Tourist Attractions
Berijam Lake is a natural freshwater lake that is situated at a distance of 22 Km from the Kodaikanal bus stand. It has moved ahead to be one of the leading tourist destinations in Kodaikanal since 1990. The lake not only offers amazing refreshing scenic beauty for nature lovers but at the same time it also serves as a home to numerous other wildlife creatures. Tourists who love to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city mostly visit this lake. You can come here with your family and friends to make memories that will last for ages.The major attraction of the Berijam lake is the sparkling blue crystalline water. This makes it difficult for nature lovers to resist the grandeur of the place.
There are a number of activities like fishing, bird watching, safari tours to do here in the middle of this stunning and surreal location. In the early days, tourists used to relish boating in this wonderful lake, however, the local administration has banned boating in this lake to preserve the natural freshwater. The main reason for banning boating in the lake is that the water from the lake is used as drinking water for a nearby town. Let us uncover bit by bit about this treasured natural treasure trove of Kodaikanal.
Chettiar is a small park which is managed by the Kodaikanal Township and offers a calm and soothing environment to its tourists. Covered with lush greenery and exquisite scenic views all around, this place is worth spending your time at with your loved ones. A wide range of beautiful flowering plants too can be spotted in the garden with the main attraction being the Kurinji Flowers which bloom once every 12 years and create a distinctive purple haze everywhere. Last, the flower bloomed in 2004. The park comprises of floors which have been decorated with flowers in the park and the lush green lawns.
The park has also been a prominent place where many commercial films have been shot which explains the beauty of the site. Situated 3 km away from the Kodaikanal bus stand, the park has been constructed on the hillside and is one of the most captivating parks owing to the rare species of plants that it contains. This small scenic area boasts of natural beauty and a peaceful environment which leaves a strong message to all the nature lovers out there. Also, the bushes designed in various ways and walkways around are going to give you a good time. The diverse garden is a place which can be visited during summers and has a commanding area where you can spend your days appreciating its beauty.
Situated at a distance of 8km from the Queen of Hills, Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal is something you should never miss on. With an altitude of 6600 feet, the Dolphin’s Nose offers enthralling views of the entire city. Rugged terrains, clear skies, plunged valleys, and the splendour of lush green surroundings is what sums up the beauty of Dolphin’s Nose. The cliff is tucked atop a flat and protruding rock piece. It gives it a resemblance to the shape of the nose of a dolphin. This how the cliff got its identity worldwide. Even at such a height, Mother Nature has made this place available and easily accessible for tourism. So, if you are looking to spice up your Kodaikanal visit with an additional flavor, get on your adventurous sporting shoes and start ascending the route of Dolphin’s nose.
For some, the path to the Dolphin’s Nose may seem to be easily accessible; for others it’s a moderately difficult one. Your trekking route to the Dolphin’s Nose is a 3 km long making its way through the rocks and pines of the Palani Hill Range. There is a village nearby and a waterfall to adore on your way to the Dolphin’s Nose. You can get along with the locals, sip a cup of tea of their style, and then move forward. Occasionally, you might come across a scenario where a mystical fog will be seen wrapping up the huge mountain ranges and the valley that goes along. Tourists usually plan a quiet retreat in the lap of the mountains here and engage themselves into a soulful introspection — the beautiful transitions at the onset of both sunrise and sunset adds-on glory to the moment. Besides, the peace and tranquillity which you experience here remain unparalleled!
Located away from the main city of Kodaikanal on the Pillar Rocks Road, Guna Caves is one of the mysterious tourist attractions in Kodaikanal that promises an enthralling experience. Originally known as Devil’s Kitchen, these caves are actually caverns formed between the three boulders of the mountain. The Guna Caves have been formed at an altitude of 2230 metres. Though the caves were discovered in 1821 itself, they gained huge tourist attraction only after the Tamil movie “Guna” shot here became a massive hit. Today, parts of the caves can be seen from a distance. Bats are found in plenty inside the Guna Caves which make the place look scary. The path through the pine forests from the main entrance of the Guna Caves to the actual caves looks out-of-the-world. The huge roots of the pine trees are found everywhere outside the soil and promise a good scope for photography at this tourist spot. There exists a hairline difference between thrill and danger here which is why it is best to visit the Guna caves with a sensible gang of friends or under the supervision of a guide. There are warning signs all through the path leading through from the main entrance to the hilltop.
