LAKE

One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai Lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement and he was the man behind the creative idea for this lake. He used his money to convert the marshy land into the lake by constructing a strong bund. He brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident’s even used to swim in the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and it looks magnificent with its star shape and glittering water amidst the evergreen lush slopes. The lake is spread over 60 acres and is surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 kms length. The boat club provides boats for hire.

Other attractions around the lake are horsehides, cycling and a lot more. One can also enjoy a long stroll along the lakeside.

Bryant Park

The Park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There are Eucalyptus trees and a Bodhi tree which adds a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale.

Every May a horticultural show is conducted by the Department of Horticulture. On this occasion, enormous vegetables and flowers from neighboring villages are brought in by the villagers who compete with each other. They exhibit flowers, vegetables, fruits and other products. It serves as a centre for education and demonstration of Ornamental Horticulture. The various methods of pruning, budding, grafting, potting, seed collection etc, are taught to the students of Horticulture as well as to the visitors.

Coakers Walk

It is a narrow pedestrian path which was constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872. The walk winding around Mt. Nebo starts near van Allen hospital and joins the main road beside St. Peter’s Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can see as far as Dolphin’s nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in South East, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk.

Green Valley View : (formerly called Suicide Point) 5.5 kilometers (3.4 mi) from the bus-stand and near the golf course, has an excellent panoramic view of the plains and a sheer drop of 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) overlooking the Vaigai dam to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops.

Guna caves : Previously called Devil’s Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there. These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the caves from afar.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

This temple situated 3 kms from the lake, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. In Tamil literature Kurinji means ‘hill region’ and Andavar means ‘God’. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flowers, which carpets on hill sides and blooms once in 12 years. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and the Vaigai dam.

Museum

The museum is an attractive and mind refreshing place. This is maintained by the Sacred Heart College. It is filled with archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids is also housed here.

Falls

Silver cascade :

This water fall is located on the main ghat road, 8km from kodaikanal.

Bear Shola Falls :

A tall waterfall in a Reserve forest which is an ideal picnic spot 2 kms from the lake, where once bears came to drink water. The falls are at its best during the rainy season. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path.

Pambar Falls :

“Grand cascade” is another name for the Pambar falls. It is situated 4kms from Kodaikanal.

Thalaiyar falls :

This is also called the Rat tail falls and is one of the highest falls in India.

Kukkal Caves

The cave reveals traces of the earliest settled tribals, the Paliyans who used to wear leaf clothing. Over viewing the caves is Manjampath valley where bisons can be seen. The caves here are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500m.One can walk through the geranium plantations and pine and wattle forest. The early morning hike from Kukkal caves will lead to beautiful shola filled with large, wild orchids. To Reach Kukkal Caves which is at a distance of 40 kms, travel by bus upto Poombarai and then give a walk.It is preferable to take a local guide. After walking through geranium plantations, pine and wattle forest, the Kukkal forest rest house can be reached. The early morning hike from the rest house will lead to beautiful shola with wild large orchids. One should be beware of leeches. The caves here are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500m.

The cave reveals traces of earliest settled tribals, Paliyans who used to wear leaf clothing. Over viewing the caves are Manjampath valley where bisons can be seen.

Pillar Rock

Three Boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 meters (400 feet), providing a beautiful view. It is 8 Kms from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil’s kitchen.

Dolphin Nose

A rough curve around the hillside leads to a point where a flat rock projects over a huge chasm which is 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins nose. On the way, one can have a view of the beautiful plains and the steep rocky terrain called rolling hills. The rugged path leads to the old village of Vellagavi.

A right turn in Berijam road and a steep climb leads you to the top. From the stone summit, one can have a magnificent view over Berijam Lake, Vandaravu range, Mannovanur sheep farm, Poombarai valley and most of Kerala. The hike will begin from Kodaikanal TV Tower.

Shopping Spot

Exquisite embroidery, home made chocolates, Kodai Cheese, warm cloths, dried flowers, etc. are all available in wide variety. Excellent fresh vegetables are available in the town market (bazaar). Eco-nut in Pt- Road has good wholesome food, brown bread, Jams, Peanut Butter, Cheese, Muffins which are very tasty.

Handicrafts : Kashmiri Handicraft center in Kodaikanal is famous for its shawls, jewellery, brass & leather items, Walnut wood articles, etc. The Cottage Crafts Shop, run by the voluntary organization Corsock (Coordinating Council for Social Concerns in Kodai), sells goods crafted by development groups and uses the commission obtained to help the needy.

On PT Road, there are plenty of Kashmiri shops and the Potter’s Shed which sells one of the finest ceramics and a major portion of the income is used to help disabled children. The road leading to the lake is lined with stalls run by Tibetians. They sell warm clothes, shawls and other fabric.