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Wish to run away from the scorching heat and enjoy nature at its best? Rush to the kaleidoscopic land of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal lies pretty in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. The terrific tranquility of the hill resort is simply put awesome. The summer retreat of Kodaikanal literally means ‘gift of the forest’. Though it is the whooping number of peach orchards that will not fail to catch your eye.
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The hill resort offers some of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots. You must experience the colonial India at the Kodai Club. The lounge with its period fireplace, the piano, the Leigh Hunt prints, the library stocked with books by Evelyn Waugh, Anthony Trollope, and the bar with stuffed heads of bison, tigers, deer-horns, and a picture of the Laughing Cavalier by Franz Hals, the restaurant with old English plates, a glowing hearth-fire, and landscape prints will remind you of the Bristish Raj. The legacy is extended into the food also with the steaming mulligatawny soup, roast chicken and potatoes, and apple pie. The 114-acres of Golf Links form the other colonial legacy that will sweep you off your feet with its an undulating green velvet carpet.
Though the most magical of all the spots happens to be the lake in the heart of Kodaikanal. At the lake you may indulge in activities like boating and angling.
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For those of you who would seek even more adventure may opt for any of the many picturesque trek routes in and around Kodaikanal. The Perumal Peak, about 11 km from Kodaikanal, happens to be any trekker’s delight.Kukal Cave located at a distance of 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping site for trekkers. Close to the lake you may enjoy the beauty of the plains and the distant hills at the Coaker’s Walk. The views from the landmark that has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers are incredibly intoxicating and unforgettable. For an amazing view of the valley Kodaikanal has the Pillar Rocks. The set of three vertical pillars standing 112 m from the ground add to the magic of the sun set and the sunrise. |
The other must visit spot of Kodaikanal is the Bryant’s Park. Its well-laid out gardens contain many annuals and perennial flowers like azaleas, watsonias, dahlias, stock, primulas, fusschias, asters, etc. Its pine and eucalyptus trees are awesome. The lotus pond and the many exotic varieties of orchids at the Orchid House will make you wish to stay at Kodaikanal forever. |
The serenity experienced at Kodaikanal is seldom found in other hill stations across India. Its surroundings also offer excellent opportunities for excursions. Dolphin’s Nose, a flat projecting rock offers a breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below is just 8 kms away. Besides offering beautiful views the Berijam Lake happens to be a popular picnic spot with the tourists. |
The soothing hill resort of Kodaikanal is easy accessible through rail, road and air. The nearest airport at Madurai is well connected with the other important airports of the country. The Kodai Road Railway Station happens to be the nearest railhead at a distance of 80 kms. Regular bus services from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore make up for the excellent road transportation to Kodaikanal. |
For the time of your life, spend your vacations at the Hill resort of Kodaikanal that has a wide range of accommodation and food options for its tourists. Once you visit the hill resort of Kodaikanal you will return home with a treasure or soul stirring memories of nature at its best and a wish to go there again. |
| Tourist Places In Kodaikanal |
| Guna Caves |
With loose and wobbly rocks, these caves are also known as the Devil's kitchen for there is amusing variety of plants and small insects that are found here. These caves have a bat infested chamber which sets between three boulders which has a mention in a book as well. The scary sights of the cave are loved by teenagers who stand outside the cave and shout their names to hear their scaring echoes.Rediscovered by Kamal Hassan in shooting his film Guna, this place is now called as the Guna Cave. The cave is formed as a chamber between the two rocks of the Pillar Rocks and presents a view as if it is an abyss.
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| Kodai lake |
Kodaikanal Lake is a 24-hectare lake bounded by a 5 km long road and the central point of Kodai. The tree-fringed lake greets everyone in the crisp early morning and is the cool heart of Kodaikanal. It is the legacy of the then Collector, Sir Vere Livinge, who formed it by damming the valley where three streams flowed. There is a Boat Club that provides the tourists with Rowing Boats and Pedalling boats and a public ferry. If you are visiting Kodai as a couple, I recommend you to take a ride in the Shikara boat offered by the Carlton Boat House. Boat Race and various competitions are held every year during the Summer Festival.
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| Berijam Lake |
Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21-km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one among the beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.A great spot for those who wish to live secluded, amidst refreshing as well as charming setting of mother nature. Only a few kilometers from Kodai, this calm and soothing lake is a reservoir of witching fauna. This star shaped lake is famous for its pure water. You may need to take permit from Forest Department 24hrs in advance.
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| Annamali Park |
Better known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, it is another green getaway from Kodaikanal. Sprawling over an area of 960km, the wildlife sanctuary is a home to animals like tiger, panther, sloth bear, the Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque and wild boar. There are many varieties of bird and the reservoirs support a large population of crocodile. Though most of the park is closed to visitors you are allowed to trek around with a permit and a guide. It is even possible to stay in the forest rest house for a night.
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| Silver Cascade |
Silver Cascade waterfall is located on the Kodai Ghat Road about 8-km before you reach Kodaikanal. This is an artificial cascade in which the overflow of Kodai Lake drops down from about 180 feet high. This waterfall can be delightful and impressive when the fall is in full spate.Silver Cascade waterfall, 8 km from Kodaikanal, is actually the overflow of Kodai Lake that falls here for 180 feet.Silver Cascade is perhaps the most beautiful and popular waterfall in Kodaikanal. Even before you see it, you can hear it from a distance. A mighty yet gentle presence, this is a good place to spend a few quiet hours. |
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