Kodaikanal is a hill resort in Tamil Nadu, which mesmerizes you with its beauty and tranquility. It is a popular and quiet hill station with forested slopes, prodigious rocks, attractive waterfalls and a lovely lake. Situated at an altitude of about 2,133 m above sea level, this hill town is well known its educational institutions that have earned international repute. A honeymooners' haven, Kodaikanal nestles beautifully amidst the folds of the Pali hills.
The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years, imparting an ethereal beauty to the hills. Kodaikanal seems to be bestowed with all forms of beauty by Nature-majestic hills, mighty rocks, beautiful waterfalls, a serene lake, fruit orchards, lush flora -which makes it one of the most popular hill stations in South India. Kodaikanal is not a famous shopping destination but one can definitely look forward to buy artifacts and gift items. The famous places to shop in Kodaikanal are the Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Travancore Crafts Work, Government Sales Emporium, Kurinji Mini Supermarket, Spencer and Company.
¤ Tourist Attractions of Kodaikanal
* Kodai Lake
One of the favorite spots of tourists visiting Kodaikanal is the Kodaikanal Lake that is popularly known as Kodai Lake. This is an artificial lake that takes the shape of a star and is spread over 60 acres with greenery all around it. The Kodai Lake is a favorite spot for all who like to have fun and enjoy outdoor activities and boating along the picturesque lake will be an unforgettable experience for the tourists. There is a boat club which offers pedaling and rowing boats with different seating capacities at nominal charges. Apart from boating, cycles and horses are available for rental in the lake area.
* Berijam Lake
It is the most attractive picnic spot for any tourist in Kodaikanal which is situated about 23 km from the local bus stand. Berijam Lake is a must see place as sighting of bison, leopard and other chirping birds are very common here. Apart from this, the tourists will also be able to take a boat trip along this beautiful lake and it will be a wonderful and refreshing experience for them. Berijam can only be visited with the permission from the District Forest Officer as it is not opened to general public. It was first discovered and reclaimed in 1864 by Colonel Hamilton of the British Army. The Sheer beauty of the lake made it yet another tourist spot in kodaikanal.
* Coakers Walk
Any tourist interested in morning walk will definitely have to visit Coaker's walk which is about 1 km from the lake and it provides very picturesque view of the plains as well as scenic valleys that is sure to bring a joy in the minds of the visitors. Coaker's walk is named after Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodaikanal. A telescopic view house is there at Coaker's walk that will provide a panoramic view of the valley, plains and the nearby towns and should not be missed by the tourists visiting the place. Coaker's Walk runs along a steep, emerald green wooded slope. From Coaker's Walk one can have a breath-taking view of the plains below.The ideal time to visit this place is before 2:30 pm in the afternoon as mist will start to set in over the valleys by late afternoons.
* Bryant Park
It is seen on the lake's eastern side, is another important botanical park that must not be missed by tourists visiting Kodaikanal as it houses plenty of different varieties of flowers, rafts as well as hybrids. A British forest officer by the name Bryant was the one who landscaped this park in the year 1980 and hence it is named after him. This is the place where the annual vegetable and flower show is held during the month of May and is the most visited place by many during the summer months. A glasshouse in the park contains wide varieties of flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants.
* Green Valley View (Suicide Point)
The deep, dense and dangerous valley below this point is more than 5000 feet drop and to get a good view from this point, it is better to visit the place after 10 am and before 3 pm, as early mornings and evenings will have mist covering the valleys. It commands a beautiful view of entire vaigai dam. A tourist visiting Kodaikanal should definitely visit this view point and plenty of monkeys seen in this area will be an added attraction for the children as well as the adults visiting this place.
* Kurinji Andavar Temple
3 kms from the lake. A famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kuriniji flowers which carpet at hill sides blooms once in 12 years. Also Kurinji means hill region in Tamil literature. Andavar means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hill here. From this temple one can see a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
* Solar Physical Observatory
3.2 Kms. From the Lake Elevation is 2343 meters. It was founded in 1989 at the top most point in Kodai. Visitors are allowed to closely observe the start, planetary movements etc., during visiting hours and Prior appointments.
