Places to visit in Kodaikanal
Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar falls is located on the slopes of Palani hill ranges in Kodaikanal .It’s under the Dindigul District. Rat Tail falls is the another name of Thalaiyar falls. Thalaiyar falls height is 297 m .In Tamilnadu Thalaiyar falls is the highest falls. Thalaiyar falls is the sixth highest falls in the world. We can see this river view from the tower view point in Dum Dum Rock. From this Dum Dum Rock view point we can see the nearby view of Manjalar DAM. This Dum Dum Rock is located on the Batalugundu to Kodaikanal hill road.
To this Thalaiyar Falls the water is came from the Perumal Malai village. It’s a polluted water so we can’t drink it. This falls is visible on a bright day.
In dry season hiking is allowed at the bottom of falls. We can reach this falls bottom by crossing the Manjalar Dam, mango orchard, potato fields and the temple of Goddess Kamakshi. After this temple we must follow the stream then we can easily reach the bottom of the Thalaiyar falls .The bottom of the falls one small pool is available there with the dimensions of 30m*60 m. The overall distance to reach this bottom of the Thalaiyar falls is 15 km. It’s a inaccessible attraction falls. We can see the clear view of this falls and take photos from the Dum Dum Rock view point.
Anju Veedu Falls:
Anju Veedu Falls is one of the beautiful falls in Kodaikanal. This is 20.1 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Anju Veedu Falls is located near the Ganeshspuram village in Perumalmalai via pethupaarai. Few years back there were only five houses in elephant valley, so this place is called as the Anju Veedu. And one falls is located 2kms from this place which is called as Anju Veedu Falls. From this anju veedu place we have to walk 2kms in the forest area to reach the Anju Veedu Falls.
This is a V shaped falls. It’s located around the majestic thrilling forest. In this falls we can see few animals and birds .Sometimes we can see the elephant. Anju Veedu Falls is also called as Palar Upper Falls, Elephant Valley Falls, 5V, 5 House falls. Anju Veedu Falls is a beautiful and breathtaking place.
Parking facilities available till the anju veedu area. No shops are available here .We have to take all the essential thinags we need. Best time for visiting this Falls is 9 AM to 4 PM.
Silver Cascade Falls:
Silver Cascade Falls is the best relaxing place between a long journey. Distance from Kodaikanal to Silver Cascade Falls is 6.8 km. The falls water came from the man made Kodai Lake through the hillway. It’s located near the entrance of the Kodaikanal check post. In the Kodaikanal hill way this is the second spot to visit the first one is Rat tail falls. The overall height of the fall is 180 feet.
Visitors not allowed inside the falls. We can’t swim there. Many shops are available there. We can take photos here. It’s a free visiting spot. We can park the vehicles near the falls in the rainy seasons we can see the Silver Cascade Falls beauty with the chill climate. We can visit this falls at the day time. Here we can buy homemade chocolates, fresh carrots and fruits. Here we can eat bread omelette and snacks
Shembaganur Museum:
Shembaganur Museum is one of the best orchidoriums in the country, it is located at Kodaikanal. Shembaganur Museum is located 5.5 km away from the Kodaikanal bus stand. The visiting time for this museum is 10 TO 11.30 AM & 3 to 5 PM .We have to pay Rs 2 (per head) for the entry. We can’t visit this museum on every Thursdays and we need 1 to 2 hours to visit this museum.
In 1951 this museum was created by A. Anglade . Spanish Father E.Ugarthe put his efforts to develop this Museum. Then he took full control from the creator. The main entrance of the Museum is located on the main Kodaikanal road. Entrance to Museum way is seems like a forest way .The Botanical inventory in the Museum was featured in 1954 by Father KM. Mathew. In 1963 Father Ugarthe described the significant assets of the museum.
