6 Must Visit Tourist Attractions In Kodaikanal

"Princess of Hill Stations", Kodaikanal is a much loved city of Tamil Nadu. Situated in the Palani Hills at almost 2,150 m, Kodaikanal’s clean environment, fresh air, and pristine waters make it the perfect honeymoon destination. When people want to get away for a weekend and visit a cool place to unwind, then also they go to Kodaikanal. The name of the city has two possible meanings in the Tamil language: "The Gift of the Forests" or "Place to see in Summers".

# Kodaikanal Lake

The Kodaikanal Lake or Kodai Lake is a man-made lake created in 1863. It was commissioned by then Collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge. The lake is notable for its star shape, aqua fauna, as well as boating. At any given time, you can see the various boats (paddle, row, and ferry) spotting the lake as visitors glide around on the waters. Another interesting part is the Flower and Boat Pageants held around the lake during the summers.

# Silver Cascade and Bear Shola Falls

The overflow of the Kodaikanal Lake falls down for 55 m, creating the Silver Cascades Waterfall. Situated 8 km from Kodaikanal, these waterfalls are the most famous in the entire region, their fine spray and fast speed making them shimmer and sparkle, hence the name ‘Silver Cascades’. This is usually the first stop for visitors on their way to Kodainakal. People love to spend time sitting and contemplating near the falls, quietly watching the flow of the water.

# Berijam Lake

Berijam is a freshwater reservoir located 21 km from Kodai Lake. The lake was created by a dam’s sluice outlets, also built by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. The lake used to be a swamp in olden times, but now it has the highest quality of pure water, and a drinking water source for the town of Periyakulam.

The lake has a variety of flora like the shola grasslands (cloud forest), and medicinal plants such as belladonna, mentha, Psilocybin mushrooms, dioscorea, digitalis, etc. There’s the Upper Palani Shola forest reserve around the lake where you can spot animals like Indian elephants, Malabar giant squirrels, mouse deer, Indian crested porcupines.

# Bryant Park

Situated east of the Kodai Lake, the Bryant Park is a popular spot for tourists to visit, especially couples. Bryant Park is spread over an area of 20.5 acres and was established by forest officer H.D. Bryant in 1908. The park has over 300 species of shrubs and plants, as well as a section with almost 740 varieties of roses that attract people like bees. Visitors can enjoy the annual flower and vegetable show, an enjoyable attraction in the summer. You can also admire the ornamental plants and ferns in a greenhouse in the park.

# Coaker’s Walk

A few minutes away from Kodai Lake is a paved walkway on the southern sides of hills where you catch the best views of the valleys, Kodaikanal, even Madurai on a clear day. Coaker’s Walk was named after Lt Coaker who made the city map of Kodaikanal.

A few minutes away from Kodai Lake is a paved walkway on the southern sides of hills where you catch the best views of the valleys, Kodaikanal, even Madurai on a clear day. Coaker’s Walk was named after Lt Coaker who made the city map of Kodaikanal.

# Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is situated 4 km away from Kodaikanal town, on the southern side of the Palani Hills. One of the oldest observatories in the world, it was established in 1899. The solar data collected from this observatory is one of its kinds in the country.

Astronomy enthusiasts would love to know that the Evershed effect was first observed here. The observatory conducts public tours of the compound, as well as provides night sky viewing, workshops, seminars, courses. People can also access the library which is famous for its extensive archival collections of literature on astronomy.