Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows "Sunnyside" and "Shelton". Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. The 20th century saw elite Indians enteri Kodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty and to harness its natural wealth for development.
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 (1819-1885).He was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. 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 members of the club set sail. In 1910 a new boathouse was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourist as well in 1932.
Bryant Park, seen on the lake's eastern side, is another important botanical park that must not be missed by tourists visiting Kodaikanal as it houses plenty of different varieties of flowers, rafts as well as hybrids.
A British forest officer by the name Bryant was the one who landscaped this park in the year 1980 and hence it is named after him. This is the place where the annual vegetable and flower show is held during the month of May and is the most visited place by many during the summer months. A glasshouse in the park contains wide varieties of flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants
It is situated 3.2 kms. from the lake. This observatory was founded in 1989, and it is located at an elevation of 2343 mtrs. This observatory is the highest point in Kodai. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets.
Check out visiting hours and make a prior appointment.
Any tourist interested in morning walk will definitely have to visit Coaker's walk which is about 1 km from the lake and it provides very picturesque view of the plains as well as scenic valleys that is sure to bring a joy in the minds of the visitors. Coaker's walk is named after Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodaikanal.
A telescopic view house is there at Coaker's walk that will provide a panoramic view of the valley, plains and the nearby towns and should not be missed by the tourists visiting the place. The ideal time to visit this place is before 2:30 pm in the afternoon as mist will start to set in over the valleys by late afternoons
Temple situated 3 kms from the lake is a famous shrine dedicated to lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Kurinji means the hill region in Tamil literature and andavar means god. Therefore Lord Muruga is referred to as the God of the Hill here. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
Kodaikanal is a paradise for trekking lovers as it offers different trekking routes for the professional trekker to the novice trekker as well. Trekking routes with varying difficulty levels are there and a tourist can select the route according to the fitness, time factor and one's trekking ability.
One of the toughest routes is from Periyakulam – Adukkam- Kodaikanal which has a trekking distance of about 18 kms which can be covered within 7 hours. For the trekkers who prefer easy walk, the route from Kodaikanal to Berijam will be the suitable one and the trekker will be able to enjoy the green valleys and the mountain ranges surrounding Kodaikanal.
Earlier known as Suicide point, now this area is known as Green Valley View and it provides a picturesque and panoramic view of the plains, valleys, hills and the Vaigai dam.
The deep, dense and dangerous valley below this point is more than 5000 feet drop and to get a good view from this point, it is better to visit the place after 10 am and before 3 pm, as early mornings and evenings will have mist covering the valleys. A tourist visiting Kodaikanal should definitely visit this viewpoint and plenty of monkeys seen in this area will be an added attraction for the children as well as the adults visiting this place
The Pillar rocks are three granite boulders which are seen standing vertically shoulder to shoulder and it is now a very famous tourist spot for many visitors. These rocks are measuring a height of about 400 feet from the ground and the chambers that are seen between the two pillars are known as Devil's Kitchen.
The Pillar Rocks have gained popularity as the years have passed by and during the peak season there is a huge rush of visitors to this place. The shady woods that are in the vicinity of these huge boulders are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic
The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It is a Theological Seminary founded in 1895 and devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best Orchidariams in the country. It has over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 kms the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard contributed his many private collections to the museum.
Entrance fee is Rs 2/- per head. Visiting hours - 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Kodaikanal,the hill country is no exception to this and she too hosts our lady of la saleth shrine possessing the traditional heritage of 150 years and it is one of the two shrines dedicated to our lady of La saleth in the whole world,one in french and the other in kodaikanal. it is near to Coaker's walk.
Madurai Tour
Rameshwaram Tour
Kanyakumari Tour
Kodaikanal Tour