વિકિપીડિયા guwiki https://gu.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AA%AE%E0%AB%81%E0%AA%96%E0%AA%AA%E0%AB%83%E0%AA%B7%E0%AB%8D%E0%AA%A0 MediaWiki 1.47.0-wmf.24 first-letter દ્રશ્ય-શ્રાવ્ય (મિડિયા) વિશેષ ચર્ચા સભ્ય સભ્યની ચર્ચા વિકિપીડિયા વિકિપીડિયા ચર્ચા ચિત્ર ચિત્રની ચર્ચા મીડિયાવિકિ મીડિયાવિકિ ચર્ચા ઢાંચો ઢાંચાની ચર્ચા મદદ મદદની ચર્ચા શ્રેણી શ્રેણીની ચર્ચા TimedText TimedText talk વિભાગ વિભાગ ચર્ચા Event Event talk 0 30583 906493 901421 2026-10-22T06:21:22Z ~2026-56487-88 89670 /* External links */ Overview of Kodaikanal 906493 wikitext text/x-wiki {{ભાષાંતર}} <!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details --> {{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction | skyline =Kodai street.jpg| skyline_caption =Anna Salai, a business street in Kodaikanal| native_name =Kodaikanal | other_name= | type = city | latd = 10.235 | longd = 77.486| locator_position = right | inset_map = yes | inset_map_size = 75px | inset_map_x = 160px | inset_map_y = 205px | inset_map_marker = | inset_map_marker_size = 4x4px | inset_map_default = Tamil Nadu | state_name = Tamil Nadu | district = [[Dindigul district|Dindigul]] | nearest_city = [[Madurai]] {{convert|121|km|abbr=on}}| established_title = Established | established_date = 1845 <ref name=DMA>Kodaikanal Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply, [http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm Historical Moments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324043243/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm |date=2009-03-24 }}, 2005</ref>| leader_title_1= Chairman| leader_name_1 = S. Mohamed Ibrahim| leader_title_2 = Vice Chairman| leader_name_2 = Thiru.P.Chelladurai| altitude =2133| precip =1650 | temp_summer= 19.8 | temp_winter= 8.3 | population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 32931| population_density = 1100| area_magnitude= | area_total = 21.45 | area_telephone = 240 - 242 | postal_code = 624601 | vehicle_code_range = TN 57 | sex_ratio = M 51% F 49%| literacy =66% 1991| unlocode = | footnotes = Website: [http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/index.htm Kodaikanal Municipality] | }} '''Kodaikanal''' ({{lang-ta|கொடைக்கானல்}}) is a [[city]]<ref>city definition: [[Town#India]]</ref> in the hills of the [[Dindigul district#Divisions|taluk]] division of the [[Dindigul district]] in the [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest".<ref name="about">{{cite web|url=http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_city.htm|title=About City|publisher=Kodaikanal Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=23 November 2009|archive-date=16 માર્ચ 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316080804/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_city.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kodaikanal is referred as the "Princess of [[Hill station]]s" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. It's a lot cooler in temperature than lower elevation cities such as [[Chennai]]. Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[tropical disease]]s of the [[Deccan plateau|plains]].<ref name="books.google.com">Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [http://books.google.com/books?lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&q=tropical+disease&pgis=1 ch 2, Rational for Tropical Hill Sations, pp13-15], 1972. Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008</ref> Much of the local economy is based on the [[hospitality industry]] serving [[tourism]]. ==Etymology== {{Section OR|date=November 2010}} {{cleanup|section|date=November 2010}} {{main|History of Kodaikanal#Etymology}} It is not known who first used this name or what they intended it to mean. However the following explanation makes some sense. By pronouncing with long Tamil 'O' as ''ko...dai'' means ''the summer'' and ''kanal'' means ''to see'', which means a place to see in Summer. Kodaikanal is actually a summer forest. The other interesting explanations are, the [[Tamil language]], has four versions are defined to the name "Kodaikanal". It is interesting but it is not known who invented this name. The word Kodaikanal is classified into two words as Kodai and Kanal. Here "''Kanal''" means in Tamil that the dense forest or the closed forest. Then "''Kodai''" has four different meanings. With its meanings Kodaikanal meant in four ways. By pronouncing with long Tamil 'O' and KO....DI means "the end". So that KO...DI KANAL means "The End of the Forest" in the bygone days, Kodaikanal is situated at the end part of the thick forest. Nowadays it is developed but the beauty is still kept.<ref name="about"/> By pronouncing with short Tamil 'O' as KODI means "The Creepers". So that Kodaikanal means "The Forest of Creepers". ''"The Forest of Creepers"'' is also thought to be the [[English language]] meaning given in 1885 during the early western habitation of the place,<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=yvNWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA482&dq=point+calimere&ei=JsDVSM7oFYGCywSH64XIAw&client=safari#PPA583,M1 The Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia] by Edward Balfour, Published by B. Quaritch, 1885, Item notes: vol.2 H-NYSA, P583, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized Jan 29, 2008</ref> and is still accepted.<ref>Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [http://books.google.com/books?lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&q=+place+creepers+&pgis=1 place creepers, p. 98], 1972. Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008</ref> They called like this with its beauty. By pronouncing with long Tamil 'O' as KO....DAI means "The Summer". So KO...DAI KANAL means "The Forest of the Summer". Kodaikanal is actually a summer forest. By pronouncing with short Tamil 'O' as KODAI means that "The Gift". So that "Kodaikanal" means "The Gift of the Forest" Kodaikanal was created by the forest and it surroundings. So it may be called as the gift of forest.<ref name="about"/> By pronouncing with short Tamil 'O' as KODAI means that "The Gift". So that "Kodaikanal" means "The Gift of the Forest" Kodaikanal was created by the forest and it surroundings. So it may be called as the gift of forest.<ref name="about"/> Another Tamil word for creepers is [[Valli]], the honey collecting daughter of the chief of the Veddas mountain tribe. The chief and his wife prayed to the Mountain God for a girl-child and their prayers were answered when the chief found a new-born girl child during a hunting expedition. As she was found among creeper plants, they named the child Valli and she grew up as princess of the tribe in [[Sangam_landscape#Kurinji_.E2.80.93_Mountainous_Region|Kurinji]] and became the consort of lord [[Murugan]]. <ref>[[Sangam_landscape#Kurinji_.E2.80.93_Mountainous_Region]]</ref> The romantic traditions of Murugan in [[Murugan#Sangam_literature|Sangam literature]] are thus associated with the name Kodaikanal. ==History== {{Main|History of Kodaikanal}} The earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the [[Palaiyar]] tribal people. The earliest specific references to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills are found in Tamil [[Sangam literature]] of the early Christian era.<ref name=Mitchell>Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [http://books.google.com/books?lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&q=+kodaikanal+sangam&pgis=1 Kodaikanal Sangam, p97], 1972 Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008</ref> Modern Kodaikanal was established by American [[American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions|Christian missionaries]] and [[Company rule in India|British bureaucrats]] in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[Tropical_disease#Relation_of_climate_to_tropical_diseases|tropical disease]]s of the [[Deccan plateau|plains]].<ref name="books.google.com"/> In the 20th century a few elite Indians came to realise the value of this enchanting hill station and started relocating here.<ref name=TDC>Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism, [http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Kodaikkanal.aspxCatId=C1&SubCat1Id=C1S1&SubCat2Id=C1S1S13 Kodaikanal Princess of Hill Stations]{{Dead link|date=જુલાઈ 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Tourism has been impacted by industrial pollution issues including the closure of a mercury factory owned by [[Unilever]]'s Indian [[subsidiary]] [[Hindustan Unilever]] after evidence of widespread [[mercury pollution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=260#env|publisher=Corporate Watch|title=Unilever Environmental Pollution|access-date=2007-08-08}}</ref> to date no proper clean-up operation has been mounted. ==Geography== [[Image:AMS-Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|1955 Topographic map of Kodaikanal]] The town of Kodaikanal sits on a [[plateau]] above the southern [[escarpment]] of the upper [[Palni Hills]] at {{convert|2133|m}}, between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. These hills form the eastward spur of the [[Western Ghats]] on the Western side of [[South India]]. It has an irregular basin as its heartland, the centre of which is now [[Kodaikanal Lake]] a {{convert|5|km}} circumference manmade lake. [[Meadow]]s and [[grassland]]s cover the hillsides. Gigantic [[Eucalyptus]] trees and [[shola]] forests flourish in the valleys. Mighty rocks and cascading streams. rise up from the valleys. There are many high waterfalls and ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in bloom.<ref name="TDC"/> North of the town, high hills that slope down into the villages of Pallangi and [[Vilpatti]] stand guard. On the east the hill slopes less abruptly into the lower Palnis. A precipitous [[escarpment]] facing the [[Cumbum, Tamil Nadu|Cumbum Valley]] is on the south. On the west is a plateau leading to [[Manjampatti Valley]], [[Indira Gandhi National Park]], the [[Anamalai Hills]] and the main body of the Western Ghats. {{Geographic Location |title = |Northwest = [[Pollachi]] |North = [[Palani]] |Northeast = Perumalmalai |West = [[Munnar]] |Centre = Kodaikanal |East = [[Dindigul]] |Southwest = [[Bodinayakkanur]] |South = [[Theni]] |Southeast = [[Periyakulam]] }} ==Economy== [[Image:Anna Salai, Kodaikanal.JPG|thumb|Anna Salai, Street bazaar, with Mount Perumalmalai in distance]] {|class="wikitable" align="left" |- style="background:#87CEFA; color:white; float:right margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;" | align="center" |'''Season''' | align="center" |'''Months''' |- align="center" |'''Peak Season''' |April–June |- align="center" |'''Low Season''' |Feb-March; July–September |- align="center" |'''Second Season''' |October–January |} The economy of Kodaikanal is predominantly run by [[tourism]].