Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India.
A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway.
Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.
Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is real.
Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town.
Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal
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.
Best Time To Visit Pillar Rocks
Summer season (April-June) is considered to be the best time to visit the Pillar Rocks.
During monsoons it becomes more slippery, hence gets dangerous.
Moreover, in the wintertime, the clouds and fog is everything you can witness making summer the perfect season of travelling to Pillar Rocks.
How To Reach Pillar Rocks
Kodaikanal bus stand is the nearest bus stand to the pillar rocks.
It is 7.5 km from the viewpoint.
These are located on the Golf Links Road, hence, could be reached by taking a bus or hiring a car.
Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal
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.
###History of Kodai Lake###
Vera Levinge was a District Collector of Madurai who settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement in 1863.
He spent his money to convert the marshy land with several streams of the lake by constructing a strong bund.
He also bought boats from Tuticorin. It is said that foreign residents used to swim in this very lake.
###Things To Do at Kodai Lake###
Today, a large number of tourists, including kids, stroll around, sail, ride horses and ponies and cycles and admire the lake.
One can also go fishing, but only after obtaining permission from Inspector of Fisheries.
The Kodaikanal Boat and Rowing Club, as well as the Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation, offer similar boat services for similar prices: INR 20-40 for a two-seater pedal boat to INR125 (including boatman) for a Kasmiri shikara (covered gondola - like boat) for 30 minutes. There are luxury boats available too.
###Kurinji Flower at Kodai Lake###
A unique flowering plant, Kurinji, is said to be found in the lakeβs catchment area.
It is also found that this flower last bloomed in 2004 and it only blooms once in 12 years. Hill-plantain fruits and plums are famous in the area.
###Tips For Visiting Kodai Lake###
Boat Pageant and Flower Shows are a regular and popular feature in the summer season.
###How To Reach Kodai Lake###
The Kodai Road Railway Station and the Palani Railway station at 64 km are the nearest railheads at a distance of 80 km and 64 km respectively.
The Lake is well connected to Kodaikanal Road via regular bus services.
Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
(1). #Pillar Rocks
Picnic Spot and Mini Garden at Pillar Rocks
People who are in search of peace and calmness will fall in love with this place.
Be it your date or a family's day out, this place won't disappoint you.
Within the shadow of these pillar rocks, is a perfect picnic spot.
So, waiting for what? Pack some sandwiches along with juices and head straight towards this viewpoint.
The place even has some shops offering tea and a bunch of snacks.
Blooming with some of the prettiest flowers, the garden is perfect for you to cherish the tranquillity.
A tour of this garden is something that is must if visiting the pillar rocks.
##Pillar Rocks and David Gelli's Tribute to Love
There is a story related to this fantastic viewpoint which not many people know.
When you visit it, the locals might tell you after being asked several times.
A man David Gelli who had fallen in love with the beauty of Kodaikanal used to visit this place frequently.
His last visit to the town was with his newlywed wife, Irine Gelli.
Who knew their honeymooning would take an ugly face?
As they were busy clicking pictures by keeping the huge rocks in the background, Irine slipped and fell into the depth of these pillar rocks. Unfortunately, she died.
After a few days, David not caring about his life, managed to reach the top of the rocks where he placed a wooden white cross (symbol of his love). He returned to the place after three days for the final time. After that day nobody saw him or heard of him. It is believed that he jumped off the cliff for the sake of uniting with his beloved wife. The Christian Church which they had visited before leaving for the pillar rocks had their names in its visitors' register. This register helped in tracing the names of these two lovers.
(2). #Kodaikanal Lake
