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Chennai |
Mamallapuram
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Kanchipuram
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Tiruvanamalai
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Chidambaram
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Kumbakonam |
Thanjavor |
Tiruchinapalli
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Madurai |
Rameshwaram
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Kanyakumari
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Ooty |
Kodaikanal |
Coimbatore |
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Area : 2068
sq.kms.
Languages : Tamil, English
Altitude : 2122 mts., above sea level
One of the most romantic hill stations in the south, kodaikkanal is
located at an altitude of about 2133 mts.On the southern tip of
upper palani hills in the wester ghats. British administrators first
surveyed these hills in 1821. kodaikanal-better known as kodi, about
120 kms from the bustling city of madurai, is surrounded by wooded
slopes, waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops. Nature at her
most beautiful where the ochre earth say covers itself in emerald
silk-that is studded with gems of sheer, glitters water. The mist is
her shawl, covering her with mystique and magic.
The most enchanting sight of kodai is the star shaped lake spread
over 24 hectares where one can go fishing and boating. Perumal peak
is a favourite trekking haunt.The walk to the pillar rocksis
especially beautiful.Another amazing attractions at kodai are the
simply exotic flowers growing wild and over 300 species of orchids
at the orchidarium in the sacred heart college.
Most heart capturing of the blooms, is however the kurinji which
blooms only once in 12 years. The kurinji andavar temple (3.2
kms.away) is dedicated to lord subramanya and offers a lovely views
as well. Other attractons include the various waterfalls like the
silver cascade, the fairly falls&glen falls. Also present in kodai
is one of world’s oldest solar observatories dating back to 1899.
Today kodai is a fast growing resort centre. The small artificial
lake, created in 1910 by the building of a dam just below the
international school, acts as a focus of the town.
Places of attraction :-
Astrophysical Laboratory:
Built in 1889 this laboratory stands on the highest point in the
area 3 kms along Observatory Road uphill from Kodai’s lake.It houses
a small museum open 10 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm Friday. The
buildings housing the instruments are off limits.
Flora and Fauna Museum:
Also worth a visit is the Flora and Fauna Museum at the Sacred Heart
College a theological seminary founded in 1895 on Law’s Ghat Road at
Shembaganur. It also has some archaeological remains.
Parks and Waterfalls:
Near the start of Coaker’s walk is Bryant Park landscaped and
stocked by the British officer after whom it is named. At Chettiar
Park about 3 kms uphill from town and 1.5 kms past the Kurinji
Andavar Temple.There are numerous waterfalls-the main one Silver
Cascade is on the road up to the Kodai. The views along the Coaker’s
walk which has an observatory with telescope and from Pillar Rocks a
7mts. Hike are great.
Kodaikanal Lake:
It covers 24 ha in a star shape surrounded by wooded slopes. The
lake of Kodai has been wonderfully landscaped. |
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