* Telescope House
To enable the visitors to have a Panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns, one telescope house is at Coakers walk. Enterance fee is collected per head to see through telescope. There are two telescope houses set up at Kodai.
* Shenbaganur Museum
This museum is MNaintained by the Sacred Heart College – Theological Seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more that 300 species of orchids is also housed here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum.
* Dolmen Circle
Kodaikanal is put on anthropology map mainly because of the presence of pre-historic remains dating back to 5000 BC, thease are called Dolmens and Kistavens which are the dwelling and burial places of people of stone age and iron age. The Dolmens and fantastic stone of two very large erect stone slabs topped by a larger flat slab.
* Thalaiyar Falls
This is also called as a Rat tail falls, The widest falls ranging from 13th Kilometer on the Ghat road to Kodai. It is one of the highest fall in India, with their 975 feet drop.
* Chettiyar Park
A neat little park off the beaten tract is in north east corner of the town, on the way to kurinji Andavar temple.
* Palani
It is 64 kms from kodaikanal, famous pilgrim center of the South and one of the six abodes of Lord, Dhandayuthabani. Direct frequent bus are available from Kodaikanal.
* Bear Shola Falls
An ideal picnic spot 1.6-km from bus stand and within 2 Kms of the lake, where once bears came to drink water. Cross the lake bund, pass the Telephone exchange on your right, and at the junction take the lower road past clifton Hotel.The approach is rugged hill path. The falls are at the best in rainy season.
* Devil's Kitchen
It is a very dangerous deep hidden ravine that looks like small dark gutters but are actually a deep fall. There are plenty of tourists who visit this place and is a must see spot for adventurous tourists. The Devil's Kitchen is found to be lying between Green Valley View and Pillar Rocks. It is better for a tourist to seek the help of localities while visiting the Devil's Kitchen as they are fully aware of the place. It is a very good place to take pictures but due to the deep fall, many tourists hesitate to visit the place.
* Dolphins Nose
To reach Dolphins nose at a distance of 8 kms from the bus stand, one has to follow the route specified here.There is an old road after crossing Pambar Bridge near levinge stream. A rough curve rounds the hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over an awful chesm of 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins nose. On the way, beautiful views of plains and steepy rocky eascarpeints called rolling hills can be seen. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path.
* Lutheran Church
Almost cheek by jowl with the Kodaikanal School is the Lutheran Church - a Gothic stone building with stained glass windows and modern paintings and batiks portraying scenes from the life of Christ. Nearby is an even more famous church - Christ the King Church - again, a very Gothic and solemn granite structure with stained glass windows. The names of the buildings in Kodaikanal are very evocative: 'Loch End' and 'Mansarovar' - these two houses by the lakeside bridge the time span from colonial times to the present. Hillbrook, Furzbank, Wood-cote, Whispering Pines, and Rock Cottage all conjure up the beauty and spirit of their natural ambience.
* Silver Cascade Falls
This is the first attraction that unfolds in front of a tourist on the Madurai - Kodaikanal road. The excess water in the Kodai Lake comes down as a fall at about 8 kms from Kodaikanal. It is like a pit stop for vehicles and tourists as there are shops selling fruits and other forest products. Silver Cascade falls is 180 feet high and the frothy water coming down through piles of rocks will attract any person. The crystal clear water contains various minerals and taking a bath in this fall is very refreshing. Any nature lover can sit and enjoy the beauty of this falls for hours.
* Silent Valley view
This is another important and attractive place that should not be missed by any nature enthusiast. It is situated at a little distance from the Pillar Rock and is seen on the Berijam lake road and the breathtaking view of this valley will be soothing to the eyes. The panoramic view of this place will make the tourists to spend a lot of time watching the scenic beauty. Children visiting this place has to be taken care by their parents as the valley is very deep and will at its very best when viewed between early mornings and late afternoons.
