Kodaikanal

Berijam Lake :

Berijam Lake is a quaint reservoir located 22 km from Kodaikanal main stand. With several activities like fishing, safari tours and bird watching, the lake is nature’s unhindered beauty in the midst of a forest conservation area. 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. Boating has been banned in the lake to preserve the natural freshwater.

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. 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. It is surrounded by acacia and pine trees which are so pristine that it has a haunting quality

Devils Kitchen:

A natural and unique heritage site also known as the Devil’s Kitchen, the Guna Caves are situated on the outskirts 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.

Like the other sites in and around Kodaikanal, this spot 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

Silver Cascade Falls :

The perfect stop over in-between a long journey, these silver cascade falls demand your attention while you travel from Kodaikanal till Madurai. The Silver Cascade Falls formed as a result of the over flowing of the famous man-made Kodai Lake, are the perfect way to have a break while on a long road trip. One can also take a swim in the waters of the waterfall provided the temperature is right.

While on your journey from Kodaikanal to Madurai by road, you are confronted by the stunning sight of water thrashing down from 180 feet right into the ground below and mesmerizing one and all with its sheer strength and beauty. The fruit sellers selling exquisite, mouth watering fruits which you can buy and enjoy under the falls is an experience unmatched.

Bryant Park:

One of the many elements that add to the serenity of Kodaikanal is the infamous Bryant Park. Situated on the eastern side of the Kodai Lake, the park is bejewelled with various species of plants and shrubs. They vary in a range of flowering plants, hybrids and grafts. Once you’ve had a stroll on the Coakers walk, the pathway will lead you towards the park. It is a popular spot amongst families as they can set up a picnic area in the park and watch their kids run around and tumble in the grass. The park also educates and trains students of Ornamental Horticulture as it is also recognised as a demonstration centre.

Bryant Park is a popular attraction amongst tourists and locals alike. One section of the park is dedicated to an exotic rose garden that prides itself on the unique and rare species grown there. There is also a greenhouse where plants from all around the world thrive. The park also hosts an Annual Horticulture Show that draws gardening enthusiasts and horticulturalists. In the 2017 edition of the show, green roses were the main attraction that drew people from all over the country. Kodaikanal is deemed as one of the most serene places in India and Bryant Park hugely contributes to that title.

Bear shola falls :

Located at a mere distance of 2 kilometres from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls is a popular picnic spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that comes to life in its fullest during the monsoons. 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.

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 animals like monkeys and deer in the wild.

The terrain around the Bear Shola Falls is slanting and uninterrupted by commercialisation, which makes it the perfect destination to go on a trekking adventure. As you approach the falls, you will encounter the hill path where you can reach by means of a motored vehicle. From there on, a concrete path leads the way to a short trek of around a kilometre which runs deep in the woods.

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, the sixth highest waterfall in India. There is a 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. There is a hiking route near the waterfall.

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 the black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills.

Kodai Lake:

Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal Overview
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

Kurinji Temple :

The Kurinji Andavar Temple inaugurated in 1936. A European lady Leelavathi came to Kodaikanal, India, got faith in the Hindu religion and raised the temple. Leelavathi also married a Tamilian Ramanathan. Later on, the lady called Miss Ramanathan. Furthermore, Leelavathi’s granddaughter, Devi Prasad Baskaran and her husband Baskaran donated this temple to the Palani Andavar Temple. It initially named SRI KURINJI EASWARE TEMPLE in which Kurinji meant the flower and Easware means the Lord. From time to time ⌛ the name is changed to the Kurinji Andavar Temple.

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.

Coakers Walk :

A kilometre-long stretch or pathway is an ideal destination for sightseeing and a stroll. Tourists come here to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. The pathway starts from Van Allen hospital and passes the vicinity of St Peter’s church. For security and safety reasons, there are fences on either side of the way. This walkway was constructed in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker on the steep mountain slope. The Pambar River valley is situated towards the south-east side of the walkway. If the day is clear, tourists can see the Dolphin’s nose point in the south and also Periyakulam town and Madurai city from the viewpoint. If luck favours, you can see your shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This phenomenon is called the Brocken spectre.

For enjoying a clearer and wider view of the landscape, there is an observatory along the walkway. It is better to visit the place before 2.30 pm for a clear view before the mist sets in. Entry fee is Rs 10 per person and Rs 20 for the telescope observatory. You need to pay an extra Rs 30 for still photography.

There are eateries near the walk that serve you sliced mangoes and chaats like bhel. There are also shops that sell warm clothes at an economical price and also mementoes and souvenirs.

Bicycles are available on rent at Rs 30 per hour and there are also lockers to keep your belongings safe. Since the road is steep, it is best to wear sports shoes, rather than slippers or heels, for a comfortable walking experience. You can carry water with you to keep yourself hydrated.

Kodai-Palani Trek :

Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is a popular destination for those seeking adventure. The town of Kodaikanal is established on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the Upper Palani Hills at a height of 6, 998 ft.

In the Tamil language, Kodaikanal means ‘The Gift of the Forest’ and this is reflected in the bounties of nature tha this place is endowed with . Kodaikanal is famous for its variety of flora and its Kurinji flowers which bloom once in 12 years in the month of December. There are nearly 17 famous trails in the hills of Kodaikanal, the Kodai-Palani being one of them.