Places Visit In Kodaikanal

Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal

Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is at the old site of "Fort Hamilton", in the upper Palani hills.

Overview

Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is at the old site of "Fort Hamilton", in the upper Palani hills.The lake, created by a dam with sluice outlets, is part of a micro–watershed development project. Periyakulam town, 18.7 kilometres (11.6 mi) to the SE, gets its public drinking water from the lake. The lake’s water quality is excellent.

Berijam Lake is a scenic freshwater reservoir that is hidden amidst dense forests near the beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal. It is situated in the upper Palani Hills, at the original location of Fort Hamilton.

The total surface area of this water body is approximately 59 acres. This lake was created by a dam, which forms an integral part of a project related to micro-watershed development. The water of this lake is pure and potable, which is why it is sourced to Periyakulam – a small town in the valley that lies below Kodaikanal.

In old times, a swamp existed at this place, which was surrounded by shola forests. Colonel Douglas Hamilton proposed the name of the lake site as a military cantonment in 1864.

A small hut named Fort Hamilton was thus built here, which served as a military outpost. It was in 1867 that the lake and the dam were formed after the Collector of Madurai donated a part of his retirement fund for the task.

The catchment area of this lake has rich flora and fauna, which make it a region of ecological significance. Shola forests and grasslands dominate the landscape of this region and provide habitat to a variety of wildlife species. Bison, Indian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, Deer and many other animals can be spotted near the lake.

History

There was originally a swamp here known as the Berijam swamp.The previous existence here of a large lake, evidence of which was visible nearby, was first recorded in 1864 by Colonel Douglas Hamilton of the 21st Regiment of the Madras Native Infantry. No written record or even local legend regarding the existence of this ancient lake survives. However, judging from visible traces of its shoreline which still remained in 1906, it must have been nearly 5 mi (8.0 km) long, up to 3,960 ft (1,210 m) wide and up to 70 ft (21 m) deep. It was apparently formed by the side of a hill slipping down into a valley which slopes northwards, and damming up the stream which ran to the Amaravati River at the bottom of it. This stream apparently eventually cut its way through the huge natural embankment so formed, and thus emptied the lake this landslide/dam had once created. The dam was about 600 ft (180 m) long and the breach in it was about 300 ft (91 m) across and 90 ft (27 m) deep.

In 1864, Colonel Hamilton submitted a report stating that the Berijam Lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a military cantonment or Sanatorium. A military outpost later built here, Fort Hamilton, was named for him.There was in fact no 'fort' at the place, only a small hut.Berijam lake was artificially created in 1867, when Sir Vere Levigne, Collector of Madurai, donated part of his personal retirement funds for building the dam. Subsequently, the dam and reservoir were enlarged and a pipeline was built to supply drinking water to the Periyakulam Municipality. The scheme was completed in 1912 at a cost equivalent to US $138,500.

Berijam has a 100-year-old 2-story brick building, partly damaged and blackened over the years, with a bright yellow painted name reading "Britisher's Transit Camp". This is one of several transit camps built every 15 km (9 mi) for the soldiers to rest along the 230 km (143 mi) British "Escape Route" from Kodaikanal via Top Station and Munnar to Kochi, built during World War II. While most of the transit camps are now either dilapidated or demolished, the one at Berijam still stands.

Berijam Lake has been studied palynologically revealing a 20,000 years story by pollen particles deposited in lake sediments. The time span between 20,000-17,000 years before present (B.P.) experienced cold and dry climatic conditions. After this period arid oxidizing environmental conditions prevailed for a period of 2500 years. The time span between 14,500–7;000 years B.P. witnessed a climatic amelioration phase leading to a warm and humid climate. From about 7,000 years B.P. to present the area has had a cool and humid climate.

Coakers Walk, Kodaikanal

Coakers walk is an one killometer long built on the mountain. It was constructed in 1872, by Lt Coaker. It is about 1/2 Km away from the Kodai and is constructed on the steep slope of mountains.

Overview

Coaker’s Walk is an unusual name for a charmingly beautiful walkway. It was named after Lt. Coaker who prepared the city map of Kodaikanal. This lovely walkway set near a lake offers picture perfect views of the valley. From here, take a walk up to the Telescope House near the gate for lovely close-ups of the Kodaikanal Valley and the nearby township.

The best time to visit Coaker's Walk is before 2 pm for as the day nears dusk, the valley covers itself in a veil of beautiful mist hampering distant views.

One of the popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal, Coaker’s Walk is something worth visiting during your Kodaikanal tour. Constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872 on whom it has been named, Coaker’s Walk is a narrow pedestrian path which is approximately one km in length. This mountain road is just half kilometre away from the Kodaikanal Lake. Running along the slope edges on the southern of the Kodai Road, the Coaker’s Walk starts near the van Allen hospital and joins the main road above St. Peter's Church. The places offer tourists with a refreshing setting along with breath taking view of the plains.

