Kurinji Andavar Temple: A Peaceful Place with a Special Story
When you think of Kodaikanal sightseeing, beautiful lakes and pine forests may come to mind. But there's one place that adds a unique touch to your trip — the Kurinji Andavar Temple. It's not just a temple. It's a calm, colourful place filled with nature, stories, and a peaceful vibe that many travellers love.
The name ‘Kurinji’ comes from a wild flower — the Strobilanthes kunthiana — which blooms only once in 12 years across the slopes of Kodaikanal. For the locals, it’s not just a botanical wonder, but a sign of purity, renewal, and divine timing. The word ‘Andavar’ means Lord in Tamil — and here, it refers to Lord Murugan, the deity worshipped at this temple.
This rare flower gives the temple its name, and it’s one of the reasons why so many people come to visit it.
A Temple with a Unique History
This temple wasn’t built by a king or a saint. It was built by a European woman who moved to India, followed Hinduism, and became known as Lady Ramanathan. Her love for Lord Murugan inspired her to build this temple in the 1930s.
Where is the Temple?
- Location: About 3 km from Kodaikanal Lake
- How to Reach: You can take a cab, auto, or include it in your Kodaikanal tour package. It’s also covered in most Palani to Kodaikanal tour packages.
Many people add it to their Kodaikanal weekend getaway plan because it’s close to most hotels and sightseeing spots.
What Makes Kurinji Andavar Temple Special?
✅ Beautiful Views: From the temple, you can see the Palani Hills and on clear days, even the Vaigai Dam.
✅ Peaceful Atmosphere: It’s a quiet place where you can relax, pray, or simply enjoy the calmness of the hills.
✅ Connection to the Kurinji Flower: This is the best place to learn about the Kurinji flower, which makes the Kodaikanal hills turn blue when it blooms every 12 years.
Helpful Travel Tips
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, all days
- Best Time to Visit: April to June (for good weather). The next Kurinji flower bloom is expected around 2030.
- Dress Code: Wear decent clothes and remove footwear before entering the temple.
- Nearby Places: Chettiar Park is just 1 km away — a great place to sit and relax after the temple visit.
Add This Temple to Your Kodaikanal Package
Whether you’re coming on a Kodaikanal package from Coimbatore or arriving with family from Palani or Madurai, this temple can be easily added to your tour plan. Most Kodaikanal homestays and even the best resorts in Kodaikanal are just a short ride away.
For families, couples, or senior travellers, this spot is a calm break during your trip. This makes it a popular inclusion in Kodaikanal family travel itineraries.
Final Words
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is more than just a religious place. It’s quiet, beautiful, and connected to one of Kodaikanal’s most magical flowers. It’s perfect for those who want to slow down and enjoy the peaceful side of the hills.
So, whether you're booking a trip with HeyGo trip or planning a tour through kodaikanaltourpackage.in, make sure to visit this special temple. It’s a simple stop — but it will stay in your heart.
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2025-07-20 13:06:31