* Flora and Fauna Museum
The flora and fauna museum is a very educative tourist location in Kodaikanal and is popularly known as Shenbaganur Museum. This museum preserves fossils as well as wide varieties of the flora and fauna of this hilly region and has an orchidarium that has a collection of about 300 species of indigenous as well as exotic orchids. This museum is maintained by Sacred Heart College which is a Theological Seminary that was formed in the year 1895. It is about a distance of 5 km from the lake.
* Pambar Falls
"Grand Cascade" is the another name for this magnificent falls. It can be reached by a steep, precipitous path behind pambar house. The Pambar River is a Ziz zagging stream that crusaded over a serious of rock formations and precipes.
* Subrahmanya Temple (Kartikeya Temple)
The Subramanya or the Karthikeya temple is located at a distance of 65 kms from Kodaikanal and is popularly known as Palani temple. It is dedicated to Lord Subramanian or Dhandayuthapani. The word Dhandayuthapani means having a stick in the hand as a weapon. It is one of the famous temples in South India and is located at an altitude of 135 meters. Pilgrims can climb the 659 steps or can use the winch facility to reach the sanctum sanctorum. Tai Pusam in January is one of the major festivals of this temple. The Panguni Uttaram is another festival conducted in April which draws many people from all over India and across the globe as well.
* Pillar Rocks
These are three granite boulders which are seen standing vertically shoulder to shoulder and it is now a very famous tourist spot for many visitors. These rocks are measuring a height of about 400 feet from the ground and the chambers that are seen between the two pillars are known as Devil's Kitchen. The Pillar Rocks have gained popularity as the years have passed by and during the peak season there is a huge rush of visitors to this place. The shady woods that are in the vicinity of these huge boulders are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.
* Trekking
Kodaikanal is a paradise for trekking lovers as it offers different trekking routes for the professional trekker to the novice trekker as well. Trekking routes with varying difficulty levels are there and a tourist can select the route according to the fitness, time factor and one's trekking ability.
The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years, imparting an ethereal beauty to the hills. Kodaikanal seems to be bestowed with all forms of beauty by Nature-majestic hills, mighty rocks, beautiful waterfalls, a serene lake, fruit orchards, lush flora -which makes it one of the most popular hill stations in South India. Kodaikanal is not a famous shopping destination but one can definitely look forward to buy artifacts and gift items. The famous places to shop in Kodaikanal are the Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Travancore Crafts Work, Government Sales Emporium, Kurinji Mini Supermarket, Spencer and Company.
¤ Tourist Attractions of Kodaikanal
* Kodai Lake
One of the favorite spots of tourists visiting Kodaikanal is the Kodaikanal Lake that is popularly known as Kodai Lake. This is an artificial lake that takes the shape of a star and is spread over 60 acres with greenery all around it. The Kodai Lake is a favorite spot for all who like to have fun and enjoy outdoor activities and boating along the picturesque lake will be an unforgettable experience for the tourists. There is a boat club which offers pedaling and rowing boats with different seating capacities at nominal charges. Apart from boating, cycles and horses are available for rental in the lake area.
* Berijam Lake
It is the most attractive picnic spot for any tourist in Kodaikanal which is situated about 23 km from the local bus stand. Berijam Lake is a must see place as sighting of bison, leopard and other chirping birds are very common here. Apart from this, the tourists will also be able to take a boat trip along this beautiful lake and it will be a wonderful and refreshing experience for them. Berijam can only be visited with the permission from the District Forest Officer as it is not opened to general public. It was first discovered and reclaimed in 1864 by Colonel Hamilton of the British Army. The Sheer beauty of the lake made it yet another tourist spot in kodaikanal.