In this Museum we can see the past collections comprising of moths, mammals, snakes, birds and butterflies which was collected from the team of students. Here we can see the categories of Anthropology, Handicrafts and Flora & Fauna in dividing portions. In this museum we can see a herbarium which is having more than 2500 varieties of plants. Here we can see nearly 300 species of trees. In this Museum we can see the whole range palani map, economical developments, natural formations and geological characteristics in and around the city.
In this Shembaganur Museum having parking facilities .No shapes are available here .Here we can collect the information’s with the pleasant view and climate. After visiting this museum you can feel that you got more details of historical information’s. It’s a worth visiting place.
Kodai Lake:
Kodai Lake is a popular landmark and attractive place of kodaikanal. It’s a manmade lake. By the efforts of Sir Vere Henry Levinge the retired collector of Madurai a wonderful lake was formed by blocking stream in the year of 1863. He spent his own money to convert the marshy land to lake. He also bought boats from Tuticorin. Over the years the boat club, boat house and the boat services started. It’s a roughly star shaped lake around 24 hectares . In summer season the boat races was conducted for the public and tourists. Kodaikanal Lake’s maximum depth 11 m and the shore length 4.4 km. This artificial lake was located at an elevation of 7500 feet above the sea level. Around this lake area so many shops are there .Cycle riding, horse riding, and gun shooting... Etc.., are available there. It’s a best entertaining and sightseeing spot .
Upper Lake View:
Upper Lake View is one of the lovely view points in Kodaikanal. Which is 3.4 km away from the Kodaikanal Bus stand .From this point we can see the full top view of star shaped lake. Because of this view this place is called as the Upper Lake View. From this spot we can also see the views of La Saleth church, Perumal peek and Chemmanmedu area. From this Upper Lake View point we can see the clear views by using the telescope.
From this view point we can see the greenery views of the surrounding hills. Here we can purchase some small craft items. Here we can eat fresh corns, ice creams and baji’s. It’s a rest place for travellers. Here we have toilet facilities. We can park our vehicles on the parking area. In this Upper Lake View point we can take photos with lovely scenery. Photographers also available here .Best time for visiting this place is 8 AM to 6 PM.
Fairy Falls:
Fairy Falls is one of the beautiful places in Kodaikanal. It’s 6 m away from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Fairy Falls is located at the end point of Chellapuram area it’s is located in Observatory .Rural community reservoir excess water is the source for this falls. In this Fairy Falls water is the main source for the Pambar Falls and then it’s connected to the Vaigai River.
The entrance of the Fairy Falls welcomes us with small garden. From the entrance we have to walk 500 meters distance to reach the Fairy Falls. This walking time gives us the peaceful views of long trees and nature with the falls water falling sound .From this Falls view we can see the full view of Chellapuram and the plantation of natural vegetables .In this Falls is located at the bottom of the hills.
In this Fairy Falls we can’t swim .By using the curved bridge we can walk near the falls and take photos. If we want to dip our feet in water we have to go to the upper side of the Fairy Falls which is located near the Botanical garden in Chellapuram. It’s located between the reservoir and the Fairy Falls.
Best time for visiting this Falls is 10 AM to 5 PM. We can park our vehicles on the road sides of the falls entrance .It’s the best place for spend time with family. Without entrance fees we can visit this falls
IIA, Observatory:
The Observatory is called as the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) .IIA is located at the distance of 3 km from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. It’s a Solar Observation place. In 1899 this Solar Observatory was officially founded by the Charles Michie Smith. He was the first Director of the Solar Observatory. He continued his Director position for the next 12 years. In 1901 the initial observations was commenced. Few scientists and technicians are appointed to take the Observations.
After few years the high powered 20-inch telescope was installed by the Head Scientist of the Observatory Mr. Norman Robert Pogson. This telescope was used to develop the quality of observation. This telescope gave a clear view of the skies. This telescope can take images during both day and night time.
The Observatory consists of 6 domes , a Library , a museum , a workshops ,a spectrum , 5 guest houses , 40 quarters and a rose garden . Visitors allowed in the working days to visit the Museum at the timing of 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM.