<ref name="shop"/> The town's infrastructure changes every year in preparation for the peak tourist season. Major roads are converted into one-way lanes to regulate the constant inflow of traffic and special police are brought in for the safety of the tourists and protection of local businesses. Hotels are often fully booked during the high season, and remain virtually empty during the off-season. Due to the rapid development of nearby cities such as [[Madurai]] and [[Coimbatore]], the town is starting to enjoy year-round tourism. There are at least 50 hotels catering to all categories of tourists<ref>www.kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/wheretostay/hotel2.htm Kodaikanal - Hotels] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126003246/http://www.kodaikanal.com/wheretostay/hotel2.htm |date=2010-01-26 }}</ref> and over 30 south & north Indian, continental, western and Chinese restaurants, and many more small eateries and tea stalls. [[Image:Palani hills kodai Waterfall.jpg|thumb|A waterfall enroute Kodaikanal]] There are at least seven [[retail bank]] branches and five [[automated teller machine]]s (ATM) in Kodaikanal. The [[Bank of India]] has a branch and ATM at S.G.J Thangadurai Building, Anna Salai. The [[Canara Bank]] has a branch and ATM at CLS book shop complex, Anna Salai. The [[Central Bank of India]] branch is at M M Street, Law's Ghat Road, Perumalmalai. The [[Indian Bank]] has a branch and ATM at Anna Salai. The [[State Bank of India]] has a branch at Anna Salai and also has an ATM on Lake Road, outside Kodaikanal International School.<ref>State Bank of India, [http://www.statebankofindia.com/atmlocator.jsp?lang=0&id=0# ATM Locator] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517034458/http://statebankofindia.com/atmlocator.jsp?lang=0&id=0 |date=2009-05-17 }}</ref> The [[Union Bank of India]] has a branch at Naidupuram and also has an ATM on the 1st Floor of Municipal Shopping Complex opposite the Old Bus Stand, Anna Salai.,.<ref name=Banks1>kodaikanal.com [http://www.kodaikanal.com/bank.htm Kodaikanal Banks]</ref><ref name=ATM>atmbankindia, [http://www.atmbankindia.com/html/Dindigul-Kodaikanal.htm ATM Bank Locations in Kodaikanal ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707183154/http://www.atmbankindia.com/html/Dindigul-Kodaikanal.htm |date=2011-07-07 }}</ref> [[ICICI Bank]] also has an ATM in Kodaikanal. The Kodaikanal Co-operative Land Development Bank, The Kodaikanal Co-operative Urban Bank at Anna Salai and the Madurai District Central Co-operative Bank at Post Office Road offer only local [[Commercial bank]]ing services.<ref name=Banks2>kodaikanalonline.com [http://www.kodaikanalonline.com/bank.htm Banks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163202/http://www.kodaikanalonline.com/bank.htm |date=2011-07-13 }}</ref> There is an excellent [[bazaar]] where residents, local villagers and tourists come buy woollen clothing, flowers, fresh grocery, meat, handicrafts, hot snacks, cheap toys, medicinal herbs and oils, hardware, dry goods and cooking fuels. The cosmopolitan nature of Kodai is evident on Anna Salai, the main business street, where it is common to see local villagers, European and American students and backpackers, foreign retirees and families from other parts of India, all mixed together in their common activity of [[shopping]]. Plums, pears, chile peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic and onions are cultivated by [[terrace (agriculture)|terrace farmers]] in surrounding villages.<ref>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/agriculture.htm Agriculture]</ref> Most are trucked to other parts of India and some are sold in the local market. Popular tourist souvenirs include handcrafts, home-made chocolates, postcards and Eucalyptus oil.<ref name=shop>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/shopping.htm Kodaikanal - Shopping]</ref> ==Health== The three major medical facilities are the Kodaikanal Health and Medical Services (KHMS), Van Allen Hospital and the Government Hospital. These hospitals treat patients with common ailments and injuries and perform child delivery and care, but are not equipped with modern medical equipment for complicated diagnoses and surgeries. KHMS is a modern hospital and is well-suited for the basic needs of the people, including child delivery. The local residents and those from the nearby villages, do not have to travel down to the plains, thanks to KHMS. KHMS is an integrated hospital, wherein both modern medicine as well as other forms of medicine are practised, this includes, homeopathy,reflexology, reiki, cold pack treatment, spinal bath, naturopathy, murma (diagnosis through the pulse). KHMS offers x-ray (radiology); sonography (ultrasound); pathology laboratory, pharmacy, OT, OPD. KHMS has a modern dental clinic as well. In April 1915, Dr. Van Allen raised funds to construct the first unit of the hospital at the entrance of Coaker's walk. It was named after him. Facilities got updated from time to time and now it has X-ray machine, well equipped pathological lab, and operation theatre with blood transfusion facilities. Government Hospital is situated on the hillside near Rock cottage on lower shola road. It was a small municipal hospital until 1927. Now it has X-ray, Dental, Maternity ward and other facilities.<ref>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com|Kodaikanal - Hospitals]{{Dead link|date=ફેબ્રુઆરી 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Air and water-borne [[Mercury_(element)#Safety|mercury emissions]] have contaminated large areas of Kodaikanal and surrounding forests. A study conducted by the Department of Atomic Energy confirmed that Kodaikanal Lake has been contaminated by mercury emissions.,<ref>The Hindu, [http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352980300.htm "Prevent mercury pollution”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104021328/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352980300.htm |date=2007-11-04 }}, (2007-8-23),</ref><ref>Studies of mercury pollution in a lake due to a thermometer factory situated in a tourist resort : Kodaikkanal, India, Author(s): KARUNASAGAR D. (1) ; BALARAMA KRISHNA M. V. (1) ; ANJANEYULU Y. (2) ; ARUNACHALAM J. (1) ; Author(s) Affiliation(s) (1) National Center for Compositional Characterization of Materials (CCCM), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, ECIL Post, Hyderabad 500 062, INDE, (2) Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kukkatpally, Hyderabad, INDE [http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17799836 Studies of mercury pollution]</ref> ==Education== Kodaikanal is renowned for the [[Kodaikanal International School]], Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Brindavan Public School, St.Peter's Matriculation Higher Secondary School <ref>http://petersschoolkodai.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101082045/https://www.petersschoolkodai.com/ |date=2020-11-01 }} St. Peters School</ref> and the Kodaikanal Public School <ref>[http://www.kodaikanalpublicschool.org Kodaikanal Public School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506183330/http://www.kodaikanalpublicschool.org/ |date=2021-05-06 }}.</ref> The other schools are: Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram, Brindavan Matric Higher secondary School, St. Joseph's Public School , St. Xavier's High School and St. John's Girls Higher Secondary School. The main colleges here are (American University of India (AUI) / Kodai International Business School (KIBS) www.auiedu.com) which is an elite Business school offering MBA & BBA programs in USA & India located in Ugarthenager, [[Kodaikanal Christian College]], and Sacred Heart College. Mother Theresas University is distinctive as India's only university devoted to exclusively women's issues.<ref>[http://www.motherteresawomenuniv.ac.in/Mother Theresa University]{{Dead link|date=જુલાઈ 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> <ref>[http://www.kodaikanal.com, Mother Theresa Women's University]{{Dead link|date=ફેબ્રુઆરી 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, retrieved Feb 25, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.kodaikanal.com/annaitherasauniversity.htm Mother Theresa Womens University]</ref> In 2005 a new engineering college specializing in [[Information Technology]], Kodaikanal Institute of Technology under [[Anna University]], has been established {{convert|22|km}} below Kodaikanal town. It has a {{convert|25|acre}} [[Wireless network]]ed campus including of state-of-art Laboratories, Digital Library & Learning Management System, 24/7 high-speed 8 Mbit/s Internet facility and a Hostel.<ref>Kodaikanal institute of technology, [http://www.kodaitech.com/aboutus.htm About us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163354/http://www.kodaitech.com/aboutus.htm |date=2011-07-13 }}</ref> ==Religion== [[Image:La Sallete Church.JPG|thumb|La Salette Church]] Since Kodaikanal was founded by the American and European [[Missionaries]], [[Christian]] churches are abundant in Kodaikanal. They include Church of South India - opposite Bryant Park, Gorapur, Lake End, La Salette, Lutheran Mission, Sacred Heart - Munjikal, Saint Antony’s - Antonyar Kovil street, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Joseph's, Saint Mary's and Saint Peter’s - Cockers Walk road. Amongst the most popular is Union Church with a large Tamil congregation and Margaret Eddy Memorial Chapel at Kodai International School with lively services in a typically American style and distinctive stone architecture. There are many [[Hindu_temple#South Indian temples|Hindu Temples]] in Kodaikanal including the [[Durga]]i Amman Kovil, Kurinji Andavar Kovil, [[Mariamman]] Kovil, Observatory [[Murugan]] Kovil and [[Vinayagar]] Kovil. The [[Tamil Muslim|Muslim]] [[mosque]]s are Ellis Villa and Munjikal. There is an active community of [[Tibet]]an [[Buddhist]] refugees. ==Civil Society== [[Image:Kodai GC groomed green.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal Golf Club]] Kodaikanal has several [[club]]s and [[civil society]] organizations operating for social, charitable and environmental goals. Established clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club ''(est. 1985)'' under the jurisdiction of [[Lions Clubs International]] ''(district 324B)''; Kodaikanal Boat Club '' (est. 1890)'' with nearly 650 permanent members; [[Kodaikanal Golf Club]] ''(est. 1895)'' with over 600 members and an 18 hole golf course, spread over {{convert|143|acre|km2}}; and The Indian Club ''(est. 1915)'' on Poet Thyagarajar road.<ref>Kodaikanal General Information, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.kodaikanal.com/generalinformation.htm Hotels/Restaurants, Banks, Hospitals, Schools, Temple, Recreation]</ref> In 1890, the Kodaikanal Missionary Union ''(KMU)'' was formed to enable missionaries of the various demominations to come together for recreation and to develop mission strategy and outreach in cooperation with each other. In 1923 it built an [[Edwardian]] style clubhouse with large central hall for social events and afternoon teas, 6 tennis courts, a reading room, and other spaces for meetings.