* Coakers Walk
Any tourist interested in morning walk will definitely have to visit Coaker's walk which is about 1 km from the lake and it provides very picturesque view of the plains as well as scenic valleys that is sure to bring a joy in the minds of the visitors. Coaker's walk is named after Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodaikanal. A telescopic view house is there at Coaker's walk that will provide a panoramic view of the valley, plains and the nearby towns and should not be missed by the tourists visiting the place. Coaker's Walk runs along a steep, emerald green wooded slope. From Coaker's Walk one can have a breath-taking view of the plains below.The ideal time to visit this place is before 2:30 pm in the afternoon as mist will start to set in over the valleys by late afternoons.
* Bryant Park
It is seen on the lake's eastern side, is another important botanical park that must not be missed by tourists visiting Kodaikanal as it houses plenty of different varieties of flowers, rafts as well as hybrids. A British forest officer by the name Bryant was the one who landscaped this park in the year 1980 and hence it is named after him. This is the place where the annual vegetable and flower show is held during the month of May and is the most visited place by many during the summer months. A glasshouse in the park contains wide varieties of flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants.
* Green Valley View (Suicide Point)
The deep, dense and dangerous valley below this point is more than 5000 feet drop and to get a good view from this point, it is better to visit the place after 10 am and before 3 pm, as early mornings and evenings will have mist covering the valleys. It commands a beautiful view of entire vaigai dam. A tourist visiting Kodaikanal should definitely visit this view point and plenty of monkeys seen in this area will be an added attraction for the children as well as the adults visiting this place.
* Kurinji Andavar Temple
3 kms from the lake. A famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kuriniji flowers which carpet at hill sides blooms once in 12 years. Also Kurinji means hill region in Tamil literature. Andavar means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hill here. From this temple one can see a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
* Solar Physical Observatory
3.2 Kms. From the Lake Elevation is 2343 meters. It was founded in 1989 at the top most point in Kodai. Visitors are allowed to closely observe the start, planetary movements etc., during visiting hours and Prior appointments.
* Telescope House
To enable the visitors to have a Panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns, one telescope house is at Coakers walk. Enterance fee is collected per head to see through telescope. There are two telescope houses set up at Kodai.
* Shenbaganur Museum
This museum is MNaintained by the Sacred Heart College – Theological Seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more that 300 species of orchids is also housed here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum.
* Dolmen Circle
Kodaikanal is put on anthropology map mainly because of the presence of pre-historic remains dating back to 5000 BC, thease are called Dolmens and Kistavens which are the dwelling and burial places of people of stone age and iron age. The Dolmens and fantastic stone of two very large erect stone slabs topped by a larger flat slab.
* Thalaiyar Falls
This is also called as a Rat tail falls, The widest falls ranging from 13th Kilometer on the Ghat road to Kodai. It is one of the highest fall in India, with their 975 feet drop.
* Chettiyar Park
A neat little park off the beaten tract is in north east corner of the town, on the way to kurinji Andavar temple.
* Palani
It is 64 kms from kodaikanal, famous pilgrim center of the South and one of the six abodes of Lord, Dhandayuthabani. Direct frequent bus are available from Kodaikanal.
* Bear Shola Falls
An ideal picnic spot 1.6-km from bus stand and within 2 Kms of the lake, where once bears came to drink water. Cross the lake bund, pass the Telephone exchange on your right, and at the junction take the lower road past clifton Hotel.The approach is rugged hill path. The falls are at the best in rainy season.
* Devil's Kitchen
It is a very dangerous deep hidden ravine that looks like small dark gutters but are actually a deep fall. There are plenty of tourists who visit this place and is a must see spot for adventurous tourists. The Devil's Kitchen is found to be lying between Green Valley View and Pillar Rocks. It is better for a tourist to seek the help of localities while visiting the Devil's Kitchen as they are fully aware of the place. It is a very good place to take pictures but due to the deep fall, many tourists hesitate to visit the place.
