After a point, the chaos and noise of the city can be too much for one person and an escape is in order. Kodaikanal, set in the heart of the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, proves to be just what the weary traveller needs. There are plenty of places to visit in Kodaikanal if it is rest and relaxation mixed with culture that you are looking for. It enjoys excellent connectivity as it is such a popular tourist hub while remaining quite serene and offers visitors the choice to take a bus or train to Kodaikanal. For a truly indulgent experience where you enjoy the natural beauty that Kodaikanal has for you to soak in, make sure to book a luxurious room in any of the multiple Kodaikanal hotels ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to posh resorts with views of the sublime vistas.
Bear Shola Falls:
Ideal for a fun-filled trek, the Bear Shola waterfalls are located close to Kodaikanal and boasts of a wide range of nature related activity. It offers a spectacular view of the lush forests and the lake which bears once visited giving it its name. Make sure to head here on a breezy morning with suitable transport or take in the sights with a trek. This picnic spot is gorgeous and once you have had your fill you can head for a trek through the Shola forests.
Sacred Heart Natural Science Museum:
Take a walk on the unusual side with a visit to the Sacred Heart Natural Science Museum which is a short walk from the town. The museum is home to artifacts such as taxidermy, preserved human embryos and skulls, as well as plenty of flora as collected over the years by priests and students.
Coaker’s Walk:
Now no visit to Kodaikanal is complete without a little trip down Coaker’s walk. This paved path allows for a beautiful walk when it is shrouded in mist in the morning and lets you have a look at some stunning vistas once it clears while letting you get in touch with nature and gain some serene time.
Shembaganur Museum of Natural History:
Another intriguing educational site, this is less ghoulish than the Sacred Heart Museum with an extensive collection of exotic plants including a variety of orchids as well as relics of Palaiyar tribes that lived in this area.
Bejram Lake:
The Bejram Lake offers a combination of natural beauty and some insightful history. This magnificent lake was once a swamp that the colonial military decided was suited for a transit post and there still stands one building to this day. The swamp was later converted to an artificial lake by the British to produce the beautiful locale we see today.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory:
Before you leave, make sure to experience the sublime beauty of this hill station to its fullest at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The institute has houses of several astronomers who discovered several wonders and has a museum open to the public with all the data from these events. There are also a library and scheduled night-time telescopic viewings.
Hope you liked this list! Have you been to Kodaikanal before? Do share your experience with me in the comments below!