Great Lakes
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. He converted what was once marshy land into a lake, bringing in boats from Tuticorin. It is said that the residents of that time enjoyed swimming in the Kodai Lake.
The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and looks magnificent with its star shaped glittering waters, set in the midst of lush green slopes. The hills receive rainfall during the North - East Monsoon months of October, November and December. The lake is spread over 60 acres and surrounded by a fine - tarred road of 5 km in length. The maximum depth in 1962 was 11.5 m but it is now about 9 m. The average depth of the lake is 3m. You can hire boats from the boat club.
Today droves of tourists walk around, sail, ride horses, cycle and admire the lake. Fishing can also be done obtaining permission from Inspector of Fisheries. Pony rides offered around the lake area make for a typical Kodai holiday experience.
This lake is located at a distance of 21 km from Kodai and is one of the most beautiful lakes in South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is known for its pure water.
Nature Walk
It is a narrow pedestrian path, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872. The walk is 1km mountain road, which runs along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai road, which is ½ km away from Kodai. The walk, winding around Mt. Nebo, starts near Van Allen Hospital and joins the main road above St. Peter's Church. It provides a wide-angle spectacular view of the plains. On a cloudless, clear day one can see interesting sights, such as Dolphin's nose in the south valley of the Pambar river in the south east, a birds eye view of Periyakulam and even the city of Madurai.
Spectacular View Points
This is about 5.5km from the lake and very near the Golf Club. This point commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai dam. As the valley here is very deep, dense and dangerous this place was once known as the 'Suicide point'.
Just a little away from the Pillar Rock and the Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View, which provides a breathtaking view of the Silent Valley. Children are advised to walk carefully.
Moer Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 km from the Pillar Rock and the Berijam Lake road.
Upper Lake View is 3.2km from Coaker's Walk on the way to Green Valley View. This point provides a magnificent view of the Kodai Lake.
Waterfalls
This is an ideal picnic spot 1.6km from the bus stand and within 2 kms of the lake, where bears used to come to drink water. Hence the falls were named after this. Cross the lake bund, pass the telephone exchange on your right and at the junction take the lower road. The approach is a rugged hilly path. The falls are at their best during the rainy season.
This waterfall is located on the main Ghat Road, 8 kms away from Kodai Road. The overflow of the Kodai Lake over the steep cliffs forms a magnificent silver cascade, which torrents down the cliff onto the Ghat Road.
'Grand cascade' is another name for these magnificent falls. It can be reached from the steep slopes behind Pambar house. Racing down the Pambar Ravine is a zig-zagging stream that cascades over a series of rock formations thus creating the unique Pambar falls. Pambar falls are 4km away from Kodaikanal.
This is also called as Rat tail falls. This widest falls spread of 13 km between the Ghat Road and Kodaikanal. It is one of the highest falls in India, with a sheer drop of 975 feet.
Parks
Every May, a horticultural show is conducted by the department of Horticulture in Byrant Park. On this occasion, vegetables and flowers from neighbouring villages compete for prizes under various categories. This is indeed a huge crowd puller. Contestants exhibit flowers, vegetables, fruits and other products. It serves as a practical centre for education on ornamental horticulture and as a demonstration centre. The various methods of training, pruning, budding, grafting, potting seed collection etc, are taught to the students of horticulture as well as to the visitors.
Located 32km from the bus stand and on the way to the Kurinji temple, this beautiful park is an ideal spot for some quiet time spent with nature.
Religious Places
This temple is sited 3 km from the lake, and is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. In Tamil literature Kurinji means 'hill region' and Andavar means 'God'. Hence Lord Muruga is referred to as 'God of the hill'. This temple is associated with Kurinji flowers, which carpet the hillsides and bloom once in 12 years. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai dams.
This bloom can be seen once in 12 years. The year 2006 has these flowers radiantly clothing the hills. It is said that when Kurinji is in bloom, the honey is excellent
The Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal, sacred Heart Church, Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St. Mary's Church, Lassalette, St. Joseph's Church, Luthern Mission Church etc are other religious spots of Kodaikanal.
Trekking / Hiking
Vembadi Peak is the second highest peak in India with a height of 2466 m. 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 over all Kerala. The hike begins from Kodaikanal TV Tower.
This trekkers delight is sited bout 11 km from Kodaikanal. Climbers begin their ascent from the Neutral Saddle.
This natural rock formation is a flat projection, from where one can have a view of the yawning chasm 6600 feet below. To reach Dolphins nose at a distance of 8km from the bus stand, there is an old road after crossing Pambar bridge near Levinge stream. A rough curve rounds the hillside leads to Dolphins nose. On the way, beautiful views of plains and steep rock formations can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path.
There is a favourite camping site for trekkers 40km from Kodaikanal. The cave reveals traces of the earliest settled tribals, Paliyans, who used to wear leaf clothing. Over viewing the caves is Manjampath valley, where bison can be seen. It is reported that descendants of the Paliyans still live here.
Kukal Caves is around 40 km from Kodai. You can travel by road upto Poombaraj and then walk. It is recommended to take a local guide. After walking through geranium plantations, pine and wattle forests, the Kukal forest rest house can be reached. The early morning hike from the rest house will lead to beautiful locations 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.
Telescope House at Coakers Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. A fee is collected to use the telescope.
This oldest world famous institution was built in 1898. It is nearly 6 km from the bus stand and situated at the highest point in Kodai hills at 7700ft. It has a well-equipped laboratory doing quality research work. Its director Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in Sunspots, known as Evershed effect.
Three granite boulders, each vertically measuring a height of 400 feet stand shoulder to shoulder. It is located 8 km from the Kodai Lake. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil's kitchen.
Rediscovered by Kamal Hassan in shooting his film Guna, this place is now called as the Guna Cave. The cave is formed as a chamber between the two rocks of the Pillar Rocks and presents a view as if it is an abyss.
Museum
The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It is a Theological Seminary founded in 1895 and devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best orchidariams in the country. Over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 km the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard, contributed his many private collections to the museum. The museum is closed on Sundays.
Shopping
Some of the best buys in the town are:
- Chocolates
- Handicrafts
- Ayurvedic massage oil
- Spices
Local Festivals
- Pongal is celebrated on 14th January, every year.
- Diwali is celebrated in the month of October / November.
- Christmas is celebrated on 25th December.
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