Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu, India
11-05-2023
Kodaikanal is a tourist destination.
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and serene surroundings, which attract a large number of tourists every year. Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Kodaikanal:
Kodai Lake:
Kodai Lake is a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of Kodaikanal. It is a man-made lake that covers an area of approximately 60 acres and is surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests.
The lake was created in 1863 during the British colonial period, and it has since become a popular spot for boating and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake or take a walk along the well-maintained path that surrounds the lake.
Kodai Lake is also a popular destination for picnics and family outings. The area around the lake is dotted with several parks and gardens where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There are also several food stalls and restaurants around the lake where visitors can sample local cuisine and snacks.
The lake is also a great spot for birdwatching, with several species of birds, including ducks and kingfishers, found in and around the lake.
Kodai Lake is a must-visit destination in Kodaikanal for those interested in natural beauty and outdoor activities. It offers a refreshing break from the city's hustle and bustle and is a perfect spot for nature lovers, families, and adventure enthusiasts.
Coaker's Walk:
Coaker's Walk is a popular tourist attraction located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a beautiful promenade that stretches for approximately one kilometre and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
The promenade was named after Lieutenant Coaker, who was responsible for the construction of the walkway in 1872. The walkway is approximately 30 feet wide and is built along the edge of a steep slope, offering a stunning view of the valley below.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the promenade and enjoy the cool, fresh air and the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys. The walkway is lined with benches, where visitors can sit and enjoy the view or take a break from their walk.
Coaker's Walk is also a popular spot for photographers, who come to capture the stunning views of the valley below. The best time to visit Coaker's Walk is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight adds to the beauty of the landscape.
The walkway also has a small telescope house, which offers visitors a closer view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Coaker's Walk is a must-visit destination in Kodaikanal for those interested in natural beauty and scenic landscapes.
Bryant Park:
Bryant Park is a beautiful botanical garden that spreads over an area of approximately 20 acres and is home to a vast collection of plants, flowers, and trees.
The park was established in 1908 and was named after a British forest officer, H.D. Bryant, who was instrumental in designing and developing the park. The park is well known for its beautifully manicured lawns, colourful flower beds, and a wide variety of exotic and indigenous plants.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the park and admire the various species of plants and flowers on display. The park also has a large collection of trees, including eucalyptus, pine, and cypress trees.
Bryant Park is a popular destination for picnics and family outings. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawns or have a cup of tea at the park's tea stall while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
The park also has a small glasshouse that displays a variety of exotic flowers and plants, including orchids, cacti, and succulents.
Pillar Rocks:
Pillar Rocks is a set of three towering rock pillars that rise up to a height of approximately 400 feet from the ground. The rocks are believed to be over 500 million years old and are made up of granite.
The Pillar Rocks are surrounded by dense forests and offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the hills, valleys, and forests from the viewing platform located at the base of the rocks.
The area around the Pillar Rocks is also a popular spot for picnics and nature walks. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the forest and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
The best time to visit the Pillar Rocks is during the monsoon season, when the rocks are covered with mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. The view of the rocks during sunrise and sunset is also breathtaking, with the changing colours of the sky adding to the beauty of the landscape.
Bear Shola Falls:
Bear Shola Falls is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dense forests, and it is believed that bears used to come to this spot to drink water, hence the name "Bear Shola Falls."
The waterfall is approximately 40 feet high, and it cascades down a steep hill into a pool at the base of the falls. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterfall, listen to the sound of the gushing water, and take a refreshing dip in the pool.
The area around the waterfall is also a popular spot for picnics and nature walks. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding forest.
The best time to visit Bear Shola Falls is during the monsoon season, when the waterfall is in full flow and at its most beautiful. However, visitors should be careful while trekking to the falls during the monsoon season, as the rocks can be slippery.
Silver Cascade Falls:
Silver Cascade Falls is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region and is known for its scenic beauty and the sound of the gushing water.
The waterfall is formed by the overflowing of the Kodaikanal Lake and is located on the way to Madurai. The water cascades down from a height of approximately 55 metres, forming a pool at the base of the falls. The waterfall gets its name from the silver-coloured appearance of the water as it cascades down the rocks.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape from the viewing platform located at the base of the falls. They can also climb up to the top of the waterfall to get a closer view of the cascading water.
The Silver Cascade Falls are also a popular picnic spot, and visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch or snacks while enjoying the scenic beauty of the falls.
Guna Caves:
Guna Caves, also known as Devil's Kitchen, is a unique tourist destination located in Kodaikanal. These caves are said to have been formed by the weathering of the rocks and are a popular attraction for tourists.
The name "Devil's Kitchen" is derived from a local legend that tells the story of how the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata stayed in these caves during their exile. It is believed that they cooked their food here, hence the name "Devil's Kitchen."
The caves are located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by dense forests and lush green hills. The trek to the caves is a thrilling experience, with visitors having to navigate through narrow passages and steep cliffs to reach the entrance.
The caves are also popular among adventure enthusiasts, who can explore the caves and climb the nearby rocks for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
However, visitors should exercise caution, as the caves can be dangerous during the monsoon season when the rocks are slippery and prone to landslides.
The Guna Caves are a fascinating destination for those interested in history, adventure, and natural beauty. It offers a unique and exciting experience to visitors, making it a must-visit destination in Kodaikanal.
Kurinji Andavar Temple:
Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, who is considered to be the God of War and Victory in Hindu mythology.
The temple is located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills. It is famous for its Kurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years. The Kurinji flowers are known for their vibrant blue-purple colour and are a symbol of the divine power of Lord Murugan.
According to legend, Lord Murugan appeared in front of a local shepherd boy and instructed him to build a temple at the site. The temple was built in the early 20th century, and it has since become a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Murugan.
Visitors to the temple can witness the stunning Kurinji flowers when they bloom, which is a rare and beautiful sight. The temple is also famous for its colourful annual festival, which is held in May and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is a must-visit destination in Kodaikanal for those interested in Hindu mythology and the stunning natural beauty of the region.
These are just a few of the many tourist destinations in Kodaikanal. Visitors can also enjoy trekking, camping, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding hills and forests.