The narrow ravines inside the caves are now closed to the public. The damp soil, crisp mountain air, cold weather, and the perplexing caves ahead make one’s trip to this place definitely unforgettable. The Guna Caves are surrounded by many other tourist spots like Pine Tree Forest, Suicide Point, and Dolphin Nose Viewpoint that can be clubbed together to make your trip even more exciting.
Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake in the Kodaikanal city which is also known as Kodai Lake. Vera Levinge was the man responsible for the creativity and resources of this lake amidst Kodaikanal town. This lake was developed by the British and early missionaries from the USASA.
The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The lake is at a distance of 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand.
Located at a distance of 3 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, Kurinji Andavar Temple is the place worth visiting not just for religious tourists. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the temple holds an important position amongst Hindu devotes. Lord Muruga is referred as 'God of hill'. In Tamil language, the word Kurinji means 'hill region' and Andavar means 'God'. Thus the name itself symbolises its connection with the hill and the God of the hill. The temple has also connection with the Kurinji flower which blooms on the hill once in 12 years.
It is said that the flower bloomed last in the year of 2004. According some, the honey from this place during the year when the Kurinji flower booms has medicinal value. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Muruga who is referred as 'God of hill'. Just famous 3 kms from the lake, it is vaery famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. Along with this, you can also have amazing view of the Palani and Vaigai dam from this temple.
Situated in the 'Princess of Hill stations', Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. Constituting a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The 'white cross' which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell's excellent tribute to love. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal.
The pillars are famous for providing bird's view of nearby surroundings. The chambers between these two massive rocks are called the Devil's Kitchen. Fewer times you might find rocks covered with mist and clouds, but when the ways become clear nothing beautiful than this could be ever seen. Jutting straight away from the hills that surround them, the pillar rocks are majestic. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies. Moreover, do not forget taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.
Tourist Attractions
The newly built sea shell museum of Mahabalipuram is one of its kind in the country and the largest one in Asia.
It is basically a repository of various kinds of sea shell kept with an aim to educate its visitors. There over over 40,000 different specimens of rare and unique shell in the place.
Krishna's butterball is a gigantic granite Boulder measuring 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs over 250 tons. This strange object in the town of Mahabalipuram is said to be in the same position since over 1200 years.
At one point in its history, seven elephants were employed to move it, but to no avail. It is believed that the rock is a piece of stolen butter dropped by God.
The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. The first ratha that is located right by the entrance gate is Draupadi's Ratha. It is shaped like a hut and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Next comes Arjuna's Rath. This one has a small portico and carved pillar stones and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are no carvings inside this temple, but many are on the outside.
Directly in front of Arjuna's Rath is the Nakula Sahadev Rath. This ratha has some huge elephant sculptures included that are a huge draw for the Five Rathas. It is dedicated to the God of Rain, Lord Indra. The Bhima Rath is huge. It measures 42 ft in length, 24ft in width, and 25ft in height. The pillars there do contain lion carvings even though the ratha as a whole is incomplete. The largest of the Five Rathas is the Dharamraja Yudhistar's Rath.
Mahabalipuram is known for its architectural heritage. It is indeed a wonder to see such intricate sculptures and rock-cut structures in this coastal town. Among several monuments, the Panchapandava Cave Temple in Mahabalipuram has stood the test of times.
The Panchapandava Cave is a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Interestingly, it is named after the Pancha - Pandavas (five Pandavas) of the epic Mahabaratha.
Built during the 7th century, Shore Temple is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty.
The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is located in Mahabalipuram and is one of the most photographed monuments in India situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal.