<ref>Heideman, Eugene P. ''From Mission to Church: The Reformed Church in America Mission to India'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing,[http://books.google.com/books?id=0A6ruPk7-lcC&pg=PA348&lpg=PA348&dq=Kodaikanal+Missionary+Union&source=bl&ots=6PZmv_C11g&sig=jRT1Ovq4EXeSOB4zkDV61XmhRE4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result#PPA349,M1 "Kodaikanal Missionary Union" (KMU), p. 348] (2001) ISBN 0-8028-4900-8, 9780802849007 512 pages</ref> With the decline of missionary activity in India, the KMU was wound up in the 1980s, and the property was turned over to Kodaikanal International School. The KMU library with many valuable old books besides newer materials, is still functioning in one room, and provides something of a social venue. The valuable original KMU archives materials have been incorporated into the archives of the school, which has hired an archivist and is in process of converting the whole original KMU building into an archives and display center for the school and the community.<ref>Kodaikanal International School, [http://www.kis.in/foundation/archives.html KIS Archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004133308/http://www.kis.in/foundation/archives.html |date=2008-10-04 }}</ref> (2008) [[Image:Kodaikanal Lake View.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal lake View showing: Mount Perumal, Boat house, Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal International School, Fish hatchery, Lake Road.]] Kodaikanal has several [[Social service]] societies which promote local trade and increase employment of rural villagers in the town's periphery by participating in its tourism fueled growth. These include the Kodaikanal People Development Group ''(KOPDEG)'' which has been successful in providing employment for marginalized women and marketing their products. The ''Made-in-India'' tagged products from Kopedeg are unique to Kodaikanal and are targeted at foreign tourists who regularly buy them as souvenirs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm |title=Kodaikanal People Development Group |access-date=2011-03-02 |archive-date=2011-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204060530/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ''Cottage Crafts Shop'' at Anna Salai, is run by the voluntary organisation, Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai ''(CORSOK)''. They sell goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission charged to help the needy.<ref name=shop/> In 1994 the "Potter's Shed" was inaugurated. This pottery and craft Shop in Kodaikanal has made and sold hundreds of thousands of fine pieces of locally made pottery. All profits from this business are contributed to the ''Bethania Kids'', Center For Children with Disabilities.<ref>Bethania Kids [http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6 Potter's Shed, Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825161115/http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6 |date=2007-08-25 }}</ref> The Kodaikanal Lake Protection Council and Vattakkanal Organization for Youth, Community and Environment ''(VOYCE)'' are active in preserving Kodaikanal's environment. Plastic bags are banned and almost all shops and roadside vendors heed the rule and use recycled paper bags in fear of a social reprisal. Local hotels have also participated in improving the environment by placing garbage cans all across the town, with their prominent ''donated by'' signs acting as silent salesmen.<ref>R.W. Stewart and Tanya Balcar,Shola - Environmentla Newsletter, The Anglade Institute of Natural History, Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur, Kodaikanal 624104, India, pp318-319, No. (26 December 2000) Environmental Information System - ENVIS : India, [http://envis.nic.in/sdnp/casestudy/cases/pambarshola.html Pambar Shola : A Success Story in Conservation-V - Profit from Waste] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170315/http://envis.nic.in/sdnp/casestudy/cases/pambarshola.html |date=2011-07-21 }}</ref> ==Places of interest== <!--{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 180 | image1 = Kodai Lake.jpg | caption1 = [[Kodaikanal lake]] | image2 = Coaker's Walk.jpg | caption2 = View from Coaker's Walk | image3 = Eucalyptus plantation, Kodaikanal.jpg | caption3 = [[Eucalyptus]] plantation | image4 = Suicide point.jpg | caption4 = Green Valley View (formerly called Suicide Point) | image5 = Pine forest, Kodaikanal.jpg | caption5 = [[Pine]] forests, Kodaikanal }}--> [[image:Kodai Lake.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal lake]]]] Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand. '''[[Kodaikanal Lake]]''', {{convert|500|m}} from the bus stand, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45&nbsp;ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and [[pedalo]]s can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club with its main entrance near the only five-star hotel in Kodaikanal, The Carlton. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The {{convert|5|km}} path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike. '''Bryant Park''': Just east of the lake and {{convert|500|m}} from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained {{convert|20.5|acre}} botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is a 1857 [[Eucalyptus]] tree and a [[Bodhi tree]] which adds a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer, to coincide with the peak season. Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all year.<ref>Kodaikanal Travel Guide, [http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/bryant-park/ ''Bryant Park''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307215310/http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/bryant-park/ |date=2009-03-07 }}, 2007</ref> <!--{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 180 | image1 = Kodai Coakers Walk 1900.jpg | caption1 = Coaker's Walk (1900) | image2 = BearShola.jpg | caption2 = Bear shola falls | image3 = Kodaikanal01.JPG | caption3 = Pillar Rocks | image4 = SilverCascade.jpg | caption4 = Silver Cascade | image5 = Kodaikanal Solar Observatory-a.jpg | caption5 = [[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]] }}--> [[image:Kodai Coakers Walk 1900.jpg|thumb|Coaker's Walk (1900)]] '''Coaker's Walk''', {{convert|500|m}} from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a {{convert|1|km|ft|adj=on}} paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the [[Pambar River]] in the southeast, [[Periyakulam]] town and even the city of [[Madurai]]. A fascinating rare phenomenon called ''[[Brocken spectre]]'' can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.<ref>www.kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/travel/coakerwalk.htm Kodaikanal - Coaker walk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220104713/http://kodaikanal.com/travel/coakerwalk.htm |date=2010-12-20 }}</ref> '''Bear Shola Falls''', {{convert|3|km}} from the bus-stand, is a tall waterfall in a [[Reserve forest]]. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path. [[Image:Green valley view.jpg|right|thumb|Green valley view]] '''Green Valley View''', (formerly called Suicide Point) {{convert|5.5|km}} from the bus-stand and near the golf course, has an excellent panoramic view of the plains and a sheer drop of {{convert|1500|m}} overlooking the [[Vaigai Dam]] to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops to tempt tourists.<ref>TripsGuru Travel Services, ''Switzerland of the East'', [http://www.kodaitrips.com/greenvalleyview.html Green Valley View]</ref> '''[[Pine forest]]s''', In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.<ref>{{cite book|last=Madras (India : State)|coauthors=B. S. Baliga (Rao Bahadur)|title=Tamil Nadu district gazetteers|publisher=Printed by the Superintendent, Govt. Press|year=2002|page=166}}</ref> '''Shembaganur Museum of Natural History''', {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public (except Tuesdays) for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic [[orchid]] species. The museum is affiliated with [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]] in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the ancient [[Palaiyar]] tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.<ref>NLC Ltd. (2004) "''Important places -Kodaikanal''" retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.nlcindia.com/about/about_05f.htm "''Important places -Kodaikanal''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626164929/http://nlcindia.com/about/about_05f.htm |date=2011-06-26 }}</ref> [[image:Kodaikanal Solar Observatory-a.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]]] '''[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]''', {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at {{convert|2343|m}} is the highest location near Kodai. The first observations were commenced here in 1901.<ref>Indian Institute of Astrophysics - A Brief History, Solar Observatory at Kodaikanal, retrieved 3/13/2007.[http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai]</ref> Former Director [[John Evershed]], discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in [[sunspots]], now known as the [[Evershed effect]]. The Kodaikanal [[Refracting telescope|Terrestrial Telescope]] can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai Dam, [[Vaigai Dam]], Periyakulam and Varaha river. This [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]] facility has a comprehensive [[Astronomy|Astronomical]] [[Science museum]] with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.<ref>Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, [http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai Kodaikanal Observatory]</ref> <!--{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 180 | image1 = Wandern in den Palanis.jpg | caption1 = Dolphin's Nose | image2 = Palani Hills slopes.JPG | caption2 = South facing escarpment from Dolphins Nose }}--> [[image:Kodaikanal01.JPG|thumb|Pillar Rocks]] '''Pillar Rocks''', {{convert|8|km}} from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand {{convert|122|m}} high.<ref>Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism, "Kodaikanal-Princess of Hill Stations", [http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hillstations/tnhillstations/HS_Kodaikkanal1.aspx?catid=c3&subcat1id=c3s1&subcat2id=c3s1s1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921081209/http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hillstations/tnhillstations/HS_Kodaikkanal1.aspx?catid=c3&subcat1id=c3s1&subcat2id=c3s1s1 |date=2008-09-21 }} p. 2</ref> Managed by the [[Tamil Nadu Forest Department]], The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint. '''Guna caves''', made popular by the Tamil movie [[Guna]], previously called ''Devil’s Kitchen'', are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar.<ref>Saravanan Ang Mo Kio, Life is 2 Alive, [http://akssara.blogspot.com/2006/10/guna-cave-devils-kitchen.html ''The Guna Cave - Devils Kitchen''] (2006-10-9)</ref> '''Silver Cascade''', {{convert|8|km}} from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude {{convert|1800|m}}, is a {{convert|55|m|adj=on}} waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake.<ref>, By Indian Academy of Sciences, Published by Indian Academy of Sciences (1972) Item notes: v.76 1972 Jul-Dec, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized Apr 12, 2006, [http://books.google.com/books?id=O6kEAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22silver+cASCADE%22+kodaikanal+-com&client=safari Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, p. 126]</ref> The water quality is reportedly poor and not good enough for bathing.