Kodaikanal is a hill station located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The word ‘Kodaikanal’ means “The Gift of the Forest.” It is one of the most popular hill stations and holiday destinations in the state. Located amidst lush green meadows and a vast extension of mountains, Kodaikanal is a summer forest that once acted as a refuge for missionaries escaping the heat on the plains. It has gorgeous landscapes and a pleasant atmosphere. Kodai and Kanal are two Tamil words. Kodai stands for summer, and Kanal stands for ‘to see.’ When amalgamated, the word can be translated into a “place to see in summer.”
Another meaning for Kodaikanal is “the forest of creepers.” Nestled on the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is surrounded by thick forests on all sides. Located 7,200 feet above sea level, Kodaikanal provides a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and pollution. From clear water lakes to a magnificent waterfall and a dense forest cover to exciting mountain peaks, there are numerous places to explore in Kodaikanal.
This blog features a list of some of the best Kodaikanal visiting places to explore…
Bear Shola Falls:
There are numerous cascading waterfalls in Kodaikanal, and Bear Shola Falls is certainly among the best of them. Located 2 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town. The view of water falling down from a setting of stair-like rocks is a sight to behold. Located amidst a dense forest cover, the waterfall provides you an opportunity to witness nature in its full flow, with the melody of birds chirping and water falling on the ground soothing your ears.
Kodaikanal Lake:
Kodaikanal Lake is among the most popular tourist attractions in the hill station. It is actually a man-made lake that’s commonly known as the Kodai lake. It was developed by the British and early missionaries. Kodai Lake is a star-shaped lake surrounded by the Palani Hills Range. Located at an elevation of 2285m above sea level, the lake is one of the biggest sources of fresh water in the hill station, with an average depth of 3 meters. It is located just 3 km away from the Kodai bus stand.
Dolphin’s Nose:
What could be better than getting a bird’s eye view of the entire forest region from the top of a platform up the hill? That’s exactly what you get from Dolphin’s Nose. It is a popular viewpoint based on a flat piece of rock sticking out of the ground to form a cliff at the height of 6,600 feet. Located at a picturesque spot under the clear sky, Dolphin’s Nose provides you a magnificent view of the vast green plains, enchanting valleys, and rugged terrain.
Green Valley View:
Green Valley View is another magnificent viewpoint in the hill station. Also known as a suicide point, Green Valley View is among the best places to enjoy the breathtaking view of the entire region, including the vast plains, valleys, water bodies, and quaint hills. It is also known as a suicide point due to the dense and deep valley with a depth of more than 5,000 feet. The viewpoint is located 5.5 km away from Kodaikanal Lake. You can spot scores of monkeys while climbing your way to the valley. You can also get some homemade chocolates at the shops on your way to the valley.
Also Read, Beat the Heat in and Explore Western Ghats
Pillar Rocks:
Pillar Rocks are among the most popular attractions in Kodaikanal. The place has a name called ‘Pillar Rocks’ as it has three vertically positioned boulders as tall as 400 feet. The place also has a mini garden. It is one of the few spots that you can’t afford to miss while visiting Kodaikanal. You can get a jaw-dropping bird’s eye view of the surroundings from the spot. The best time to visit the rocks is when they are covered with mist and clouds. It is one of the places where you can spend some time with yourself amidst a peaceful atmosphere.
Trekking:
Trekking is certainly among the best activities to indulge in while visiting Kodaikanal. This place is full of adventurous trekking routes. Periyakulam Adukkam- Kodaikanal is among the best trekking routes in the hill station. The length of the trek is 18 km, and it takes 7 to 8 hours to complete the trek. For easy to moderate trekkers, the route from Kodaikanal to Berijam will be more suitable. The entire route is covered with green valleys and magnificent mountain ranges.
Kukkal Caves:
There aren’t many hill stations in the country that provide you access to some adventurous caves. Kukkal caves are among the most popular camping sites in the hill station. Formed from various types of metamorphic rocks known as granulite and charconite, the caves are situated at the height of 6200 feet above sea level. These caves are located on one of the highest altitudes in Kodaikanal.
