Place Of Intrest:
Kodai's most enchanting sights
include the star shaped lake, spread over an area of 24
hectares where you can take up fishing and boating. A
short walk from the lake and you can enjoy a magnificent
display put by nature at Bryant's park.
One of the world's oldest
solar observatories is situated in Kodai, built
in 1899 and from Kodai's two telescope houses to
catch a glimpse of the heavens. Coaker's walk, running
along a steep slope, offers a panoramic view of the plain.
Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful
view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little
cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.
Silver Cascade (8 Km/ 5
mile) and Kumbakkarai (65 Km/ 41 mile) are waterfalls
situated in some of most wooded parts of the hill station.
Berijam Lake, situated (21 Km/ 13 mile ) from the
township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory
of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin's Nose (
8 Km/ 5 mile), a projecting rock provides a view
of the deep chasm below. Climb 2400 meter high Perumal
Peak. And you'll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful
views in around Kodaikkanal. Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Km/3.5
mile) at the Sacred Heart College where about 300 species
of orchids bloom and it is easily one of the best orchidoriums
in the country offering the visitor.
Kukkal caves (40
Km/25 mile) and Dolmen's Circle (22 Km/14 mile) are famous
pre-historic, archaeological sites.
Kodaikkanal too offers the
visitor two historic temples. The Kurinji Andavar
Temple (3.2 Km/2 mile) is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It
also offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern
plains and the Palani Hills. Palani (64 Km/41 mile) is
of course, a famous pilgrimage centre and is mythologically
believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
Other than these two, the Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar
Temple, Murugan Temple, Two mosques at Ellis Villa and
Munjikal and the sacred Heart Church, Munjikal, Francis
Xavier Church, Gorapur, St. Mary's Church, Lassalette,
St. Joseph's church, Luthern mission church, Lake end
offer, the devout a relaxed genteel place to pray.
Treeking Routes:
- Kodaikanal-Dolphin's Nose-Vallagavi-Kumbakkarai(
8 Km/5 mile) - It takes 5 to 6 hours. The return trip
would be very rough and the hiking need strong physique.
- Kodai-Thopi thokki parai-Periyar
Periyakulam: Roughly a 5 hours & 19 Km/12
mile trek includes steep rise and one can have a glimpse
of Guar. Coffee plantations are in abundance.
- Kodai-Vilpatty-Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope-Palani:
A 6 hours trek of 16 km/10 mile distance, takes you
to Vilpatty village and from there, a zig-zag steep
path runs along the river Palar. Elephants may cross.
Be alert.
- Kukkal-Kudiraiyar Dam: A difficult
13 km/8 mile long trek route takes 5 hours for a trained
trekker. Water falls, sholas and deciduous forests will
arouse interest. Better take a guide.
- Pallangi-Poruthalur Dam: A 5 hour
trek covering 14 Kms/9 mile runs through sholas, teak
forests and plantations. It is advisable to have a guide.
Notes:
Fore Trekking through the forests in Tamil Nadu, one has
to get prior permission from the Forest Department. Permission
can be obtained from:
SHOPPING:
At Kadhi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores
and Taravancore Crafts Work, Government Silk Emporium,
Kurinji Mini Super Market, Spencer & Company.
Sightseeing EXCURSION
Palani (62kms) The
temple at Palani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
Dedicated to
Sri Dandayuthapani, the temple is built atop a 140m high
hill and can be reached either using the steps or the
electrically operated winch. During the festivals of Panguni
Utthiram ( March-April) and Adi Krithikai (July-August)
Kavadi dancers dance and walk their way from far and near
as they flock to the temple in hundreds, often in a state
of trance.
