Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations

Let me take you to a land shrouded with clouds and mist.Located in Tamil Nadu, this hill station is quite famous and stays true to its meaning even today. Kodaikanal is an apt place for nature lovers.

Photo of Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations 2/3 by ANKITA DEY — On the way to Dolphin Nose

Photo of Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations 3/3 by ANKITA DEY — Piller Rocks

We had planned a road trip from Bangalore. The road connecting the two cities is really good. It was an overnight journey.Gazing at the mountains rolled up and down with green carpet, endless floating sky with the melody of whistles and chirping of birds around was an awestruck experience. We had booked a cottage in advance located about 8 kms from the bus stand.I would suggest to book a cottage/homestay in advance away from the crowd.

Kodaikanal Lake

We started our trip with Kodaikanal lake. It is a very beautifully maintained 4 point star shaped fresh water reservoir.

Coaker's Walk

Coaker’s Walk: A kilometre long pathway along the edge of a steep slope, Coaker’s Walk offers breathtaking views of Dolphin’s Nose (a cliff that resembles a dolphin’s nose). It opens at 7 am, so try and get there early to catch the sunrise.

Bear Shola Falls

Bear Shola Falls: It is located close to Kodaikanal Lake. Earlier, bears would come here to quench their thirst. Now, however, travellers come here to visit these unique falls nestled in the forest. The falls is dry in the summer season. I couldn't find any water as I went in the summer.

Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake: Around 20 kms from Kodaikanal, Berijam lake is indeed a hidden jewel. Surrounded by pine forests, the lake lies in close proximity to Mathikettan Shola National Park.The lake is the land of "Magic Mushrooms". They are very rare mushrooms and is nature's reply to LSD. They are high hallucinating agents and are natural.

Dolphin Nose

Trek to Dolphin nose:

It took us around 3 hours to climb till Dolphin’s nose & back, which included our time for rest too ! We went for the trek in the morning & the weather was pleasant. The route in not much strenuous & is covered with trees. It passes through a small village with eateries along the way. The view from the Dolphin’s Nose was breathtaking. Standing atop the cliff and looking around to capture the mountains & town below was an awesome experience. Further ahead is Echo Point. This also gave us an astonishing view. We had to climb a small path of rock to go till the end.