Kodaikanal Destination Guide | Kodaikanal Offbeat Attractions

Kodaikanal Off Beat Attractions

There is so much written about Kodaikanal, a simple Google search will bring hundreds of pages – most of them are informative and covers all the known attractions. Since, the editor at Travelpaisa, calls me an Insider (owing to the fact that I am a frequent visitor to Kodaikanal), I have to come with something new and write about not so common attractions (Offbeat spots) of Kodaikanal.

1. Amazing Treks at Kodaikanal
Boating at Kodai Lake is an obvious tourist attraction. (Let me give a small tip here: If you are visiting Kodai in winter, schedule boating in late afternoon when the mist envelops the lake. It is an amazing experience) – But the real beauty of Kodaikanal can be appreciated when one decides to go on a trek.
Kodai offers amazing trekking trails – Some difficult and some easy. District Forest Office (DFO) has identified 17 trails and has published the details in an informative booklet. I would urge you to contact DFO office located near Hotel Tamil Nadu (Phone: 91- 04542 –240287) and get hold of the booklet and obtain necessary permission. Some of the treks are simple and straightforward, while others may need a bit of prior experience and also assistance of a local guide.
(Example of a Kodai trek )

2. Cycling

After your mandatory tour of the common attractions at Kodaikanal, just hire a cycle and cycle aimlessly around Kodai taking care to avoid the common attractions. There are special cycles for couples and these are pretty romantic for honeymooners. Cycles can be hired near Hotel Carlton. Typically, tourists cycle around the lake, which in itself is interesting, but there is more fun when you venture just out of town
If you do not want to venture out, the common cycling trail is to start from Kodai Lake, go on to Pine Forest and then Chettiar Park and finally Coaker's Walk

3. Golf Club
Kodaikanal golf club is quite an old one (started nearly hundred years back), is now well maintained and an excellent 18 hole Golf course. If you are a golfer, take temporary membership and enjoy golfing at an altitude of seven thousand feet. If not, you can always sign up for an introductory course!

4. Kodaikanal Observatory
A functional observatory that is open to public on Friday Mornings is a must visit if you are into astrophysics. Contact them at 91- 04542- 240217 before reaching there.

5. Berijam Lake:
This is at 25 Kms from Kodai lake and unsuspecting tourists are asked to pay Rs.1,000 for a car trip to Berijam Lake..You have to negotiate real hard to get a good bargain. Better alternative is to take a local bus to Kavunji village and trek down from there
Berijam lake is highly recommended. The lake is less crowded with absolutely no trace of pollution. The sights of the valley are picture perfect from Berijam lake. The lake is maintained by forest department and is open to public only till 4 PM.

6. Kurunji Andavar Temple
This is just 3 Kms from the lake. Kurunji is a special flower which blooms only once in 12 years. Once it blooms, it is time for celebration. The temple is dedicated to lord Murugan. Temple offers excellent view of Palani mountains and Vaigai dam

7. A Practical Tip (Local Excursion):

Most tourists will undertake the half day excursion tour organized by many hotels and also enterprising local entrepreneurs. I am not a major fan of these trips, but it might be worthwhile to go on one to save time. These excursions cost around Rs. 200 – Rs. 250 per head and if the driver asks for more, then it is better to find another one

Contribution by Mahadevan, a Charted Accountant from Madurai

[ Back ]

Budget Hotels | Honeymoon | Links | Blogs | Other Links