In this Museum building we can see the History details of Solar Observatory and we can also see the Research results of the sun and the space details with image.
Every year International science conference was conducted in this Observatory and summer classes also conducted for the physics students.
Visitors not allowed for the other buildings of Observatory. If visitors wants to visit all the buildings of the Observatory must got the permission from the Director. Here we have parking facilities opposite to the entrance of the Solar Observatory.
Guna caves:
Guna caves is located on the observatory to pillar rock road . Guna caves are 8.5 km from the kodaikanal bus stand. Guna caves place is one of the thrilling tourist spot in kodaikanal. These caves are formed between the three boulders of the mountain . Guna caves having 2230 metres altitude. In 1992 the Tamil movie GUNA shots was taken in this caves. After Guna movie this caves become famous. Guna Caves is also called as the Devil’s Kitchen. Devil’s Kitchen is a famous place for hikers. After 1992 it got famous because of the Guna movie. Visitors need to walk 400 meters to reach the hilltop from the entrance.
In 1821 this spot was discovered by the English Officer B.S. Ward. These caves are 2230 meters elevation .It’s a thick forest located behind the Pillar Rocks. Devil’s Kitchen is 1.5 km away from Pillar Rock.
The Devil’s Kitchen place path was covered by the pine forest. Visitors can see this view from a distance because of the security reasons.
This cave gives us a scary feeling so we can’t go inside the caves .We can see the caves from a distance.
The main entrance of the guna caves welcome us with the pine forests . In this Guna caves path we can see so many pine trees roots outside the soil .It’s a good photography spot too. The best advice to visit this caves is go with a gang or guide.
The damp soil, fresh chilly air and the pine trees will give us a incredible feeling .If we visit this guna cave we can also see the nearby places of pine forest, green valley view and dolphin nose view points. We can visit this place without entrance fees .We can park our vehicles on the road sides. Best time for visiting this place is 10 AM to 3 PM.
Green valley view:
Green valley view is the best place to see the views of vaigai dam, plains, valleys and hills. Green valley view is 2.3 km distance from Guna caves. Here we can see so many monkeys. So we must to keep our things safely.
From the entrance to the view point there are many verities of shops available .Green valley view depth is 5000 feet .Green valley view is also called as the Suicide point, here many suicide cases happened. We can visit this place without entrance fees .We can park our vehicles on the road sides. Best time for visiting this place is 10 AM to 3 PM.
Moir Point
Moir Point is one of the most significant places in Kodaikanal. It is located 10 km away from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. This place offers wonderful views of the valleys. In 1929 Goschen Road was built by Sir Thomas Moir. Sir Thomas Moir cut the grasses to start the Goschen Road that place is called as the Moir Point. It’s also called as the Governor Stone. In this point we can see the natural sceneries with different birds and animals sound.
Kodaikanal to Munnar Road check post was located near this Moir Point. (This road was blocked by the Government). In this Moir Point was built to avoid the entry of unauthorised people. Before the formation of the Goschen Road this place was called as the Fore Mile Road . In this point connect the Kodaikanal to Berijum Lake.
We can buy fresh vegetables here. We can park our vehicles on the road sides. Best time for visiting this Moir Point is 10 AM to 4 PM .Entry fees is Rs 10 per head. Around this Moir Point we can see some pine trees and few verities of trees.
Pine Forest
Pine Forest is one of the wonderful tourist spot in Kodaikanal. Which is 5.2 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand .Pine Forest is the mesmerizing nature and important preserved heritage in the town. Because of Mr. Bryant efforts this Pine Forest was created in the year of 1906. This Pine Forest gives us a pleasant view. We can enjoy here in the day time. We can visit this forest without fees.
In this Pine Forest we can see grey dried pine cone and leaves. This is the best place for the natural vegetation of mushrooms. It’s the best place for walking but the ways may be slippery because of the pine leaves so be careful. Some shops are available in the entrance of the Pine Forest. In this Pine Forest having one interesting news. In this Pine Forest the pine trees are planted in certain distance and straight lines. If you stand in any direction you can see that the pine trees are in the straight line .It’s the best place for taking photos .We can park our cars opposite place of the pine forest entrance.
