baynes bungalow under        their responsibility on  September 29 . That bungalow was changed as a rest house for   the members   of Christ Church. Father Rettary became  the first  president of the church. La-providence, a lady, gave 20,000 rupees as donation for the reconstruction of the bungalow.          So Baynes bungalow was now called as La-providence. But it's sold out now.

In 1858, Father Saint Ceer was severely affected by viral fever. With lots of hope he prayed to the Lady of La Salete. Soon after, the priest was cured and he vowed to setup a church in India that would mirror the church of La Salete in France. He happened to choose the mountainous region Kodaikanal to built this special House of God because the church he wished to emulate encased with in the mighty mountain rains of the alps. This church was made towards his feeling and to heel others as well.


The foundation for Mother Salete Church was laid on 1865 February 28. In the same year March 17 the building work was started with the blessings of Father Saint Ceer.

In 1866 the day, when brother Lamothy built the body of the Church, thank's offering was fulfilled.
In the year 1866, the last sunday of May, Mother Salete Church was dedicated by Keanos. This is the first pilgrimage place in India for Mother Salete. So from 1866 onwards every last Sunday of May, the festival was celebrated for Mother Salete. Huge crowd of people will travel from plain for 3 days and reach Mother Salete Church. The British people complained about the disturbances of the crowd. So this festival was banned up to 1893.

In the year 1904 the steps were taken to recelebrate the festival and it was succeeded on August 15th. Very few Europeans will be there at Kodai on this occasion.
Mrs. Kacondys helped hand to build up Mother Saleth Church. Her busy daughter felt sick and she was cured by the water of Salete inty with the advice of Saint Ceer. To show him gratitude she donated some amount which was helpful for raising the church. In the year 1869 Mr.Natigan the engineer at Dindigul gave 19 acres of land for Mother Salete Church.

In the year 1883, ' The entrance of Mother Salate Church ' was established. In between 1884 and 1885 the Church was extended 5 mtrs by its sides and the front portion is affixed with several spires that end in the figure of the cross and square bell tower was also established.

The statue of Mother Salete was given as a gift to John, the Baptist by Fara Bishop of Grenoble. Holy Michael's statue was given as a memorial statue to Father Michael Besard.

Father Saint Ceer expired on January 17th, 1887. His Holy Body was burried at the entrance of the Mother Salete Church.

Summer festival programmes in the month of May includes Flower Show , Dog Show and Boat Shows.

Kodaikanal – Colleges

Sacred Heart College 

It is the oldest educational institution started in 1895. Initially it was started for training priests to Roman Catholic Church. A social wing of the College has been doing essential service to the poor community in and around Shenbaganur. College has 'The Anglade Institute of Natural History' which includes a museum with massive collection of flora and fauna of Palani Hills and the Ayrand Orchidarium. The institute conducts regular environmental training courses.

Kodaikanal Christian College

It is situated on the top of the hills at Prakasapuram. It has a well equipped advanced lab facilities in the fields of Computer, Electronics, Physics and Catering. The college has well infrastructure, libraries with modern and advanced books and playgrounds. It is a co-educational Institution. It provides separate hostel for men, women and faculty.

Aims

To impart sound knowledge, build character and other professional skills.
To create the sensation in culture and heritage of India.
To faith in good and promote Motivation for service to humanity.

Curriculum

University courses of study
An enrichment component to offer Communicative Competance, Computer studies, Ethical Sensitivity and Cognitive creativity.
Vocational training related to major disciplines.


Co and Extra-Curriculam
Service learning through tribal work , Nature Club Caldwell Tamil Association, French Association, Debating clubs, Cultural Association, Sports, NSS, Student Placement and Counselling, Overseas exchange and others.
Programme Overview
Courses offered by KCC
B.Sc., Computer Science
B.Sc., Home Science - Nutritions & Dietetics
B.Sc., Hotel Management & Catering Sciences
B.B.A
B.Com.,
B.Sc., Electronics
Additional Enriching Courses offered by Paradise Academy
Value education
Computer Awareness
Spoken English & Communication Skills
Fundamental Mathematics
History of Ideas
Diploma Courses
Computer Training & Applications
Food Processing Preservation & Management of Food Services Institutions
Travel & Tourism
Tax Planning
Financial Analysis and Budgeting
Journalism and Mass Communication
Marketing and Personnel Management