* Dolphins Nose
To reach Dolphins nose at a distance of 8 kms from the bus stand, one has to follow the route specified here.There is an old road after crossing Pambar Bridge near levinge stream. A rough curve rounds the hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over an awful chesm of 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins nose. On the way, beautiful views of plains and steepy rocky eascarpeints called rolling hills can be seen. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path.
* Lutheran Church
Almost cheek by jowl with the Kodaikanal School is the Lutheran Church - a Gothic stone building with stained glass windows and modern paintings and batiks portraying scenes from the life of Christ. Nearby is an even more famous church - Christ the King Church - again, a very Gothic and solemn granite structure with stained glass windows. The names of the buildings in Kodaikanal are very evocative: 'Loch End' and 'Mansarovar' - these two houses by the lakeside bridge the time span from colonial times to the present. Hillbrook, Furzbank, Wood-cote, Whispering Pines, and Rock Cottage all conjure up the beauty and spirit of their natural ambience.
* Silver Cascade Falls
This is the first attraction that unfolds in front of a tourist on the Madurai - Kodaikanal road. The excess water in the Kodai Lake comes down as a fall at about 8 kms from Kodaikanal. It is like a pit stop for vehicles and tourists as there are shops selling fruits and other forest products. Silver Cascade falls is 180 feet high and the frothy water coming down through piles of rocks will attract any person. The crystal clear water contains various minerals and taking a bath in this fall is very refreshing. Any nature lover can sit and enjoy the beauty of this falls for hours.
* Silent Valley view
This is another important and attractive place that should not be missed by any nature enthusiast. It is situated at a little distance from the Pillar Rock and is seen on the Berijam lake road and the breathtaking view of this valley will be soothing to the eyes. The panoramic view of this place will make the tourists to spend a lot of time watching the scenic beauty. Children visiting this place has to be taken care by their parents as the valley is very deep and will at its very best when viewed between early mornings and late afternoons.
* Flora and Fauna Museum
The flora and fauna museum is a very educative tourist location in Kodaikanal and is popularly known as Shenbaganur Museum. This museum preserves fossils as well as wide varieties of the flora and fauna of this hilly region and has an orchidarium that has a collection of about 300 species of indigenous as well as exotic orchids. This museum is maintained by Sacred Heart College which is a Theological Seminary that was formed in the year 1895. It is about a distance of 5 km from the lake.
* Pambar Falls
"Grand Cascade" is the another name for this magnificent falls. It can be reached by a steep, precipitous path behind pambar house. The Pambar River is a Ziz zagging stream that crusaded over a serious of rock formations and precipes.
* Subrahmanya Temple (Kartikeya Temple)
The Subramanya or the Karthikeya temple is located at a distance of 65 kms from Kodaikanal and is popularly known as Palani temple. It is dedicated to Lord Subramanian or Dhandayuthapani. The word Dhandayuthapani means having a stick in the hand as a weapon. It is one of the famous temples in South India and is located at an altitude of 135 meters. Pilgrims can climb the 659 steps or can use the winch facility to reach the sanctum sanctorum. Tai Pusam in January is one of the major festivals of this temple. The Panguni Uttaram is another festival conducted in April which draws many people from all over India and across the globe as well.
* Pillar Rocks
These are three granite boulders which are seen standing vertically shoulder to shoulder and it is now a very famous tourist spot for many visitors. These rocks are measuring a height of about 400 feet from the ground and the chambers that are seen between the two pillars are known as Devil's Kitchen. The Pillar Rocks have gained popularity as the years have passed by and during the peak season there is a huge rush of visitors to this place. The shady woods that are in the vicinity of these huge boulders are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.
* Trekking
Kodaikanal is a paradise for trekking lovers as it offers different trekking routes for the professional trekker to the novice trekker as well. Trekking routes with varying difficulty levels are there and a tourist can select the route according to the fitness, time factor and one's trekking ability.
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