Of Lakes and Nature - Kodaikanal

A place that comprises of undulating hills, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, meandering rivers, and green valleys feels too good to be true, but that is exactly what Kodaikanal is! This place is popularly referred to as the “Princess of Hills”. The scenic beauty of Kodaikanal is such that it never fails to enthrall the travellers, which is why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, especially the southern part of it.

With its numerous tourist spots, Kodaikanal will leave you spoilt for choices when it comes to deciding the places you should visit.  With that said, take a look at these 10 must-see places that you can visit in Kodaikanal: -

Kodaikanal Lake

One of Kodaikanal’s most popular tourist places, the ‘Kodai’ lake is an artificial star-shaped lake located at an elevation of about 2280 meters above sea-level. The lake was constructed way back in 1863 by the collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge. It was after his retirement that he moved to Kodaikanal and decided to build this beauty of a lake on abandoned swampy land.

If you plan to visit the lake, you would have a ball while fishing and boating there!

Guna Caves

Named after a famous Tamil movie starring Kamal Hassan, the Guna caves is one of the more intriguing places to see in Kodaikanal. You should definitely visit the caves if you are fascinated by nature and seek adventure. The region was initially established as a popular hiking trail but after the movie was shot, it was named Guna caves. A trip here is sure to create some wonderful memories!

Pillar Rocks

Pillar rocks are undoubtedly one of the best places for sightseeing in Kodaikanal! Not only do the rocks get you an astonishing view of the natural beauty all around but you also get to see the mist and fog play hide and seek with the three rocks that stand almost vertical, like pillars. Thus, suggesting the name ‘Pillar rocks’. These rocks are magnanimous and stand tall at a staggering height of 400 feet! The sights that you will be treated by are going to be surreal. Make sure you do not miss to explore this beautiful tourist spot in Kodaikanal.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Any and every local will tell you that the Kurinji Andavar temple is one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal, and they are right! The beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and has been an extremely popular pilgrims spot. Excluding the offbeat location that it is situated in, the temple has a lot to offer. The temple’s quaintness is in itself quite pleasing to the eye; add in the picturesque views of the Palani Hills and the majestic views of the Vaigai Dam, you have got yourself quite the sightseeing spot! And how can one not talk about the very special Kurinji flower that blooms only once in 12 whole years! The Kurinji Andavar temple is one of those famous places in Kodaikanal that you cannot afford to miss.

Mannavanur Lake

Mannavanur Lake is one such place in the list that is offbeat but in the best ways possible. The lake gets its name from the village that it is situated in and the village is, in one word, serene! This tourist place in Kodaikanal does not nearly get the attention it deserves. The intercepting streams, the small waterfalls, and the carrot fields (and other local produces) make for such a delightful visit. You’ll only experience it once you visit the place yourself. In spite of it not being amongst the most famous places in Kodaikanal, the village’s calm and relaxing environment is sure to rejuvenate you in more ways than one.

La Saleth Church

The La Saleth Church has existed for over 150 years now and is regarded as the oldest apostolic in Kodaikanal. It holds a special place in the hearts of the city’s residents and also in every other trip package to Kodaikanal. The church has earned a lot of love and popularity due to the beautiful past it is associated with. In the past, the church had received its funding from a Belgian woman as a gesture of gratitude for the lady of La Salette as she helped cure the woman’s daughter. Besides that, the shrine is a great example of the amalgamation of Tamil and French architectures. Considered as one of the best places to see in Kodaikanal, you must visit the church to experience its sanctity and beautiful architecture.

Bryant Park

The Bryant Park is the brainchild of Glen Bryant, a British army officer and is one of the most verdure botanical gardens in the whole of South India. Situated near Kodaikanal Lake, the park makes for one of the most famous tourist places in Kodaikanal. With over 325 species of flora, the park also harbours a 160-year-old Eucalyptus tree! If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, the park during the flowering season surely will! It is a truly beautiful sight to see the garden bloom. Amongst Kodaikanal’s list of best places, the Bryant Park lives up to its name.

Coaker’s Walk

Whatever you do, wherever you go, you cannot exclude the Coaker’s Walk while you trip to Kodaikanal. Most, if not all, Kodaikanal trip packages include the Coaker’s Walk. In theory, it might not seem like an extraordinary place to visit; it is, after all, just a man-made walking plaza! But there aren’t enough words that can explain how you would feel walking down the plaza - it is simply ecstatic! Built in 1872 by Lt. Coaker, this tourist spot in Kodaikanal is going to fill you with a sense of contentment!

Berijam Lake

Easily one of the most hyped places to visit in Kodaikanal is Berijam Lake. Situated at the Pillar Rock road’s end, the azure and the tranquil of the waters are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. However, it must be brought to your notice that you will require a permit from the forest department to experience this natural treasure. Although, this shouldn’t be your major concern as you can easily get the permit, provided you approach them in a day advance.

Your time overlooking the nature in Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal’s most famous place, is going to be worth every minute you spend here!

Pine Forest

Cultivated about a century ago by Mr. Glen Bryant, the forest has become one of the most visited tourist places in Kodaikanal. In fact, the forest has been attracting a profusion of tourists for a very long time now. The very sight of innumerable pine trees with the blowing wind shaking its branches with utmost subtlety justifies it all! Make sure you visit the Pine forests while visiting the stunning land of Kodaikanal.

Also, while planning your Kodaikanal trip package, you can also consider the following places to visit near Kodaikanal:

• Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
• Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Alleppey, Kerala
• Kottayam, Kerala

 Owing to the natural beauty of Kodaikanal, the city has the makings of an exceptional honeymoon destination. Even otherwise, the city makes a compelling case as your next holiday destination. Head over, either solo or with friends and family, to experience the enticing tranquil of the hill station and to revitalize yourself!