<ref>TripsGuru Travel Services, ''Switzerland of the East'', [http://www.kodaitrips.com/silvercascade.html Silver Cascade]</ref> This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here. [[image:Wandern in den Palanis.jpg|thumb|Dolphin's Nose]] '''Dolphin's Nose''', {{convert|8|km}} from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm {{convert|6600|m}} deep. It is an undisturbed area {{convert|1|km}} down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop. Beautiful views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here to '''Pambar falls''' (which is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in 1985).<ref>www.kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/travel/dolphinnose.htm Kodaikanal - Dolphin Nose] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220104633/http://kodaikanal.com/travel/dolphinnose.htm |date=2010-12-20 }}</ref> '''Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple''', {{convert|4|km}} from the bus-stand, is famous for its [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Kurinji flower]] which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called ''Sri Kurinji Easwaran'', who is in fact Lord [[Murugan]]. This temple was built in 1936 by a European lady, who on coming to Celon, converted to Hinduism.She changed her name to Leelavathi and married Mr.Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani by Mrs Devi Prasad Bhaskaran(also known as Padmini, niece and adopted daughter of Mr S Natesan Pillai, son in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband Dr R. Bhaskaran. ==Transport== Almost all distances from Kodaikanal are calculated with the lake as the central point of reference. The nearest airports are [[Madurai]] ({{convert|135|km|disp=s}}), [[Trichy]] ({{convert|200|km|disp=s}}) and [[Coimbatore]] ({{convert|170|km|disp=s}}). The nearest Railway stations are [[Palani]] Railway Station ({{convert|64|km|disp=s}}) north, [[Kodai road|Kodai Road]] Station ({{convert|80|km|disp=s}}) south east and [[Dindigul]] Railway Junction ({{convert|100|km|dips=s}}) east.<ref>Kodaionline, [http://www.kodaionline.com/Travel.php Kodaikanal Travel Mode] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420092925/http://www.kodaionline.com/Travel.php |date=2007-04-20 }}, 2008</ref> The 2 to 3 hours drive to Kodai via the steep and winding [[Ghat Roads|Ghat roads]] from [[Batlagundu]] or [[Palani]] is a memorable experience. Travelers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills.<ref>Dindugal District Collectors Office, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm About Dindugal District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420072113/http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm |date=2007-04-20 }}</ref> There is a 28&nbsp;km shortcut from [[Periyakulam]] to Kodaikanal via [[Kumbakarai]] . Bicycle rentals, taxis, vans and limited city buses are available.<ref>Kodai Travel Guide,[http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/2008/05/04/kodaikanal-a-beautiful-hill-resort/ Kodaikanal a Beautiful Hill Resort] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307121606/http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/2008/05/04/kodaikanal-a-beautiful-hill-resort/ |date=2009-03-07 }}</ref> [[Auto rickshaw]]s are not available.<ref>NLC Ltd., Important places around Neyveli [http://www.nlcindia.co.in/about/about_05f.htm Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118111734/http://www.nlcindia.co.in/about/about_05f.htm |date=2010-11-18 }}</ref> ==Notes== <references/> ==Further reading== *Charlotte Chandler Wyckoff: ''Kodaikanal: 1845-1945.'' London Mission Press, Nagercoil, Travancore, Indien. 1945. *Nora Mitchell: ''The Indian Hill Station Kodaikanal''. Research paper, University of Chicago, Department of Geography, No. 141. Chicago Ill., 1972. *Volker Winkler: ''Kodaikanal. Land of the Clouds''. Hillsboro Press, Franklin (Tennessee) 1999. ==External links== {{commons category|Kodaikanal}} * [http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kodaikanal Wikivoyage - Kodaikanal] *[http://www.kodaionline.com Comprehensive further information on Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163339/http://www.kodaionline.com/ |date=2011-07-13 }} * [http://www.kodaitrips.com/trekkingroutes.html Kodaikanal, 'Switzerland of the East', Trekking Routes] *[http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/tamilnadu/kodaikanal-city-map.gif Map of Kodaikanal City] * [http://www.palnihills.org Palani Hills Conservation Council] * [http://www.kodaikanalhomes.com Kodaikanal Resort, Residential Plot Info http://www.kodaikanalhomes.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112165611/http://www.kodaikanalhomes.com/ |date=2022-01-12 }} * [http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/kodaikanal/kodaikanal.html Wildvistas/Nationalparks/Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026060657/http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/kodaikanal/kodaikanal.html |date=2009-10-26 }} * Overview of [https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/destinations/dindigul/kodaikanal Kodaikanal] {{Tamil Nadu}} {{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}} {{Dindigul District}} [[Category:Tourism in Tamil Nadu]] [[Category:Kodaikanal]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1845]] hho79jc0opfddq2rxfitcraaclx8nz7 906494 906493 2026-10-22T09:32:38Z Snehrashmi 41463 લેખ દૂર કરવા પ્રસ્તાવ 906494 wikitext text/x-wiki {{હટાવો|કારણ=મથાળા અને માહિતી ચોકઠા સિવાયનું તમામ લખાણ પૂર્ણરૂપે અંગ્રેજી}} {{ભાષાંતર}} <!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details --> {{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction | skyline =Kodai street.jpg| skyline_caption =Anna Salai, a business street in Kodaikanal| native_name =Kodaikanal | other_name= | type = city | latd = 10.235 | longd = 77.486| locator_position = right | inset_map = yes | inset_map_size = 75px | inset_map_x = 160px | inset_map_y = 205px | inset_map_marker = | inset_map_marker_size = 4x4px | inset_map_default = Tamil Nadu | state_name = Tamil Nadu | district = [[Dindigul district|Dindigul]] | nearest_city = [[Madurai]] {{convert|121|km|abbr=on}}| established_title = Established | established_date = 1845 <ref name=DMA>Kodaikanal Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply, [http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm Historical Moments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324043243/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_Historical%20Moments.htm |date=2009-03-24 }}, 2005</ref>| leader_title_1= Chairman| leader_name_1 = S. Mohamed Ibrahim| leader_title_2 = Vice Chairman| leader_name_2 = Thiru.P.Chelladurai| altitude =2133| precip =1650 | temp_summer= 19.8 | temp_winter= 8.3 | population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 32931| population_density = 1100| area_magnitude= | area_total = 21.45 | area_telephone = 240 - 242 | postal_code = 624601 | vehicle_code_range = TN 57 | sex_ratio = M 51% F 49%| literacy =66% 1991| unlocode = | footnotes = Website: [http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/index.htm Kodaikanal Municipality] | }} '''Kodaikanal''' ({{lang-ta|கொடைக்கானல்}}) is a [[city]]<ref>city definition: [[Town#India]]</ref> in the hills of the [[Dindigul district#Divisions|taluk]] division of the [[Dindigul district]] in the [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest".<ref name="about">{{cite web|url=http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_city.htm|title=About City|publisher=Kodaikanal Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=23 November 2009|archive-date=16 માર્ચ 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316080804/http://www.municipality.tn.gov.in/kodaikanal/abcity_city.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kodaikanal is referred as the "Princess of [[Hill station]]s" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. It's a lot cooler in temperature than lower elevation cities such as [[Chennai]]. Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[tropical disease]]s of the [[Deccan plateau|plains]].<ref name="books.google.com">Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [http://books.google.com/books?lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&q=tropical+disease&pgis=1 ch 2, Rational for Tropical Hill Sations, pp13-15], 1972. Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008</ref> Much of the local economy is based on the [[hospitality industry]] serving [[tourism]]. ==Etymology== {{Section OR|date=November 2010}} {{cleanup|section|date=November 2010}} {{main|History of Kodaikanal#Etymology}} It is not known who first used this name or what they intended it to mean. However the following explanation makes some sense. By pronouncing with long Tamil 'O' as ''ko...dai'' means ''the summer'' and ''kanal'' means ''to see'', which means a place to see in Summer. Kodaikanal is actually a summer forest. The other interesting explanations are, the [[Tamil language]], has four versions are defined to the name "Kodaikanal". It is interesting but it is not known who invented this name. The word Kodaikanal is classified into two words as Kodai and Kanal. Here "''Kanal''" means in Tamil that the dense forest or the closed forest. Then "''Kodai''" has four different meanings. With its meanings Kodaikanal meant in four ways. By pronouncing with long Tamil 'O' and KO....DI means "the end". So that KO...DI KANAL means "The End of the Forest" in the bygone days, Kodaikanal is situated at the end part of the thick forest. Nowadays it is developed but the beauty is still kept.<ref name="about"/> By pronouncing with short Tamil 'O' as KODI means "The Creepers". So that Kodaikanal means "The Forest of Creepers". ''"The Forest of Creepers"'' is also thought to be the [[English language]] meaning given in 1885 during the early western habitation of the place,<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=yvNWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA482&dq=point+calimere&ei=JsDVSM7oFYGCywSH64XIAw&client=safari#PPA583,M1 The Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia] by Edward Balfour, Published by B. Quaritch, 1885, Item notes: vol.2 H-NYSA, P583, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized Jan 29, 2008</ref> and is still accepted.<ref>Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [http://books.google.com/books?lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&q=+place+creepers+&pgis=1 place creepers, p. 98], 1972. Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008</ref> They called like this with its beauty. By pronouncing with long Tamil 'O' as KO....DAI means "The Summer". So KO...DAI KANAL means "The Forest of the Summer". Kodaikanal is actually a summer forest. By pronouncing with short Tamil 'O' as KODAI means that "The Gift". So that "Kodaikanal" means "The Gift of the Forest" Kodaikanal was created by the forest and it surroundings. So it may be called as the gift of forest.