Sirumalai
Sirumalai is a region of 60,000 acres (200 kms) situated 25 km (16 miles) from Dindigul and 40 km (25 miles) from Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. There are many high hills in the area. Hillock International School is located in Sirumalai. Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends.
Kodaikanal
If you’ve ever dreamt of being pampered by the lulling lullabies of Nature, and being embraced affectionately by the cool breeze that flows in from picturesque hill slopes, then Kodaikanal is indeed the place to be in to make those dreams come true. The scenic beauty of Kodaikanal never ceases to amaze travellers.
Referred to as the “Princess of Hills”, Kodaikanal is one of the most sought-after hill station destinations in Tamil Nadu and the whole of India. Located at about 7000 ft above the sea-level, Kodaikanal was established as a destination by British bureaucrats and Christian missionaries in the year of 1845. However, the earliest references to the stunning hill station can be found as early as the Sangam literature time. However the modern era of Kodaikanal began only after the British came in. It served as a summer retreat and a vacation spot for the colonial power. Ever since those days, Kodaikanal has been a popular choice among hill station lovers for a quick escape up the mountains.
The verdant hills, the cascading waterfalls, picturesque lakes, pristine countrysides – the reason why Kodaikanal has been popular among tourists are many. For a discerning traveller, the locale offers much to see, enjoy and experience. Plenty of activities await a visitor here. Boating, cycling, horse riding and trekking are some of the most common among them. One of the other spectacles of this region is the Kurinji flower that blooms only once in 12 years, making itself a unique spectacle to watch.
Berijam Lake
Situated in a forest conservation area, Berijam Lake is a haven for all Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. If a quiet morning or evening by the lakeside surrounded by lush green woods is what you imagine as a place to unwind, then Berijam Lake is the perfect spot for you.
Berijam Lake is located 22 km southwest from the famous Kodaikanal Lake. It is a natural freshwater lake which you can drive down to through beautiful forest cover. A forest pass is required to reach Berijam Lake. It can be easily obtained from the District Forest Office. The quiet forest, with stunning lake views, and surrounded by acacia and pine trees, is everything you need to spend a tranquil holiday in.
Berijam Lake is situated in the Upper Palani hills in the old site of Fort Hamilton. Carry your binoculars with you as the Upper Palani shola reserve forest is home to the crested serpent eagles, pariah kites, pale-rumped swallows and the edible-nest swiftlets. Migratory birds like common rosefinch, blue chat, leaf-warblers and blyth’s reed warblers also visit this forest.
You can spend some time fishing, bird watching or just strolling around the lake that bestows a pleasant experience to cherish. Boating in the lake is banned in order to preserve the quality of the natural fresh water, and also since it is used as the primary source of water for the nearby town Periyakulam. The river, which is formed by the spillway of a dam, is part of a micro-watershed development.
If lucky, you can spot bison, deer, snakes, elephants and monkeys in the forest or around the lake. It is said that different types of mushrooms grow around this area.
The nearby attractions are fire tower, lake view, silent valley and medicine forest that lie close to the lake.
Silent Valley View
There is no shortage of breathtaking views in Kodaikanal, but the Silent Valley View on Berijam Lake Road may be the best. With its mind-blowing panorama of the deep valleys and floating clouds, the Silent Valley View is a popular destination among travellers seeking a shot of thrill and adventure
The Silent Valley View offers a unique and enchanting view of the endless folds of Palani hills and western ghats and the vast expanses of lush green valleys in between them. Well connected by Berijam Lake Road, the Silent Valley View is an easily accessible and popular destination in Kodaikanal. The ghat roads, gradually winding through the forests and tea gardens, will eventually take you to the hilltop, which gives an enchanting view of the nearby landscape. You will be welcomed by the refreshing chilly wind blowing up the hills. The ever-present fog paints a mystic white colour on the cold air of the hilltop. This is where you see Kodaikanal, the princess of hill stations, at her best.
The pristine landscape and serene atmosphere of the Silent Valley View are complemented by the scent of eucalyptus trees on the hill slopes. There is no better place in Kodaikanal to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. The short trail from the road takes you to the hilltop, which opens to a truly spectacular view. The lush greenery of the valley beneath and the pristine blue of the sky above seem to continue without ever meeting. Best visited during the morning or late-afternoon, the Silent Valley View is an idyllic spot to kick back and enjoy the explosion of colours during the sunrise or sunset. You can spend hours with your loved ones at the Silent Valley View, being lost in the grand view of the undulating landscape, listening to the sweet whispers of the clouds passing by.
Moer Point
Of all the viewpoints in Kodaikanal, Moer Point stands out for its simplistic charm and ease of access. Located on the way to various other attractions, this view point is located on the way to Berijam Lake and is only 3 km away from the Pillar Rocks.