One can have the opportunity to have clear view of the Dolphin's nose which is located in the south, valley of the Pambar River in South East. You also get a distant view of the Periyakulam along with a view of Madurai city. However, if you happen to visit on a cloudy day, you might not get a clear picture of these.

History

Coaker's Walk, discovered in 1872, has been named after Lt. Coaker. Located on the southern slopes of this beautiful hill station, Coaker's Walk is a paradise for nature lovers. Situated at a distance of 1 km from the lake of Kodaikanal, this place is known for its long winding paths, forests and flowers present.

The major attraction of this place is the Telescope House that offers beautiful view of valley and its nearby towns. Tourists visiting this place are required to purchase a ticket for entering Coaker's Walk. The ideal time to make a visit to Coaker's Walk is before 2:30 in the afternoon. This is because after 2:30 pm, the mist starts setting all over by the late afternoon.

Dolphins Nose, Kodaikanal

Situated at a distance of 8 km from the main city of Kodaikanal, the Dolphin's Nose provides a bird's eye view of the scenic landscape of the surrounding mountainous area.

Overview

Situated at a distance of 8 km from the main city of Kodaikanal, the Dolphin's Nose provides a bird's eye view of the scenic landscape of the surrounding mountainous area. It is a flat rock jutting out of the mountain, overlooking a deep cliff, with its shape akin to that of the nose of a dolphin. Positioned at an elevation of 6600 feet, the fascinating place is one of the central destinations for tourists visiting Kodaikanal.

The 3-4 hour trip to the Dolphin’s Nose can be undertaken at either 8 am or 2 pm. An experienced guide, well versed with the terrain, will steer you through the trek. The summit offers a panoramic view of the area below and on clear days, you might be able to spot the Periyakulam Town as well as the Vaigai Lake. The trek isn’t a very strenuous one and you might also take a detour to the small village of Vellagavi which is on the same track.

Dolphin's Nose, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. It is an undisturbed area 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop.

History

Dolphin's Nose, perched at an altitude of 6,600 ft, is located at a distance of 8 km from the main city of Kodaikanal. The place is one of the major attractions of the destination as it offers bird's eye view of the beautiful landscape of the hilly region. Endowed with the scenic beauty, the best time to make a visit to Dolphin's Nose extends from the month of October to March.

Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India.

Overview

Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. Sir Vere Henry Levinge,the then Collector of Madurai, was instrumental in creating the lake in 1863, amidst the Kodaikanal town which was developed by the British and early missionaries from USA.The lake is said to be Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction.

Over the years a boat club, boathouse and boat service (with rowing boats and pedalling boats and a public ferry) for the public and tourists has become fully functional and is of aesthetic significance for tourism. Boat Pageant and Flower Shows are a regular feature in the summer season which attracts tourists.

Kodaikanal Lake is the piece de resistance of Kodaikanal in Dindigul District of Tamilnadu; it is a popular geographic landmark and a tourist attraction. Also known as the Kodai Lake, it feels incomplete to spend a day in Kodaikanal, for tourists as well as most locals, without a trip to the lake, as it is the nerve center of the town. The sight of honeymooners and other tourists enjoying boating, kids cycling and fitness buffs jogging around the lake is a very common sight.

This man-made lake is located just 500 meters (1,600 ft) away from the Kodai bus stand. Kodaikanal is a peaceful hill resort suitable for people looking for options to spend some quite time away from their busy schedule. Once in Kodaikanal tourists are sure to head for the Kodai Lake. This star-shaped deep blue lake amidst the emerald green wooded slopes sparkles like a jewel in the crown, it is spread over 60 acres with a circumference of 6 kms and is rimmed by a lighted and paved promenade and bicycle path around the lake.. Kurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a unique bright blue bell-shaped flower marks its presence in the catchment area of the lake. Kurinji is the famous flower which makes the Neelgiri hills blue. Kurinji blooms once in every 12 years, it is reported that it last bloomed in 2004 and it is expected to blossom in 2016 next. The best time to visit Kodai Lake would be in the early morning or just around sunset.

History

Kodaikanal Lake, a man-made lake, is located in the Kodaikanal city of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. Considered as one of the most popular geographic landmarks and tourist attractions, this lake is located at a distance of 3 km from the bus stand. Perched at an elevation of 2,285 m above sea level, this lake is star shaped.

Enclosing an area of around 60 acres, the lake has an average depth of 3 m. The lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, who was the collector of Madurai. He came to this place after his retirement and converted this marshy land with several streams of lake.