<ref name="about"/> By pronouncing with short Tamil 'O' as KODAI means that "The Gift". So that "Kodaikanal" means "The Gift of the Forest" Kodaikanal was created by the forest and it surroundings. So it may be called as the gift of forest.<ref name="about"/> Another Tamil word for creepers is [[Valli]], the honey collecting daughter of the chief of the Veddas mountain tribe. The chief and his wife prayed to the Mountain God for a girl-child and their prayers were answered when the chief found a new-born girl child during a hunting expedition. As she was found among creeper plants, they named the child Valli and she grew up as princess of the tribe in [[Sangam_landscape#Kurinji_.E2.80.93_Mountainous_Region|Kurinji]] and became the consort of lord [[Murugan]]. <ref>[[Sangam_landscape#Kurinji_.E2.80.93_Mountainous_Region]]</ref> The romantic traditions of Murugan in [[Murugan#Sangam_literature|Sangam literature]] are thus associated with the name Kodaikanal. ==History== {{Main|History of Kodaikanal}} The earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the [[Palaiyar]] tribal people. The earliest specific references to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills are found in Tamil [[Sangam literature]] of the early Christian era.<ref name=Mitchell>Mitchell Nora, ''Indian Hill Station: Kodaikanal'', University of Chicago, Dept. of Geography, [http://books.google.com/books?lr=&ei=jSjXSLfECIm6zAShg-XrDg&id=1yZjAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Mitchell%22+%22Indian+Hill+Station%22&q=+kodaikanal+sangam&pgis=1 Kodaikanal Sangam, p97], 1972 Original from the University of California Digitized Jan 28, 2008</ref> Modern Kodaikanal was established by American [[American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions|Christian missionaries]] and [[Company rule in India|British bureaucrats]] in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and [[Tropical_disease#Relation_of_climate_to_tropical_diseases|tropical disease]]s of the [[Deccan plateau|plains]].<ref name="books.google.com"/> In the 20th century a few elite Indians came to realise the value of this enchanting hill station and started relocating here.<ref name=TDC>Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism, [http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Kodaikkanal.aspxCatId=C1&SubCat1Id=C1S1&SubCat2Id=C1S1S13 Kodaikanal Princess of Hill Stations]{{Dead link|date=જુલાઈ 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Tourism has been impacted by industrial pollution issues including the closure of a mercury factory owned by [[Unilever]]'s Indian [[subsidiary]] [[Hindustan Unilever]] after evidence of widespread [[mercury pollution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=260#env|publisher=Corporate Watch|title=Unilever Environmental Pollution|access-date=2007-08-08}}</ref> to date no proper clean-up operation has been mounted. ==Geography== [[Image:AMS-Kodaikanal.jpg|thumb|1955 Topographic map of Kodaikanal]] The town of Kodaikanal sits on a [[plateau]] above the southern [[escarpment]] of the upper [[Palni Hills]] at {{convert|2133|m}}, between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. These hills form the eastward spur of the [[Western Ghats]] on the Western side of [[South India]]. It has an irregular basin as its heartland, the centre of which is now [[Kodaikanal Lake]] a {{convert|5|km}} circumference manmade lake. [[Meadow]]s and [[grassland]]s cover the hillsides. Gigantic [[Eucalyptus]] trees and [[shola]] forests flourish in the valleys. Mighty rocks and cascading streams. rise up from the valleys. There are many high waterfalls and ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in bloom.<ref name="TDC"/> North of the town, high hills that slope down into the villages of Pallangi and [[Vilpatti]] stand guard. On the east the hill slopes less abruptly into the lower Palnis. A precipitous [[escarpment]] facing the [[Cumbum, Tamil Nadu|Cumbum Valley]] is on the south. On the west is a plateau leading to [[Manjampatti Valley]], [[Indira Gandhi National Park]], the [[Anamalai Hills]] and the main body of the Western Ghats. {{Geographic Location |title = |Northwest = [[Pollachi]] |North = [[Palani]] |Northeast = Perumalmalai |West = [[Munnar]] |Centre = Kodaikanal |East = [[Dindigul]] |Southwest = [[Bodinayakkanur]] |South = [[Theni]] |Southeast = [[Periyakulam]] }} ==Economy== [[Image:Anna Salai, Kodaikanal.JPG|thumb|Anna Salai, Street bazaar, with Mount Perumalmalai in distance]] {|class="wikitable" align="left" |- style="background:#87CEFA; color:white; float:right margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;" | align="center" |'''Season''' | align="center" |'''Months''' |- align="center" |'''Peak Season''' |April–June |- align="center" |'''Low Season''' |Feb-March; July–September |- align="center" |'''Second Season''' |October–January |} The economy of Kodaikanal is predominantly run by [[tourism]].<ref name="shop"/> The town's infrastructure changes every year in preparation for the peak tourist season. Major roads are converted into one-way lanes to regulate the constant inflow of traffic and special police are brought in for the safety of the tourists and protection of local businesses. Hotels are often fully booked during the high season, and remain virtually empty during the off-season. Due to the rapid development of nearby cities such as [[Madurai]] and [[Coimbatore]], the town is starting to enjoy year-round tourism. There are at least 50 hotels catering to all categories of tourists<ref>www.kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/wheretostay/hotel2.htm Kodaikanal - Hotels] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126003246/http://www.kodaikanal.com/wheretostay/hotel2.htm |date=2010-01-26 }}</ref> and over 30 south & north Indian, continental, western and Chinese restaurants, and many more small eateries and tea stalls. [[Image:Palani hills kodai Waterfall.jpg|thumb|A waterfall enroute Kodaikanal]] There are at least seven [[retail bank]] branches and five [[automated teller machine]]s (ATM) in Kodaikanal. The [[Bank of India]] has a branch and ATM at S.G.J Thangadurai Building, Anna Salai. The [[Canara Bank]] has a branch and ATM at CLS book shop complex, Anna Salai. The [[Central Bank of India]] branch is at M M Street, Law's Ghat Road, Perumalmalai. The [[Indian Bank]] has a branch and ATM at Anna Salai. The [[State Bank of India]] has a branch at Anna Salai and also has an ATM on Lake Road, outside Kodaikanal International School.<ref>State Bank of India, [http://www.statebankofindia.com/atmlocator.jsp?lang=0&id=0# ATM Locator] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517034458/http://statebankofindia.com/atmlocator.jsp?lang=0&id=0 |date=2009-05-17 }}</ref> The [[Union Bank of India]] has a branch at Naidupuram and also has an ATM on the 1st Floor of Municipal Shopping Complex opposite the Old Bus Stand, Anna Salai.,.<ref name=Banks1>kodaikanal.com [http://www.kodaikanal.com/bank.htm Kodaikanal Banks]</ref><ref name=ATM>atmbankindia, [http://www.atmbankindia.com/html/Dindigul-Kodaikanal.htm ATM Bank Locations in Kodaikanal ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707183154/http://www.atmbankindia.com/html/Dindigul-Kodaikanal.htm |date=2011-07-07 }}</ref> [[ICICI Bank]] also has an ATM in Kodaikanal. The Kodaikanal Co-operative Land Development Bank, The Kodaikanal Co-operative Urban Bank at Anna Salai and the Madurai District Central Co-operative Bank at Post Office Road offer only local [[Commercial bank]]ing services.<ref name=Banks2>kodaikanalonline.com [http://www.kodaikanalonline.com/bank.htm Banks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163202/http://www.kodaikanalonline.com/bank.htm |date=2011-07-13 }}</ref> There is an excellent [[bazaar]] where residents, local villagers and tourists come buy woollen clothing, flowers, fresh grocery, meat, handicrafts, hot snacks, cheap toys, medicinal herbs and oils, hardware, dry goods and cooking fuels. The cosmopolitan nature of Kodai is evident on Anna Salai, the main business street, where it is common to see local villagers, European and American students and backpackers, foreign retirees and families from other parts of India, all mixed together in their common activity of [[shopping]]. Plums, pears, chile peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic and onions are cultivated by [[terrace (agriculture)|terrace farmers]] in surrounding villages.<ref>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/agriculture.htm Agriculture]</ref> Most are trucked to other parts of India and some are sold in the local market. Popular tourist souvenirs include handcrafts, home-made chocolates, postcards and Eucalyptus oil.<ref name=shop>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/shopping.htm Kodaikanal - Shopping]</ref> ==Health== The three major medical facilities are the Kodaikanal Health and Medical Services (KHMS), Van Allen Hospital and the Government Hospital. These hospitals treat patients with common ailments and injuries and perform child delivery and care, but are not equipped with modern medical equipment for complicated diagnoses and surgeries. KHMS is a modern hospital and is well-suited for the basic needs of the people, including child delivery. The local residents and those from the nearby villages, do not have to travel down to the plains, thanks to KHMS. KHMS is an integrated hospital, wherein both modern medicine as well as other forms of medicine are practised, this includes, homeopathy,reflexology, reiki, cold pack treatment, spinal bath, naturopathy, murma (diagnosis through the pulse). KHMS offers x-ray (radiology); sonography (ultrasound); pathology laboratory, pharmacy, OT, OPD. KHMS has a modern dental clinic as well. In April 1915, Dr. Van Allen raised funds to construct the first unit of the hospital at the entrance of Coaker's walk. It was named after him. Facilities got updated from time to time and now it has X-ray machine, well equipped pathological lab, and operation theatre with blood transfusion facilities. Government Hospital is situated on the hillside near Rock cottage on lower shola road. It was a small municipal hospital until 1927. Now it has X-ray, Dental, Maternity ward and other facilities.<ref>kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com|Kodaikanal - Hospitals]{{Dead link|date=ફેબ્રુઆરી 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Air and water-borne [[Mercury_(element)#Safety|mercury emissions]] have contaminated large areas of Kodaikanal and surrounding forests. A study conducted by the Department of Atomic Energy confirmed that Kodaikanal Lake has been contaminated by mercury emissions.,<ref>The Hindu, [http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352980300.htm "Prevent mercury pollution”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104021328/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352980300.htm |date=2007-11-04 }}, (2007-8-23),</ref><ref>Studies of mercury pollution in a lake due to a thermometer factory situated in a tourist resort : Kodaikkanal, India, Author(s): KARUNASAGAR D. (1) ; BALARAMA KRISHNA M. V. (1) ; ANJANEYULU Y. (2) ; ARUNACHALAM J. (1) ; Author(s) Affiliation(s) (1) National Center for Compositional Characterization of Materials (CCCM), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, ECIL Post, Hyderabad 500 062, INDE, (2) Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kukkatpally, Hyderabad, INDE [http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17799836 Studies of mercury pollution]</ref> ==Education== Kodaikanal is renowned for the [[Kodaikanal International School]], Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Brindavan Public School, St.Peter's Matriculation Higher Secondary School <ref>http://petersschoolkodai.