Berijam Lake
Berijam is a calm reservoir in Kodaikanal. In 186, Colonel Hamilton created the report of Barijam Lake, and his reports told that the Barijam Lake was the best place for military cantonment or sanatorium. Later a military outpost was built in the entrance of the Barijam Lake and it’s called as the Fort Hamiltan. In 1867 Barijam Lake was created artificially. Then the retired Collector of Madurai gave his personal amount for the dam construction. After the construction process this dam was enlarged and the pipeline for supplying drinking water to periyakulam municipality was built. Barijam Lake is a micro – watershed development project.
Barijam Lake was located on the Pillar Rock road and its located 10 km distance from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Buses and taxies are available to reach this dam. But the better choice is take a taxi and visit this dam.
Before the Barijam Lake we can see the majestic thick forest with different colourful trees. This colourful forest is called as the Memory Loss Forest. If we went inside the thick forest, all the routes are looked like same and definitely we miss our route memory .Because of this reason this forest is called as the Memory Loss Forest.
We must get permission from the Forest office to enter this Barijam Lake. Without permission we can’t go there. At the same time only 20 cars allowed per day. Barijam Lake visiting time is 9 AM to 3 PM. Because of the fog formation we can’t see and enjoy the lake view after 1 PM, better reach early. We have to park our vehicles on the road sides of the entrance.
Vehicles not allowed inside the dam. From the check post to Barijam Lake we must walk on the road .This path was covered by the pine forest. We can see different types of animals ( Bison ,Elephant and Deer ) and birds .Barijam Lakes overall area is 59 acres .This Barijam Lake was having a natural pure drinking water . This water is used for the Kodaikanal and Periyakulam people. If u wants to enjoy the calm nature go early with the Forest passes.
Silent Valley View
Silent Valley View is a stunning view point in kodaikanal. It’s look like the gift of nature. Silent Valley View is located near the Pillar Rock garden. In this place we can see the deep valleys beauty with fresh air. The path to this Green Valley View is like slippery we should have to take care of our safety. This also called as the shanty valley.
The best time to visit this Green Valley View is early morning.
Pillar rock
Pillar rock having three vertical pillars up to a height of 400 feet . These three rocks are looks like a connecting rocks but the true is they are not touched together . It’s a wonderful picnic spot .It’s also having a small garden too . These pillar rocks are majestic .From here we can see the birds view . The place between the rocks are called as the Devil’s kitchen. If it’s a clear sky or partially cloudy we can see a wonderful view of pillar rock.
Golf Course
Golf Course is one of the best clubs in Kodaikanal. Golf club is 3.4 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand via pambarpuram village .It’s almost 150 acres. It’s a private membership club. In 1895, 17th June this Golf Club was established by twelve British golfers. They were the developers and architects of the course .In this starting period there are only 9 holes with brown putting surface. Then it was extended to 18 holes .In 1986 the putting surface was changed into green. In 1995 the Clubhouse Centenary Building was renovated.
Inside the clubhouse a Conference room, a card games room, a billiards room, a members lounge with fireplace, a BYOB bar and a dining hall are available .Lodging rooms available for the members only.
Tourists not allowed entering inside the club, only members can allowed. We can see the golf ground from the Green Valley View entrance.
Pambar Falls
Pambar Falls is one of the famous falls in Kodaikanal. Pambar Falls is 4 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Pambar Falls having the wild surrounding. This calming spot having the main attraction of birds and butterflies .Fairy Falls is the main source for this Pambar Falls. In this Pambar Falls we can dip our feet and we can swim too with chill climate. Pambar Falls is also called as the vatacanal falls .Old lyril advertisement was taken here so it’s also called as the lyril falls.
