Not many of us are aware of the fact that Kodaikanal is also known as the ‘princess of hill stations’. The actual meaning of Kodaikanal translates to- the gift of nature. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu at an elevation of 2133m, Kodaikanal is a traveller’s haven. Pleasant weather, lush green pastures, and enveloped by nature all around, this hill station is an absolute charmer. Here is an assorted list of amazing places to visit in Kodaikanal.
This pathway is 1 km long built on the mountains that cuts by the edge winding hilly slopes. It gives you an access to the most mesmerising views along the sidewalks. There is a rare phenomenon that you can witness if you visit Coakers walk. Your shadow is cast on the clouds that surround the area called ‘broken spectre’. Quite something, isn’t it?
When in Kodaikanal, this lake definitely tops the chart of places to visit in Kodaikanal as it is really the heart of Kodaikanal The Kodai lake is a roughly star shaped, man-made lake where you get to spot several migratory birds all around. Take a pedal boat or row boat ride in the lake for a soothing experience You can also cycle your way around the shore of the lake a People also like to horse ride around the lake.
Dating back to 1936, this temple is dedicated to lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kartikeya who is worshipped as ‘the god of the hill’. A famous and an extremely rare flower blooms here, the kind that likes to bloom only once in every 12 years. Hence, the temple too gets its name from this flower called the ‘Kurinji’. That feature itself makes it to the list of places to visit in Kodaikanal.
Since Kodaikanal is a nature’s hub, it is abundant in parks and large open natural spaces. The Bryant Park is a popular picnic spot in the form of a botanical garden. You will be enthralled to see more than 300 varieties of trees and somewhat 740 species of roses, here. An absolute treat for nature lovers, you get to enjoy lovely flower shows in the summer season.
If a 5000 feet elevated view is what fills you with thrill and amazement, the green valley view is a must places to visit in Kodaikanal. Formerly known as the ‘suicide point’, the name was changed a few years back. On the way to the top of the green valley view, there are small shops selling chocolates, flowers and other local things. This view of lush green vistas is just 5 kms away from the Kodai Lake.
Much like the Bryant Park, the Pillar rocks is also a popular picnic spot in Kodaikanal. There are three pillars reaching to a massive height of 400 feet standing amidst a virgin pocket of dense forests. Between these rock pillars, there are chambers known as ‘the devil’s kitchen’. There is a semi- garden around the premises which makes for a perfect spot to enjoy the serenity and unwind for some while. You can bet a view of the azure sky, the surrounding high hills and the misty clouds that envelope the rocks when the weather is a little unclear. Once here, you might hear about a classic story of love and a white cross, attached to these pillar rocks.
The Dolphin’s nose is a three sided sheer valley and you can do the iconic Bollywood voice echo here. This place is a viewpoint region which resembles the face of a dolphin roughly. You got to hike up to this point and the trek ends with a gushing Catherine falls. People trek up only to descend to the Dolphin’s nose view point.
If you are fond of witnessing nature at its best, this museum houses more than 500 species of birds and animals and plus 300 species of fauna. Yeah, that’s a number you can’t beat because it’s been assimilated over a 100 years by priests and trainees. From bottled snakes to human embyros to animal carcasses, it is a rather mind blowing display you just can’t miss.
The silver cascade is a waterfall in Kodaikanal that originates from the Kodai Lake. The waterfall empties into a pool like space where people can swim for as long as you want. A bath here will totally bring you back to life!
An adventurous night ride into the forests of Kodaikanal will give you the best opportunities to discover a greenwood full of of Bisons, wild boars, porcupines and more. Witness the breathtaking night views of the upper lake, the Mango city and Palani temple. You can book this package with JC Residency, a 3* hotel in Kodaikanal.
The Guna caves in Kodaikanal are deep and dark rock formations that are unlit and look really eerie giving you the impression of a haunted site. There are bats in the cave interiors which makes the haunted experience quite fitting in tune with movie standards. However, no worries, as the cave chambers carry no dark past that we know of, so you can pay a visit any time!
One weird but cool spot to visit when in Kodaikanal is the Caps Fly Valley. If you throw something right in the air at this particular spot, it comes flying right back at you. It is not magic though, but is the atmospheric pressure conditions. So, quite unusual in itself, this one makes for an offbeat experience.
The Karuna Farm in Kodaikanal is a picturesque yoga centre where you can meditate and sit in peace. It is an ecological farm where yoga trainers teach the art of meditation here. The Karuna farms are located in the Prakaspuram village and they will immediately compel you to leave your phone behind and just sit and admire the sunset.
So, by now, you have a fair idea as to what to expect when you are in this hilly misty abode aka Kodaikanal, if I happen to miss any place special, feel free to mention in the comment section below!