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101082045/https://www.petersschoolkodai.com/ |date=2020-11-01 }} St. Peters School</ref> and the Kodaikanal Public School <ref>[http://www.kodaikanalpublicschool.org Kodaikanal Public School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506183330/http://www.kodaikanalpublicschool.org/ |date=2021-05-06 }}.</ref> The other schools are: Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram, Brindavan Matric Higher secondary School, St. Joseph's Public School , St. Xavier's High School and St. John's Girls Higher Secondary School. The main colleges here are (American University of India (AUI) / Kodai International Business School (KIBS) www.auiedu.com) which is an elite Business school offering MBA & BBA programs in USA & India located in Ugarthenager, [[Kodaikanal Christian College]], and Sacred Heart College. Mother Theresas University is distinctive as India's only university devoted to exclusively women's issues.<ref>[http://www.motherteresawomenuniv.ac.in/Mother Theresa University]{{Dead link|date=જુલાઈ 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> <ref>[http://www.kodaikanal.com, Mother Theresa Women's University]{{Dead link|date=ફેબ્રુઆરી 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, retrieved Feb 25, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.kodaikanal.com/annaitherasauniversity.htm Mother Theresa Womens University]</ref> In 2005 a new engineering college specializing in [[Information Technology]], Kodaikanal Institute of Technology under [[Anna University]], has been established {{convert|22|km}} below Kodaikanal town. It has a {{convert|25|acre}} [[Wireless network]]ed campus including of state-of-art Laboratories, Digital Library & Learning Management System, 24/7 high-speed 8 Mbit/s Internet facility and a Hostel.<ref>Kodaikanal institute of technology, [http://www.kodaitech.com/aboutus.htm About us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163354/http://www.kodaitech.com/aboutus.htm |date=2011-07-13 }}</ref> ==Religion== [[Image:La Sallete Church.JPG|thumb|La Salette Church]] Since Kodaikanal was founded by the American and European [[Missionaries]], [[Christian]] churches are abundant in Kodaikanal. They include Church of South India - opposite Bryant Park, Gorapur, Lake End, La Salette, Lutheran Mission, Sacred Heart - Munjikal, Saint Antony’s - Antonyar Kovil street, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Joseph's, Saint Mary's and Saint Peter’s - Cockers Walk road. Amongst the most popular is Union Church with a large Tamil congregation and Margaret Eddy Memorial Chapel at Kodai International School with lively services in a typically American style and distinctive stone architecture. There are many [[Hindu_temple#South Indian temples|Hindu Temples]] in Kodaikanal including the [[Durga]]i Amman Kovil, Kurinji Andavar Kovil, [[Mariamman]] Kovil, Observatory [[Murugan]] Kovil and [[Vinayagar]] Kovil. The [[Tamil Muslim|Muslim]] [[mosque]]s are Ellis Villa and Munjikal. There is an active community of [[Tibet]]an [[Buddhist]] refugees. ==Civil Society== [[Image:Kodai GC groomed green.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal Golf Club]] Kodaikanal has several [[club]]s and [[civil society]] organizations operating for social, charitable and environmental goals. Established clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club ''(est. 1985)'' under the jurisdiction of [[Lions Clubs International]] ''(district 324B)''; Kodaikanal Boat Club '' (est. 1890)'' with nearly 650 permanent members; [[Kodaikanal Golf Club]] ''(est. 1895)'' with over 600 members and an 18 hole golf course, spread over {{convert|143|acre|km2}}; and The Indian Club ''(est. 1915)'' on Poet Thyagarajar road.<ref>Kodaikanal General Information, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.kodaikanal.com/generalinformation.htm Hotels/Restaurants, Banks, Hospitals, Schools, Temple, Recreation]</ref> In 1890, the Kodaikanal Missionary Union ''(KMU)'' was formed to enable missionaries of the various demominations to come together for recreation and to develop mission strategy and outreach in cooperation with each other. In 1923 it built an [[Edwardian]] style clubhouse with large central hall for social events and afternoon teas, 6 tennis courts, a reading room, and other spaces for meetings.<ref>Heideman, Eugene P. ''From Mission to Church: The Reformed Church in America Mission to India'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing,[http://books.google.com/books?id=0A6ruPk7-lcC&pg=PA348&lpg=PA348&dq=Kodaikanal+Missionary+Union&source=bl&ots=6PZmv_C11g&sig=jRT1Ovq4EXeSOB4zkDV61XmhRE4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result#PPA349,M1 "Kodaikanal Missionary Union" (KMU), p. 348] (2001) ISBN 0-8028-4900-8, 9780802849007 512 pages</ref> With the decline of missionary activity in India, the KMU was wound up in the 1980s, and the property was turned over to Kodaikanal International School. The KMU library with many valuable old books besides newer materials, is still functioning in one room, and provides something of a social venue. The valuable original KMU archives materials have been incorporated into the archives of the school, which has hired an archivist and is in process of converting the whole original KMU building into an archives and display center for the school and the community.<ref>Kodaikanal International School, [http://www.kis.in/foundation/archives.html KIS Archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004133308/http://www.kis.in/foundation/archives.html |date=2008-10-04 }}</ref> (2008) [[Image:Kodaikanal Lake View.JPG|thumb|Kodaikanal lake View showing: Mount Perumal, Boat house, Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal International School, Fish hatchery, Lake Road.]] Kodaikanal has several [[Social service]] societies which promote local trade and increase employment of rural villagers in the town's periphery by participating in its tourism fueled growth. These include the Kodaikanal People Development Group ''(KOPDEG)'' which has been successful in providing employment for marginalized women and marketing their products. The ''Made-in-India'' tagged products from Kopedeg are unique to Kodaikanal and are targeted at foreign tourists who regularly buy them as souvenirs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm |title=Kodaikanal People Development Group |access-date=2011-03-02 |archive-date=2011-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204060530/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/02/11/stories/2007021100330700.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ''Cottage Crafts Shop'' at Anna Salai, is run by the voluntary organisation, Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai ''(CORSOK)''. They sell goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission charged to help the needy.<ref name=shop/> In 1994 the "Potter's Shed" was inaugurated. This pottery and craft Shop in Kodaikanal has made and sold hundreds of thousands of fine pieces of locally made pottery. All profits from this business are contributed to the ''Bethania Kids'', Center For Children with Disabilities.<ref>Bethania Kids [http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6 Potter's Shed, Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825161115/http://www.bethaniakids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_individual_ministry&ministryPK=6 |date=2007-08-25 }}</ref> The Kodaikanal Lake Protection Council and Vattakkanal Organization for Youth, Community and Environment ''(VOYCE)'' are active in preserving Kodaikanal's environment. Plastic bags are banned and almost all shops and roadside vendors heed the rule and use recycled paper bags in fear of a social reprisal. Local hotels have also participated in improving the environment by placing garbage cans all across the town, with their prominent ''donated by'' signs acting as silent salesmen.<ref>R.W. Stewart and Tanya Balcar,Shola - Environmentla Newsletter, The Anglade Institute of Natural History, Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur, Kodaikanal 624104, India, pp318-319, No. (26 December 2000) Environmental Information System - ENVIS : India, [http://envis.nic.in/sdnp/casestudy/cases/pambarshola.html Pambar Shola : A Success Story in Conservation-V - Profit from Waste] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170315/http://envis.nic.in/sdnp/casestudy/cases/pambarshola.html |date=2011-07-21 }}</ref> ==Places of interest== <!--{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 180 | image1 = Kodai Lake.jpg | caption1 = [[Kodaikanal lake]] | image2 = Coaker's Walk.jpg | caption2 = View from Coaker's Walk | image3 = Eucalyptus plantation, Kodaikanal.jpg | caption3 = [[Eucalyptus]] plantation | image4 = Suicide point.jpg | caption4 = Green Valley View (formerly called Suicide Point) | image5 = Pine forest, Kodaikanal.jpg | caption5 = [[Pine]] forests, Kodaikanal }}--> [[image:Kodai Lake.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal lake]]]] Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand. '''[[Kodaikanal Lake]]''', {{convert|500|m}} from the bus stand, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45&nbsp;ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and [[pedalo]]s can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club with its main entrance near the only five-star hotel in Kodaikanal, The Carlton. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The {{convert|5|km}} path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike. '''Bryant Park''': Just east of the lake and {{convert|500|m}} from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained {{convert|20.5|acre}} botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is a 1857 [[Eucalyptus]] tree and a [[Bodhi tree]] which adds a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer, to coincide with the peak season. Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all year.<ref>Kodaikanal Travel Guide, [http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/bryant-park/ ''Bryant Park''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307215310/http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/bryant-park/ |date=2009-03-07 }}, 2007</ref> <!