Kodaikanal is easily one of South India’s most preferred hill station destinations. Dotted densely with numerous forests rich in bio diversity, Kodaikanal stands majestically just south of the Palani hills in Madurai at an altitude of approximately 2,100 ft above sea level. Sprawling mountainous areas, winding roads, beautiful flowers in bloom, mountain goats, cute cottages and little residential tenements, adorn this picturesque colonial town. Of late Kodaikanal is becoming famous for its trekking trails too. It’s a refreshing change to explore an undiscovered side of this quaint hill station strolling.
Getting there
Kodaikanal is well connected both by road, rail and air. It’s located at about 520 kms from Chennai. You are able to take the night train – Pandian Express from Chennai – and get off at Kodai Road. The drive uphill is in a position 3 hours. The closest airports are Madurai (135kms), Trichy (200 kms), Coimbatore (170kms) and you can drive down from there. The drive is through winding roads with amazing views. That you’d have the ability to stop on the way, have a picnic, breathe in the fresh mountain air and make friends with the monkeys (though it is advisable to be careful they don’t snatch your food or jump in the vehicles). The Thalaiyar Falls may be seen throughout the distance (often referred to as Rat’s Tail) as you drive up. There’s one stop on the way if you like to splash around inside the waterfalls. The drive downhill takes the same amount of time that allows you to want to leave Kodaikanal early to catch your connecting mode of transport on time since the traffic tends to pick out up post noon. It’s endorsed to drive both uphill and downhill before nightfall.
Things to do/see
Kodaikanal is superb for its homemade chocolates and no visit is complete without a trip to the cheese factory – The Cheese Shop. There are all sorts of cheese available right from mozzarella to cheddar to a giant assortment of flavored cheese. The eucalyptus oils listed here are excellent for joint or muscle pains and sprains. The Aloe Vera products are freshly made and great for the exterior. The fresh herbs are aromatic for cooking. Fruits are in abundance in step with season. The fervour Fruit is the key favourite here and when in season the red and yellow raspberries are popular. Kodai has plenty of organic farms too. The tall Eucalyptus trees which are over 200 years old are found at almost every nook and corner of town. The aroma of eucalyptus combined with the fresh mountain air is perfect therapy for weak lungs and troubled nostrils.
The Kodai lake is the well-liked attraction. Along the lake area, there are lots of shops selling food and other knick knacks. During season time it’s overcrowded so watch out for unwanted elements. A cycle ride around the lake is wonderful throughout the early morning hours. The horse rides cause much amusement for the children. At the Seven Roads Junction, there are plenty of Tibetan and other shops belonging to self help groups that sell useful home accessories. Coaker’s Walk is a scenic walk along a narrow pathway with a fine looking view of the surrounding hills. The walk at night is lit up with serial lightsKodaikanal mountains and is definitely the right setting for honeymooners. Bryant Park, Bear Shola and Pambar falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, Observatory, Guna Caves, the Pine forest etc., are other must-see places. Manage to snap away along with your camera!
A visit to the Pambar and Bear Shola Falls is more healthy discovered trekking throughout the vast forest area and alongside the stream. This is very exciting in the event you’re a complete trekking and nature person. If you are lucky, you’ll find the wild boar, Indian Langur, bisons etc., You will encounter fresh bison paw marks and maybe bones and skin of an animal who has just been devoured. A scenic trekking trail takes you to Dolphin’s Nose and Pillar Rocks. As you reach the top of the mountain, watch the mist are available and also you’ll literally feel on cloud 9. The view from this point to Pillar Rocks is breathtaking and yet scary! This same route takes you through the Pine forest and the Sholas. Humongous pine trees stand tall as if they’ve got many a secret hidden deep within.
MetroMela’s Tips
• Kodaikanal has numerous hotels, resorts and guest houses all available at affordable prices though during season time, the rates are high.
• Best approach to commute is by your own vehicle. Or hire a car with a driver.
• During the summer, it tends to be warm through the day especially if you are trekking, sightseeing, shopping etc., but the evenings are pleasant.
• Be prepared for chilly nights and load up on the thermals and woolens.
• Carry a camera and walking / trekking shoes.
• Genuinely, buy the chocolates.
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Kodaikanal is a perfect long weekend getaway and the oneness with nature is truly welcoming!