Tourist Attractions
Doddabetta Peak should not be missed on your travel itinerary if you are in Ooty. It is one of the highest peaks of the Nilgiris. If you are a nature lover, then this sight will definitely delight your heart. The place is decorated with stunning eucalyptus plants, ferns and sholas. On clear days, you will be spellbound to behold the picturesque green landscapes.
Not only that, the most gorgeous summits of Kulkuri, Kattadalu and Hecuba offer the most stunning views to cherish for a lifetime. Here you can also hold the hand of your loved ones and spend some quality time together. It is indeed one of the top sightseeing attractions in Ooty.
If you wish to witness the picturesque view of the mountains and the lush green tea estates on your way to Ooty tour, Dolphin’s Nose is your destination. It is a romantic gem in the Queen of hill stations. This famous attraction does justice to its name and offers its visitors a breathtaking view of the graceful Catherine Falls.
Located at a distance of just 12 km from Coonoor, the Dolphin’s Nose is a wonderful spot where one can enjoy the natural beauty at its best. The 1,550 m high altitude above sea level makes it a perfect getaway for all those who wish to overlook the 180-degree view of the surrounding scenery. If you look at the other side, you will get to see an unobstructed view of the Kotagiri streams, which is a dreamy experience for sightseeing lovers. It is undoubtedly a must-visit sightseeing place in Ooty.
Mudumalai National Park is one of the most critical ecological systems in the country, with Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park to the north and the Wayand wildlife sanctuary to the south. In between them they house more than 500 species of animals, birds, reptiles and even more species of insects. Famous for its tiger population, the National park was recently declared a Tiger Reserve with a population of about 103 tigers. Needless to say the place is breathtaking and captivating for anyone who appreciates nature.
As you ride through the forests you are bound to see elephants roaming freely in the wilderness and different types of deer for starters. As you move deeper into the jungle, if luck favors you, you will see many endangered species of birds and animals.
Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and dollops of green bushes along the shores, Ooty Lake is an artificially constructed lake with picturesque natural surroundings. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ooty.
Originally constructed for the purpose of fishing, the lake has become all but an important tourist landmark in Ooty. An evening cycling around the lake (cycles are available for rent), or a quiet morning with your beloved by your side and the lake in front is enough to bring calm to yourself. Originally extending to a much larger area, Ooty Lake has shrunk in size over the years giving way to other structures like the race course.
Originating in the Mukurthi peak, Pykara River and the waterfalls the river produces is one of the most beautiful and majestic sights that you will get to see in Ooty.
Located 20 kms away from Ooty in the Ooty-Mysore road, the Pykara lake has been developed into a thoroughly enjoyable picnic spot by the addition of a boat house and restaurant.
Be sure to take some time off for Sim’s Park in Coonoor when you’re exploring the popular tourist attractions in Ooty. Home to 1000 plus species of colourful and vibrant flowers, the Sim’s Park is a well-maintained botanical garden where you can enjoy nature at its best along with exploring the breathtaking landscapes.
An excellent and delightful visit for fun seekers, sightseeing lovers and photographers, the Sim’s Park lets you spend some quality time amid lush greenery. Situated on the northern side of Coonoor, the park offers a perfect getaway for all those who are looking to escape from the metro life. It is a great base to discover the hidden secrets of rare exotic plants and is a go-to place for pleasant afternoons on your Ooty tour.
Ooty, the Queen of Hills, is one of the most famous hill stations in Tamil Nadu, India. It has got mountains, gardens as well as lakes. And Ooty also has tea estates, acres of it, spread all around the town.
Although you can stop to enjoy the hypnotising aroma and mesmerising views at numerous places, the Tea Estate View Point near the Doddabetta Peak is worth a visit. You can click photos of the tea plantations across the slopes and also, walk down the trails to feel the tea leaves for real.
