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:
The Principal Chief, Conservator of Forests, Panagal Building, No. 1, Jennis Road, Saidapet, Chennai-600 015. Tel: 044-434 8059
District Forest Officer, Kodaikanal division, Kodaikanal-624 101. Tel: 04542-40287
SHOPPING: At Kadhi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Taravancore Crafts Work, Government Silk Emporium, Kurinji Mini Super Market, Spencer & Company. |