Sunday, August 5, 2018

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a hill station in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is lovingly called as "Princess of Hill Stations".  The name Kodaikanal means "The Gift of the Forest" in Tamil Language. It is a hill town in the Dindigul District and a popular tourist destination in the Western Ghats.

Kodaikanal is located at an altitude of 2133 m (6998 ft) above sea level on the Palani Hill Range in the Western Ghats. In Tamil, Kodaikanal means "Place to see in Summer". Kodaikanal's economy comes from agricultur and tourism. Both plays a big role amongst the overall economy of Kodaikanal. The famous Kurinji Flower blossoms once in 12 years and it is being alive only in Kodaikanal.

Kodaikanal is at the heart of the Palani Hills on which it is surrounded by dense forests. The Kodaikanal town lies on the plateau of the upper Palani Hills in between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. The heartland of Kodaikanal is the lake which once was being a basin.

Vattakanal is a small village which is located a few kilometers away from Kodaikanal. Vattakanal is referred to as 'Vatta' in tamil, which means circle and 'Little Israel' by the villagers where abundant of Israeli tourists flock here from October.

On the hillsides, It is surrounded by Meadows and grasslands. In the Valleys, the view of eucalyptus trees and shola forests are mesmerizing every visitor. On the above of the Valleys, Mighty rocks and cascading streams lie on. Abundant of Waterfalls are around Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal has a pleasant climate throughout the year so as it is enchanting every traveler and steal everyone's heart with its flora and Sholas.

Kodaikanal is popularly renowned for its rich flora. Of the big trees, cypress, eucalyptus and acacia are the dominant varieties. Numerous Pear trees are there and that yield high quality fruits. Rhododendron and magnolia are the most competing flowers with the fruit trees. The main attraction of Bryant Park is the different hues of dahlias, which located adjacent to the lake. Water lilies in the park's pond are another attraction. The town is abounded by the beautiful yellow wild flowers.

Kodaikanal is bounded by Pallangi and Vilpatti villages on the North, Lower Palanis on the East, facing Cumbum Valley on the South and a plateau leading to Manjampatti Valley, Indira Gandhi National Park, the Anamalai Hills and the main body of the Western Ghats of Kerala border on the West.

Attractions in Kodaikanal:


Kodaikanal has lot of natural panoramic attractions that admires its visitors. And it is also preferred as a popular romantic destination for couples. Most youngsters come with bike riding and relax their mind. Kodaikanal is also a famous destination for its home made chocolates and eucalyptus oil.