Tourists visiting this artificial lake can take a walk around this lake or can enjoy several activities such as cycle rides and horse rides. In addition, fishing can also be done at this lake; however tourists need to obtain permission from Inspector of Fisheries. Boating can also be enjoyed on this lake, for which boats are provided by Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation and Kodaikanal Boat & Rowing Club.

Green valley view, Kodaikanal

The hill station of Kodaikanal presents tourists with amazing places to go for sightseeing. One of the best examples for the same is Green Valley View.

Overview

No matter where are we travelling, we all look forward to visiting popular tourist spots on the places we are visiting. The hill station of Kodaikanal presents tourists with amazing places to go for sightseeing. One of the best examples for the same is Green Valley View. As the name suggest, it offers tourists with amazing view of the plains, valleys and hills. Breath taking view of the Vaigai dam makes for an experience worth remembering.

He green valley View is formerly called as Suicide Point. It received its name because of the dangerous valley which is deep and dense. The valley below the point is more than 5000 feet drop. The best time to visit the Valley View is between 10 am and 3 pm as the valley gets covered by mist as the day advances making it difficult to have a clear view.

To get a fabulous view of the Kodaikanal, simply visit the Green Valley View Point. Earlier known as the Suicide Point due to its depth and denseness, it is situated near the Kodaikanal Golf Club and comes on the way to Pillar Rocks. Standing here, you can feast your eyes with a view of 1524 metres deep, lush green valley brimming with flora and fauna. On clear days, Vaigai reservoir is also visible from here. This place gets misty very often, so you have to choose a sunny day to enjoy the mesmerising scenery of this location. The pathway to the ultimate point is lined with small shops and food stalls. You find a lot of monkeys here adding to the thrill of the spot. It is almost 6 Km away from the Kodaikanal bus stand and is well connected by road.

History

Green Valley View, located around 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, is the point from where tourists can enjoy the beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. The place is formerly known as Suicide Point owing to facts that it is deep, dangerous and dense.

The valley is around 5,000 ft deep and the ideal time to make a visit to this valley is between 10 am and 3 pm. The major attraction of this valley is presence of plenty of monkeys.

Thalaiyar Falls, Kodaikanal

Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State, South India.

Overview

Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State, South India. It is 975 ft (297 m) tall and is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world.

Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State, South India. It is 975 ft (297 m) tall and is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the third highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. Thalaiyar falls also known as rat tail falls located in the Palani hills. The falls got the name of a Rat tail falls because it can be spotted as a silver line from a long distance on the way.

The river water coming to the falls is from Perumal Malai village, through a 9 km downstream and is said to be clear. On the contrary, it may be polluted, and hence, visitors to the area are advised to avoid drinking it.On a bright day, the falls is visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road; where it appears like a white long and narrow strip of water on a background of black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills.

History

The Thalaiyar Falls, also known as the Rat Tail falls are located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu. With a height of 975 ft, the waterfalls are the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, and the third highest in the country with a worldwide rank of 267. On a clear day, the falls are visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road.

The falls got the name of a Rat tail falls because it can be spotted as a silver line from a long distance on the way. It is possible for tourists to walk along the wall of the falls and reach the centre of the falls to enjoy them better.

Hiking is allowed near the falls but only to their bottom and that too in the dry season, as there have been accidents when hiking to the top part of the falls. The hike usually begins at the Manjalar Dam proceeding along the path through the Mango orchards and potato fields around the Manjalar Reservoir and then goes up along the watercourse till the small shrine of Goddess Kamakshi.

Bryant Park, Kodaikanal

A favourite place of canoodling couples, Bryant Park is one of the most vibrant and colourful attractions in Kodaikanal. It blooms with more than 740 varieties of roses and boasts of more than 325 variants of trees and shrubs.

Overview

Bryant Park is a 9.603-acre (38,860 m2) privately managed public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.Although technically the Main Branch of the New York Public Library is located within the park, effectively it forms the park's functional eastern boundary, making Sixth Avenue the park's primary entrance. Bryant Park is located entirely over an underground structure that houses the library's stacks, which were built in the 1980s when the park was closed to the public and excavated; the new library facilities were built below ground level while the park was restored above it.

Even though it is part of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Bryant Park is managed by the private not-for-profit corporation Bryant Park Corporation. The park is cited as a model for the success of public-private partnerships. The park was redesigned in 1988 by landscape architect Hanna/Olin Ltd. and architect Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates.

History

In 1686, when the area was still a wilderness, New York's colonial governor, Thomas Dongan, designated the area now known as Bryant Park as a public space. George Washington's troops crossed the area while retreating from the Battle of Long Island in 1776. Beginning in 1823, Bryant Park was designated a potter's field and remained so until 1840, when thousands of bodies were moved to Wards Island.

