Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.
Famously known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal offers the perfect mix of culture and nature to tourists, and its perfectly manicured slopes, scenic waterfalls, rolling hills and clear lakes all come together to create the perfect setting for an ideal mountain getaway. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the huge forests surrounding the town.
Green Valley View (Suicide Point)
Formerly known as Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a breathtaking view of the plains, deep valleys and hills. The mesmerizing view of the Vaigai Dam is an unforgettable experience. It used to be known as suicide point because of the dangerous valley which is dense and deep; below the point of more than 5000 feet drop.
Located at a distance of 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Green Valley View not just offers a gorgeous view, but is also surrounded by a lot of monkeys. On the way to the point, there are several shops which offer homemade chocolates, ornaments and a wide range of flowers.
Kodai Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake in the Kodaikanal city which is also known as Kodai Lake. Vera Levinge was the man responsible for the creativity and resources of this lake amidst Kodaikanal town. This lake was developed by the British and early missionaries from the USASA.
The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The lake is at a distance of 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand.
Bear Shola Falls
Located at a mere distance of 2 kilometres from the kodaikanal lake the Bear Shola Falls is a popular tourist spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction which comes to life in its fullest during the monsoons, when the water flows down from the hilltop making its way through the verdant greenery of the region. An interesting legend behind the unique name of this place is that it was a favourite haunt of a bear who used to frequent this water body to drink water, hence imparting it the name Bear Shola Falls. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere of this destination is a true haven for those who want to escape from concrete forest parks. A visit to this area will bring one up close and personal with many common and rare species of animals and plants.
If you prefer going to someplace which is more reserved and private and is much closer to nature than a jungle of concrete buildings, then you should Bear Shola Falls. Wrapped with dense forests coupled with the chirping of birds, Bear Shola Falls is a little heaven. Also, the forest area of the Western Ghats situated near the falls is a biodiversity hotspot where you can have a rendezvous with our furry friends in the wild.
Pillar Rocks
Situated in the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. Constituting a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The ‘white cross’ which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell’s excellent tribute to love. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal.
The pillars are famous for providing bird’s view of nearby surroundings. The chambers between these two massive rocks are called the Devil’s Kitchen. Fewer times you might find rocks covered with mist and clouds, but when the ways become clear nothing beautiful than this could be ever seen. Jutting straight away from the hills that surround them, the pillar rocks are majestic. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies. Moreover, do not forget taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.
Thalaiyar Falls
Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District, in Kodaikanal. With a height of 297m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. There is view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam.
The river water coming to the falls is from Perumal Malai village, through a 9 km downstream and is said to be clear. On the contrary, it may be polluted, and hence, visitors to the area are advised to avoid drinking it.
On a bright day, the falls is visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road; where it appears like a white long and narrow strip of water on a background of black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills.
Devil’s Kitchen
A natural and unique heritage site also known as the Devil’s Kitchen, the Guna Caves are situated on the outskirts of the town of Kodaikanal which can be reached from the Moir Point. This place was earlier not very famous and was visited only by hikers. However, it got famous after a Tamil movie with the name ‘Guna’ was shot here in 1992. This is a group of caverns located amidst the three huge boulders known as Pillar Rocks. In addition to being a great location for photography, the gorge also remains filled with thick clouds in the monsoon and winter seasons. To reach the hilltop, visitors need to walk 400 meters from the main entrance. This beautiful place is worth visiting and has so many secrets enclosed within it which are worth finding out.
This spot, just like the other sites in and around Kodaikanal was also discovered by an English Officer known as B.S. Ward in 1821 CE. The caves are situated at an elevation of 2230 meters. Everything apart, the place is also very much accessible since it is located just 8.5 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Station and 1.5 km away from Pillar Rocks. Situated in the middle of the thick forest on top of a hill behind the Pillar Rocks, the Guna Caves remain one of the most visited places in Kodaikanal at present.
The path to the caves goes through an exquisite pine forest with the roots of the trees emerging on to the ground giving a unique setting to the place. In addition to the historical importance that the site possesses, the beauty of nature also makes it a famous tourist spot in Kodaikanal. The cave can be viewed from a distance by the visitors since its surroundings remain closed due to security reasons. The visitors get a sight of the beautiful valleys and the Pillar Rocks on a bright day.
Coakers Walk
Coakers Walk is a beautiful man-made one-kilometre-long walking plaza built on the mountains in the mesmerizing city of Kodaikanal, which is situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The lovely path of Coakers Walk that curves by the edge of the gorgeous mountain have been constructed mainly for visitors to get a glimpse of Paradise on Earth. It is a preferred location for morning and evening walks, and admirers of nature visit the location often to capture the wonderful lush green valleys and the hills of Kodaikanal. One can also choose to ride a bicycle to explore the scenic location. The sight is breathtakingly beautiful, and it almost makes one feel like they are walking in the clouds.
The Coakers Walk was constructed in 1872, by Lieutenant Coaker. It is about half a kilometre away from the Kodaikanal Lake and is constructed on the steep slope of the mountains. The walk begins near Van Allen Hospital and joins the main road above St. Peter’s Church. The pathway is fenced by the edge of the mountain for the safety of the visitors.
At the south-east of the Coakers Walk lies the valley of River Pambar and to the South lie the Dolphin’s nose and the City of Madurai. The region has pleasant to cold weather most of the times and is frequented by people of all age groups. It’s a favourite location for activities like sightseeing, photography and cycling. A walk here is a unique experience in itself and should be on your list of attractions to visit in Kodaikanal.
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is a quaint reservoir near kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is at the old site of Fort Hamilton and is situated in the upper Palani hills, overlooking the surrounding landscape. Berijam Lake was formed as the result of the construction of a dam with sluice outlets and is part of a micro-watershed development project. The sparkling blue waters of this attraction makes for a tranquil spot for nature lovers to enjoy in the lap of Mother Earth, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Berijam Lake is a flourishing ecological hotspot that hosts many species of animals, birds, plants and fish. Rich in its flora and fauna, the Berijam Lake is a popular picnic spot amongst locals and is open between the months of October to May for all to enjoy, and you need to obtain formal permission from the Forest Department for the same.
The serene Berijam lake of Kodaikanal is of nature’s unhindered beauty in the midst of a forest conservation area. It is surrounded by acacia and pine trees which are so pristine that it has a haunting quality. The serene surroundings of the lake make it the perfect place for birdwatching, gentle photography and quiet reflection. Sprawled over a vast area of 59 acres, the calm waters of the Berijam Lake is so pure that it serves as the main source of potable water for Periyakulam – a small town in the valley that lies below Kodaikanal. The lake also facilitates the habitat of many animals such as Bison, Indian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur and Deer, and if you’re lucky, you will also be able to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.