Must-Visit Attractions in Kodaikanal
Ecosystem,
Nature, and Beauty
Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is a serene and picturesque town nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Situated 2,000 meters above sea level in the Dindigul district, Kodaikanal offers lush greenery, mist-covered hills, and a climate that remains pleasantly cool. It boasts a unique ecosystem, and nature here is truly mesmerising. One of the first things to catch the eye were the fresh, luscious vegetables sold along the narrow roadsides, local Kodaikanal produce from unspoiled soil, often said to be organic.
Time spent in this natural haven, also at a location for Tamil movie shoots, was all about tall trees, chilly breezes, and unspoiled wilderness (COLOMBO SRI LANKA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS).
Just 180 feet from Kodaikanal Lake, the Silver Cascade Falls was a mesmerising sight. As a nature enthusiast, I found the lush green surroundings and the soothing sound of cascading water incredibly therapeutic. Watching the falls, feeling the cool water in my hands, and capturing these moments was unforgettable (HOKKAIDO JAPAN SIGHTSEEING GUIDE).
Our accommodation took us back in time, complete with colonial-style chalets and a gold key. Furnished with vintage pieces, bathing involved the old-school bucket-scooping method, and hot water was rationed. Everything felt charmingly preserved, as if time had stood still.
Spread across a vast area, the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary houses a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna - deer, wild boar, and many bird species roam the forests, hills, and water bodies. The misty atmosphere added to the mystical experience of trekking through well-marked trails. The sanctuary is also home to endangered and endemic species.
Unfortunately,
we couldn’t enter the Guna Caves, also known as Devil’s Kitchen, as visiting
hours ended at 5 PM and the caves are off-limits to the public. We viewed them
from a distance. These eerie, narrow chambers formed between massive boulders
gained fame after featuring in the 1991 Tamil film Gunaa, starring Kamal
Haasan.
Kodaikanal Lake
Of course, no trip is complete without a visit to a lake. Kodaikanal Lake offered recreational options such as nature walks, cycling, boating, and horse riding, making it one of the most relaxing things to do in Kodaikanal.
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Sundareswarar (Shiva), this ancient marvel in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a must-see. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is known for its intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and Dravidian architecture. Spanning 14 acres, it features grand halls like the Thousand Pillar Hall.
After
depositing our phones, cameras, and slippers for a fee, we stood in a long
queue under the blistering sun. Opting for the express lane, we still faced
another lengthy wait. Finally, we were granted less than three minutes to see
and pray to Meenakshi Amman. That was it.
Tiruparankundram
Murugan Temple
One of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, also known as Subramanya or Kartikeya, this temple is carved out of a hill and renowned for its rock-cut architecture. Dating back to the 6th century, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple holds significant historical and religious value. After waiting until 4 PM and queuing for 30 minutes, we finally reached the altar. We prayed quickly before being ushered along by the police.
Located on the outskirts of Madurai, Pazhamuthir Cholai is another of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. Surrounded by lush greenery atop a hill, the temple’s serene setting makes it ideal for spiritual reflection. It becomes especially vibrant during the Skanda Shasti festival, drawing large crowds. After offering our prayers to Lord Murugan and other deities, we were in and out within 20 minutes.
Uchi Malai Pilayar Temple (Rockfort Temple)
Also known as Rockfort Temple, this historic shrine in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) dates back to the 7th century. Perched atop a massive rock formation rising 83 meters above the surrounding plain, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, or Pillayar.
Climbing the steep steps carved into the rock led us to the main altar where we said our prayers. The panoramic view of Trichy city and the Cauvery River was breathtaking. On the way down, shops lined the path, offering souvenirs and snacks.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
This grand temple in Chennai, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu, is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. It stands out for its Dravidian-style architecture, majestic towers, detailed carvings, and peaceful courtyards, even amidst the chaos of the city. We offered our prayers, walked around to admire the temple, and left within half an hour.
A peaceful stop in Chennai, the Shree Sai Baba Temple is ideal for Sai Baba devotees and even casual tourists. Simple yet meaningful, the temple provides a moment of calm for prayers and reflection.
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