Kodaikanal - Tourist Places
» Museum at Shenbaganur :
There
is a very rich collection of birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles here.
This museum or Institute of Natural History is a part of The Sacred Heart
College. The institute is named after A. Anglade. He was a European
professor who had come to study the flaora and fauna of Palani Hills. The
Sacred Heart College was established in 1895 to train young Jesuit priests.
» Dolmen Circle :
Kodaikanal also has anthropological significance. Dolmens and Kistavens
used to live here during Stone and Iron Ages. Some stone structures found
here date back to even 5000 BC. Two major sites of Dolmen Circle are
Perikulam and Pannaikadu.
» The Observatory :
This, one of the oldest observatories in the world, has been functioning
here since 1898. It is a well furnished and productive laboratory. Its
director Evershed discovered the radial motion in the sun spots. This
phenomenon is known as Evershed Effect. It is open for tourists on Friday
mornings.
» Mannavanur Sheep Station :
Mannavanur is at about an hour's drive from Kodaikanal. This station,
functioning under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has a spectacular
campus and more than one thousand acres of lush grassland. This grassland is
one of the rare chunks of high altitude grasslands of Palani Hills. Several
species of sheep and rabbits with exotic names as Angora, chinchilla, white
giant etc. have been bred here. You can also find spotted deer, gaur, wild
dogs, sambar and other animals around the Sheep Station.
» Kodaikanal Golf Club :
This
Golf Club was started in 1895 by some dedicated golfers. It was expanded
again and again. The golf course is situated on flourishing green-covered
slopes at an altitude of about 7000 ft. This golf course is very popular
among avid golfers.
» The Apple Research Station :
This research station is run by Tamilnadu Agricultural University in
Coimbatore. It is located on Fairy Falls Road. New varieties of vegetables
and fruits are studied and the most suitable ones are recommended to the
local farmers of Kodaikanal.
» Bryant and Chettiar Parks :
Bryant Park was founded by a forest officer named Mr Bryant in 1980. It is
situated on the lake and has a variety of flowers and ferns. Local residents
reach here to buy the special varieties of plants. Flower and Vegetable Show
is also held here in May. It is a famous tourist attraction to enjoy the
weekends.
» Other Places of Interest :
The Coaker's Walk offers the spectacular scenery of plains encircling
Kodaikanal. Kuriji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, offers the
panoramic view of Palani Hills. Dolphin's Nose is 8 km from the local lake.
The Perumal Peak, 11 km from Kodaikanal, is suitable for the adventure
sports. Berijam Lake is not only the source of drinking water for the locals
but also a enchanting place worth visiting. Famous picnic spots of this
resort are Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls and Pillar Rocks.
