Kodaikanal

Places of Interest

The Lake

The Lake : The 24 –hectare lake skirted by a 5 Km long black tar road, is the focal point in Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge[1818-1885] the then collector of Madurai, retired and settled in Kodaikanal. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In, 1890 a Boat Club was formed and Boating was opened to public and tourists in 1932 only.

Bryant's park

Conceived and landscaped in 1980 by a British Army Officer, Glenn Bryant. This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for its flowers, both hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which displays fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. The Flower Show conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festivals, should be visited by every one. Timings : All days of the week . Best time to visit April – December. Entrance fee: Rs.20/- per person.

Solar Physical Observatory

It is located at 3.2 Kms from the lake at an elevation of 2343 meters. This observatory set up in 1899, is owned and operated by Indian Institute of Astrophysics. This is the highest point at Kodiakanal. There is a popular Astronomy museum on campus for the visitors. The displays are mainly pictorial, supported by a few models. From April 1st to June 15th Kodaikanal Observatory is open to public between 10:00 to 12:00 hrs and 14:00 to 16:00 hrs. It is open to public only on every Friday between 10:00 to 12:00 hrs during the other months of the year. Contact (4542) 240218 for further details.

Coakers Walk

Er.Coaker identified this hill-edged pathway in 1872. About a kilometer from the lake. Coaker’s walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodaikanal. It offers some of the best views of plains. Entry fee is collected here.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

The temple is situated 3 Kms from the lake. It is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is associated with the Kurunji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Kurunji means the hill region in Tamil Literature and andavar means God . Hence Lord Murugan is worshipped as the God of the Hill. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigi Dam.

Telescope House

Old fashioned Telescope house at Coakers Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and more areas can be viewed from this point. A nominal fee is collected to use the telescope.

Green valley View

It is located a little over 5 Kms from Kodaikanal and close to the golf club. One can have a magnificent view of the vaigai below.

The Pillar Rocks

The Pillar Rocks, which stand 122 meters high. It is located at 7th Km from Kodai lake.

Moier Point

It is also the site a monument of Sir Thomas Moir. Moir Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 Kms from the Pillar Rocks / Berijam Lake Road.

Silent Valley View

It is a very silent zone, Just a little away from the pillar rocks and the Berijam Lake Road, which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. It suits its name because it is a very silent zone. Children should be accompanied by elders only.

Berijam Lake View

This viewpoint is 21 Km South West of Kodaikanal Lake and it is 40 Kms from munnaar town. The Forest Department has restricted entry into the Berijam Lake area only between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for visitors. There is a forest Rest House with limited accommodation if necessity arises for a night halt.

Chettiar Park

Around 2 km from the town, it is tucked away in the north eastern corner , on the way to Kurunji Andavar Temple.

Shenbaganur Museum

It was established In 1895, also known as Fauna Flora Museum, is 5 Kms from the Lake. The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It was established to preserve certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best Orchiadrium in the country having over 300 species of exotic orchids in display. A Spaniard contributed many of his private collections to this museum. Visiting hours - 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Silver Cascade Falls

It is on the Madurai Kodaikanall Road at the 8th Km from Kodai lake. It is the overflow from the kodaikanal lake, that drops down as a 180 foot high water fall. Those interested can have a bath here.

La Saleth [sallette] Church

This is a 150 years old heritage Church , Kodaikanal. Thanks offering was fulfilled in the year 1866. This is one of the Two Shrines,[the other one being in France] dedicated to our lady of La Saleth. Annual festival’s extraordinary celebration takes places at la saleth church every year on the 14th and 15th of August as the conclusion of a Nine Day festival, which attracts worshippers from entire South India irrespective of caste, colour, creed or faith. It is located near Coaker’s walk.

Dolmen Circle

Located at a distance of 18 Kms from the lake, near the Apple Research Station. Pre – Historic remains can be seen here. Original burial urns that were unearthed in this region during archaeological excavations and models of dolmens are exhibited for public viewing at the Shenbaganur Museum.

Thalaiyar Falls

This spectacular waterfall is also known as the Rat-Tail Falls, 975 ft high, is the third highest In India. It is inaccessible to the general public, as there is no approach road to reach it. It can be viewed while climbing up the Ghat Road to Kodaikanal from Kodai road.

Kukkal Caves

Kookai , at an altitude of 6200 ft, is a village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Palani Hills, 40 Kms from Kodaikanal. The caves are over hanging slabs of different types of metamorphic rocks called charconite and granulite. The Kukkal caves are ancient rock shelters that show existence of traces of the erstwhile home of the descendants of the original Leaf-Clad paliyans.'