Kodaikanal is a hill station situated inside the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in Tamil means “The Gift of the Forest.” Kodaikanal has a long history as a retreat and tourist attraction and is known as the “Princess of Hill Stations.”
Bengaluru was the starting point of our adventure in December. From that location, travel time is around 8 hours. We boarded the night sleeper bus at 9 p.m. I awoke in the morning to the breath-taking splendour of the hills. We arrived at around 8:30 in the morning. The city of Kodaikanal is surrounded by an extensive range of hills, which contribute to the attractiveness of the location.
Our pre-booked accommodation was very cold, so we had to ask for a heater and pay an additional 500 rupees to keep our rooms warm. We ate breakfast at a nearby restaurant before setting off on our journey. Here are some of my personal insights to the explicit experience I had in these steep hills surrounded by the scenic beauty:
A trek across the mountains
The area around our hotel was mountainous, and we roamed the hills in quest of tranquilly. We explored the area and ascended a hill where we experienced beautiful sights. the lush green grass, the wildflowers, the homes, and the people.
A gloomy evening spent cycling around Kodaikanal Lake:
The city’s centrepiece, Kodaikanal Lake, can be found right in the middle of everything. The lake at Kodaikanal is believed to be one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and attractions. Located in the town of Kodaikanal, the lake has a star-shaped appearance and is bordered by the lush green hills of the northern Palani Hills range. Boat cruise, cycling, and horseback riding are all options for tourists. We opted to cycle for an hour, which cost us 50 rs. We took a ride around the lake, taking in its breathtaking splendour. A market surrounds the lake, selling a variety of goods like as chocolate, food, clothing, and other kodaikanals-specific items.
At about 5 p.m., a dense layer of fog descended from the mountain blanketed the whole lake, making it impossible to see the opposite side. Temperatures began to fall and the lake was soon enveloped in darkness. From the opposite side of the lake, the shop lights surrounding the lake looked like little stars. Despite the fact that the venue was packed, it had the air of a little paradise.
Exploring Viewpoints:
The following day, we hired a cab to take us to several spots of interest surrounding Kodaikanal. Upper lake View Point was the first lookout point. the same lake I’ve discussed earlier, but from above, the view of the lake was really stunning.
Next was Moir view point. it is one of the most important vistas in Kodaikanal, located at the entrance to the forest that leads up to the beautiful Berijam Lake. Thomas Moir launched the Goschen Road construction in 1929 CE, and this location was named for him. On the route that connects Kodaikanal with Berijam Lake, there is a memorial mentioning this. This is one of the busiest spots in Kodaikanal because of the breath-taking views of the valleys.
Pillar rock view was our next destination. it is a great picnic place. The small garden’s name comes from three 400-foot-tall stones. The affectionate atmosphere suggests a beautiful love tale. David Gell’s ‘white cross’ was formerly atop these rocks. Rocks are a must-see. They’re a marvel for Kodaikanal vacationers.
The pillars are known for their bird’s-eye views. The Devil’s Kitchen is between two huge boulders. When the mist and clouds clear, nothing is more lovely than these rocks. Majestic pillar rocks protrude from surrounding slopes. Here, you may rest while gazing over towering hills and bright sky. Potato and onion bhaji are served outside the little garden.
Witnessing pine woods of epic proportions:
The area was surrounded by tens of thousands of pine trees. Pine plantations were started by Mr. Bryant in order to produce lumber, and as a consequence, we now have pine forests. In 1906, work on the plantation was completed. To see so many pine trees welcome you into their world is nothing short of an incredible natural phenomenon. The pine trees are covered with dried cones and leaves, giving the landscape a dull grey. Magic mushrooms, also referred to as “magic mushrooms,” grow abundantly in the surrounding woodland. These mushrooms are said to have hallucinogenic properties.
Walking through the clouds on coakers walk and finally resting in Bryant Park:
The exquisite route of Coakers Walk that arc around the side of the majestic mountain had been designed primarily for use by walkers in the early morning and late evening hours. The whole location was shrouded in mist, which served to accentuate the picturesque quality of the surrounding mountains. After what seemed like strolling on clouds along Coakers Walk, I was finally able to unwind in Bryant Park.
Bryant Park is among the most popular. Bryant Park, a botanical park located on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, is a gift to people interested in botany. In the park, you’ll find a wide variety of flowers, many of which are hybrids or grafted. Because of their high quality and broad diversity, cut flowers from the park are also exported. An additional feature of the park is a glasshouse filled with a wide variety of flowers. We took some time to unwind there by stretching out on the lush grass and enjoying in the sights and sounds of the park’s abundant flora and fauna.
After that, we called it a day and relaxed by the Kodaikanal lake, where we watched visitors boating and enjoyed in the scenery.
Scenic beauty of Poombarai village view:
On the final day of our journey, we set out to discover the picturesque splendour of the village region, beginning with the view of Poombarai village. There is a spot on the road to Munnavanur Lake from where you can see the whole Poombarai Village. The scenery is breathtaking. The community also has an ancient temple that may be visited. Passiflora Art Cafe, a nearby Italian eatery, delivers really delicious cuisine to complement this vista.
Mesmerising view of Mannavanur Lake:
Both a scenic lookout point and a lake may be found at this location. The lake’s surroundings are forested and have a greenish hue. This lake’s parisal was handled by several local people, thus the youngsters that came here had a great time and the pictures turned out great.
It was the following day when we returned to Bengaluru after seeing all of these locations. This trip was a life-renewing experience that also helped me regain my mental equilibrium. Because of it, I became more in tune with the natural world and had a deeper appreciation for its resilience. It improved the quality of time I spent with my loved ones. In addition, I’ll cherish the priceless moments we had together for the rest of my life.
Wanderer☺ 