  • Poombarai Village (Kudhanthai Velappar Temple) is about 15 km from the kodai bus-stand. Lord Murugan Temple is there in Poombarai namely said to Kudanthai Velappar Temple. Poombarai village is entirely surrounded by reserve forest. The village is peaceful and it can be reached by climbing foot-path.
  • Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, is about 6 km from the bus-stand.  It is established in the year 1895. All days are open except Tuesdays. It has the taxidermy collection of over 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of more than 300 exotic orchid species. The Museum is affiliated to Loyola College in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the ancient Palaiyar tribes people whose descendants still live here.
  • Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, is about 6 km from the bus-stand via Observatory Road, at an altitude of 2,343 m (7,687 ft) is the top plateau of Kodai. The Observatory was started in 1901. One can see the panoramic view of  Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river via the Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope. This facility is organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics which has a comprehensive astronomical science museum with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. It remains open everyday for the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday during other seasons.
  • Bear Shola falls. This is an amazing water falls. But the water won't there during some seasons. If you are a trek lover, you can climb up the falls delightfully. 
  • Berijam Lake. is about 20 km from the bus stand. Among the three lakes in Kodaikanal, Berijam may be the antique lake. This lake is surrounded by the reserved forest and so it is full of plastic free and very calm place within Kodaikanal. Boating, bathing are not allowed as the lake is the water source of villages. Nature lover must like this place so much. To visit this lake, Forest department permission is needed. Permissions are granted only at 8.00 am in the morning of the day of visit from the forest office except Tuesdays. The entry fee is around Rs.150 depending on the vehicle. Permissions are arranged by the person who arranges the vehicle. Limited number of vehicles are granted to go during the peak season. During the forest ride, Bison, deer, panthers and snakes are noticed. Entry is restricted into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Around the lake, there are several attractions you can visit such as the fire tower, Silent Valley, Medicine Forest, and Lake View. Don't touch or consume any mushrooms around Berijam, while the ride, which are venomous and some produce illusion or some kind of hallucinogenic fragrance.
  • Bryant park. It is located about 5-10 minute walk from the bus stand. It is one of the most popular attractions in Kodaikanal. It is well maintained and a big park with botanical garden, flower shows and grassland for playing around. In summer, the Flower exhibition is organized here and it is the most popular one in Kodaikanal.  It was established in 1908 by H.D. Bryant, a forest officer from Madurai, and named after him. It has 325 species of trees, shrubs, cacti, an eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi tree which makes a religious importance to the park. It remains open throughout the year.
  • Coakers Walk. It is about 500 m from the bus stand. It was established by Lt.Coaker in 1872. It is in the edge of steep slopes on the southern part of Kodaikanal. One can view the scenic valleys of the Pambar River, Dolphin's Nose, Theni and Periyakulam Town. If you wish to see sunrise, go to the Greenlands Hostel next to Coakers Walk. It remains open throughout the year.
  • Guna Caves (Devil's Kitchen). It is a cave located next to Green Valley View and Pillar Rocks. It has hidden deep ravines. If you miss your step you may fall prey to the "devil's trap". Since the death of over 12 youngsters, it remains closed to public. This cave is now partly seen to the visitors. It is called as 'Guna Caves' after the tamil movie 'Gunaa' filmed here. Previously it was called as Devil's Kitchen.  
  • Dolphins Nose. It is about 8 km from the bus stand. It is a flat rock projecting more than a chasm  2000 m (6600 ft) deep. It is a calm area via an old road after Pambar Bridge near Levinge Stream. Try and catch a steep rocky escarpment from the plains called rolling hills. It is a pathway to the old Vellagavi Village. From here, a paved pathway leads to Pambar Falls also known as Liril Falls, named after the Ad shooting of Liril Soap in 1985.
  • Green Valley View (Suicide Point). It is located about 5.5 km from the bus stand. It is a steep edge over 5000 ft near the golf course. The panoramic view of Vaigai Dam and the plains can be seen here. There are lot of monkeys, which are attracted by the visitors. Previously, it is called 'Suicide Point', which apparently lure the people to commit suicide. 
  • Kodai Lake (Kodaikanal Lake). It is close to the bus stand. One of the best experience here is to walk round the lake in the evening through fog during the winter season. It is an artificial lake built in 1863 seams as a star shaped lake, lies at an extend of 60 acres.  Boating is the most popular attraction here.
    • Kurinji Andavar Temple. It is about 4 km from the bus stand. The main deity of this hindu shrine is Lord Murugan who is reportedly said to Sri Kurinji Easwaran here. The famous Kurinji flowers which blossoms once in 12 years is inside temple. A scenic view of the Palani Hills and the Kodaikanal Town can be seen from this temple. It was originated in 1936 by a European woman. It was now administrated under Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani.
    • Lasaleth Church and Lion's cave. It is located on the way to Pillar Rocks. There is a 100yrs old tree, 500yrs old tree and Lion's Cave. 
    • Old Suicide Point. About 5 minutes breathtaking walk before the pine forest leads to the old suicide point. To reach here, walk towards the steep rock and take the left pathway.  
    • Pillar Rocks. It is about 8 km from the bus stand. Pillar rocks are a set of three high steep rocks preside over 122 m height. These rocks are totally covered by fog during the rainy days in summer. There is a cross at the top of the cliffs which uplifted by an English adventurer. It can be viewed through a telescope available here.
    • Pine Forest. It is situated on the way to Guna Caves. Horse riding here, is the most enthusiastic one. Film making often takes place here.
        • Silent Valley View. It is located next to the Pillar Rocks on the Berijam Road. The lush greenery view of this peaceful valley attracts the visitors. This place is at its best in the morning time.
        • Silver Cascade. It is located about 5 km before the entry of Kodaikanal. It is a 55 m high road side waterfall and the water is very cold. Fresh carrots are available near this falls. No bus stop is available here, you can visit this place only with private or own vehicle. The Water comes from the Kodai Lake.
        • Thoppi Thookum Paarai. It is situated on the way to Berijam Lake. One of the popular tourist attraction in Kodaikanal. 

        • Moir Point. It is located about 10 km from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. It was built by Sir Thomas Moir in 1929. By his name, it was named as Moir Point and a monument was established here. One can view the panoramic view of the valleys and peaks around Kodaikanal. Children enjoy this place as it has a small park inside.
           
        • Chettiar Park.  It is located about 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand. Kodaikanal Municipality maintains this park. It is situated on the way towards Kurinji Andavar temple. Abundance of flower, grass meadow, trees the serene environment make this park more attractive one in Kodaikanal. The view of shaped bushes fascinate all the visitors. It opens at 8.30 am and will be closed at 5 pm. 

