10 Must-Visit Places in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal Lake
The Kodaikanal Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu. This star-shaped artificial lake is located at an elevation of 2285 meters above sea-level. Kodai Lake was constructed way back in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, the collector of Madurai. He moved to Kodaikanal after his retirement and decided to build this lake on an abandoned marshy land. Currently, activities like fishing and boating can be done here.
Coaker's Walk
A holiday in Kodaikanal is incomplete without a visit to the Coaker's Walk. A man-made walking plaza, Coaker's Walk was built by Lt Coaker in 1872. Today it is one of the most popular places to visit in Kodaikanal. Take a stroll in the afternoon with your significant other, or simply gaze at the verdant green valleys-a short trip to the Coaker's Walk will fill you with lifetime memories.
Berijam Lake
Forest-fringed Berijam lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal. One requires a permit from the forest department to visit this scenic beauty. The permit is easily available, if approached a day before. Since nearby public gets its drinking water from the lake, boating here is prohibited. However, a stroll near the lake and its beautiful surroundings make it a must visit place in Kodaikanal for tourists.
Pine Forest
The Pine Forest of Kodaikanal was cultivated by one Mr. Bryant about a century ago and today, it happens to be one of the most visited places in the hill station. The Pine Forest attracts a multitude of tourists from all over. Needless to say, that the very sight of umpteen number of pine trees standing tall make for an amazing sight. While on a tour of Kodaikanal, make sure that you visit the Pine Forest.
Pillar Rocks
One of the best sightseeing places of Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks offer stunning beauty of the natural vistas around. The place derived its name from three rocks that stand almost vertical, looming high and almost piercing the sky at a height of 400 feet. Fog and mist often play hide and seek with the pillars, thus making scene look almost ethereal. Do remember to visit Pillar Rocks while on a tour of Kodaikanal.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Kurinji Andavar temple is a must visit place in Kodaikanal for pilgrims. Situated at a somewhat offbeat location, the quaint temple offers majestic views of Palani Hills at his backdrop. Tourists can also have a grand view of the Vaigai Dam from the temple. The temple is associated to the Kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. A tour of Kodaikanal would rather be incomplete without a visit to this temple.
Mannavanur Lake
Located in a small village of the same name, the Mannavanur Lake is one of the offbeat tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal. Intercepting with small streams, small waterfalls and fields of carrots will take you to the Mannavanur Lake. Once you reach, a calm and serene water body will welcome you. While there's not much to do, just relaxing in the location is bound to fill you with a lifetime of memories.
Poombarai Village View
If you want to enjoy a scenic hike and catch glimpse of clouds playing hide and seek with terraced valleys-a trip to the Poombarai Village View point is a must. Poomabrai village is famous for its production of garlic. Standing secluded at 1920 metres above sea-level, the Poombarai village offers picturesque views of the surrounding vistas. One can spend hours gazing at the natural beauty and taste some local produce like carrots and beans.
Bryant Park
The Bryant Park is a botanical garden located very close to the Kodai Lake. The park was the brainchild of a certain British army officer named Glen Bryant. Boasting over 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the garden seems almost like a rainbow when all the flowers are abloom. A 160-year old Eucalyptus is a major attraction. Do remember to visit this beautiful botanical garden when on a tour of Kodaikanal.
Lake View Point
Also known as the Upper Lake View Point, this particular point of interest in Kodaikanal attracts a lot of tourists. From the point one can not only have a grand view of the Kodai Lake but also of the vast green vistas around. While there's not much to do in Lake View Point, you can create beautiful memories while staring at the majestic views of the star-shaped Kodai Lake.
Chettiar Park
A stunning green garden, the Chettiar Park happens to be a widespread tourist attraction in the hill station of Kodaikanal. The park is awash with a wide and rare species of flowers, the park is known to exude exquisiteness at every step. The perfectly manicured lawns of the park add on to exquisiteness of the place. The Kurunji flowers that bloom once in 12 years is its main attraction.
Silent Valley View
Another prominent sightseeing place in Kodaikanal is the Silent Valley View Point. Located near the Berijam Lake, the Silent Valley View is a favourite with nature lovers. The best times to visit the Silent Valley View Point is early mornings and late evenings. Needless to say, that the point is an amazing place to view natural surroundings and scenic mountains around. A visit to the Silent Valley View is definitely worth it.
Guna Caves
One of the most interesting tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal is the Guna Caves. Named after a famed Kamal Hassan starrer Tamil movie Guna, the caves are a must visit place for nature lover and adventure seekers. The region was a well-known hiking trail and after the movie was shot, it came to be known as Guna Caves. A trip to this intriguing cave can help you create beautiful memories.
Shembaganur Museum of Natural History
History buffs can have a great time visiting the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, one of the famous tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. Founded in 1895, the museum is affiliated to the Loyola College, Chennai. Here one can have some great time spotting artefacts belonging to the Palayiar tribes, whose descendants continue to reside in the hill station. The taxidermy collection is a major attraction of the museum.
La Saleth Church
Considered to be Kodaikanal's oldest apostolic, the La Saleth Church has been in existence since the last 150 years. The church was funded by a Belgian woman as a kind gesture who wanted to thank Our Lady of La Salette for the cure of her daughter. The shrine is an excellent example of the combination of Tamil and French architecture. The shrine is a gathering place for all and sundry.
Christ the King Church
Another major place of worship, Christ the King Church attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims round the year. Built in 1895, the Protestant church is constructed in a traditional gothic architecture. The church features a range of stained glasses that exude beauty and liveliness from its exterior. Christ the King Church is a revered place of worship in whole of Kodaikanal.
Bear Shola Falls
A part of the Parappar River Stream, the Bear Shola Falls is a sight to behold. One of the most popular tourist spots of Kodaikanal, the falls are definitely a sight to behold. Cascading down in a slanting manner from a great height, the falls lies inside a forest reserve -unhindered by human encroachments. A trip to the Bear Shola Falls will definitely rejuvenate your senses completely.
Astrophysical Observatory
An integral part of Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Astrophysical Observatory is a prominent place to visit in Kodaikanal. Built in 1899 and situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings with the Palani Hills at its backdrop, the observatory makes for an awesome sight for astrophysics enthusiasts and even tourists. Observe the collection at the Museum or check out some rare books on astronomical science at the library-you will never be tired of this place.
Moir Point
Moir point happens to be one of the major view-points of Kodaikanal. The site is named after a European engineer Sir Thomas Moir who was responsible for constructing the Goschen Road in 1929. The point offers panoramic views of the peaks and the green vistas all around. It one of the major tourist spots in Kodaikanal. A small park has been constructed here along with a monument.
Subrahmanya Temple
Located 65 kilometres away from the main Kodaikanal Point, the Subrahmanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. Situated at a height of 135 metres and one needs climb more than 600 steps in order get a view of sanctum sanctorum. This temple might be moderately popular among tourists, however a visit will fill you with a sense of satisfaction. Do remember to take tour of the Subrahmanya Temple once in Kodaikanal.