May 22, 2010 06:28 PM
6415 Views
(Updated May 22, 2010 06:29 PM)
Contd from previous review... https://mouthshut.com/review/Kodaikanal-191847-1.html
Kodaikanal is a paradise for holidayers. Wonderful weather, greenery and great views of the hills and lots of places to see.
You can easily spread your sightseeing program for more than two days. The only problem is that Kodai has become so popular that there is a heavy influx of tourists in the peak season. This creates a huge rush everywhere with traffic jams and crowds. If you want peace and quiet, then dont visit during the peak period from April-June.
Police though are present everywhere to regulate the traffic and thanks to their efficiency the rush is manageable. Another good thing is that all sightseeing places are on one route and you dont have to search for places. Also, one ways ensure that you go along a route without having to criss-cross.
The lake is the start and end point for your sightseeing itinerary. After the lake, you cross the bus stand and start yourtour with Coakers walk.
Coaker's Walk : This is a half km stretch, where you can take a walk and enjoy the views of kodai. You have to pay a nominal entrance fee of Rs.5 per person. Try to go here when the sun is out, else the mist will spoil your view.
Bryant park : is the botanical garden and has a variety of flora. We got caught in a heavy rain the moment we entered the park and so had to beat a hasty retreat.
Kurunji Andavar temple : is a temple dedicated to Lord Muruga and is a typical Tamil Nadu style temple.
La Salette church : is a small church on a hillock, one can get a great view from the top of the hill. The church has colourful stained glass windows. Photography though is not allowed.
Upper lake view : provides a great view of the lake and there is also a telescope house to get a closer view of the lake.
Observatory : I was given to understand that one can see the stars through a telescope here. One has to walk uphill for half a km to reach the place. Sadly there was no observatory, only a museum with photos of stars and an old model of a telescope. Disappointing and avoidable, unless you are a fitness freak and love a exhausting uphill trek.
Pillar rocks : These are three large monolithic rocks which appear like pillars. But unfortunately, there was so much of mist, inspite of it being the middle of summer, that the rock was not visible.
Guna caves : This was the best part of my Kodai trip. To reach the caves one has to climb a hill with tree roots and fallen branches as obstacles. When we reach the top we realise that we have reached the top of the pillar rocks. There is a fearsome chasm, and one wrong step will lead you to instant death. The caves are a network of moss filled places, which became famous after it was featured in a Kamal Hassan movie Guna. After some accidents, the caves and the edge of the mountain have been meshed up.
Bear shola falls : is a tiny falls which you can climb down and reach, though this would not be possible once it rains.
Suicide point and moier view are other view points all of which were a waste as there was nothing visible because of the mist.
Pine forest : is a well known film shooting point and the site of many a hit song. Nice place to take snaps.
Berijam lake : is a beautiful lake inside a forest. This is one place which is peaceful as entry is allowed only for those having a pass from forest dept. We were misguided by someone who told us that the forest was closed on sunday, so we had to miss this lovely place.
Lake : is the heart of kodai and is a star shaped lake with five boathouses, a great place to enjoy.
Silver cascade falls : is an impressive (because of the amount of water in summer) waterfall at the entry to kodai.
Apart from the above, other sight seeing venues include Rat tail falls, Fairy falls, Thaliyar park, Shenbaganur museum, etc.
Kodai is a great place for those who love to go on a holiday for sightseeing. But if you prefer to spend time relaxing, then you can visit this lovely place in the off-season.
Photos posted at this link : https://mouthshut.com/gallery/myphoto.php?user=deepak27&catname=Kodai
