Kodaikanal - My all time fav outing spot !
Kodaikanal (short form: Kodai) is a picturesque hill station, and there are great vantage points for good views. It's a small hill station and walking around is easy. Kodaikanal, literally the “Gift of the Forest”, is nestled in the beautiful, low lying Palani hills of Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet.
The ascent into the hills of Kodaikanal is alwaz like a ride into Paradise. Morning Glories will peek us from every bush and creeper, around every turn, blooming in vibrant shades of blue and pink and white. The Flora of Kodaikanal is what attracts so many tourists here, around the year, though the best time to visit is definitely in the spring time, April to June.
Coaker’s Walk
It is a narrow pedestrian path, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, a one kilometer mountain road which runs along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai road which is 1/2km away from Kodai. The walk winding around mt. Nebo starts near van Allen hospital and joins the main road above St. Peter's Church provides a wide-angle spectacular view of the plains. On a cloudless, clear day one can have interesting sights, such as.... Dolphin's nose in south, valley of the pambar river in South East, birds eye view of Periyakulam and even city of Madurai.
One must be aware of a fascinating phenomenon called 'Brachem Spectre' . A very lucky person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo, when sun is behind and cloud and mist is in his front.
The valley views along paved Coaker's Walk (admission Rs 2, Camera Rs. 5, Time: 7 am to 7pm) are superb when the mist clears. There's an observatory (admission Rs. 3) with telescope about halfway along. You can start from either end, near Greenlands Youth Hostel or Villa Retreat, and the stroll takes all of five minutes.
Pine forest
The pine plantations in Kodaikanal Pine forest are one among the preserved treasures of Kodaikanal which would mesmerize the tourists by its ambience. This place is a gift of Mother Nature for people who love photography. In 1906, Mr. Bryant planned to grow precious timber, hence he started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal. The Pine forest is an impressive spot to visit. The scenery at pine forest is one of the most excellent locations to spend time to experience the most peaceful and memorable moments of life. You would love to stand under the gigantic trees and feel small and protected by the nature mother.Silver Cascade
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, a picture perfect spot to explore in Kodaikanal was famous for its clean, pure and glittering water once and resulting in the name Silver Falls. The spillover of Kodaikanal Lake takes a 180 ft dive over a vertical cliff, to sprint into a pool adjacent to the Ghat Road. The excess water from the Kodai Lake flows downward as a fall at about 8 kms from Kodaikanal. This waterfall is pleasing and stimulating during the monsoon when the water is in full flow. There are few shops selling fruits and other forest products making this point a pit stop for travelers and tourists crossing this road.Poombarai village
Poombarai is a village located in the heart of the Palani hills of Tamil Nadu, India, 18 kilometers (11 mi) from Kodaikanal. Altitude is 1,920 meters (6,300 ft).
It is coming under ANJUR (Poombarai, Kukkal, Pallangi, Vilpatti and Puththoor ( Puthuputhoor & Pazhamputhoor)
We do have a property in poombaarai. every year - summer vacation we use to go there. We do plant potatos , plumbs, pumkin, etc. an awesum place of peace !!! I love it...
Devil's Kitchen (Guna Cave)
Devil's Kitchen is a very dangerous deep hidden ravine that looks like small dark gutters but are actually a deep fall. There are plenty of tourists who visit this place and is a must see spot for adventurous tourists.The Devil's Kitchen is found to be lying between Green Valley View and Pillar Rocks. It is better for a tourist to seek the help of localities while visiting the Devil's Kitchen as they are fully aware of the place. It is a very good place to take pictures but due to the deep fall, many tourists hesitate to visit the place.
It is otherwise called Guna Cave after the Movie Guna came. Devil’s Kitchen is just a stone throw away from Pillar rock made famous by Kamal’s Guna film.
Suicide Point
Other vantage points include Suicide Point (there is now a grill). When the weather is fine, a walk along the lake is recommended. Most parts of the road has a footpath. Views are good. Cycling around the lake is very popular and one can rent a cycle from a point on the lakeside.Kodai Lake
The town of Kodaikanal lay unfurled like a magnificent green flag upon the colorful hills, and was met with by eyes, so full of wonder. when we walk slowly, taking in the sights, past the main town center, with shops selling the local forest produce – pure honey, aromatic oils and perfumes, herbs and spices, homemade chocolate. A unique specialty of this beautiful hill station are the psilocybin mushrooms, which are sold by the local people to Indian tourists and a number of foreigners, though the legality of this practice may be debatable.
Last but not least - The yummy HOME MADE CHOCKLETS !!!!
Hotels to stay & eat:
Kodaikanal Heritage
Hilltop
Pine Borough inn
Kodai Resort
Hotel TAJ
Tamilnadu tourism board
Sterling Resorts
Country Club
Snooze inn
Spring Vally
To eat :
Non -veg !
Milaga bajji
Icecreams
hot choklet (melted choklet)
Fruits
dry mango
beef & Pork !
roadside eatables are much much yummier !
That's my experience abt Kodai !!!
