Things To Do Kodaikanal

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Places To Visit In Kodaikanal

Fairy Falls

Situated in the beautiful South-Indian station of Kodaikanal, the enchanting Fairy Falls is the source of the Pambar River which joins into the Vaigai River later on. This fall which is the excess of the rural community reservoir flows southwards of the hill. Due to its breathtaking scenic beauty, the Fairy Falls also makes up for a popular picnic spot. One can spend time here with their family and friends while admiring the natural beauty around and relax amidst the lush greenery and pleasant weather. Also famous for swimming, the waterfall is visited by tourists and residents who come here and enjoy swimming at the bottom of the falls. Though the place can be visited all through the year, the perfect time to pay a visit to the Fairy Falls is immediately after the monsoon season comes to an end. The area where water after cascading down the craggy rocks settles at the end of the foot of the falls can be accessed easily where one can dip their feet, get wet and have a refreshing swim in the waters. In front of the falls lies a stone bridge from where tourists can get the view of the beautiful white water spurting down the hill. Fairy Falls was formed at this location after the spillover from the rural community water reservoir. You will also come across small food vendors present at the point selling delicious snacks. So, whenever you are confused about where to spend a memorable picnic at or hang out with loved ones, do not forget to visit this place. Read More

Formerly known as Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a breathtaking view of the plains, deep valleys and hills. The mesmerizing view of the Vaigai Dam is an unforgettable experience. It used to be known as suicide point because of the dangerous valley which is dense and deep; below the point of more than 5000 feet drop. Located at a distance of 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Green Valley View not just offers a gorgeous view, but is also surrounded by a lot of monkeys. On the way to the point, there are several shops which offer homemade chocolates, ornaments and a wide range of flowers. Read More

Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake in the Kodaikanal city which is also known as Kodai Lake. Vera Levinge was the man responsible for the creativity and resources of this lake amidst Kodaikanal town. This lake was developed by the British and early missionaries from the USASA. The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The lake is at a distance of 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand. Read More

Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is a popular destination for those seeking adventure. The town of Kodaikanal is established on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the Upper Palani Hills at a height of 6, 998 ft. In the Tamil language, Kodaikanal means 'The Gift of the Forest' and this is reflected in the bounties of nature tha this place is endowed with . Kodaikanal is famous for its variety of flora and its Kurinji flowers which bloom once in 12 years in the month of December. There are nearly 17 famous trails in the hills of Kodaikanal, the Kodai-Palani being one of them. Read More

Located at the southern tip of the beautiful Palani Hills, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was established in 1899 and is owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Its longitudinal position makes it a unique site for the study of solar behaviour. The scientific abode also houses the most extensive collection of solar data, dating way back to the 19th century. Its unique geography makes the spot particularly ideal for accurate cosmic observations (especially related to the sun). Currently, their full-time team consists of two scientists and nineteen technicians, with equipment such as the high frequency Doppler (for measuring a wave motion phenomenon known as the Doppler Effect), a broadband seismograph (an instrument used to detect seismic waves emerging from the Earth), a Watson magnetometer, and the solar tunnel telescope among many others.In January 1909, an important solar phenomenon known as the Evershed effect was first discovered from the data collected at this observatory. The pioneer behind this discovery - John Evershed - thus propelled the status of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory as a premier solar physics lab in the country. Such was the comprehensiveness of his study in the motion of sunspots that there was little added to the topic for at least a century. Read More

Old rock shelters which are believed to be the home to the descendants of the Palaiyar tribes who used to wear leaf clothing, the Kukkal Caves are the overhanging slabs of various types of metamorphic rocks known as granulite and charconite. Until the mid-1980s, more than 30 families lived on the hilltop where a small temple was situated as well. The old hand paintings present on the walls of the temple indicate the presence of the Paliyan tribes. The now camping site of trekkers was once the earliest settlement of the Paliyan tribals. Situated at the height of 6200 feet above sea level, the Kukkal caves reside on of the highest altitudes in Kodaikanal which is why it receives a yearlong frigid climate along with misty and never-ending rains. The factors behind the location of the caves when combined lead to its increased and unique biodiversity. The large variety of terrain of the Kukkal Caves is another important pointer which helps determine the factor which contributes to its unique flora and fauna. To trek in the forest areas, the tourists are required to get permission from the Forest Department. The slanting height and the presence of the caves inside the forest reserve which remains unhindered by human activities make the place peaceful, quiet and a real haven for all those who wish to break away from their busy life and unwind. Renowned worldwide as a diversity hotspot, a visit to the Kukkal caves will bring you one step closer to the common and rare species of plants and animals. Read More

Kurunji Temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Murugu and is dexterously based at a distance of 3 km from the lake. Providing delightful views of small villages, Palani Hills and Northern plains, and carrots plantation on the terraced slopes, the temple is also associated with the Kurunji Flower which blooms once in 12 years carpeting the whole area with purple flowers. According to the authorities, the flower will next bloom in the year 2018. The temple complex also includes a park and a small shrub garden area. Read More

The Mother Salette church is one of the oldest churches, about 133 years old. The statue of Our Lady of La Salette is present inside this exquisite church giving the pilgrims its blessings with a serene poise. The church beautifully exhibits the excellent Tamil French architecture. The interior of the shrine is worth looking at since it is adorned with graceful statues of Our Lady of La Salette above the altar along with a statue of St. Joseph. The Bishop of the Grenoble Diocese in France gave these statues. Also, a French noblewoman named Madame Coile was the one to draw all the beautiful paintings on the windows inside the church. Every year on 14th and 15th August, a grand celebration takes place in the church. A nine-day festival is celebrated in the church every year attracts worshippers from South India irrespective of their creed, caste or religion. The primary purpose of this festival is to carry out extraordinary service and a special procession. The spirituality that one experiences in the churches of Kodaikanal add value to the natural beauty of the surroundings which not only means the inner but also the artistic fulfilment. The first Catholic priest of the Salette Mada church was Father Louis Saint Ceer who was also the one who built the church and was said to be cured of an illness by Mother Salette. There is so much more to this place than this which is why it is worth visiting. So, if you are planning a trip to Kodaikanal, add the La Salette Church to that list already! Read More

The Lutheran Church, which is located in Lakshmipuram, is one of the most iconic structures of the breathtaking hill station of Kodaikanal. The opulent church is visited by a huge population of tourists which not only involves Christians but people belonging to other religions as well. The beautiful Gothic structure was constructed in 1932 and is decorated with stained glass windows having detailed paintings and murals which showcase the life of Jesus Christ. Made up of gothic stones, there are modern paintings and batiks inside the church. On Christmas Eve, which is celebrated with a lot of fun and frolic here, the visitors mark the celebration in a grand way. The ambience of the church which remains quiet usually becomes alive and a sight that attracts everybody's attention. It is believed by people that if one prays in the church, then they get relaxed and also get free from all the worries. Kodaikanal Lake and Berijam Lake near the church are also visited by the travellers to experience the true beauty of the area. Also, the local delicacies available in the surrounding region should definitely be tried. Read More

Mannavanur is a serene farming village in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu - 35km away from Kodaikanal. This quaint village has terrace farms that are cut into the hill slopes. It offers nature-lovers a chance to experience the farm life, especially spotting rabbits, sheep and other animals. The Mannavanur Lake adds tranquillity to this picturesque town. This is also a stop on many trekking routes in the area.