About Kukkal Caves :
To reach Kukkal Caves which is at a distance of 40 kms, travel is by bus upto Poombarai and then by walk. It is preferable to take a local guide. After walking through geranium plantations pine and wattle forest, the Kukkal forest rest house can be reached. The early morning hike from the rest house will lead to beautiful shola with wild large orchids. One should be beware of leeches. There is a small temple. The path from the temple goes over dense forests. The caves are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500 m. The cave reveals traces of earliest settled tribals Paliyans who used to wear leaf clothing. Overviewing the caves are Manjampath valley where bisons can be seen.
General Information about Kukkal Caves :
Location: Kodaikanal
State: Tamil Nadu
Capital: Chennai
Language: Tamil, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 40˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 29˚C, Min 20˚C (winter)
Best Season: November to March
How to reach Kukkal Caves :
By Air:
The nearest airport from the Hill town of Kodaikanal is Madurai that is some 120 kilometres from the city. Madurai is connected to all the major cities of Peninsular India and major metros of the rest of India through regular flights. Both public as well as private airline carriers offer their service to Madurai.
By Rail:
The nearest railway stations to the city of Kodaikanal are the Kodai Road (80kms) and the Palani Railway Station (64kms). These stations are well connected to cities like Madurai and Chennai, which in turn are connected to all the majority destinations in India. Several Express and Super Fast trains ply between Madurai and rest of India.
By Road:
Kodaikanal is well connected by state highways to cities like Chennai, Ooty, Trichy, Coimbatore and Madurai. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli and Coimbatore. Both Tamilnadu Transport Corporation as well as private operators operates these buses. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. The access point to Kodaikanal, Dindigul is on NH7. From Dindigul, drive down NH 45 Dindigul to Vattalakundu via Sembatti.