The star-shaped lake of Kodaikanal is one of the major attractions of this quaint little hill station. Situated at the heart of the main town area, it is also a favourite evening spot for the locals as well. It is the legacy of former Collector, Sir Vere Levinge, who formed it by damming the valley where three streams flowed. The entire lake area is spread over an area of about 60 acres. Here you can also try out some boating courtesy the Boat Club that is located here. Moreover, small horse rides can also make a good pastime in the early evenings.
kodaikanal has some of the best view points from where you can have a thrilling view of the entire Kodai valley. The hill station/’s best view points are Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View point and the Dolphin/’s Nose. You must not miss a visit to these places as they are known for their natural marvel and beauty. You could also find some of the locally made products here to take along as the memorabilia of your visit.
Situated at a distance of just 3.2 kilometres from the Kodaikanal lake, it is one of the only three solar observatories in the world that is more than 75 years old. Built at an elevation of 2343 meters, the Solar Observatory was built at the highest point of the town. You can have a look into the solar system by booking your tickets for the scheduled shows.
Kodaikanal is ideal for lazy walks and to add up to your satisfaction it has some of the picturesque walks too. The Coaker Walk and Priest/’s Walk are the two of them. Situated at a distance of about 1 km from the Kodai lake is the Coaker Walk. It has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers. The walk offers you a fantastic view of the plains and the distant hills.
The Perumal Peak is another important tourist point in Kodaikanal. Situated at an altitude of 2,440 metres it lies at a distance of about 11.3 kilometres from the Kodaikanal town area. The peak also offers excellent opportunity for trekking for the adventurous tourists.
It seems as if mother Nature has bestowed all her treasures into this gifted forest area. Besides the lakes, the wonderful walks and the picturesque peaks, Kodaikanal also has two falls namely the Fairy Falls and Glen Falls that make a thrilling site. The Fairy Falls is just 4.8 kilometres from the Kodaikanal main town. Picnickers crowd this place during weekends.
Kodaikanal has a wonderful Orchidorium having 300 species of trees and flowers. You can also visit the herbarium that houses around 2500 plants and a mass garden. The Orchidorium is a living storehouse of a number of trees that are of great scientific importance. The Orchidorium is open for visitors from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm on weekdays.
Tour-1 (Valley Tour)
(Trip Time 09.30am - 2.30pm)
Coaker's Walk
Green Valley View
Golf Course
Pillar Rock
Pine Forest(cine shooting place)
Moier point
Upper Lake View
Devils Kitchen (Guna cave)
Tour-2 (Park Tour)
(Trip Time 02.30am - 4.30pm)
Jain Temple
Kurinji Andaver Temple
Chettiar Park
Palani View
Kodai City View
Bear Sola Falls
Bryant Park
Lake
Tour-3 (Forest Tour -Wild Ways)
(Trip Timing 09.30am - 03.00pm)
Silent Valley View
Fire Tower
Berijam Lake View
Cap's Fly Valley
Berijam Lake
Kodai Lake (or) City / Resort Drop
Tour-4 (Picnic tour-Forest Cine Shooting)
(Trip Timing 09.30am - 03.00pm)
La Saleth church
500 Years Old Tree
Dolphine Nose
Mountain Beauty
Lion Cave
Pambar Falls - Shopping
Echo Rock
Kodai Lake (or) City Drop
Tour-5 (Forest Tour)
(Trip Timing 09.30am - 03.00pm)
Observatory Pine Forest(Shooting Point)
Gundar Falls (Neptune Pool)
Poombarai Village View
Mahalakshmi temple
Lake View
Palani View
Kodai Lake (or) City Drop