Wish to run away from the scorching heat and enjoy nature at its best? Rush to the kaleidoscopic land of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal lies pretty in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. The terrific tranquility of the hill resort is simply put awesome. The summer retreat of Kodaikanal literally means ‘gift of the forest’. Though it is the whooping number of peach orchards that will not fail to catch your eye.
The hill resort offers some of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots. You must experience the colonial India at the Kodai Club. The lounge with its period fireplace, the piano, the Leigh Hunt prints, the library stocked with books by Evelyn Waugh, Anthony Trollope, and the bar with stuffed heads of bison, tigers, deer-horns, and a picture of the Laughing Cavalier by Franz Hals, the restaurant with old English plates, a glowing hearth-fire, and landscape prints will remind you of the Bristish Raj. The legacy is extended into the food also with the steaming mulligatawny soup, roast chicken and potatoes, and apple pie. The 114-acres of Golf Links form the other colonial legacy that will sweep you off your feet with its an undulating green velvet carpet.
Though the most magical of all the spots happens to be the lake in the heart of Kodaikanal. At the lake you may indulge in activities like boating and angling. For those of you who would seek even more adventure may opt for any of the many picturesque trek routes in and around Kodaikanal. The Perumal Peak, about 11 km from Kodaikanal, happens to be any trekker’s delight. Kukal Cave located at a distance of 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping site for trekkers. Close to the lake you may enjoy the beauty of the plains and the distant hills at the Coaker’s Walk. The views from the landmark that has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers are incredibly intoxicating and unforgettable. For an amazing view of the valley Kodaikanal has the Pillar Rocks. The set of three vertical pillars standing 112 m from the ground add to the magic of the sun set and the sunrise.
The other must visit spot of Kodaikanal is the Bryant’s Park. Its well-laid out gardens contain many annuals and perennial flowers like azaleas, watsonias, dahlias, stock, primulas, fusschias, asters, etc. Its pine and eucalyptus trees are awesome. The lotus pond and the many exotic varieties of orchids at the Orchid House will make you wish to stay at Kodaikanal forever.
The serenity experienced at Kodaikanal is seldom found in other hill stations across India. Its surroundings also offer excellent opportunities for excursions. Dolphin’s Nose, a flat projecting rock offers a breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below is just 8 kms away. Besides offering beautiful views the Berijam Lake happens to be a popular picnic spot with the tourists.
The soothing hill resort of Kodaikanal is easy accessible through rail, road and air. The nearest airport at Madurai is well connected with the other important airports of the country. The Kodai Road Railway Station happens to be the nearest railhead at a distance of 80 kms. Regular bus services from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore make up for the excellent road transportation to Kodaikanal.
For the time of your life, spend your vacations at the Hill resort of Kodaikanal that has a wide range of accommodation and food options for its tourists. Once you visit the hill resort of Kodaikanal you will return home with a treasure or soul stirring memories of nature at its best and a wish to go there again.
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