Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, one of the most enchanting hill stations in India, is situated on the southern ridge of the Palani Hills in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Located at an altitude of 2133m on the Western Ghats, it is called by the sobriquet ‘Princess of the Hill Stations’. This beautiful hill station, situated amidst wooded slopes, waterfalls and astonishing viewpoints was discovered by the American missionaries around 1820.
The chief attraction in this travel destination is the star shaped Kodai Lake spread over 24 hectares where both boating and fishing are possible. There is a 6.4km road going around the lake which is used as a promenade. Bryant Park, on the eastern side of the lake has a wide collection of native, hybrid and exotic varieties of flowers. An annual horticultural show is held in Kodai in May.About one km from the lake is Coaker’s Walk, running along a steep slope on the southern side of the hill and offering a beautiful view of the surrounding plains and valleys. Kodai houses one of the world’s oldest solar observatories.
What makes Kodai so enchanting is the profusion of flowers that grow wild all over the hill sides, wherever one looks. There are several nature trails for those who enjoy long walks or treks. The way to the Pillar Rock is captivating. The Orchardarium in the Sacred Heart College has over 300 species of orchids. The most eye catching flower is the kurinji, which blooms only once in twelve years. The mauve kurinji flower covers the hillsides completely with a blanket of mauve during the flowering season. The Kurinji Andavar Temple which takes its name from the kurinji flowers is just 3km northeast of the lake, near the Prospect Point. From the temple one can see Palani which is 60km away and 6000 ft below. There are many waterfalls like Fairy Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls, and Bear Shola Falls that serve as picnic spots. Dolphin’s Nose situated 8 kms away from the lake is a plateau with steep inclines on either side offers a thrilling experience. One can travel all over Kodai kanal either on foot or on a cycle and discover trekking trails or scenic spots for oneself.
The chief attraction in this travel destination is the star shaped Kodai Lake spread over 24 hectares where both boating and fishing are possible. There is a 6.4km road going around the lake which is used as a promenade. Bryant Park, on the eastern side of the lake has a wide collection of native, hybrid and exotic varieties of flowers. An annual horticultural show is held in Kodai in May.About one km from the lake is Coaker’s Walk, running along a steep slope on the southern side of the hill and offering a beautiful view of the surrounding plains and valleys. Kodai houses one of the world’s oldest solar observatories.
What makes Kodai so enchanting is the profusion of flowers that grow wild all over the hill sides, wherever one looks. There are several nature trails for those who enjoy long walks or treks. The way to the Pillar Rock is captivating. The Orchardarium in the Sacred Heart College has over 300 species of orchids. The most eye catching flower is the kurinji, which blooms only once in twelve years. The mauve kurinji flower covers the hillsides completely with a blanket of mauve during the flowering season. The Kurinji Andavar Temple which takes its name from the kurinji flowers is just 3km northeast of the lake, near the Prospect Point. From the temple one can see Palani which is 60km away and 6000 ft below. There are many waterfalls like Fairy Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls, and Bear Shola Falls that serve as picnic spots. Dolphin’s Nose situated 8 kms away from the lake is a plateau with steep inclines on either side offers a thrilling experience. One can travel all over Kodai kanal either on foot or on a cycle and discover trekking trails or scenic spots for oneself.