--{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 180 | image1 = Kodai Coakers Walk 1900.jpg | caption1 = Coaker's Walk (1900) | image2 = BearShola.jpg | caption2 = Bear shola falls | image3 = Kodaikanal01.JPG | caption3 = Pillar Rocks | image4 = SilverCascade.jpg | caption4 = Silver Cascade | image5 = Kodaikanal Solar Observatory-a.jpg | caption5 = [[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]] }}--> [[image:Kodai Coakers Walk 1900.jpg|thumb|Coaker's Walk (1900)]] '''Coaker's Walk''', {{convert|500|m}} from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a {{convert|1|km|ft|adj=on}} paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the [[Pambar River]] in the southeast, [[Periyakulam]] town and even the city of [[Madurai]]. A fascinating rare phenomenon called ''[[Brocken spectre]]'' can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.<ref>www.kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/travel/coakerwalk.htm Kodaikanal - Coaker walk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220104713/http://kodaikanal.com/travel/coakerwalk.htm |date=2010-12-20 }}</ref> '''Bear Shola Falls''', {{convert|3|km}} from the bus-stand, is a tall waterfall in a [[Reserve forest]]. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path. [[Image:Green valley view.jpg|right|thumb|Green valley view]] '''Green Valley View''', (formerly called Suicide Point) {{convert|5.5|km}} from the bus-stand and near the golf course, has an excellent panoramic view of the plains and a sheer drop of {{convert|1500|m}} overlooking the [[Vaigai Dam]] to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops to tempt tourists.<ref>TripsGuru Travel Services, ''Switzerland of the East'', [http://www.kodaitrips.com/greenvalleyview.html Green Valley View]</ref> '''[[Pine forest]]s''', In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.<ref>{{cite book|last=Madras (India : State)|coauthors=B. S. Baliga (Rao Bahadur)|title=Tamil Nadu district gazetteers|publisher=Printed by the Superintendent, Govt. Press|year=2002|page=166}}</ref> '''Shembaganur Museum of Natural History''', {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public (except Tuesdays) for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic [[orchid]] species. The museum is affiliated with [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]] in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the ancient [[Palaiyar]] tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.<ref>NLC Ltd. (2004) "''Important places -Kodaikanal''" retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.nlcindia.com/about/about_05f.htm "''Important places -Kodaikanal''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626164929/http://nlcindia.com/about/about_05f.htm |date=2011-06-26 }}</ref> [[image:Kodaikanal Solar Observatory-a.jpg|thumb|[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]]] '''[[Kodaikanal Solar Observatory]]''', {{convert|6|km}} from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at {{convert|2343|m}} is the highest location near Kodai. The first observations were commenced here in 1901.<ref>Indian Institute of Astrophysics - A Brief History, Solar Observatory at Kodaikanal, retrieved 3/13/2007.[http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai]</ref> Former Director [[John Evershed]], discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in [[sunspots]], now known as the [[Evershed effect]]. The Kodaikanal [[Refracting telescope|Terrestrial Telescope]] can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai Dam, [[Vaigai Dam]], Periyakulam and Varaha river. This [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]] facility has a comprehensive [[Astronomy|Astronomical]] [[Science museum]] with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.<ref>Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, [http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kodai Kodaikanal Observatory]</ref> <!--{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 180 | image1 = Wandern in den Palanis.jpg | caption1 = Dolphin's Nose | image2 = Palani Hills slopes.JPG | caption2 = South facing escarpment from Dolphins Nose }}--> [[image:Kodaikanal01.JPG|thumb|Pillar Rocks]] '''Pillar Rocks''', {{convert|8|km}} from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand {{convert|122|m}} high.<ref>Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism, "Kodaikanal-Princess of Hill Stations", [http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hillstations/tnhillstations/HS_Kodaikkanal1.aspx?catid=c3&subcat1id=c3s1&subcat2id=c3s1s1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921081209/http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/hillstations/tnhillstations/HS_Kodaikkanal1.aspx?catid=c3&subcat1id=c3s1&subcat2id=c3s1s1 |date=2008-09-21 }} p. 2</ref> Managed by the [[Tamil Nadu Forest Department]], The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint. '''Guna caves''', made popular by the Tamil movie [[Guna]], previously called ''Devil’s Kitchen'', are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar.<ref>Saravanan Ang Mo Kio, Life is 2 Alive, [http://akssara.blogspot.com/2006/10/guna-cave-devils-kitchen.html ''The Guna Cave - Devils Kitchen''] (2006-10-9)</ref> '''Silver Cascade''', {{convert|8|km}} from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude {{convert|1800|m}}, is a {{convert|55|m|adj=on}} waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake.<ref>, By Indian Academy of Sciences, Published by Indian Academy of Sciences (1972) Item notes: v.76 1972 Jul-Dec, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized Apr 12, 2006, [http://books.google.com/books?id=O6kEAAAAIAAJ&dq=%22silver+cASCADE%22+kodaikanal+-com&client=safari Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, p. 126]</ref> The water quality is reportedly poor and not good enough for bathing.<ref>TripsGuru Travel Services, ''Switzerland of the East'', [http://www.kodaitrips.com/silvercascade.html Silver Cascade]</ref> This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here. [[image:Wandern in den Palanis.jpg|thumb|Dolphin's Nose]] '''Dolphin's Nose''', {{convert|8|km}} from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm {{convert|6600|m}} deep. It is an undisturbed area {{convert|1|km}} down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop. Beautiful views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here to '''Pambar falls''' (which is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in 1985).<ref>www.kodaikanal.com, [http://www.kodaikanal.com/travel/dolphinnose.htm Kodaikanal - Dolphin Nose] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220104633/http://kodaikanal.com/travel/dolphinnose.htm |date=2010-12-20 }}</ref> '''Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple''', {{convert|4|km}} from the bus-stand, is famous for its [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Kurinji flower]] which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called ''Sri Kurinji Easwaran'', who is in fact Lord [[Murugan]]. This temple was built in 1936 by a European lady, who on coming to Celon, converted to Hinduism.She changed her name to Leelavathi and married Mr.Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani by Mrs Devi Prasad Bhaskaran(also known as Padmini, niece and adopted daughter of Mr S Natesan Pillai, son in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband Dr R. Bhaskaran. ==Transport== Almost all distances from Kodaikanal are calculated with the lake as the central point of reference. The nearest airports are [[Madurai]] ({{convert|135|km|disp=s}}), [[Trichy]] ({{convert|200|km|disp=s}}) and [[Coimbatore]] ({{convert|170|km|disp=s}}). The nearest Railway stations are [[Palani]] Railway Station ({{convert|64|km|disp=s}}) north, [[Kodai road|Kodai Road]] Station ({{convert|80|km|disp=s}}) south east and [[Dindigul]] Railway Junction ({{convert|100|km|dips=s}}) east.<ref>Kodaionline, [http://www.kodaionline.com/Travel.php Kodaikanal Travel Mode] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420092925/http://www.kodaionline.com/Travel.php |date=2007-04-20 }}, 2008</ref> The 2 to 3 hours drive to Kodai via the steep and winding [[Ghat Roads|Ghat roads]] from [[Batlagundu]] or [[Palani]] is a memorable experience. Travelers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills.<ref>Dindugal District Collectors Office, retrieved 4/12/2007 [http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm About Dindugal District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420072113/http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm |date=2007-04-20 }}</ref> There is a 28&nbsp;km shortcut from [[Periyakulam]] to Kodaikanal via [[Kumbakarai]] . Bicycle rentals, taxis, vans and limited city buses are available.<ref>Kodai Travel Guide,[http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/2008/05/04/kodaikanal-a-beautiful-hill-resort/ Kodaikanal a Beautiful Hill Resort] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307121606/http://kodaikanal.mediadir.in/2008/05/04/kodaikanal-a-beautiful-hill-resort/ |date=2009-03-07 }}</ref> [[Auto rickshaw]]s are not available.<ref>NLC Ltd., Important places around Neyveli [http://www.nlcindia.co.in/about/about_05f.htm Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118111734/http://www.nlcindia.co.in/about/about_05f.htm |date=2010-11-18 }}</ref> ==Notes== <references/> ==Further reading== *Charlotte Chandler Wyckoff: ''Kodaikanal: 1845-1945.'' London Mission Press, Nagercoil, Travancore, Indien. 1945. *Nora Mitchell: ''The Indian Hill Station Kodaikanal''. Research paper, University of Chicago, Department of Geography, No. 141. Chicago Ill., 1972. *Volker Winkler: ''Kodaikanal. Land of the Clouds''. Hillsboro Press, Franklin (Tennessee) 1999. ==External links== {{commons category|Kodaikanal}} * [http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kodaikanal Wikivoyage - Kodaikanal] *[http://www.kodaionline.com Comprehensive further information on Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713163339/http://www.kodaionline.com/ |date=2011-07-13 }} * [http://www.kodaitrips.com/trekkingroutes.html Kodaikanal, 'Switzerland of the East', Trekking Routes] *[http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/tamilnadu/kodaikanal-city-map.gif Map of Kodaikanal City] * [http://www.palnihills.org Palani Hills Conservation Council] * [http://www.kodaikanalhomes.com Kodaikanal Resort, Residential Plot Info http://www.kodaikanalhomes.