Tourist Attractions
Situated within a half hour drive of the French colonial town of Pondicherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre hidden from the eyes and ears of the commonplace Tamil tourism. Its name has been taken from the Tamil word- 'Arikanmedu' which means 'eroding mount'. Very little is known about any Indo-Roman ties in the Before Christ era, but with the discovery and excavation of Arikamedu, extensive proofs were unearthed. This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and French serving as a very famous maritime centre from 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. The glass bead manufacturing factory of Arikamedu is called the mother of all bead centres in the entire world.
The first dig in Arikamedu took place in the 1940s, and since then these excavations are continuously being carried out. Out of these, the institution of Sir Mortimer Wheeler was the most encouraging. At present, the town does not have much to it other than the two perpendicular walls which were laid open and the French Jesuit Mission House which was constructed in the 18th century. More so, one can come across mango trees and coconut trees in this region. The site also comprises of numerous amphorae having the mark of the Roman schools including VIBII, Camuri and IITA present there.
Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.
Conceived as the 'Universal Town', Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. People from 124 countries including Indians from 23 different states came together with some of their native soil brought from their homelands and deposited in a marble urn. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities are the official residents of this township. The Aurovilleans as they call themselves live together on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother.
Located in the White Town of Pondicherry, Aurobindo Ashram has been named after its creator- Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. The foundation of this ashram was laid on 24th November in the year 1926 when he was surrounded by his disciples all over after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry. This ashram was set up with the aim of helping people attain moksha and inner peace. Thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the ashram to experience and achieve spiritual knowledge. The ashram is by far one of the wealthiest ashrams in the world. Also, the ashram does not have any branches and solely exists in Pondicherry.
The day this ashram was set up is known as the founding day of the ashram which has been described by Sri Aurobindo in his writings as "less been created than grown around me as its centre". Mirra Alfassa who was one of Aurobindo's followers played a vital role in the establishment of the ashram. Soon after Sri Aurobindo Ghosh's death in 1950, she took care of the Aurobindo Ashram and was known as the 'Mother' of the ashram. At present, the Ashram has over five hundred devotees, five hundred students involved in the democratic progress school and thirteen hundred patients. All these people live in the Ashram's main building which comprises of a block of houses which are connected with each other. These houses are located nearby the ashram at walking distance. Some of the facilities offered by the Ashram including the library and the main building can be accessed only after receiving a gate pass from the Bureau Central or guest houses of the Ashram. In addition to this, the ashram also has a spiritual centre which consists of four houses which were inhabited by the Mother and Sri Aurobindo for different intervals of time. There exists a samadhi as well in the courtyard under the frangipani tree where the bodies of Mother and Sri Aurobindo were buried. People come to pay their respect every day by laying flowers on it.
Paradise Beach, also known as Plage Paradiso, is situated in Chunnambar, close to Pondicherry town. Adorned with the golden sand, this is a little-isolated beach. To reach here, you have to take a ferry across the backwaters, which takes around 20-30 minutes. There are a few shacks along the main entrance to the beach, and you can get fresh coconut water and some simple snacks - don't expect any fancy street food though.
Part of the fun in reaching the beach is the beautiful ferry from the boathouse - the backwaters on the way to the beach are green and have thick mangrove forests. Especially after the monsoons, the backwaters are fresh and green. You can spot a lot of birds while on the ride - and photography enthusiasts would relish the opportunity to get some great photos here.
The second-largest Mangrove forest in the world, Pichavaram is located off the tourist trail but is totally worth the effort. One can be enchanted by the complex river system and canal network that bind this beautiful place together and support the rich biodiversity of the place.
Situated nearby the temple town of Chidambaram, Pichavaram can be enjoyed through a boat ride around the 1100 hectare area of the forest, which takes you through a narrow canal, breathtaking sceneries and allows you to witness the amazing life forms of the Mangrove tress while adoring the bird life of the forest. The sea is just 6 km from the forest and one can see the sand bank which separates the forest from the Bay of Bengal during the boat ride.
Rock Beach is the popular stretch of beachfront in the city of Puducherry, India, along the Bay of Bengal.
It is a 1.2-kilometre-long stretch in Pondicherry, starts from War Memorial and end at Dupleix Park on the Goubert Avenue.
