Kodaikanal is Located at an altitude of 6,998 ft above sea level, referred to as ‘Princess of Hill Stations’. It is a place full of wilderness. We visited this beautiful hill station in January. We were thrilled to see some of the most popular tourist attractions and some not so known places and we want to share our experience with you. Greenery was all over.
We had booked our accommodation in a homestay called Maruthi Villa, found through Air BnB, closer to the most famous place – the Kodai Lake.
Our first visit was to Kodai lake which was very closer to our stay.
Kodai Lake– All first comers visit this place since it is located in the heart of the city and one of the most sought after tourist spots in Kodaikanal. The main attraction is a boat ride and shopping in front of the lake. We had a memorable boatride watching the picturesque view of the sunset. You can hire a boat and paddle your own or a boatman will take you. Besides, Cycles are available on rent to go around and we saw many young boys and girls riding the bicycle around the star shaped lake. The lake is clean and well maintained.
Timing – 8.30 to 6 p.m
Bryant Park - It is a botanical garden located in the eastern side of Kodai lake, spread across in 20.5 acres. There is a small entry fee. We were told that every year in the month of May, a flower and vegetable show is organized here and the Park will be a rainbow of stunning flowers and plants. So if you happen to go there during that time in summer you can see this flower show also. But during our visit in winter there weren’t many flowers.
Observatory – Located 4 kms away from Kodai town, (open from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 to 4 pm, with free entry.) Admission is strict with absolutely no photography. Not even the mobile phone is allowed inside.. We can only see the museum there. Many models and pictures of planets and the scientists are displayed there. A staff explained to us in a computer with an image of the sun through a reflector and a lens to see the reflective movement of the sun. It is a nice place for the children to learn about planetary.
The premise is so serene with long Pine Trees and shrubs.
Pillar Rocks – It is a set of 3 rock pillars standing 400 ft high partially covered by mist. Tourists throng this place to see the beautiful view from here. There is also an excellent public garden adjacent to the view point. Stalls selling snacks and drinks are available.
Silver Cascade Falls – This beautiful waterfall is located in Madurai-Kodaikanal road. This waterfall is the result of excess water in the Kodai lake, which comes down as a fall. .
Pine forest - Away from the city, this large stretch of place is always crowded to enjoy its sheer beauty. This place is filled with thousands of pine trees. Long, clean geometrically aligned pine trees with their slender trunks going all the way to the sky – a great place to stroll and click photos and a favourite place for movie makers.
Perumal Peak - Located at a distance of 8005 ft above sea level, it is a trekker’s paradise. You can view a sweeping view of the valley here.
Moir Point- It is one of the popular view points in Kodaikanal. Located at the entrance of the forest area, leading to the beautiful Berijam lake. The place is named after Sir Thomas Moir who began the construction of Goschen Road in 1929 CE. There is a monument on the road dedicated to him and it is one of the busiest view points to see the stunning beauty of the surrounding area of valley on a clear day. Even on a foggy day it is still beautiful.
Colorful dried flowers – Our driver told us that these colourful flowers will stay for 4-5 years without fading. We bought these flowers hoping that they may stay for at least one year if kept properly.
Upper Lake view – Located 4 kms away from Kodai lake, it is a beautiful place to have an arial view of the star shaped, man made lake, atop a hill. Shops selling tea, toys and souvenir are available here. A good place to click photos. It was a pleasant experience for us drinking tea standing there, in the misty weather, while cold air brushing against our face.
( View of the lake from Upper Lake View point)
Due to lack of time we didn’t visit Coaker’s walk, Guna Caves and Dolphin nose, although our taxi passed through these places.
We also visited Mannavanur. Please check out the video for more details.
We had an opportunity to see the Eucalyptus oil making Distillary. The place was totally dark and extremely hot because of the furnace. The owner showed us how the leaves are stuffed to the machine, and steam is connected to the distiller and the steam vaporises oil.
