On my recent visit to the princess of hill stations, Kodaikanal, I embarked on a scenic Kodaikanal park and valley tour to admire the beauty of this nature’s paradise situated amidst the lush green landscapes!
- CHETTIAR PARK
Chettiar Park is the home of Kurinji flowers and if you are looking for a calm and relaxing place to unwind with your loved ones, then this is the place to be as it comprises lawns full of greenery, and spaces covered with beautiful flowers. Also, every spot in this park is so attractive that you won’t stop clicking pictures for the gram!
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Ticket Price: ₹20 For Adults & ₹15 For Children
- KURINJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE
The Kurinji Andavar Temple was inaugurated in the year 1936. A European lady Leelavathi came to Kodaikanal, India, got faith in the Hindu religion, and raised the temple. She also married a Tamilian Ramanathan. Later on, the lady called Miss Ramanathan. Furthermore, Leelavathi’s granddaughter, Devi Prasad Baskaran, and her husband Baskaran donated this temple to the Palani Andavar Temple. Initially, it was named Sri Kurinji Easware Temple in which Kurinji means flower and Easware means the Lord.
- UPPER LAKE VIEW
Upper Lake View lies on the way to Green valley view point. Upon reaching here, you get a wonderful view of the star-shaped lake, surrounded by lush greenery. The view is absolutely camera worthy and there are a few shops outside in case you are interested in shopping.
- MOIR POINT
On the way to Berijam lake, lies the Moir Point, named after Sir Thomas Moir. It is believed that this is the point where Sir Thomas Moir who was an engineer, had laid out the foundation to build a road which is known as Goschen road/ Forty Mile Road in the year 1929. There’s a pillar at Moir point, which is made as a memory of this specific event and to mark the opening of the road.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Ticket Price: ₹10 For Adults & ₹10 For Children
ALSO READ: PUNE’S 5 MAANACHE GANPATI
- GUNA CAVES
Guna Caves are located at an altitude of 2200 meters and got their name from Kamal Haasan’s blockbuster Tamil movie, Guna which was shot here. The caves are amidst the area covered with Shola trees and grass. The huge, twisted sets of roots of these trees are spread across a large area making unique patterns evoking a sense of enigma in travelers and making it a perfect backdrop for the travel pictures!
Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM
Ticket Price: ₹10 For Adults
- LIRIL FALLS
Liril Falls emerged from Kodaikanal Township Reservoir and are incredibly eye-pleasing. They are worth stopping by especially to click selfies and photos as they look like a legit photoshoot set. Moreover, there are shops on the way to the falls where you can buy the famous homemade chocolates and spices of Kodaikanal.
- LA SALETH CHURCH
La Saleth Church dates back to 1863 when its foundation was laid by a French Missionary who believed in the philosophy of La Salette. The funding for the construction of this church came from a Belgian lady who donated benevolently after her daughter was cured of a disease. After almost 3 years of building the shrine, the church was dedicated to Our Lady of La Salette (believed to be an apparition of Mother Mary) on Easter Sunday in 1866.
- BOAT HOUSE
If you wish to have a calm boating experience in Kodaikanal, then this star-shaped lake is bound to carry you to the cosmos. There is a variety of boating options to choose from pedal boats, row boats, and shikara boats. I would highly recommend you to go here in the evening so you can enjoy the sunset along with Kurunji colors filling your eyes to a decorous level!
Boat Ride Prices: Starting From ₹150 Per Boat
I would recommend you to book sightseeing tours in Kodaikanal from Saraswathi Tours & Travels as they are the ones from whom I booked this Kodaikanal Park and Valley Tour and must say, their arrangements were top notch!
