Kodaikanal is a small, peaceful and Beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is also the gateway to the Western Ghats. Popular as a honeymoon destination, this place does not disappoint anyone.
Many of India’s best hill stations were developed by the British. The British, accustomed to living in the cold climate of Europe, did not like the heat of the plains of India. So they set up a hill station where the hills and mountains were found and the weather was favorable. The history of Kodaikanal, a hill station between Madurai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, is quite different.
The site was developed by the British, but originally by American Christian missionaries found this place. In 1821, the then British surveyor, Lieutenant BS Ward, wandered around and reached the hill called Palani Hills in the local language. He fell in love with the area as it has most pleasant weather.
It was a gift from nature to meet the heat, hence the Tamil word for it, ‘Kodaikanal (The Gift of the Forest)’ given to the place. Over time, the place became famous as a hill station and is now one of the most important tourist destinations in South India. Located at an altitude of 7200 feet, Kodai has various names such as ‘Queen of the Mountains’, ‘The Switzerland of the East’, ‘The Emerald Set of the South’.
Kodai is the highest sunshine receiving hill station in India, which maintains the balance of the atmosphere. With a variety of attractions and tranquil surroundings, Kodai is said to spend a couple of days lightly. Here are some of the attractions.
1. Cockers Walk
This small walkway, which runs between the Kodai hills on one side and the valley on the other, was built in 1872 by Lieutenant Cockers. This one kilometer long road works to fill the minds of the tourists. If you can walk back and forth in the morning and evening, you can also find the option of cycling here. A telescope house has been set up on the high mead along the road, where one can get a view of the valley from a distance with a ticket of Rs.20
2. Kodai lake
Kodai Lake is a handy place to walk as soon as you land in Kodai. It is in the middle of the city so you don’t have to go far. The lake, which is four and a half kilometers long, was prepared by the Britisher in 1863. The main attractions of the lake are its boat rides and strolls around the lake. The star shape of the lake can also be felt while strolling.
Bryant Park is located at the edge of the lake. It has many types of trees and plants. The park also has a Bodhi tree with a religious significance. During the summer there is a special crowd of tourists when there is an exhibition of flowers and plants.
3. Pillar Rocks
The specialty of Kodai is its geographical formation. There are mountain slopes but here in many places the mountain ends and the valley starts straight. One such formation is known as Pillar Rock. It is a natural structure with three huge stone pillars erected on the side of the valley. The height of the pillar is about 400 feet so it looks impressive. There are view point and visitors need to pay 10 rupees to enter the place. However, the pillar can be seen only if the atmosphere is clear.
4. Silver Cascade and Liril Falls
There are half a dozen waterfalls around Kedai. One of these small waterfalls is found in the river that runs through the center of the town. The water falling from a height of 180 feet creates the appearance of a silver curtain-like stream coming down from above, hence the name Silver Cascade.
Four kilometers away from the city, the river Pambar flows vigorously over the rocks. The river gradually descends here as if steps were made in stone. The falls are not high, but wide. The falls are known as Liril because Liril soap advertisements were shot here.
Thaliyar falls from a height of 297 meters, but it is difficult to see except during monsoons. The falls are also known as ‘Rat Tails Falls’ because of their straightness.
5. Pine forest
Kodai is a small forest with hundreds of pine trees. The forest was planted by Bryant, a British officer, to provide timber for construction work in Kodai. The roots of the trees, which grow to a height of two hundred to three hundred feet, also make designs of various shapes. Here tourists can go horse riding. The place is very popular for shooting films and serials of the South.
6. Guna Cave
There are also caves in the Kodai forest. The cave is called Devil’s Cave. But the better known name is Guna Caves as the film ‘Guna’ was shot there in 1992. It is now netted due to the danger of falling. It is believed that the Pandavas used to stay here. The roots of the trees on the surface have carved a design on the wall of a temple.
7. Dolphin’s Nose
The stone is shaped like a dolphin’s nose. Here you have to take a trek of one kilometer downhill. So one need to mentally prepare for walk into the forest. It can also be reached by walking in the forest from Liril Falls.
8. Upper lake view
Located at a low altitude, this area overlooks the vast expanse of Kodai town, the lake, the lush greenery. The star shape of Kodai Lake can be seen clearly while standing here.
9. Moir Point
Named after the English officer Thomas Moir, this place is ten kilometers away. The valley can also be seen from this place, but only if the atmosphere is clear.
There is also a stage built here to see from a higher altitude. There is also a lake and a small garden nearby.
10. Kurunji flowers and Temple of Murugun
The Kurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years, also grows here. Here is the temple of Lord Murug, by whose grace there is also a religious belief that flowers bloom in twelve years.
Telescope With 2343 meters (3 feet), this is the highest point of Kodai. There is also the Solar Observatory, which attracts astronomy enthusiasts. From here night sky can be seen. Daytime visit is also allowed with ticket.
11. Museam
The Shembagnur Museum of Natural History is located 5 km from the bus station. It is worth seeing the exhibits of 200 different species of Kodai forest, more than 200 species of orchid flowers, the lifestyle of the indigenous Paliyar tribes.
12. Tracking in western ghat
Trekking in the dense forests of the Western Ghats is an option here. The trek is very easy, so you can go with the family. One should not miss the chance. There is also a forest called ‘Broccoli Flower’ along the track. The trees stand on the hillside in such a way that looking at them from a distance, it looks like a field of broccoli.
13. Chocolate making
Kodaikanal has been serving chocolate in India for years. Chocolate is a big home industry here. Homemade chocolate is popular here. Many shops on the road also offer chocolate raw materials. There are at least two dozen varieties of chocolate flavored are available.
14. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus and other medicinal oils are also found here. Such oils are very useful as an Ayurveda remedy.
Know before you go
Airport: Madurai is 120 km, Coimbatore is 170 km away.
Railway: Kodaikanal road station is 80 km from kodaikanal hill station.
Bus : Bus service from Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road are also available.