Additional coaching offered:
TOEFL Practice, C.A, M.B.A entrance
List of Colleges in Kodaikanal
Arts and Science
Kodaikanal Christian College, Kodaikanal
Catering and Hotel Management
Kodaikanal Christian College, Kodaikanal
Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal
Paradise Academy of Catering and Hotel Management, Kodaikanal
Engineering
Kodaikanal Institute of Technology, Kodaikanal
Teacher Training Institute
Mother Teresa Womens University B.Ed. College, Kodaikanal .
Kodaikanal – Schools
Brindavan Public School
It is a Bhakthavatsalam Educational Trust Institution, running classes from LKG to VIII and is affiliated to Matriculation board.The medium of instruction is English here. Co-curricular activities include Dramatic, Indian dancing, Karate, Yoga and literacy acitivies. Extra curricular activities cover Picnics, Hikes, Tours and Field Trips.
Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram
It is established in a extensive campus off the Golf Links Road. It aims to include Gandhian values in life and education. It conducts classes from V to XII and prepares student for C.B.S.E examination. Medium of instruction is english.
Kodaikanal International School
Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is an independent coeducationl boarding LKG - 12 school located at 7000 feet in the peaceful Palani Hills of South India. The first school in India to offer the IB Diploma it recently introduced the MYP. Consistently achieving higher results than world mean scores in IB and SAT exams, 100% of KIS graduates gain entry to Colleges and Universities world wide.
Penny Fidler Ohana
Corporate Services Assistant
Kodaikanal International School (KIS) PO 25
Kodaikanal - 624 101, Tamil Nadu, India.
Telephone:+ 91 - 4542 - 247360
E-mail:
corpservasst@kis.in
Website:
www.kis.in
Kodaikanal Public School
The school was established in 1982 by the B.A.M.E. Trust. It was moved to the present campus in the year 1985. Situated in a spacious ten acre campus surrounded by lush pear orchards and beautiful mountains, it is a haven of peace and provides a wonderful atmosphere for children to grow up in. Kodaikanal enjoys a salubrious climate in which children thrive.

It is a Christian, Residential, Co-educational school built on the principles of Faith, Hope and Love.

With over   25 years in  service to  society , the Kodaikanal Public School is a forerunner              in the field of education. It constantly sets for itself very high standards                                     which surpasses the expectations of students and parents alike.

Address

P O Box 46, Kodaikanal - 624101,
Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail:
kpskodai@hotmail.com
Telephone: 91- 4542 - 240375, 243121, 242371
Fax: 91 - 4542 - 240395
website:
www.kodaikanalpublicschool.org

St. Joseph's Public School
The school is established by the Luna education trust. It has classes from Kindergarten to XII and it prepares student for the Tamilnadu Board of Matriculation Examination. It is coeducatinal, residential school and the medium of instruction is English. St.John's and St. Xavier's schools are having the medium of instruction as Tamil. Presentation Convent and St. John's High Sec. School are exclusively for girl students. There is also a government higher secondary school (Tamil Medium) at Kodai.

St. Xavier's High School
A Tamil medium school of over 900 children are studying here. Students are mainly from the villages of 'Naidupuram', 'Packiapuram, 'Vilpatti and 'Pallangi .

List of Schools in Kodaikanal
Nethaji Aided Primary School, Kookkal
Panchayat Union Primary School, Kookkal
Gandhiji Aided Primary School, Vilpatti
Un Aid Primary School, Vilpatti
Panchayat Union Middle School, Pachalur
Adi Dravidar Primary School, Periyur
Un Aid Nursery Primary School, Thandigudi
Nagammal Mem High School, Thandigudi
Government High School, Poombarai
Nehruji Aided Primary School, Vellagavi
Bharathi Aided Primary School, Adukkam
C S I Aided Primary School, Adukkam
R C Aided Primary School, Adukkam
St Marys Aided Primary School, Adukkam
Thomas Aqua Matric High School, Adukkam
Kodaikanal Christian M Higher Secondary School, Adukkam
Adi Dravidar Primary School, Kamanur
Sandanam Aided Primary School, Kamanur
Government High School, Kilakkuchettipatti
Government High School, Poolathur

Interesting Feature

One of the most interesting features of the Vegetation is the ever green shola forest (wet, temperate) from which originate many perennial streams. Sholas are probably one of the most valuable treasures of the hills as prime watershed and as shelter for wildlife, in addition to being the terminal refuge for endangered species of flora and fauna e.g. Loya, Orchids, Nilgiri tahr, Grizzled giant Squirrel etc.,

Governing Authority

There are 15 revenue villages having a population of around 95000 including Kodaikanal Township (30000).Several organisations including the Palani Hills Conservation Council (PHCCfor short) have been seriously engaged in protecting the most fragile ecosystem of these hills.