Tamil Nadu is rich in temples of varied architectural delights, true, but its not all temples. The hill stations of Tamil Nadu are equally charming as its beaches and temples.

Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Yelagiri, Yercuad, and Udagamandalam boast some of the stunning landscapes in India. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Tamil Nadu, has a lot to offer you. It has some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries of India like Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and many more.

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is world-famous for its elephant populations, which can be seen moving in large herds, sometimes numbering into hundreds. They come out as if to put up a show for you exclusively! Tigers, the patriarch of jungles, can also be spotted in the parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Tamil Nadu in the man-made natural habitat. The state also has a number of important eco-tourism destinations of India, including the famous Pitchavaram Mangrove Forests in Chidambaram.

Even if you skip wildlife hill stations promise you the unique combination of thrill and relaxation. Kodaikanal (gift of forest) is a beautiful hill station located in the Palani hills of Tamil Nadu. Kodai with its small settlement and picturesque natural beauty is still unspoilt by the ravages of urbanization. Situated at an altitude of 2133 meters above sea level, this place enjoys a pleasant climate and temperature drops further in the winter.

Large cobalt blue lake nestled in the valley ringed by mountains looks like Mother Earths eyesclear as crystal-- looking up the sky. Kodai provides a perfect destination for the travel-weary vacationers. If you are looking for peace and serenity Kodai is an ideal place for you for a short sojourn. Those who have a green heart, tour to Kodaikanal is highly promising. It is replete with vast stretches of green (that looks blue from afar) sloping hills, tea plantations and scenic lakes.

Take a day off, belt your knickers and pack your picnic boxes for exciting excursions from Kodaikanal. Let South India Tourism people to take you around. The Bryannt Park and Chettiar Park, the well equipped Physical Observatory and many others await your visit. Take a leisurely stroll through the many temples dedicated to lord Muruga (son of Indian Trinity Lord Shiva) or roam about the quaint churches nestled in the hilly slopes.

For shopping too Kodaikanal offers something special. Go for the exclusive handmade chocolates and scented candles.

Kodaikanal is well connected by bus services from Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai and Palani. The nearest airport is situated at Madurai. Kodai Railway station, 80 kilometers from Kodaikanal connects the town to all major South Indian cities.

The serene hill station of Coonoor lies in the lap of the Nilgiri Hills. Located at an altitude of 1800 m this picturesque retreat is covered by grassy meadows, tea bushes, a profusion of sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons, all growing wild. Coonoor is essentially a small tea garden town where the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year. One of the joys of Coonoor is the toy train ride.

The nearest airport is in Coimbatore. Coonoor is on the toy-train line between Mettupalayam (28 km) and Ooty. This unhurried cute machine allows you undisturbed time lasting an hour and a half for consuming the scenic splendor all around.

The Sim's Park is an important place to visit in Coonoor. It is a 12-hectare park, having a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. The botanical garden developed partly in the Japanese style got its name after J. D. Sim, the secretary of the Madras Club in 1874. The key attraction of the park is the annual fruit and vegetable show held in May. Adjacent to the Sim's Park is the Pasteur Institute which specializes in the research for vaccines for rabies and polio. Not far is another landmark: the Pomological Station .This institute is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates, and apricot.

Coonoor is strategically located and is bestowed with the natural extravaganza of luxury. It is well connected by bus with Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kotagiri.
Once frequented by kings and queens, today the achievers and hardworking generation, enjoy this Natures pet. The city of Coonoor offers it's visitors an array of hospitality which includes following hotels; Monarc Ritz, Ritz Road; near Sim's Park, Blue Hills, Mount Road. Southindiatourism has tailor-made trip to Kodai, Coonoor, and their sister-stations Ooty, Udagamandalam etc.