Tamil Nadu · 12 destinations & hidden spots
Created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, Kodaikanal Lake is the sparkling centrepiece of the hill town. Spread over 60 acres with four distinct star-shaped arms, the lake is bordered by a 5-kilometer paved perimeter path where visitors enjoy bicycle rides, horse rides, and boating amid drifting hill fog.
Pillar Rocks consists of three colossal vertical granite boulders standing shoulder-to-shoulder, soaring 122 meters (400 feet) high into the mountain skies. Maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the garden viewpoint overlooks deep dark chasms known as Guna Caves and dramatic vertical rock chasms.
Constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, this winding 1-kilometer pedestrian promenade hugs the steep southern slopes of Kodaikanal. On clear days, it offers breathtaking views of the plains, the town of Periyakulam, and on rare lucky mornings, the elusive optical phenomenon called the 'Brocken Spectre'.
Welcoming travelers 8 kilometers before entering Kodaikanal on the Ghat road, Silver Cascade is formed by the overflow waters of Kodaikanal Lake. The waters plunge down 55 meters of glistening black rock, creating clouds of cool spray and foaming white pools.
Hidden Gem
Located 21 kilometers from Kodaikanal town, Berijam Lake is a tranquil freshwater reservoir nestled in an old valley basin. Regulated strictly by the Forest Department to protect its role as drinking water source, the lake is surrounded by acacia and pine plantations where bison and langurs roam.
Perched atop the Sivagiri hill at an altitude of 450 meters, Palani Murugan Temple is the third of the revered six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. The sanctum houses the revered deity sculpted by sage Bogar out of Navapashanam (an amalgam of nine medicinal herbs), accessible by rope car, winch, and 693 stone steps.
Created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, Kodaikanal Lake is the sparkling centrepiece of the hill town. Spread over 60 acres with four distinct star-shaped arms, the lake is bordered by a 5-kilometer paved perimeter path where visitors enjoy bicycle rides, horse rides, and boating amid drifting hill fog.
Pillar Rocks consists of three colossal vertical granite boulders standing shoulder-to-shoulder, soaring 122 meters (400 feet) high into the mountain skies. Maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the garden viewpoint overlooks deep dark chasms known as Guna Caves and dramatic vertical rock chasms.
Constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, this winding 1-kilometer pedestrian promenade hugs the steep southern slopes of Kodaikanal. On clear days, it offers breathtaking views of the plains, the town of Periyakulam, and on rare lucky mornings, the elusive optical phenomenon called the 'Brocken Spectre'.
Welcoming travelers 8 kilometers before entering Kodaikanal on the Ghat road, Silver Cascade is formed by the overflow waters of Kodaikanal Lake. The waters plunge down 55 meters of glistening black rock, creating clouds of cool spray and foaming white pools.
Hidden Gem
Located 21 kilometers from Kodaikanal town, Berijam Lake is a tranquil freshwater reservoir nestled in an old valley basin. Regulated strictly by the Forest Department to protect its role as drinking water source, the lake is surrounded by acacia and pine plantations where bison and langurs roam.
Perched atop the Sivagiri hill at an altitude of 450 meters, Palani Murugan Temple is the third of the revered six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. The sanctum houses the revered deity sculpted by sage Bogar out of Navapashanam (an amalgam of nine medicinal herbs), accessible by rope car, winch, and 693 stone steps.
