Kodaikanal
Munnar is an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation. Sprawling tea plantations, wild life sanctuaries, picture – book towns, dams,winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station. The Erivakulam National Park, which is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. This mountain goat is extremely endangered and is only found on the heights of the Nilgiri Hills and some nearby parts of the Western Ghats.Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the taluk division of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest".Malayalam meaning of Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.
Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. Much of the local economy is based on the Hospitality industry serving tourism. By pronunciating with short Tamil 'O' as KODI means "The Creepers". So that Kodaikanal means "The Forest of Creepers". "The Forest of Creepers" is also thought to be the English language meaning given in 1885 during the early western habitation of the place, and is still accepted. They called like this with its beauty.
KURUNJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE
Kurunji Andavar Temple is at a distance of 3 Kms from the lake. This is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flower which carpets the hill side and blooms once in 12 Years. " Kurinji " means " Hilly Region " in Tamil literature. " Andavar " means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hills here. From this temple, one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
GUNA CAVES
Guna Caves a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very steep and risky to get in. The public may not be allowed to enter this cave nowadays, though it's a very good place to take pics. But if you are not a professional spelunker, a trip to this cave may be your last. Getting back will be problem as it's very dark and there could be about a 90% chance of suffering a free fall.
PILLAR ROCKS
Pillar Rocks are located around 7 km from the center of the town. These are basically three stones, which uniquely jut into the sky up to a height of 400m. Holding a mini garden, it proves to be an ideal location for witnessing gleaming sunsets and poignant night view of the city.
PINE FOREST
Pine Forest it's on the way to the guna cave. A great view of long, pine trees. You can go a little deep into the forest and be surrounded with numerous pine trees one after the other. Opportunities for some interesting photo shoots available! You can also buy fresh carrots and plum and local fruits from there.
SILVER CASCADE
Silver Cascade it's a nice waterfall on the road side from kodai road to kodai kanal, just before 4-5 kms from kodai kanal. The cold water flows and it's really super to bathe in the cold water and travel in between the eucalyptus trees. If you are going to kodai kanal by private vehicle on the way, you can visit the place. Buy fresh carrots and some exotic veggies around here.
KODAIKANAL LAKE
If you are going in winter, go boating in the evening, as it's an amazing experience to boat through fog settling on the lake. The lake is very near the bus stand. This is a star shaped lake and walking around it during the night is one of the best walking experience you can have in your life. Be cautious that there are lot of dogs around this lake and some places are extremely dark. Walk between 6 and 7 pm, then head back to your room.
