Kodaikanal has emerged as an all season destination. Kodaikanal is referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination”. Summer in Kodaikanal starts from the month of March and continues till the month of May. The temperature varies between 20°C and 36°C during this season. Trekking and other adventurous activities can be enjoyed during this time. Here are the top 10 tourist places in Kodaikanal.
1. Suicide Point
Suicide Point is about 5 minutes before the pine forest. It has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicide. The view from there is simply breathtaking.
2. Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks is located around 8 km from the lake of Kodaikanal . Constituting of a beautiful mini garden, the place is so named as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet . Between the pillars, there is a dark chamber that is called the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’.
3. Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is located 21 km from the city bus stand. It is surrounded by Upper Palni Shola Forest reserve hosting a large variety of flora and fauna. Medicine plants like Digitalis, Pyrethrum, Dioscorea are grown here. Berijam lake is blessed with some beautiful natural landscape that makes it even more worth a visit.
4. Coakers Walk
Coaker’s Walk is a paradise for nature lovers. Situated at a distance of 1 km from the lake of Kodaikanal, this place is known for its long winding paths ,flowers and forests present. This lovely walkway set near a lake offers picture perfect views of the valley. On a clear day, you can get undisturbed and truly spectacular views of the Pambar River valley in south-east, Dolphin’s Nose in south,360° view of Periyakulam and the beautiful Madurai city.
5. Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose is located at a distance of 8 km from the main city of Kodaikanal. Dolphin’s Nose peculiar shape is the reason behind the name and one can witness the most breathtaking views of the Western Ghats from here. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path.
6. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is 20.5 acre botanical garden located in Kodaikanal Lake’s eastern side. It is one of the most colorful attractions of Kodaikanal. It is filled with variety of flora which includes around 325 species of trees, shrubs , cactus and a massive 740 species of roses. Every summer, horticultural exhibits and flower shows are organised in the park that attract countless visitors from different parts of the state and beyond.
7. Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola Falls is situated around 3 kms away from the Kodaikanal Bus stand. It is a seasonal waterfall that comes to its full size during the monsoons. Bear Shola Falls is a part of the Parappar River, stream, which later takes the name of Tevankarai Aar when it reaches downhill. It is quiet, peaceful and a true haven for those who want to escape from concrete forest parks.
8. Pine Forest
Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal. It is located on the observatory road near the Solar Observatory. Apart from Eucalyptus trees and Shola trees, there is lot of Pine trees found across many parts of Kodaikanal. These pine plantations are apparently pretty familiar with the young Israeli people at Vatakanal.
9. Silver Cascade Falls
Silver cascade falls is the first attraction that welcomes the tourists to Kodaikanal on the Madurai – Kodai road, situated on the main Ghat road. Silver Cascade Falls is 8 kms before Kodaikanal as you approach Kodai from Kodai Road. Silver Cascade Falls, perfect spot to explore in Kodaikanal was famous for its clean, pure and glittering water once and resulting in the name Silver Falls.
10. Guna Cave
Guna Cave is located at the outskirts of Kodaikanal town and it can be reached from the popular Moir Point. It is about a unique natural heritage site called the Devil’s Kitchen or Guna Caves . The place, which remained little known and was rarely visited only by the hikers became very popular after a Tamil movie named ‘Guna’ was shot here in 1992 .
