Kodaikanal is
one of the most popular serene hill stations in India. With her wooded slopes,
mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal will
mesmerize any visitor.
Kodaikanal provides an escape from the heat and haze of the plains and the
opportunity to hike in the quiet forests.
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The Kodai lake in star shape dominates this sleepy hill station. Have pleasure
in walks. Yes, walking is the best way to reach any place interesting in this
tiny Kodai and, you can enjoy a magnificent display put by nature at Bryants Park.
We can catch a glimpse of the
heavens (literally speaking) at the Solar Observatory and from Kodais two
telescope houses.
Kodaikkanal is dotted with enchanting picnic spots.
Coakers walk, running along a steep slope,
offers a panaromic 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.
Berijam lake, situated 21 Km from the township, lies in
a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters.
Dolphins Nose (8 Km), a projecting rock
provides a view of the deep chasm below. Climb the misty and high Perumal Peak. And you will be rewarded with one of the
most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.
Cavemen habitat at
Kukkal caves (40 Km) and Dolmens Circle (22 Km) are famous pre-historic,
archaeological sites. You can see no cave man today!
Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Km.). Is easily one of the best
orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor, more than 300 species of
orchids?.
The Kurinji shrub, unique to the Western Ghats, is found in
Kodaikanal. Kurinji turns the slopes into a sea of purple once in 12 years(the
next blossoming will be in 2004).
The Kurinji
Andavar Temple (3.2 Km) is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It also offers
the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani
Hills.
Flora & Fauna Museum - Also
worth a visit is the Flora & Fauna Museum at the Sacred Heart College at
Shembaganur. Its a 6 km hike and all uphill on the way back. The museum is open
10 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm; closed Sunday.
Near the start of Coakers
Walk is Bryant Park, a botanical park
landscaped and stocked by the British officer after whom it is named. At
Chettiar Park, about 3 km up hill from town, 1.5 km past the Kurinji Andavar
Temple, you may be able to see some Kurinji flowers.
There are numerous
waterfalls - the main one, Silver Cascade, is
on the road up to Kodai.
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