We must walk on the slippery path to reach this Pambar falls. Some shops are available here. We can park our vehicles on the road side’s .We can take photos with wild surrounding .The falls water may be too chill in the early morning and evening so better visit this falls at 10 AM to 3 PM.
Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose is one of the thrilling tourist spot in Kodaikanal. It is located at the distance of 8 km from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. And it’s located near the Pambar falls .In the entrance of the Dolphin’s Nose we can see Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church. This is the end point of road. Distance from this church to the Dolphin’s Nose place is 1.5 km. In this 1.5km distance we have to walk in the hills road. This hill way having tree roots outside the soil. We have to walk on the tree roots. Between the Dolphin’s Nose and the entrance point we can see one small river. This walking experience will gives us a trucking feeling .We can feel that we are inhaling fresh air. After reaching the Dolphin’s Nose rock we can see the majestic rock having 6,600 feet height. The side view of this rock looks like a Dolphin’s Nose, so only this rock is called as the Dolphin’s Nose rock. Here we can see the green hills view. After this view point we can see some villages like Vellakavi.
In the main entrance only we can see few shops. We can’t see the shops during the trucking place. We can visit this place without entrance fees. We can visit this view point at the timing of 8 am to 6 pm .Better visit in the morning session. It may constitute a half –day. Here we can take beautiful photos with lovable sceneries.
500 Year Old Tree
500 Year Old Tree is one of the wonderful tourist spot in Kodaikanal. This 500 Year Old Tree is 2 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. This 500 Year Old Tree is a Jamun tree .This Jamun tree is the oldest majestic tree in Kodaikanal. This Jamun tree is more than 500 years old. In this 500 Year Tree is located between the La Saleth Church and the Kodai Lake.
From the entrance we have to walk few meters distance to reach the 500 Year Old Tree .Full path was covered by the thick forest. We have to walk on the slippery tree roots. Here we can see few fruit shops .We have to park our vehicles on the road sides. Best time for visiting this spot is 10 AM to 4 Pm.
La Saleth Church
La Saleth Church is one of the oldest churches in Tamilnadu. It is located in Kodaikanal. The distance form Kodaikanal bus stand to La Saleth church is 2 km. This is the world’s second dedicated church to the memory of Lady of La Saleth .The first one is in France in the Memory of Mother Saleth.
La Saleth Church having more than 150 year’s history. In this church was located around the green hills. It’s a popular place of worship. Fr. Louis Santsceer was the first Priest of the La Saleth Church. In 1852 Fr.Louis Santsceer came to Kodaikanal with his father Rettary. His father bought Bayens Bungalow using his own money of Rs .20, 000. This Bungalow was converted into the rest house of the church Priest.
In 1858 Fr.Louis Santsceer suffered from the persistent illness with fever. Medicines could not support to cure the illness of Fr.Louis Santsceer. He placed his strong prayer to Our Lady of La Saleth .It helped him to recover miraculously. Then he built this La Saleth Church by the donation from the indivuals and the institutions. The first foundation work of the church was laid in the year of 1863 February 28th. The church work was completed in the year of 1866 .The interior alter statues of La Saleth and St. Joseph were given by the Bishop of the Grenoble in France . In this year the festival was started and celebrated in the last Sunday of May. In 1883 the main entrance work was done. Addition sides and the bell tower were constructed in the year of 1884.
In 1887 Fr.Louis Santsceer was died. His body was buried at the entrance of the church. In 1893 this celebrations was cancelled. In the year of 1902 the La Saleth Church festival was started and till now this festival was celebrated by all the kodai people in every year of August 15. After the years the church was developed by the priests’ .In the century of the church Fr.Aanandham built the La Saleth arangam (hall) with the nearby toilet facility. He released two devotional cassettes about La Saleth .Fr.Savior Raj and Fr. Rex Peter published the navanaal prayer book of Our Lady of La Saleth. Fr. Apoline Claret Raj built the La Saleth tower with church shop. In 2018 Fr. Edwin Raj renovated the La Saleth Church altar. All these construction works are done by the donation amount of the Kodaikanal people and tourists.
