Play
with Clouds in Kodaikanal - A Beautiful Hill-station
Kodaikanal means ‘Gift of the Forest’. This scenic hill station offers a
romantic honeymoon to newly-weds, a chance to trek or hike amidst nature, or
just a quiet, relaxing holiday. Kodaikanal
was the summer retreat of Madras Presidency during the British era. Kodaikanal,
which is often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, is a
jewel located in the lap of the Western Ghats.
Places
you cannot miss
There are certain places you cannot miss on your
trip to Kodaikanal. Let’s have a look,
Kodaikanal
Lake
The Kodaikanal Lake which is the star attraction of
this small hill station is a manmade lake that looks like a star. The lake was
created by Sir Vere Henry Levinge in the year 1863. It is enriched with water
flowing from Palani hills. Outflow from this lake has created a beautiful
waterfall called Silver Cascade. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the
surrounding beauty of the lake.
Green
Valley View
Formally known as Suicide point, the view from Green
Valley offers a panoramic view of surrounding mountains and peaks. ‘Pillar Rocks’,
an amazing natural formation, is a reason to visit this place.
Kurinji
Andavar Temple
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is a great example of a
typical South Indian temple structure. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan,
who is also known as Kartikeya.
La
Saleth (sallette) Church
This is a 150 year old heritage Church built as a
thanksgiving offering in 1866 and is located near Coaker’s walk. The annual feast
of the Church takes place on the 14th and 15th of August,
which attracts worshippers from all over South India, irrespective of caste or
creed.
Berijam
Lake
Berijam Lake is
located in the upper area of Palani hills, a little away from
Kodaikanal. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the magnificence of nature. You
can expect a large variety of flora and fauna in and around the lake. The lake
is surrounded by the beautiful Shola forest. Get permission from the forest
department and explore the forest along with the medicinal forest and the fire
tower. Visiting time: 9:30 to 3: pm only
Shenbaganur
Museum
It is located 5 Kms from the lake. It is also known
as the Flora and Fauna Museum thanks to the large variety to be found here. The
best Orchiadrium of the country is
located here. Visiting hours are from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Solar
Physical Observatory
It is located at the highest point of Kodaikanal
around 3 Kms away. The observatory is open to public from 10:00 to 12:00 hrs and
14:00 to 16:00 hrs from 1st April to June 15th. During
the rest of the year it is open only on Fridays between 10:00 and 12:00 hrs.
Things
to do
Full of adventures and serene beauty, Kodaikanal is
complimented with the title, ‘The South's very own Alps’.
Let’s flip through some of the experiences and
adventures which are waiting for you in this town,
Explore
beautiful waterfalls
In the various parts of this hill station, beautiful
waterfalls make this place even more delightful. While you are here, visit some
of the scenic waterfalls such as Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Falls, Glen Falls,
Fairy Falls etc.
The
Nature Walks
Take a walk through Coaker’s Walk, a charming walkway. This walkway is named after Lt.
Coaker, who had created the map of this hill station. Start your walk early in
the morning, walk up the forest till the telescope house and return before dusk
to avoid mist.
Trekking
Trekking through the misty forests and the clouds at
Kodaikanal is a unique experience. Take an 8 km Trek to Dolphin Nose, a
cloud-covered hill. You can also trek to the challenging Perumal peak, which
rises above the clouds. Break the silence of the hills by shouting your name
and enjoy the sound of the echo.
Some
Other Reasons to visit Kodaikanal
Let’s find out some of the other adventures to
pamper your taste buds and to enrich your sense of smell,
• Try the
seafood version of our favorite Biriyani in the Hilltop restaurant.
• If you
are a fan of Tibetian foods, pay a visit to the Royal Tibet.
• For a
mid-time snack, you can try the pocket-friendly restaurant Tava.
• Vegetarians
can try Hotel Astoria for authentic vegetarian food.
Information
you might need for your visit:
ü The
best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April –
June & September-October. One can visit this hill station through the year
too. Light Wollens in the evening during
summer and heavy wollens during winter are suitable wear over here.
ü Kodaikanal
is well-connected with the metro cities like Chennai and Bangalore by road. The
nearest Airports to this town are Trichy and Madurai. The nearest rail station
is Kodai Road.
ü There
are hotels and resorts to suit different budgets. For an unusual stay, try the
home stays or guest houses. This will give you an entirely different experience
spiced with a personal touch of the hosts.
Lastly, on your visit, do keep your eyes open for
the very rare grizzled giant squirrels which can only be found here. Celebrate
your visit to Kodaikanal, so that you can comment like this avid traveler from
Bareilly,
‘Arranged amidst the folds of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is a
champion amongst the most understood incline stations of Tamil Nadu’.
