Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, among the Palani Hills on the Western Ghats is Kodaikanal. Also shortly known as Kodai, Kodaikanal offers a number of places to visit for any tourist's interest. Here's a list of the top ten tourist places which no tourist should dare to miss, when in Kodaikanal.
1) Kodai Lake- Situated at the heart of the main town area and also a favorite evening spot, this star-shaped lake is beautifully maintained and also offers boating facilities. Small horse rides also make a good pastime in the early evenings here.
2) Coakers Walk- About 1 km from the Kodai lake and surrounded with a picturesque view of the plains as well as scenic valleys, Coaker's Walk has been named after Lt. Coaker, who created the map of Kodaikanal. Mornings are the ideal time to visit this place, free of hawkers and mist.
3) Bryant Park- Landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom this park has been named, this is an important botanical park in Kodaikanal, which houses different varieties of flowers, rafts and hybrids. In May, the annual horticultural show is held here.
4) Perumal Peak- Located at a distance of about 11.3 kilometers from the Kodaikanal town area, this peak offers excellent opportunites of trekking for the adventurous tourists.
5) Kurinji Andavar Temple- This temple located at 3 km from the Kodai Lake, with its presiding God as Lord Muruga. The flowers inside the temple bloom once in twelve years.
6) Pillar Rocks/ The Devil's Kitchen- A collection of very dangerous, hidden ravine that looks like a small dark gutter in the first instant but is actually a deep fall. These three rocks magnificently project into the sky to a height of about 400ft. This is a must see spot for adventurous tourists.
7) Green Valley View/Suicide Point- The dangerous valley below this point is more than a 5000 feet drop, which explains why it was earlier known as Suicide Point. Situated near the Kodaikanal Golf Club, this vantage point provides a picturesque view of the nearby hills and the Vaigai Dam.
8) Silent Valley View- Seen on the Berijam Lake road and situated at a little distance from the Pillar Rock, this spot offers a breathtaking view of the valley and should not be missed, particularly by nature enthusiasts.
9) Solar Observatory- A short walk from the Kodai Lake, it is one among the three solar observatories in the world which happen to be more than 75 years old. It has been constructed at the highest point of the town.
10) Berijam Lake - A very attractive tourist spot, Berijam Lake is nestled within a reserved forest region and requires prior permission to be visited as it is not open for the general public. The lake sprawls over an area of 24 hectares.