The first park at this site opened in 1847 as Reservoir Square.It was named after its neighbor, the Croton Distributing Reservoir. In 1853, the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations with the New York Crystal Palace, featuring thousands of exhibitors, took place in the park.The square was used for military drills during the American Civil War, and was the site of some of the New York City draft riots of July 1863, when the Colored Orphan Asylum at Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street was burned down.The Crystal Palace, also known as the Great Exhibition Hall, burned down in 1858.

In 1884, Reservoir Square was renamed Bryant Park, to honor the New York Evening Post editor and abolitionist William Cullen Bryant. In 1899, the Reservoir structure was removed and construction of the New York Public Library building began. Terrace gardens, public facilities, and kiosks were added to the park.

Silver Cascade Falls, Kodaikanal

The Silver Cascade Falls formed as a result of the over flowing of the famous man-made Kodai Lake, are the perfect way to have a break while on a long road trip. One can also take a swim in the waters of the waterfall provided the temperature is right.

Overview

Silver Cascade Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls, is the first attraction that unfolds to tourist, located on the Madurai - Kodaikanal road, on way to Kodaikanal. This waterfall is the result of excess water in the Kodai Lake, which comes down as a fall. Silver Cascade Falls is located at a distance of around 8 km from Kodaikanal.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal is the Silver Cascade (Waterfalls). Located 8 km from Kodaikanal (on the Madurai-Kodaikanal road), Silver Cascade is the result of excess water in the Kodai Lake (one of the man-made lakes in India). Soothing to your mind and soul, these falls create a thrilling and magical ambience. The water cascades down from a height up to 180 ft. and its picturesque beauty leaves you awestruck. You can see some visitors taking bath in this fall and enjoying the place as a picnic spot too. Moreover, you can see some fruit sellers and some shops offering you the forest products near to falls. Monsoon, between the months of July and August, is the perfect time to plan a visit these Silver Cascade as the water gushes more vigorously.

History

The hill of Karkotaka is quite well known for the Nag Temple and is visited by thousands of pilgrims who come here to worship the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja on the event of Rishi Panchami. Karkotaka hill is named after a mythical cobra named Karkotaka. It is believed that the temple with the serpent god protects the villagers from snake bites.

Considered to be an ideal location for nature lovers, this falls is 180 ft high. Owing to the presence of various minerals in the water of this fall, taking a bath in this fall is refreshing. In addition, this fall also serves as a halting point for vehicles and tourists as there are several shops dotted around, which sell fruits and other forest products.

Guna Caves, Kodaikanal

It is about a unique natural heritage site called the Devil's Kitchen or Guna Caves. It is located at the outskirts of Kodaikanal town and it can be reached from the popular Moir Point.

Overview

The Dindigul division forest department has been taking steps to allow tourists to have a clearer view of the famed ‘Guna cave’ in Kodaikanal. The cave, named after the popular Kamal Hasan-starrer Guna in 1991, had been a major attraction for tourists to the Kodaikanal hills. However, it was closed to the public for the last 10 years due to the increase in the number of suicides by love-couples. The forest department had fenced off the path from the main road to prevent people from visiting it.

It is about a unique natural heritage site called the Devil's Kitchen or Guna Caves. It is located at the outskirts of Kodaikanal town and it can be reached from the popular Moir Point. The place, which remained little known and was rarely visited only by the hikers became very popular after a Tamil movie named 'Guna' was shot here in 1992 CE.

Enter at your own risk... Surprised to hear this statement? Yes, Looks like Beauty comes with Lots of Risks involved. There is no doubt that this place is very interesting to visit at the same time its bit dangerous to visit too. Once There were troup of 12 got deeper into the cave and never turned back it seems. Just now during my reading I found that there is a Lucky person survived after he fell inside the very same Guna Cave. Here is the News

History

Located on the southern escarpment of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal, is a rock formation called Pillar Rocks: three massive rocks about 400 ft. tall, standing adjacent to each other and protruding out of the cliff face. Legend has it that the Pandavas once stopped in Kodaikanal and cooked their meals here while they stayed in this area. The caverns in between these rocks and the cliff face were formerly known as the Devil’s Kitchen, due to the visual effect of fog passing the cave, rising up and coming out of an opening that resembles a chimney. The region was a little known hiking spot prior to the 1992 Tamil movie ‘Guna’. Several scenes from the movie were shot within this Cave, and this ended up making it a famous tourist destination and later being named Guna Caves.

Entry into the deeper ravines of the cave is restricted and cordoned off due to mysterious rumoured disappearances of inquisitive explorers in the recent past. The cave system can be safely seen from a distance as well. There are good trekking trails that lead to the caves and the surrounding region is covered by lush green forests and breath-taking views of the valley often covered in fog. Guna Caves is 7 km from the Kodaikanal bus stand and an 8- to 10-minute drive.