Every year of August 14th and 15th the Lady of La Saleth festival was celebrated by the whole Kodaikanal People and the tourists. The festival starts with the flag coasting. After nine days of navanal prayer 14th August will be a Grand light Chariot festival day from La Saleth church to Sacred Heart of Jesus church. And 15th will also have bamboo chariot festival from Sacred Heart of Jesus church to La Saleth church. After reaching this chariot the festival was ended with the flag lowering.
Apart from the religions all the peoples celebrates this festival for Our Lady of La Saleth.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of the favourite spot in Kodaikanal. Which is located near the Kodai Lake and the Coaker’s Walk .The distance between the Kodaikanal Bus Stand to the Bryant Park is 1.3 km. To enter this Bryant Park we have to buy the entry tickets depends upon the age of the visitor (For adults Rs.30, KIDS Rs.15). It’s a best picnic area. If we want to go inside the Park with camera we need to buy the tickets. (For still camera Rs. 50, Video Camera Rs. 100).Opening time for this Bryant Park is 9 A.M TO 6 P.M. We can spend 2 to 3 hours here.
The entrance section of the Bryant Park is having the different branch routes with colourful flowerbeds. In this park we can see many rose plants different hybrid plants. In this park having two grass gardens. We can sit here and play also.
Bryant Park is named as the botanical garden by the Forest officer of Madurai. The overall area of this park is 20 acres. In this park we can see more than 325 species of trees and more than 85 varieties of plants. A special eucalypts tree is available here which is planted in the year of 1857 and have one old Bodhi tree also. Here we can see the green house plants.
In every year May month Bryant Park hosts a Horticultural Show. The main reason for hosting this show is too aware of the various plants, vegetables and shrubs. On the flower show days we can see the flowers, fruits and vegetables from different place of kodaikanal. Singing and dancing shows are also available on the flower show days.
Here we can see so many photographers to take take lovely pictures and give the photos in few minutes. For the best feel go in the evening time to enjoy the climate.
Coakers walk:
Coakers walk is a amazing walking plaza, located on the steep slopes of mountain (1 km). It’s a man made walking area. Lieutenant Cocker was constructed walk plaza in 1872. Distance from Kodaikanal Lake to coakers walk is half km. It’s located in the middle of St.Peter’s Church and the Van Allen hospital. In this plaza mountain was secured with the edge fences .It’s a wonderful sightseeing. From coakers walk we can see the views of Pampar River, dolphine’s nose, periyakulam .Here we can experience the magic s of nature. If people are ready for the walking in the morning or evening then this is the right place.
Berijam Lake
Berijam is a calm reservoir in Kodaikanal. In 186, Colonel Hamilton created the report of Barijam Lake, and his reports told that the Barijam Lake was the best place for military cantonment or sanatorium. Later a military outpost was built in the entrance of the Barijam Lake and it’s called as the Fort Hamiltan. In 1867 Barijam Lake was created artificially. Then the retired Collector of Madurai gave his personal amount for the dam construction. After the construction process this dam was enlarged and the pipeline for supplying drinking water to periyakulam municipality was built. Barijam Lake is a micro – watershed development project.
Barijam Lake was located on the Pillar Rock road and its located 10 km distance from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Buses and taxies are available to reach this dam. But the better choice is take a taxi and visit this dam.
Before the Barijam Lake we can see the majestic thick forest with different colourful trees. This colourful forest is called as the Memory Loss Forest. If we went inside the thick forest, all the routes are looked like same and definitely we miss our route memory .Because of this reason this forest is called as the Memory Loss Forest.
We must get permission from the Forest office to enter this Barijam Lake. Without permission we can’t go there. At the same time only 20 cars allowed per day. Barijam Lake visiting time is 9 AM to 3 PM. Because of the fog formation we can’t see and enjoy the lake view after 1 PM, better reach early. We have to park our vehicles on the road sides of the entrance.
