Recently, we were at the mesmerising smoking rocks (literal translation for Hogenakkal Falls) in Tamil Nadu, and experienced the speedy downhill journey of the mighty Cauvery. But I was longing for a hilly vacation. And Kodaikanal, the famous hill station in TN flashed in my mind. So after all the ayurvedic treatments, we packed the memories of Hogenakkal Falls in our mind, and bid goodbye to the Cauvery.
When we started driving towards Kodai, the morning sun was smiling brightly and everything around was basking in its golden glory. Through the winding path that neatly cut between paddy fields, we sped into a green kingdom where the soaring coconut trees on both sides resembled palace pillars with green motifs.
Our uphill journey started soon after Batalakundu. My driver pointed out to the Palani Hills and said, ‘Kodai is there’. It looked like just an hour’s drive but traversing through the spiral mountain roads took us almost three hours.
The word Kodaikanal comes from Tamil words kodai and kanal, which literally means ‘relief from heat’ and it surely lives up to its name. Located 120 km from Madurai, this beautiful destination is situated 2,130 metres above sea level, and draws people from every walk of life to its verdant charm and misty mysteries.
On our way up the mountain roads to Kodaikanal, we encountered rains. By the time we reached the boundaries of Kodaikanal, it was raining heavily. We stopped amidst rain and chilly wind at Kodai’s famous Silver Cascade, which is 8 km from the Kodai Lake. The waterfall is actually the overflow of Kodai Lake, which comes down here as a 180-ft high waterfall. We saw many enthusiasts having a good time in its golden waters… yes the recent rain had brought down all the mud with it which completely changed its hue, making it a Golden Cascade instead of Silver.
THE KODAI LAKE
We reached our hotel early in the evening. By then, it had stopped raining. So we decided to take a stroll towards the lake. The 2 km trek was quite pleasant and the best part was gazing at the tourists strolling on the roads or paddling merrily in the paddle boats in the lake.
The 24-hectare lake is surrounded by a 5 km long black tar road and forms the focal point of Kodai. Sir Vere Hendry Levinge built it in 1863. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin and later in 1890, a boat club was formed. It was a fantastic experience dipping my legs in the lake water and watching the mist rising from the surface and slowly blanketing the entire expanse.
MONUMENTS
The next day started with a divine touch. We first went to the Kurunji Andavar temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga, the lord of the hills. It offered us a beautiful view of the plains and the Palani hills. Then we went to Nature’s abode, Chettiar Park. Tucked away in the north-eastern corner, it was indeed a charming place to stop by and spend some time amidst the huge green lawn, nicely laid-out beds of flowers in red and white, with occasional dots of yellow and purple.
Next we moved on to Shembaganur Museum, also known as the Museum of Natural Science History, of the Palani Hills. The museum has preserved the fast disappearing wildlife and the rare flora and fauna of the region. It is one of the best Orchidariums in the country with more than 300 species of exotic orchids. This was also the house of 90 varieties of ferns whereas all over the world we have about 400 varieties.
On our way back, we went to see the Pillar Rocks. It was a majestic sight! Three boulders stood there shoulder to shoulder, vertically measuring 122 metres in height. It was 7.4 km from the lake and the mini garden around the observation point was adding more charm to the place.
Just a little away from the Pillar Rocks was the Silent Valley and the 240-degree view of the entire valley that lay before us deep below, in shades of pastel and green, was breathtaking. From here, Palani looked like a cluster of tiny pebbles of white and grey.
Our next destination was the upper lake view where we saw the Lake in totality from an elevated point. It was like thousands of glittering jewels had been put together in one place.
The next day, we started early to visit the Bryants Park, the last place on our itinerary. The park has 20.5 acres of land, out of which one acre is exclusively allocated for roses. It has 742 rose plants and even the black rose can be found here. The park also houses many old and rare trees.
We still had many things to do at Kodai, like the Coaker’s walk, a hill-edged pathway, Solar Observatory etc, to mention a few. But time didn’t permit us to explore all. So we left this little hill station of South with a promise to come again.
