From charming boat rides to nature walks, exciting hiking and trekking trails even rock climbing, or just enjoying the scenic beauty from its many view points? Want to know more about this charming hill station, so beautiful that its often referred to as the ‘princess’ of all hill stations across India?
Located on the southern tip of the Palani Hills, 120 km northwest of Madurai, is Kodaikanal, one of Tamil Nadu‘s finest hill stations, one that transforms like magic every once in 12 years, into a beautiful sea of blue when the exquisite Kurinji Flowers one of the biggest attraction blooms there.
A marvelous destination and a favorite amongst honeymooners, Kodaikanal is known for its nature walks, and scenic views points, with probably Coaker’s Walk here being the best place to enjoy a stroll in the evenings, where one can catch some great views of the valley and some breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. On clear days one can get glimpses of the valley of the Pambar River in South East, Dolphin’s Nose in south, Birds Eye View of Periyakulam and even of Madurai from this trekker’s paradise. Winters are literally a walk in the clouds when the place is covered with mist and transforms into a paradise for those who want to spend time amidst nature! Coaker’s Walk is a wonderful opportunity to view the exotic landscape of Kodaikanal.
For a spectacular view of the valley, try the Green Valley view. It is known for its steep drop of over 5000 ft!
One of the most beautiful lakes in southern India, the Berijam Lake, surrounded by lush green pines, is one of the most beautiful attractions in Kodaikanal also acting as the main source of water for Periyakulam Town, close to Kodaikanal.
Besides this scenic Lake, another popular attraction here is the Kodaikanal Lake adding to the immense beauty of the place. A star shaped lake if seen from a height, this beautiful Kodai Lake covers an area of almost 60 acres and is known for the fun activities it offers such as boating, horse rides on its shores, or cycling around the lake.
Located at a short distance from the lake, the Kurinji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga who is believed to be the ‘God of the Hills’, is a reputed place of worship here. From here, tourists can capture a majestic view of the Palani and Vaigai dam.
Other places of worship include the Vinayagar Temple, the Mariamman Temple and the Murugan Temple. Home to mosques and churches too, the renowned two mosques here at Munjikal and Ellis Villa are also constituent parts of the places of worship of Kodaikanal. Some of the churches in Kodaikanal are St. Joseph’s Church, St. Mary’s Church, Francis Xavier Church, Luthern Mission Church and Sacred Heart Church.
Like other hills too, dazzling falls here lend to the beauty of the place, with the Silver Cascade waterfalls a majestic falls presenting nature at its best. Tumbling down a towering height of 180 feet, these falls along with the Bear Shola Falls make wonderful & popular picnic spots attracting tourists from far and wide. At a distance of 4 km from Kodaikanal, another spectacular falls is the Pambar Falls popularly known as the Nom de plume grand cascade, behind the Pambar House. The Thalaiyar Falls or the Rat Tail falls is another falls known to attract tourists here.
Kodaikanal is also home to one of country’s best orchidoriums, the Shenbaganur Museum, standing close to the lake, is a must for nature lovers as it houses over 300 species of orchids, and is known for its rich collection of stuffed-birds and butterflies. Maintained by the Sacred Heart College, the Shenbaganur museum draws several visitors who are enriched with historical knowledge of the ancient times. The Flora and Fauna Museum is devoted to the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. Performing the dual task of satisfying the quest of historians and nature lovers, this museum is one of utmost interest for those who want to know about the rich traditional culture of South India.
Image by ramesh432, bijumuriath, Focuztours under CC License.