Vehicles not allowed inside the dam. From the check post to Barijam Lake we must walk on the road .This path was covered by the pine forest. We can see different types of animals ( Bison ,Elephant and Deer ) and birds .Barijam Lakes overall area is 59 acres .This Barijam Lake was having a natural pure drinking water . This water is used for the Kodaikanal and Periyakulam people. If u wants to enjoy the calm nature go early with the Forest passes.
Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola falls is a popular tourist spot in Kodaikanal .The distance from bear shola falls to kodaikanal Bus stand is 3 km. The best season for visit this cascade is monsoon . Bear Shola falls is a reserved private forest. Forest bear hunters used this falls to drink water so only this forest falls is called as the bear shola falls.
We can see few rare animals in this falls. It’s the best place to see the tranquil scenery. We can enjoy the climate with different bird’s sound. It’s a peaceful silent haven place with natural fresh air. From the entrance to the falls we must walk in the hill way path surrounded by the tall trees and it’s slippery too.
The Western Ghats forest area located near this bear shola falls .We can reach this bear shola falls using the bus or cab. We have to park our vehicles on the road side of the falls entrance .Best time to visit this falls is 10 AM to 3 PM .We can visit this falls without entrance fees .
Kodai Palani Trek
Kodai Palani Trek is one of the beautiful view points in Kodaikanal .It’s 7000feet height from the sea level. Distance from the Bus Stand to Kodai Palani Trek view is 4 km .This Trek is Starts in the Kukkal Caves. It’s a 6998 feet height thick forest. From this point we can see the top views of Palani. This Trek point is end at the Kuthiraiyaru Dam. No accommodations are available here. We can camp here overnight. We must have to carry our food and drinking water. Before entering this place make sure that you are covered your arms and legs. In this place we can feel the word’s meaning “The Gift Of The Forest “. In this view we can see so many hill trees, flowers, birds and animals. For our safety better reach this place before evening.
Kukkal Caves
Kukkal Caves is one of the best trekking spot in Kodaikanal. It is 30.6 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. We can visit this place without entry fees .In the mid -1980s more than 30 Paliyan tribe’s families lived in this hilltop. Here we can see one small temple with old hand paintings, it indicate the presence of paliyan tribes .This place was 6200 feet above from the sea level which is the highest altitudes in Kodaikanal. In this hilltop always having misty and chill climate.
The Kukkal Caves is the overhanging slab. These slabs are having various types of metamorphic rocks which are known as granulites and charconite. In this caves rout we can see different plants, trees and animals. The slanting height and the presencs of the caves give us the peaceful and quiet heaven feel.
It’s the best relaxing place for the busy people. For our safety we must got permission from the forest department. Kukkal Caves is the best diversity hotspot .Now this spot is used as the camping site for the trekkers. This trip will bring you one step closer to the nature without stress.
Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple
Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple is one of the main traditional temples in the village of Poombarai, Kodaikanal. Distance from Kodaikanal to Poombarai is 19.3 km. Every year in this festival was celebrated at the date of Kettai nakshatra which comes after Thai Poosam in Thai or Masi month .This temple has 3000 years of history with the Bogar’s holiness. This temple is under the control of Palani Devasthanam.
In this Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple is famous for NAVABASANAM Statue. Navabasanam statue is made of 9 different alloys .This 9 alloys having the great medical values. This Navabasanam abhishegam can cure more diseases like cancer and sugar etc.,
In Tamil Nadu we are having two Navabasanam statues. The first one is Palani Andavar statue. This statue was built by the Bogar in the 10/12 the centuries. In this statue is now in Palani Murugan’s temple. After completing this statue Bogar built one more Navapasanam statue .The second statue is in Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, Poombarai. Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple was built by the Perumal a King of Chera dynasty. After centuries of worship the deity was neglected and suffered by the engulfed of forest. One night God Murugan appeared in the King’s dream and ordered him to restore the idol to its former state. The King commenced to find the idol. After finding the idol he constructed the temple in the South Indian architectural style. In this temple we can see the various deities such as Shiva Linga, Ganesh Navagraha ,Idumban ,Dakshinamurti and Nagas . Aruna Giri Nathar who lived during the 15th century visited this temple and he was saved by the infant baby God from the devil attack. After this incident Poombarai Murugan has called as the Kuzhanthai Velappar temple.
