Tourist Places

Enjoy a mystic walk among the clouds at the Coakers walk, near Kodaikanal Lake. Nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs should not miss the place, for the view and ambience it offers are indescribable. Open from 7 am to 7 pm, the walkway is very near the Kodaikanal Lake. A kilometre-long stretch or pathway is an ideal destination for sightseeing and a stroll. Tourists come here to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. The pathway starts from Van Allen hospital and passes the vicinity of St Peter’s church. For security and safety reasons, there are fences on either side of the way. This walkway was constructed in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker on the steep mountain slope. The Pambar River valley is situated towards the south-east side of the walkway. If the day is clear, tourists can see the Dolphin’s nose point in the south and also Periyakulam town and Madurai city from the viewpoint.  If luck favours, you can see your shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This phenomenon is called the Brocken spectre. For enjoying a clearer and wider view of the landscape, there is an observatory along the walkway. It is better to visit the place before 2.30 pm for a clear view before the mist sets in. Entry fee is Rs 10 per person and Rs 20 for the telescope observatory. You need to pay an extra Rs 30 for still photography.  There are eateries near the walk that serve you sliced mangoes and chaats like bhel. There are also shops that sell warm clothes at an economical price and also  mementoes and souvenirs. Bicycles are available on rent at Rs 30 per hour and there are also lockers to keep your belongings safe. Since the road is steep, it is best to wear sports shoes, rather than slippers or heels,  for a comfortable walking experience. You can carry water with you to keep yourself hydrated.

The fame of Kodaikanal lake or Kodai lake has spread across states and it has become one of the favourite photographic spots and movie locations, even in Bollywood. There are resorts and hotels available around the lake where you can sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake and the enticing landscape around it. The star-shaped artificial lake, with a depth of 3 meters, was built in 1863 under the stewardship of the Collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge. Known as the heart of Kodaikanal, this lake has been a much sought-after location for Bollywood movies. It is an ideal place for you to unwind and get rejuvenated. People can enjoy boating in the lake, either in normal or luxury boats. There are also rowing and pedalling boats. The first boat  was brought to the lake from Tuticorin.  There is also a Kodaikanal Boat Club. The lake is rich in a variety of flora and fauna with different species of fish and aquatic plants. Kurinji or Strobilanthes cynthiana, which blooms once in 12 years, is found in the catchment area of Kodai Lake. Flower shows in summer are yet another attraction of the place. People cycle or go on horse rides around the lake. Tourists also have the option of taking bicycles on rent. There is ample space for parking near the lake. There are also recreational sports activities for children near the lake. Shopping enthusiasts can shop at the local vendor shops, including Tibetan shops. Home-made chocolates, hot tea, snacks, and dresses are available. There are no entry fees to the lake. You can visit the place between 6.00 am and 5.00 pm, but the evening hours would be an ideal time. People also enjoy fishing in the lake. If you have a membership in the Boat Club, you can enjoy swimming in Kodai lake. 

Situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres, the Guna Caves are a thing of mystery and wonder that attracts travellers in hordes. Known earlier as ‘Devil’s Kitchen’, the place got its name ‘Guna’ after the 1992 Tamil blockbuster movie “Guna” was shot here. Located on the Moir Point road, the caves are situated 10 kilometres from Kodaikanal. You reach the caves after a walk through pine forests. Whilst you may not be able to enter them for safety reasons, you can always view the caves from a safe distance. The caves rest in an area covered with Shola trees and grass. The gnarled, matted and twisted sets of roots of these trees are spread across the area, and evoke a sense of enigma in travellers. They also make up for a good backdrop to capture pictures. History has it that an American Mr B. S. Ward discovered the place in 1821. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas stayed in the caves and cooked their meals. The caves however shot to fame after the movie “Guna” was shot here. The hit song ‘Kanmani anbodu kadhalan’ in the movie was shot in the cave and ever since, the place has been celebrated by movie lovers. You can always take a look at the deep narrow caves which are now barricaded and grilled with iron bars. If it is a little bit of mystery and history you are looking for, then Guna caves is the ideal place to plan a picnic.

Pine Forests are cloaked in a rustic charm, and walking under the canopy of these old pine trees will offer much-needed solitude for those seeking it. Picture this. An seemingly unending copse of tall, majestic pine trees, hemming you in and nuzzling you in its wild clasp, as birds chirp away in gay abandon. At the Pine Forests, one of the must-visit locales in Kodaikanal, hundreds of pine trees dot the landscape, making it an ideal spot for travellers to wander about. These forests are cloaked in a rustic charm, and walking under the canopy of these old pine trees will offer much-needed solitude for those seeking it.  Located in the south-western part of Kodaikanal, these plantations were put up a century ago. They make for an idyllic spot to listen to the whispers of Nature. A British Officer Mr H. D. Bryant has been credited with initiating the move in 1906 to grow timber.  In local parlance, there are two sets of pine forests viz. Pine Forest 1 and Pine Forest 2. While Pine Forest 1 is situated near the Solar Observatory, Pine Forest 2 is located near Moir Point.  One of the most sought-after locations by movie makers, the Pine Forests in Kodaikanal have featured in many famous movies in the country. The forestscape is also a favourite among photographers and travellers alike. Offering a rare sense of quietude and solitude, this is the place to be for Nature enthusiasts. Enjoy a long walk here, where the echo of the forests will keep you company. Apart from photography and Nature walks, you can also enjoy a horse ride along the trail among these lofty, pine trees. 

Situated in a forest conservation area, Berijam Lake is a haven for all Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. If a quiet morning or evening by the lakeside surrounded by lush green woods is what you imagine as a place to unwind, then Berijam Lake is the perfect spot for you. Berijam Lake is located 22 km southwest from the famous Kodaikanal Lake. It is a natural freshwater lake which you can drive down to through beautiful forest cover. A forest pass is required to reach Berijam Lake. It can be easily obtained from the District Forest Office. The quiet forest,  with stunning lake views, and surrounded by acacia and pine trees, is everything you need to spend a tranquil holiday in.  Berijam Lake is situated in the Upper Palani hills in the old site of Fort Hamilton. Carry your binoculars with you as the Upper Palani shola reserve forest is home to the crested serpent eagles, pariah kites, pale-rumped swallows and the edible-nest swiftlets. Migratory birds like common rosefinch, blue chat, leaf-warblers and blyth’s reed warblers also visit this forest.  You can spend some time fishing, bird watching or just strolling around the lake that bestows a pleasant experience to cherish. Boating in the lake is banned in order to preserve the quality of the natural fresh water, and also since it is used as the primary source of water for the nearby town Periyakulam. The river, which is formed by the spillway of a dam, is part of a micro-watershed development. If lucky, you can spot bison, deer, snakes, elephants and monkeys in the forest or around the lake. It is said that different types of mushrooms grow around this area.  The nearby attractions are fire tower, lake view, silent valley and medicine forest that lie close to the lake.