Kodaikanal Things to Do

4 more images

Driving into Kodaikanal from east is a dramatic experience. It is a relief to leave the hot, dusty plains behind and drive up into the cool hills. The vegetation changes gradually from palm-fringed paddy fields to wild brush with flaming blossoms to plantations interspersed with stately silver oaks. The view of the Amaravathi Dam, a shimmering sapphire sheet of water is a very nice sight. Driving higher, banana trees give way to tall eucalyptus trees, and the whole countryside is dotted with wildflowers in jeweled colors, magenta and purple predominating. At a bend in the road, the shimmer and roar of the Silver Cascade waterfall welcome the tourist.

Arriving in Kodai town, you are greeted by orchards of pear trees with their graceful branches silhouetted in artistic curves against the evening sky. Broken fragments of light from the setting sun are caught and kindled in the wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue, lights start twinkling all over the hillside, and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming messages of goodwill to each other.

1 more image

The Organic Farm is surrounded by forests and peaks on either side, with paths for a short forest stroll or an all day trek, with spectacular views, tropical forest and wildlife.

It is an ideal place for a retreat from the stress and tension of busy life. There are many beautiful spots to sit and meditate, read, write, play music or share company.

Acommodation:
At present there are two rooms with bath and kitchen attached, running solar hot water and wood room heater.

Three Boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 metres (400 feet), providing a beautiful view. It is 7.4 Kms from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.

Kurinji Andavar Temple is at a distance of 3 Kms from the lake. This is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flower which carpets the hill side and blooms once in 12 Years. "Kurinji" means "Hilly Region" in Tamil literature. "Andavar" means God.Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hills here.From this temple, one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

One should visit the following:
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is one of the beautiful picnic spots in Kodai, located 21-km away from the bus stand. This lake supplies drinking water to Periakalam town. The scenery around here is delightful.

Boat Club-boats like T.T.D.C, Kodai boats, Carlton boats are available for hire.

Bryant Park
Bryant Park situated on the eastern side of the lake, is noted for flowers, hybrids and rafts. Varieties of flowers can be seen in a glasshouse. The annual horticultural show is held here in May.

Shenbaganur Museum
Shenbaganur Museum is located about 5-Km from the lake. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids and wide-ranging collection of birds are found here.

Coaker's Walk
Coaker's Walk derives the name from Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodai and it is about a kilometre from the lake.. Some of the best views of the plains can be seen from here.

Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is a magnificent man-made lake, over sixty acres is a main attraction as it is set among the greenery. The boat club here offers several pleasure and racing trips.

Pillar Rocks
Within the city limits one can see three boulders standing shoulder - to - shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 metres providing a panoramic view.

Kurinji Andavar Temple
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan and is about 3.2-km from the lake. In Tamil literature "Kurinji" means "Hilly Region" and "Andavar" means God. From this temple, one can get a view of the northern plains and Palani Hills.

Silver Cascade
Silver Cascade waterfall is located on the Ghat Road about 8-km from Kodaikanal. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as 180 feet high falls.
Bear Shola Falls
An ideal picnic spot located 1.6-km from the lake, which can be by a picturesque, rugged hill path. Bears once used to drink water above the falls

There are some Great Hikes to do in Kodaikanal. You can get information on these at the District Forest Office. I don't remember the names of any of the hikes I did but I did see some wondeful water falls and had some great views. I wish I would have taken more photos!!

If you know cycling, do enjoy the bike ride around the lake. One does not feel the tiredness. If not at least request the cab or van hired, to take a round the lake so that you would not be missing the scenic beauty and the beautiful landscapes around.
Tourist Attractions at the lake:
* Fishing is allowed at the lake with permits. Those who are interested in angling can contact the Inspector of Fisheries.
* Bike Ride: Bicycles can be hired around the lake, with the minimum charges for a normal cycle being Rs.10/- for an hour.
* Pony Rides: This is a regular event with rates varying from Rs.50/- to 75/- for half an hour. And also for those who prefer only a snap can always get one for a minimum cost of Rs.10/-
* Boat Rides: Kodaikanal Boat Club, T.T.D.C boats and Carlton boats hires out paddle boats and rowboats with or without a rower, available on hire for hours. The annual boat pageant is held in May, every year as a part of
Summer Festival.
THE KODAIKANAL BOAT CLUB started in 1890, own a number of boats for the use of its permanent members and on hire for daily members. There are nearly 650 permanent members. There is a restaurant and a motorboat to rescue and emergencies.
Suggestion: Check out hiring boats from the Boat Club instead of from TTDC as the boats are not maintained well which may result in hardship while pedaling the boat leading to fatigue ness.

Places to Visit
The Lake: This magnificent lake with boating facilities and a 4-km-long promenade skirting it are the main attractions of Kodaikanal.
Bryant Park: This park, situated on the eastern side of the lake, is full of colourful flowers. Cut flowers are exported from here. In May, the annual horticultural show is held.
Coaker's Walk: A kilometre's walk from the lake. It derives the name Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodai. Coaker's Walk runs along a steep, emerald green wooded slope. From Coaker's Walk one can have a breath-taking view of the plains below.
Green Valley View: Originally this was known as Suicide Point. It is about 5 km from the lake. From here, the Vaigai Dam below offers an enchanting view. There is also a Golf Club close by.
Pillar Rocks: About 7 km from the lake. There are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400 feet.
Kurinji Andavar Temple: 3.2 km from the lake. There are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400 feet.
Falls: The waterfalls around Kodaikanal include Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls and Fairy Falls, the best of the lot. A swim at the foot of the Fairy Falls is refreshing.
Observatory: It is situated at the topmost point of Kodai (850 feet above the lake). The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics.
Telescope Houses: There are two Telescope Houses - one near the temple and the other at Coaker's Walk. Visitors can have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby townships through these telescopes.
Shenbaganur Museum: 5.5km from the lake. This flora and fauna museum, maintained by the Sacred Heart College, is worth a visit. The archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills are on show here. Also located here is one of the best orchidariums in the country.