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112165611/http://www.kodaikanalhomes.com/ |date=2022-01-12 }} * [http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/kodaikanal/kodaikanal.html Wildvistas/Nationalparks/Kodaikanal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026060657/http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/kodaikanal/kodaikanal.html |date=2009-10-26 }} * Overview of [https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/destinations/dindigul/kodaikanal Kodaikanal] {{Tamil Nadu}} {{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}} {{Dindigul District}} [[Category:Tourism in Tamil Nadu]] [[Category:Kodaikanal]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1845]] opf2o5r5y7ueqtw2skqajc5yhykxi8k 0 30773 906484 906483 2026-10-21T11:59:50Z Snehrashmi 41463 મેન્યુઅલ રિવર્ટ 906484 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Infobox Indian jurisdiction | type = ગામ | native_name = કુડલા | state_name = ગુજરાત | district = સુરેન્દ્રનગર | taluk_names = ચુડા | latd = 22.479481 | longd= 71.680817 | area_total = | altitude = | population_total = | population_as_of = | population_density = | leader_title_1 = | leader_name_1 = | leader_title_2 = | leader_name_2 = | footnotes = | blank_title_1 = સગવડો | blank_value_1 = [[પ્રાથમિક શાળા]], [[પંચાયતઘર]], [[આંગણવાડી]], દૂધની ડેરી | blank_title_2 = મુખ્ય વ્યવસાય | blank_value_2 = [[ખેતી]], [[ખેતમજૂરી]], [[પશુપાલન]] | blank_title_3 = મુખ્ય ખેત-ઉત્પાદનો | blank_value_3 = [[ઘઉં]], [[જીરુ]], [[વરિયાળી]], [[બાજરી]],<br /> [[કપાસ]], [[દિવેલી|દિવેલા]], [[રજકો]], [[શાકભાજી]] | blank_title_4 = | blank_value_4 = }} '''કુડલા (તા. ચુડા)''' [[ભારત]] દેશના પશ્ચિમ ભાગમાં આવેલા [[ગુજરાત|ગુજરાત રાજ્યના]] [[સૌરાષ્ટ્ર]] વિસ્તારમાં આવેલા [[સુરેન્દ્રનગર જિલ્લો|સુરેન્દ્રનગર જિલ્લામાં]] આવેલા કુલ ૧૦ (દસ) તાલુકાઓ પૈકીના એક એવા [[ચુડા તાલુકો|ચુડા તાલુકામાં]] આવેલું એક ગામ છે. કુડલા ગામના લોકોનો મુખ્ય વ્યવસાય [[ખેતી]], [[ખેતમજૂરી]] તેમ જ [[પશુપાલન]] છે. આ ગામમાં મુખ્યત્વે [[ઘઉં]], [[જીરુ]], [[મગફળી]], [[બાજરી]], [[ચણા]], [[કપાસ]], [[દિવેલી|દિવેલા]], [[રજકો]] તેમ જ અન્ય [[શાકભાજી]]ના પાકની [[ખેતી]] કરવામાં આવે છે. આ ગામમાં [[પ્રાથમિક શાળા]], [[પંચાયતઘર]], [[આંગણવાડી]] તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. {{ગુજરાત ગામ સ્ટબ}} [[શ્રેણી:ચુડા તાલુકો]] e63xr85ah0me7ht53s6b8gplqkql2ly 0 31300 906487 879187 2026-10-21T18:21:02Z KATHIYAVADI 89666 /* જોવાલાયક સ્થળો */ 906487 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Infobox Indian jurisdiction | type = ગામ | native_name = ઢાંક | state_name = ગુજરાત | district = રાજકોટ | taluk_names = [[ઉપલેટા તાલુકો|ઉપલેટા]] | latd = 21.74103 | longd = 70.278236 | area_total = | altitude = | population_total = ૭૦૮૭ | population_as_of = ૨૦૧૧ | population_total_cite = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.censusindia.co.in/villages/dhank-population-rajkot-gujarat-513340|title=Dhank Village Population, Caste - Upleta Rajkot, Gujarat - Census India|website=www.censusindia.co.in|language=en-US|access-date=૧૨ જુલાઇ ૨૦૧૮|archive-date=2020-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809001842/https://www.censusindia.co.in/villages/dhank-population-rajkot-gujarat-513340|url-status=dead}}</ref> | population_density = | leader_title_1 = | leader_name_1 = | leader_title_2 = | leader_name_2 = | footnotes = | blank_title_1 = સગવડો | blank_value_1 = પ્રાથમિક શાળા, પંચાયતઘર, આંગણવાડી, આરોગ્ય કેન્દ્ર, દૂધની ડેરી | blank_title_2 = મુખ્ય વ્યવસાય | blank_value_2 = [[ખેતી]], [[ખેતમજૂરી]], [[પશુપાલન]] | blank_title_3 = મુખ્ય ખેતપેદાશ | blank_value_3 = [[ઘઉં]], [[જીરુ]], [[મગફળી]], [[તલ]],<br /> [[બાજરી]], [[ચણા]], [[કપાસ]], [[દિવેલી]],<br /> [[રજકો]] તેમજ અન્ય [[શાકભાજી]] | blank_title_4 = | blank_value_4 = }} '''ઢાંક''' [[ભારત]] દેશના પશ્ચિમ ભાગમાં આવેલા [[ગુજરાત|ગુજરાત રાજ્ય]]ના [[સૌરાષ્ટ્ર]] વિસ્તારમાં આવેલા [[રાજકોટ જિલ્લો|રાજકોટ જિલ્લા]]માં આવેલા [[ઉપલેટા તાલુકો|ઉપલેટા તાલુકા]]માં આવેલું એક ગામ છે. ઢાંક ગામના લોકોનો મુખ્ય વ્યવસાય [[ખેતી]], [[ખેતમજૂરી]] તેમ જ [[પશુપાલન]] છે. આ ગામમાં મુખ્યત્વે [[ઘઉં]], [[જીરુ]], [[મગફળી]], [[તલ]], [[બાજરી]], [[ચણા]], [[કપાસ]], [[દિવેલી|દિવેલા]], [[રજકો]] તેમ જ અન્ય [[શાકભાજી]]ના પાકની [[ખેતી]] કરવામાં આવે છે. આ ગામમાં [[આંગણવાડી]], [[પ્રાથમિક શાળા]], [[માધ્યમિક શાળા]], [[પંચાયતઘર]], [[પ્રાથમિક આરોગ્ય કેન્દ્ર]], તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. ગામમાં વીજ ઉત્પાદન માટે પર્વતોની તળેટીમાં વિપુલ પ્રમાણમાં પવનચક્કીઓ લગાવવામા આવેલી છે. તેમજ સૂર્યપ્રકાશમાંથી વીજળી ઉત્પન્ન કરવા માટે એકમો લગાવવામાં આવેલ છે. == લોકવાયકા == ઢાંક ગામને લોકકથા કે લોકવાયકામાં માયાવી નગરી તરીકે દર્શાવવામાં આવી છે. એક લોકવાયકા મુજબ ઢાંક ગામ એ ''દટ્ટણ સો પટ્ટણ'' બાદ સાતમી વખત વસેલું નગર છે.{{સંદર્ભ}} [[ઝવેરચંદ મેઘાણી]] કૃત ''સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર''માં આ સાથે સંબંધીત એક લોકકથા મળે છે.<ref>[[s:સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર ૨/૧. ધૂંધળીનાથ અને સિદ્ધનાથ|સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર ૨/૧. ધૂંધળીનાથ અને સિદ્ધનાથ, વિકિસ્રોત પર]]</ref> == જોવાલાયક સ્થળો == ઢાંક ગામ આલેચ ડુંગર પર વસેલું ગામ છે. ઢાંક ગામની દક્ષિણ દિશામાં આવેલા દિવ્યેશ્વર તળાવનાં કિનારે શ્રી હિંગળાજ માતાજી અને મહાદેવના મંદિરો તેમજ આલેચ ડુંગરની ટોચ પર મહાદેવનું મંદિર આવેલું છે. ઢાંક ગામથી પશ્ચિમ તરફની દિશામાં આલેચ ડુંગરની વિશાળ પર્વતમાળામાં ઝીઝુડાની ખાણ પાસે પ્રાચીન બૌદ્ધ [[ઢાંક ગુફાઓ]] આવેલી છે. ઢાંક ગામમાં આવેલું શ્રી ગણપતિબાપાનું પ્રાચીન મંદિર તેમજ આલેચ પર્વતની ટોચ પર આવેલું ડુંગરેશ્વર મહાદેવ અને શ્રી ખોડિયાર માતાજીનું પ્રાચીન મંદિર જોવાલાયક સ્થળો છે. ઢાંક ગામની ભાગોળે શ્રી રામ મંદિર, શ્રી રાંદલ માતાજી અને શિવજીનું મંદિર આવેલું છે. ઢાંક ગામથી નજીક આવેલા [[સિદસર]] ગામમાં વેણુ નદીના કાંઠે શ્રી ઉમિયા માતાજીનું મંદિર આવેલું છે. ગામથી ૨ કિલોમીટર ના અંતરે વેણુ નદીના કાંઠે વેણુ-૨ બંધ અને શ્રી ગાયત્રી માતાજીનું મંદિર (ગાયત્રી આશ્રમ) મુખ્ય આકર્ષણો છે. અહીંના પ્રવાસ માટે રાજકોટથી (૧૩૦ કિ.મી.) ગોંડલ, વીરપુર, જેતપુર, ધોરાજી, ઉપલેટા થઈને જઈ શકાય છે. જામનગરથી દક્ષિણ તરફ ૧૦૮ કિ.મી. અને જુનાગઢ શહેરથી અંદાજે ૬૦ કિ.મી. જેટલું થાય છે. ==આ પણ જુઓ== * [[મધુસૂદન ઢાંકી]] == સંદર્ભ == {{Reflist}} == બાહ્ય કડીઓ == * {{Wikisource-inline|સૌરાષ્ટ્રની_રસધાર_૨/કાંધલજી_મેર|ઢાંકને સાંકળતી લોકકથા}} {{ગુજરાત ગામ સ્ટબ}} [[શ્રેણી:ઉપલેટા તાલુકો]] [[શ્રેણી:સૌરાષ્ટ્ર]] 4k4p7clpugjdvy5hfe942e1kie9uzv5 906488 906487 2026-10-21T18:22:35Z KATHIYAVADI 89666 /* લોકવાયકા */ 906488 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Infobox Indian jurisdiction | type = ગામ | native_name = ઢાંક | state_name = ગુજરાત | district = રાજકોટ | taluk_names = [[ઉપલેટા તાલુકો|ઉપલેટા]] | latd = 21.74103 | longd = 70.278236 | area_total = | altitude = | population_total = ૭૦૮૭ | population_as_of = ૨૦૧૧ | population_total_cite = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.censusindia.co.in/villages/dhank-population-rajkot-gujarat-513340|title=Dhank Village Population, Caste - Upleta Rajkot, Gujarat - Census India|website=www.censusindia.co.in|language=en-US|access-date=૧૨ જુલાઇ ૨૦૧૮|archive-date=2020-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809001842/https://www.censusindia.co.in/villages/dhank-population-rajkot-gujarat-513340|url-status=dead}}</ref> | population_density = | leader_title_1 = | leader_name_1 = | leader_title_2 = | leader_name_2 = | footnotes = | blank_title_1 = સગવડો | blank_value_1 = પ્રાથમિક શાળા, પંચાયતઘર, આંગણવાડી, આરોગ્ય કેન્દ્ર, દૂધની ડેરી | blank_title_2 = મુખ્ય વ્યવસાય | blank_value_2 = [[ખેતી]], [[ખેતમજૂરી]], [[પશુપાલન]] | blank_title_3 = મુખ્ય ખેતપેદાશ | blank_value_3 = [[ઘઉં]], [[જીરુ]], [[મગફળી]], [[તલ]],<br /> [[બાજરી]], [[ચણા]], [[કપાસ]], [[દિવેલી]],<br /> [[રજકો]] તેમજ અન્ય [[શાકભાજી]] | blank_title_4 = | blank_value_4 = }} '''ઢાંક''' [[ભારત]] દેશના પશ્ચિમ ભાગમાં આવેલા [[ગુજરાત|ગુજરાત રાજ્ય]]ના [[સૌરાષ્ટ્ર]] વિસ્તારમાં આવેલા [[રાજકોટ જિલ્લો|રાજકોટ જિલ્લા]]માં આવેલા [[ઉપલેટા તાલુકો|ઉપલેટા તાલુકા]]માં આવેલું એક ગામ છે. ઢાંક ગામના લોકોનો મુખ્ય વ્યવસાય [[ખેતી]], [[ખેતમજૂરી]] તેમ જ [[પશુપાલન]] છે. આ ગામમાં મુખ્યત્વે [[ઘઉં]], [[જીરુ]], [[મગફળી]], [[તલ]], [[બાજરી]], [[ચણા]], [[કપાસ]], [[દિવેલી|દિવેલા]], [[રજકો]] તેમ જ અન્ય [[શાકભાજી]]ના પાકની [[ખેતી]] કરવામાં આવે છે. આ ગામમાં [[આંગણવાડી]], [[પ્રાથમિક શાળા]], [[માધ્યમિક શાળા]], [[પંચાયતઘર]], [[પ્રાથમિક આરોગ્ય કેન્દ્ર]], તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. ગામમાં વીજ ઉત્પાદન માટે પર્વતોની તળેટીમાં વિપુલ પ્રમાણમાં પવનચક્કીઓ લગાવવામા આવેલી છે. તેમજ સૂર્યપ્રકાશમાંથી વીજળી ઉત્પન્ન કરવા માટે એકમો લગાવવામાં આવેલ છે. == લોકવાયકા == ઢાંક ગામને લોકકથા કે લોકવાયકામાં માયાવી નગરી તરીકે દર્શાવવામાં આવી છે. એક લોકવાયકા મુજબ ઢાંક ગામ એ ''દટ્ટણ સો પટ્ટણ'' બાદ સાતમી વખત વસેલું નગર છે.{{સંદર્ભ}} [[ઝવેરચંદ મેઘાણી]] કૃત ''સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર'' માં આ સાથે સંબંધીત એક લોકકથા મળે છે.<ref>[[s:સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર ૨/૧. ધૂંધળીનાથ અને સિદ્ધનાથ|સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર ૨/૧. ધૂંધળીનાથ અને સિદ્ધનાથ, વિકિસ્રોત પર]]</ref> == જોવાલાયક સ્થળો == ઢાંક ગામ આલેચ ડુંગર પર વસેલું ગામ છે. ઢાંક ગામની દક્ષિણ દિશામાં આવેલા દિવ્યેશ્વર તળાવનાં કિનારે શ્રી હિંગળાજ માતાજી અને મહાદેવના મંદિરો તેમજ આલેચ ડુંગરની ટોચ પર મહાદેવનું મંદિર આવેલું છે. ઢાંક ગામથી પશ્ચિમ તરફની દિશામાં આલેચ ડુંગરની વિશાળ પર્વતમાળામાં ઝીઝુડાની ખાણ પાસે પ્રાચીન બૌદ્ધ [[ઢાંક ગુફાઓ]] આવેલી છે. ઢાંક ગામમાં આવેલું શ્રી ગણપતિબાપાનું પ્રાચીન મંદિર તેમજ આલેચ પર્વતની ટોચ પર આવેલું ડુંગરેશ્વર મહાદેવ અને શ્રી ખોડિયાર માતાજીનું પ્રાચીન મંદિર જોવાલાયક સ્થળો છે. ઢાંક ગામની ભાગોળે શ્રી રામ મંદિર, શ્રી રાંદલ માતાજી અને શિવજીનું મંદિર આવેલું છે. ઢાંક ગામથી નજીક આવેલા [[સિદસર]] ગામમાં વેણુ નદીના કાંઠે શ્રી ઉમિયા માતાજીનું મંદિર આવેલું છે. ગામથી ૨ કિલોમીટર ના અંતરે વેણુ નદીના કાંઠે વેણુ-૨ બંધ અને શ્રી ગાયત્રી માતાજીનું મંદિર (ગાયત્રી આશ્રમ) મુખ્ય આકર્ષણો છે. અહીંના પ્રવાસ માટે રાજકોટથી (૧૩૦ કિ.મી.) ગોંડલ, વીરપુર, જેતપુર, ધોરાજી, ઉપલેટા થઈને જઈ શકાય છે. જામનગરથી દક્ષિણ તરફ ૧૦૮ કિ.મી. અને જુનાગઢ શહેરથી અંદાજે ૬૦ કિ.મી. જેટલું થાય છે. ==આ પણ જુઓ== * [[મધુસૂદન ઢાંકી]] == સંદર્ભ == {{Reflist}} == બાહ્ય કડીઓ == * {{Wikisource-inline|સૌરાષ્ટ્રની_રસધાર_૨/કાંધલજી_મેર|ઢાંકને સાંકળતી લોકકથા}} {{ગુજરાત ગામ સ્ટબ}} [[શ્રેણી:ઉપલેટા તાલુકો]] [[શ્રેણી:સૌરાષ્ટ્ર]] a2yhveqx528dz669mhds32gy2utdps3 0 33780 906490 301143 2026-10-21T19:27:24Z Rotondus 58710 ચિત્ર 906490 wikitext text/x-wiki [[ચિત્ર:The Birth of rama.jpg|thumb]] ભારતીય ઉપખંડના મહાકાવ્ય પૈકીના એક એવા [[રામાયણ]]માં વર્ણવ્યા મુજબ '''કૌશલ્યા''' એ [[રામ| ભગવાન રામ]]ના માતૃશ્રી અને રાજા [[દશરથ]]નાં ધર્મપત્ની હતાં. રાજા દશરથને કૌશલ્યા ઉપરાંત [[સુમિત્રા]] અને [[કૈકેયી]] એમ બીજી પણ બે રાણીઓ હતી. {{રામાયણ}} {{સ્ટબ}} [[શ્રેણી:રામાયણ]] [[શ્રેણી:હિંદુ ધર્મ]] r7fnscorvy8vadt4shfftseai8zdrpl 0 109442 906491 681947 2026-10-21T20:35:01Z Xqbot 1870 Fixing double redirect from [[જિન-જાક રુસો]] to [[ૹં-ૹાક રુસો]] 906491 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[ૹં-ૹાક રુસો]] kskhqc5j4a0c4fobn9x4ypsei7f8iks 3 155439 906485 2026-10-21T16:18:36Z New user message 14116 નવા સભ્યનાં ચર્ચાનાં પાના પર [[ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|સ્વાગત સંદેશ]]નો ઉમેરો 906485 wikitext text/x-wiki {{ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|name=Meghadpatel}} -- [[સભ્ય:Aniket|Aniket]] ([[સભ્યની ચર્ચા:Aniket|ચર્ચા]]) ૨૧:૪૮, ૨૧ ઓક્ટોબર ૨૦૨૬ (IST) 32icjjm61u1jknglh1xkxwjv0fh65gg 3 155440 906486 2026-10-21T18:13:22Z New user message 14116 નવા સભ્યનાં ચર્ચાનાં પાના પર [[ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|સ્વાગત સંદેશ]]નો ઉમેરો 906486 wikitext text/x-wiki {{ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|name=KATHIYAVADI}} -- [[સભ્ય:Aniket|Aniket]] ([[સભ્યની ચર્ચા:Aniket|ચર્ચા]]) ૨૩:૪૩, ૨૧ ઓક્ટોબર ૨૦૨૬ (IST) au36d8w1bmar4d4o4tbr9qd2mpzicps 3 155441 906489 2026-10-21T18:52:04Z New user message 14116 નવા સભ્યનાં ચર્ચાનાં પાના પર [[ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|સ્વાગત સંદેશ]]નો ઉમેરો 906489 wikitext text/x-wiki {{ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|name=Bharga raval 6722}} -- [[સભ્ય:Aniket|Aniket]] ([[સભ્યની ચર્ચા:Aniket|ચર્ચા]]) ૦૦:૨૨, ૨૨ ઓક્ટોબર ૨૦૨૬ (IST) lqrcy2uicxjd93bv2aekp52x8cdmffa 3 155442 906492 2026-10-22T04:02:21Z New user message 14116 નવા સભ્યનાં ચર્ચાનાં પાના પર [[ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|સ્વાગત સંદેશ]]નો ઉમેરો 906492 wikitext text/x-wiki {{ઢાંચો:સ્વાગત|name=Prajapati mit}} -- [[સભ્ય:Aniket|Aniket]] ([[સભ્યની ચર્ચા:Aniket|ચર્ચા]]) ૦૯:૩૨, ૨૨ ઓક્ટોબર ૨૦૨૬ (IST) b1ankf1j1trc2u35jardjhf05c48sxy