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7 Best Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - May 26, 2015

As we all know Kodaikanal, or Kodai, as it is fondly called, is a popular hill station frequented in summer. But do we know most of the attractions close to it? Have we visited many of the beautiful places surrounding it? Let’s check out some such best places.

7 Best Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Silent Valley:

Best visited in the early mornings and late afternoons, the Silent Valley fascinates with its deep and dangerous dips and stunning panoramic views.

Pillar Rocks:

Getting the name from the natural formation of three granite rocks standing side by side, Pillar Rocks is not to be missed when in Kodai. The rocks stand 400 feet high and the chambers between two pillars are referred to as Devil’s kitchen.

Coakers Walk:

Situated around one kilometre from Kodai Lake, Coakers Walk is a walker’s delight. Grab an early morning walk and let the robust fresh air and dew filled spectacular views of the plains and valleys set you up for an energetic day.

Bryant Park:

On the eastern side of the Kodai Lake is the Bryant Park. Re-designed by the British Army Officer, Bryant, the park is named after him. The park is a riot of colours with an amazing collection of hybrid flowers. A glasshouse with a large display of flowers, ferns and decorative plants is a huge attraction too.

Bear Shola Falls:

With rugged hilly paths leading to it, Bear Shola Falls is around two kilometres from Kodai Lake. This water falls was frequented by bears in olden times, hence the name. It makes a fabulous picnic spot and tourists can enjoy hours of peace and quiet in the natural surroundings.

Berijam Lake:

Situated around 23 kilometres from Kodai centre, Berjim Lake offers an engrossing day of activities along with scenic views. Boating on the lake is an awesome experience with the encircling greenery and views of the innumerable varieties of fishes in the pristine waters. Hikers will love the hike to the lake as the route is through thick forests. But beware of wild animals.

Dolphin’s Nose:

Eleven kilometres from the city centre is the Dolphin’s Nose. The last stretch of three kilometres has to be covered on foot. On the way up gear yourself to be smothered by wisps of clouds that open out to miles and miles of lush green lands and dense forests. Standing on the edge of the rock shaped like a dolphin’s nose, you will be a spectator to some of the most magnificent views of Kodai.

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9 Lighthouses of Peninsula India

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - July 27, 2014

India being a peninsula naturally boasts of many lighthouses. To feast your eyes on miles of sea and experience stunning views and staggering sea breeze, you have to plan a lighthouse tour. Many of the lighthouses are open for public during the day. A list is run here:

9 Lighthouses of Peninsula India

Madras Lighthouse:

Reconstructed by the East Coast Constructions in 1976, the Madras Lighthouse on Marina Beach also runs the meteorological department. It is open to visitors from 2013 and is the only lighthouse in India and one of the few in the world to have an elevator.

Manapad Lighthouse:

Tucked away in the fishing village of Manapad in Tamil Nadu, the Manapad Lighthouse is a pretty vision in red and white. It is situated close to Holy Cross Church where a fragment from the True Cross of Jerusalem is believed to be present. You can enjoy moments of quiet and lovely views from this lighthouse.

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse:

The circular masonry tower, Mahabalipuram lighthouse has been open to tourists since 2011 to look out at the spellbinding Bay of Bengal Sea. It stands next to the oldest lighthouse of India built by the Pallavas around 640 AD which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pamban Lighthouse:

One of the two lighthouses in Rameshwaram, the Pamban Lighthouse is a black and white striped monument with a bright red top. It is located on the Pambam Island. Encircled with greenery, the lighthouse offers fabulous views of the ocean.

Vizhinjam Lighthouse:

The beach in Kovalam earns its name Lighthouse Beach from this candy striped structure. Called Vizhinjam Lighthouse it is an ancient lighthouse on Kurumkal Hill overlooking rocky terrains, lush greenery and the waves of the Arabian Sea.

Kaup Lighthouse:

Located in Kaup, a small village near Udupi, the Kaup Lighthouse was built in 1901. You can climb up the winding staircase wondering at the marvellous architecture and be greeted by the stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscapes.

Aguada Fort/ Lighthouse:

The Aguada Fort in Goa doubles up as a lighthouse. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the monument holds the lighthouse in its upper segment but is now in disrepair. Still tourists can have their fill of stunning views of the Sinquerim Beach and the Arabian Sea from the top of the fort.

Dwarka Lighthouse:

Located around four kilometres from Dwarka town, the Dwarka Lighthouse is in Rupen Creek. The lighthouse is an uncharacteristic cubical structure with black and white stripes. The captivating panoramic views of Arabian Sea and Dwarka from top make it a must visit.

Minicoy Island Lighthouse:

Built in 1885, this is one of the oldest lighthouses on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep. It stands at 300 feet and knocks the wind off the tourists with its mesmerizing views. The island can be visited only by Indians.

Do not miss out on these tall monuments whenever you are in coastal India.

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