Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means “The Gift of the Forest”. Kodaikanal is referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. It has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination.
Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand. Kodaikanal is not extensively commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Best time to visit Kodaikanal is April to June during the summer. Monsoon from September to October also offers different experience.
Kodai Lake
Kodaikanal Lake, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal’s most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike. The lake is often represented in promoting Kodaikanl Tourism.
Coaker’s Walk
Coaker’s Walk, 500 metres from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a 1-kilometre paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter’s Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin’s Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. It is also one of the prime tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal town.
Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola Falls is a tall waterfall in a Reserve forest. It is said that bears used to drink water at top of the falls, and the falls are called so. This is one of the top places for sightseeing in Kodaikanal and one of the best waterfalls in Kodaikanal.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park: Just east of the lake and 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. Bryant Park is a wonderfully maintained garden situated towards the South-East corner of Kodai Lake. Along with Kodai Lake, this is one among the top Kodaikanal tourist places.
Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks, 8 kilometres from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand 122 metres high. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint.
Silver Cascade
Silver Cascade is a 55 meters (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake. This is one of the most popular among Kodaikanal tourist places to visit and also the best waterfall in Kodai.
Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose, 8 kilometres from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet deep. It is an undisturbed area 1 kilometre down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop. Beautiful views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here to Pambar falls
Pambar Falls
At a distance of 4 kms from Kodaikanal Bus Station.This magnificent falls is also popularly called as the ‘Grand Cascade’. The town water reservoir overflows southwards forming the Fairy Falls which continues to join the Vaigai River forming the Pambar Falls through its course. It can be reached by a steep, slippery path behind Pambar house.
Thalaiyr Falls
Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State, South India. It is 975 ft tall and is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. It is also one of the popular sites for trekking near Kodaikanal.
Palani
Palani is one of the padi veedu for Lord Muruga and is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Palani is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Tamilnadu. Puranas have a story that Lord Muruga disappointed for Gnanapazham came here to stay alone. Lord Shiva & Goddess Uma Devi convinced him by saying that he itself is the fruit of knowledge (Gnanapazham) and called him as Pazham Nee. Thus the town got its name ‘Pazhani’.