The winding ghat roads in Kodaikanal will take you to Moer Point, a slice of heaven on earth, overlooking the gorgeous Vellagavi Forest. This viewpoint is unlike any other in Kodaikanal, as it lets you effortlessly soak in the natural splendour of the hill station. This spot is named after Sir Thomas Moer, who in 1929 chose it as the starting point for his project of Goschen Road, now popularly known as the Forty Mile Road. You can also have a look at the pillar here that was built to commemorate the inauguration of the road. The area provides a winding pathway that allows you to take a casual stroll and has a watch tower that works as a pedestal from which you can feel like you are at the center of the heavenly grandeur of peaks and valleys. The 360° view is not the only lure of this tourist attraction; this spot is located in a space that often plays host to the quintessential characteristic fog and mist of Kodaikanal. Moer Point acts as a perfect sojourn, clearing your mind on a foggy day or opening it up under clear skies. It is a perfect pitstop for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Like the rolling hills and floating clouds over the hillslopes, everything slows down to a relaxing pace in Moer Point. There is no better spot to take in the panoramic view of the hillocks veiled in thin white fog and coloured in wholesome shades of green. Moer Point is definitely a destination not to be missed if you are on a mission to explore Kodaikanal.
Pine Forest, Kodaikanal
Pine Forests are cloaked in a rustic charm, and walking under the canopy of these old pine trees will offer much-needed solitude for those seeking it.
An seemingly unending copse of tall, majestic pine trees, hemming you in and nuzzling you in its wild clasp, as birds chirp away in gay abandon. At the Pine Forests, one of the must-visit locales in Kodaikanal, hundreds of pine trees dot the landscape, making it an ideal spot for travellers to wander about. These forests are cloaked in a rustic charm, and walking under the canopy of these old pine trees will offer much-needed solitude for those seeking it.
Located in the south-western part of Kodaikanal, these plantations were put up a century ago. They make for an idyllic spot to listen to the whispers of Nature. A British Officer Mr H. D. Bryant has been credited with initiating the move in 1906 to grow timber.
In local parlance, there are two sets of pine forests viz. Pine Forest 1 and Pine Forest 2. While Pine Forest 1 is situated near the Solar Observatory, Pine Forest 2 is located near Moir Point.
One of the most sought-after locations by movie makers, the Pine Forests in Kodaikanal have featured in many famous movies in the country. The forestscape is also a favourite among photographers and travellers alike. Offering a rare sense of quietude and solitude, this is the place to be for Nature enthusiasts. Enjoy a long walk here, where the echo of the forests will keep you company. Apart from photography and Nature walks, you can also enjoy a horse ride along the trail among these lofty, pine trees.
Guna Caves
Situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres, the Guna Caves are a thing of mystery and wonder that attracts travellers in hordes. Known earlier as ‘Devil’s Kitchen’, the place got its name ‘Guna’ after the 1992 Tamil blockbuster movie “Guna” was shot here.
Located on the Moir Point road, the caves are situated 10 kilometres from Kodaikanal. You reach the caves after a walk through pine forests. Whilst you may not be able to enter them for safety reasons, you can always view the caves from a safe distance. The caves rest in an area covered with Shola trees and grass. The gnarled, matted and twisted sets of roots of these trees are spread across the area, and evoke a sense of enigma in travellers. They also make up for a good backdrop to capture pictures.
History has it that an American Mr B. S. Ward discovered the place in 1821. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas stayed in the caves and cooked their meals. The caves however shot to fame after the movie “Guna” was shot here. The hit song ‘Kanmani anbodu kadhalan’ in the movie was shot in the cave and ever since, the place has been celebrated by movie lovers.
You can always take a look at the deep narrow caves which are now barricaded and grilled with iron bars. If it is a little bit of mystery and history you are looking for, then Guna caves is the ideal place to plan a picnic.
Devil’s Kitchen
This picturesque heritage site, also called the Guna Caves is located on the outskirts of Kodaikanal. Devil’s Kitchen is a favourite with hikers and is located near Moer Point. This group of spooky caves gets the name “Devil’s Kitchen” because of the bat colonies that reside in the warmth of these structures.
The Devil’s Kitchen may be thought of as an extension of the natural glory of the Pillar Rocks amidst which they are situated. This spot was the frequent haunt for those who loved a challenging stroll. Once it gained popularity after the release of the Tamil movie, “Guna” which was shot here, it has been attracting a number of tourists who visit these wondrous caverns to ponder the enchanting wonder of nature. These caves, discovered by the British official, B. S. Ward in 1821 CE, are situated at an elevation of 2230 meters. However, the location is quite secure as it offers a view of the caves from only a few safe positions, while entry to the risky spots has been restricted.
You can stroll through the path covered by pine forests that lead to these caves and enjoy the warm atmosphere they impart. You can spend a whole day exploring the winding paths entangled in the ghostly woods of the Devil’s Kitchen. Hiding away secrets in its otherworldly landscape, the Devil’s Kitchen is a treasure trove for those with a zeal for exploration. Those ardent seekers will be blessed with countless spectacular views such as the unending green valley spanning the horizon and the nearby Pillar Rocks shrouded in a mystic veil of white fog. It also attracts photographers as it not only provides a brilliant setup for landscape shots but also allows you to capture memories with your friends or family. You do not want to forget your camera to capture this one!