Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal, Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at the old site of "Fort Hamilton", in the upper Palani hills. The lake, forged by a dam with Flume outlets, is part of a micro–watershed development project. Periyakulam town, 18.7 kilometres (11.6 miles) to the South East, is cherished with its gets its public drinking water from the lake. The lake's water is of utmost Quality.
Bryant Park is situated just to the east of the lake and 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand. It is a Gorgeously maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. The park was designed and constructed in 1908 by a forest officer H.D.Bryant, thus named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cacti, the park is a rainbow of gorgeous stunning flowers during the peak season. Of which most of it is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is a 1857 Eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi tree which highlights a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer, to coincide with the peak season. The entrance fee is nominal and it is open throughout the year.
Coaker's Walk is situated 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand and was built by Lt.Coaker in 1872. It is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodaikanal. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital and runs parallel to the Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning Scenic view of the plains. On a shiny day, one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pamba River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A charming rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This can be viewed when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to Coaker's walk is nominal and it is open throughout the year.
Kodaikanal Lake is an artificial, star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake constructed in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular tourist attraction and geographic landmark. Rowboats and pedal's can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is 5 Kilometres (3.1 mi) and is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists.
Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the bus-stand, is famous for its Kurinji flowers which blossoms only once in every 12 years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easwaran, who is Lord Murugan. The temple was constructed in 1936 by a European lady, who was converted to Hinduism. She changed her name as Leelavathi and was married to Mr. Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. The temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani by Devi Prasad Bhaskaran (also known as Padmini, niece and adopted daughter of S Natesan Pillai, son in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband R. Bhaskaran.
Green Valley View, (formerly called as Suicide Point) is situated 5.5 kms (3.4 miles) from the bus stand, near to the golf course, has an excellent scenic view of the plains and a sheer drop of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) overlooking the Vaigai Dam to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with shops to attract tourists. In 1906, Pine forests, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal Pine plantations in the southwest of Kodaikanal.
Silver Cascade is situated 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) is a 55m (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake. The water quality is poor and not good enough for utilizing. This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for site seeing for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here.
Wax Museum is located near Green Valley and is a latest addition to the tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. The wax museum in Kodaikanal is a unique attraction for Indians. It is a very small museum which displays the wax idols such as the Crib, the Last Supper and some internationally known personalities. The highlighting among the idols is the Indian saints and personalities such as Adi Shankara, Sai Baba, Gandhiji, Lord Krishna with Gopikas, Indian musicians and Veerappan, the sandalwood smuggler. The museum cannot be compared to the wax museums in the Western countries or even countries like Hong Kong in terms of quality. Most of the images do not appear realistic.