Bogar spent much time to create the face of the Murugan statue; compared to the Murugan statues face we can see the less accomplished artistic perfection work upon the body. We can visit this temple in the early morning 6.30 or evening 4 pm to 8 pm .In Poomparai we can buy natural organic vegetables like carrots, garlic, beans and potato. Here we don’t have parking facilities, accommodations’ and atm facilities so we can stay nearby places of Poombarai. Here we can see the beautiful hill views in the village form.
Kurinji Aandavar Temple
Kurinji Aandavar Temple is one of the most famous Murugan Temple in Kodaikanal. Distance from Kodaikanal Bus Stand to Kurinji Aandavar Temple is 4.5 km. This Temple was constructed by the sponsor of Leelavathi Ramanathan. She was born in European .The construction of the temple was erected in the year of 1936 .This temple is famous for the summer festivals. Thousands of devotees visit this temple at the festival time to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga.
We can visit this Temple at the time of 7 AM to 7 PM .Parking facilities are available here. Nearby accommodations also available here. Around this Temple we can see the Kurinji Flower which blooms 12 years once.
In this Temple location gives you nice views of the plains and palani hills. It’s also gives wonderful views of nearby small villages and the carrots plantations . Few shops are available here.
Chettiar Park
Chettiar Park is one of the peaceful places in Kodaikanal .It’s 3 km away from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. This park is maintained by the Kodaikanal Township .In this small park gives us a clam environment. Here we can see the wide range of beautiful plants. In this Chettiar Park we can see the Kurinji Flower which blooms 12 years once.
This park floors are decorated by the different flowers and green lawns .It’s the best place for taking commercial films. If you want to spend time with your family or loved ones in calm environment it’s a worth place.
The best time for visiting this Chettiar Park is 9 AM to 5 PM. Entry fees is Rs.10. for camera Rs.25.
Trekking in Kodaikanal
Trekking is one of the best Activities. We are having different amazing Trekking routs in Kodaikanal. Tourists can choose the Trekking Routs depends upon their fitness and time factor. In Kodaikanal we are having the best locations for the professional trekkers and the novice ones.
Periyakulam Adukkam to Kodaikanal route is the toughest trekking route .Which is having the Total distance of 18 km. To finish this trekking we need 7 hours.
Kodaikanal to Barijam route is the easy way trekking. It is having the total distance of 23km. In this trekking we see the wonderful views of the green valleys. We can see the different mountain ranges in Kodaikanal.
The different Trekking Routes are Kodaikanal to Batlagundu 55 km, Kodaikanal to Permalmalai 13 km, Perumalmalai to Palamalai 8 km, Kodaikanal to Dolphin’s Nose 8 km, Kodaikanal to Thoppithookkipparai 16 km, Kodaikanal to Thandigudi 40 km. Kodaikanal to Mannavanur 35 km, Kodaikanal to Pallanghi 10 km, Kodaikanal to Vilpatty 40 km.
Mannavanur Sheep Farm:
Mannavanur is one of the famous villages in Kodaikanal. Mannavanur is 33.6 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand .We have to pay Rs .10 to enter this Sheep Farm. In this farm we can see some food shops. These shops are made up of wood. In this form we can see one small lake also. We can dip our feet in this lake water. There are some stone benches also available for the aged people who can’t sit on the lawn.
In this form we can see rabbits, sheep’s and other animals. Sometimes we can see the bison’s. We can sit on the grass lawn and enjoy the climate .It’s the best picnic spot.
Many films shooting are taken here. It’s the best place for the photo shoots. Night camps also available here. We must to book before few days. Definitely this camp will give you a thrilling experience.