        • Fairy Falls. It is located about 6 km from the Bus stand. It is situated in Pambarpuam, which is the source of Pambar River. Pambar river flows down from the hill and mingles with Vaigai River. This place is one of the popular picnic spot in kodaikanal. Swimming beneath this falls makes your mind relaxed and refreshed. This enchanting waterfalls is at its best right after the rainfall season.

        Things To Do:

        • Paddle and Row Boating at the lake 
        • Cycling around the Lake 
        • Horse Riding around the lake
        • Meditation at Kodaikanal Yoga Center
        • Trekking to Dolphin's Nose and Perumalmalai.
        • Retreat for Zen at Perumalmalai.

        Climate:

        Kodaikanal is in the subtropical highland so far it has the monsoon-influenced climate. The climate is very chill throughout the year because of it's high elevation.

        Avg Annual Temperature : Min 15° C to Max 25° C
        Avg Temperature in Summer : Min 20° C to Max 36° C
        Avg Temperature in Monsoon : Min 20° C to Max 33° C
        Avg Temperature in Winter : Min 8° C to Max 30° C

        Best Season:

        April to June is the best season to visit Kodaikanal. It is the Peak season which comes in summer.

        The second season is on the months of October to January which is the Winter Season.

        The low season is on the rest of the months which consists of the monsoon season and heavy winter season.

        Cuisine:

        • Astoria Veg Reasturant,  Anna salai, Kodaikanal.
        • Chocolate factory - Home made chocolate. 
        • Cloud Street, PT Road. - Pasta, sizzlers, Continental food and other international cuisine. Barbeque chicken sizzlers, pastas, lemon cake and chocolate biscuits. 
        • Eden Paradise Restaurant, Paradise Compound, Laws Ghat Road. Serves Tasty ethnic Keralite cuisine.
        • Pastry Corner - Cakes, Pastry, Coffee and Tea.
        • Pine & Petals, JC Residency, Convent Road, Naidupuram. Multi-cuisine restaurant.
        • PotLuck, PT Road A cute little European style cafe with outdoor seating on the verandah (balcony)
        • Rasoi, 106 Maratha Shopping Complex, Annasalai. - Gujarati and veg. Punjabi thali, The Chola batora and alu paratha.
        • The Royal Tibet -PT Road. - Momos specially potato cheese momo - Veg, beef, chicken and mutton - Non veg, Noodles.
        • Sree Krishna Restaurant Bhojanalaya, Nellai Nadar Bazaar, Fairy Falls, Pambarpuram. - North Indian, Rajashthani & Gujarati food 
        • Tava, 7 road junction. - Sindhi food.
        • Tibetan Brothers - PT Road. - Tibetan and Chinese. - Momos and Thukpa. 
        • Altaf's Cafe, Dolphin Nose Road, Vattakanal.

        Stay:


        Emergency Facilities:

                 Van Allen Hospital - The only hospital available in Kodaikanal. It is established by American missionaries. For major treatments, you have to go to Madurai hospitals.

        Local Transport to get around:

                   Taxis are available to get around the major destinations in Kodiakanal. The charges are fixed and significantly high. The fare for sightseeing trip is ₹300 for 2 hours to ₹700 for 5 hours.

        Mountain Bikes are available for hiring. The fare for these bikes are ₹10 per hour or ₹75 for full day.


        How to Reach:

        All destinations are evaluated from the Kodai Lake which is the center place of Kodaikanal. 

        By Air:

        Nearest Airports are:
        • Madurai International Airport - 115 km
        • Coimbatore International Airport - 170 km
        • Tiruchirapalli International Airport - 197 km
        • Tuticorin Airport - 262 km

        By Train:

        Nearest Stations are:
        • Palani Station - 64 km
        • Kodaikanal Road Station - 80 km
        • Dindigul Junction - 100 km
        • Madurai Junction - 114 km

        By Bus:

        Kodaikanal is well connected with all major cities and towns via road. Buses are available frequently to all destinations around South India.

        Bus stands connected with Kodaikanal:
        • Batlagundu
        • Madurai Aarappalayam
        • Palani
        • Kodairoad
        • Dindigul

        A 49 km short pathway from Periyakulam leads to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai and Adukkam.


        Other Tourist Places near Kodaikanal:

        Kumbakkarai Falls, Meghamalai, Sirumalai, Suruli Falls, Vaigai Dam, Palani Temple, Munnar.
        at
        Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India

        No comments:

        Post a Comment

        Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)