One of Tamil Nadu’s most picturesque hill stations, Kodaikanal is located at an altitude of 7,200 ft in the Palani hills in the Western Ghats. Comprising of densely wooded jungles, cascading hill slopes, circuitous rivers and green rolling valleys, it is a favourite amidst tourists visiting the country’s south.

Though a trip to Kodi—as it is popularly referred to—is all about revelling in nature, here are a few things to take in during your time there

Kukkal Caves
This is one of the most interesting excursions from Kodaikanal. Located at a distance of about 40 km from the city, the journey will take you through thickly forested areas abounding with orchids and shoal trees.

Subrahmanya temple
Also referred to as the Karthikeya temple and the Palani temple, this place of worship is a major draw for tourists. Located about 65 km ahead of Kodaikanal, it is dedicated to Lord Subramanian.

Bryant Park
Named, conceptualised and landscaped after the British officer Glenn Bryant back in 1980, Bryant Park is a botanical garden located to the east of the Kodaikanal Lake.

Berijam Lake
Although it’s a bit of a trek (20 km) from the heart of Kodaikanal, Berijam lake warrants a visit for its spectacular surroundings and untouched beauty. While its more popular counterpart – the Kodaikanal Lake – is thronged by tourists, this is where you need to go if you prefer places that aren’t crowded and commercial.

Pillar Rocks
One of Kodaikanal’s most famous attractions, these three mammoth rock pillars stand shoulder-to-shoulder, looming 400-ft-high in the sky. Affording a bird’s eye view of the surrounding vista, these granite structures are located at a distance of about eight km from the lake tower, and encompass little hidden nooks and crannies within them, which are great to explore.

Solar Physical Observatory
It is situated 3.2 kms. from the lake. This observatory was founded in 1989, and it is located at an elevation of 2343 mtrs. This observatory is the highest point in Kodai. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets.

Coakers Walk
Er.Coaker identified this hill-edged pathway in 1872. About a kilometre from the lake, Coaker’s Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains Entry fee is collected here.

Kurinji Andavar Temple
Situated 3 kms from the lake, it is a famous shrine dedicated to lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Kurinji means the hill region in Tamil literature and andavar means god. Therefore Lord Muruga is referred to as the God of the Hill here. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Telescope House
Telescope House at Coakers Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. A fee is collected to use the telescope.

Green valley View
It is located a little over 5 kms from kodaikanal lake and close to the golf club from here,you can get a magnificent view of the vaigai dam below.

Moier Point
Moier Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 kms from the Pillar rocks Berijam Lake road.

Silent Valley View
Just a little away from the Pillar Rocks and the Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View, which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. Children are advised to walk carefully. Chettiar Park Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the town on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple, the Chettiar park is a charming place.

Shenbaganur Museum
The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It is a Theological Seminary founded in 1895 and devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best Orchidariams in the country. It has over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 kms the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard contributed his many private collections to the museum.

Silver Cascade
It is 8 kms from Kodai lake. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as a 180 foot high waterfalls. churchThose interested can have a bath here.

La Saleth Church
Kodaikanal, the hill country is no exception to this and she too hosts our lady of la saleth shrine possessing the traditional heritage of 150 years and it is one of the two shrines dedicated to our lady of La saleth in the whole world,one in french and the other in kodaikanal. it is near to Coaker’s walk.