Disclosed Secrets and Uncommon Elements in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is noted among people for its foggy scenery, pleasant climate, and peaceful Kodaikanal Lake. Lovers of "the Princess of Hill Stations" rarely stumble upon numerous stories and strange details about this destination, although residents protect these secrets from sightseeing visitors.
This piece is perfect for Kodaikanal visitors, along with those who want to learn unusual information about popular places. I gathered various intriguing and uncommon information about Kodaikanal to elevate your understanding of this gem in Tamil Nadu.
Our post will encourage you to travel to Kodaikanal while you prepare fascinating tales for sharing with your friends. This article benefits from your share, and you gain more travel and tech content through a blog subscription.
1. The Name 'Kodaikanal' Has an Interesting Meaning
Kodaikanal derives its name from Tamil language roots that translate to "The Forest Gift" roughly. Kodai-Kanal forms the word which signifies "The Gift of the Forest" in Tamil. The place receives its appropriate name because it presents a peaceful, green natural environment.
Local people understand the word "Kodai" to represent summer, thus making many people consider it an outstanding destination for summer holidays. The interpretation seems poetic regardless of its translation meaning.
2. Kodaikanal Was Once a Summer Escape for American Missionaries
The development of Kodaikanal as a hill station differs from the British colonial project, which established other Indian hill resorts. American Christian missionaries made their discovery of this place during the 1840s when they sought relief from both high temperatures and plains diseases.
Kodai International School, established by missionaries in 1901, continues to provide long-standing international education to its students.
3. The Kurinji Flower Blooms Once Every 12 Years
Observers of Kodaikanal have only occasional access to the special site when Neelakurinji flowers bloom. This purplish-blue flower blooms only once in 12 years and carpets the slopes of the hills in colour.
After the 2018 full bloom, the next anticipated event will occur in 2030. The sight will remain eternally in your memories because it emerges just a single time in human history!
The locals derive the name "Kodaikanal" from two Tamil expressions that define it as “Forest Gift,” and a visit to see the Kurinji bloom presents an amazing natural gift.
4. Guna Caves Were Made Famous by a Movie
The caves near Pillar Rock exist in hiding below two names known as Devil’s Kitchen. After Tamil filmmakers utilized the caves in their production of the film "Guna" with Kamal Haasan as the main actor, they became more famous.
These caves received their Guna Caves name from the movie's popularity. Due to safety protocols, visitors cannot access deep areas, but the site maintains its haunting beauty within a pine tree forest.
5. The Star-Shaped Kodaikanal Lake exists because of human construction.
The public commonly believes Kodaikanal Lake is a natural feature, yet its artificial nature remains unknown to many. Sir Vere Henry Levinge established this artificial water element through excavation in 1863 while living as a retired British collector at the site. His money served to construct the lake.
Tourists identify the synthetic Kodaikanal Lake as a key Kodaikanal landmark that attracts everyone visiting. Tourists visiting the lake can select between boat rides on the water alongside cycling around its boundary, and relaxing under breezy conditions.
6. Kodaikanal Has One of the Clearest Night Skies in India
Apart from its other attractions, Kodaikanal stands out as an excellent space for star observing.
Built in 1899, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory stands as a global historic research facility for solar studies. Scientists continue to study the sun through equipment operated at this site, which was constructed in 1899. Sanitaria offers visible sightings of the Milky Way when night skies maintain clarity during moonless conditions.
Watching the night sky requires visiting Kodaikanal during new moon periods and choosing observation spots at Coaker’s Walk or Observatory Road for optimal viewing. Look up towards the sky while you lie back because you will see fascinating things that will amaze you.
7. Wild bison, together with leopards, have their habitat in Kodaikanal's surrounding forests
Kodaikanal acts as a tranquil mountain resort, yet dense forest edges around the central town harbor wild bison together with boars and leopards.
It is essential to accompany a local guide when you visit the natural trails or the deep forest. The animals tend to keep away from people, but it remains smart to take necessary precautions.
I discovered fresh bison prints in the Poombarai region while walking at dawn. Gave me goosebumps!
8. A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The birdwatching community will find excitement in Kodaikanal, where they might see the Nilgiri Flycatcher and Black-and-orange Flycatcher amidst other rare bird species.
You must take your binoculars during morning hours to explore the forest paths near Berijam Lake and Poombarai.
9. Kodaikanal Has Unique Honey and Herbal Products
Because of Kodaikanal's environmental conditions and woodlands, herbal medicine and honey production flourish. Eucalyptus oil, herbal products, and handmade soaps can be found in the local markets throughout the town.
Consumers should experience the tastes of wild forest honey because it produces an intense flavor unlike standard commercial products.
Final Words
The above information presents only several unconventional details about Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal exists beyond its typical attributes of mild temperatures and tea plantations. Beyond its surface beauty, Kodaikanal holds mysteries along with ancient history that emerge only for those who focus deeper.
Every time you schedule a vacation to Kodaikanal, use these hidden insights for guidance. You will discover improved satisfaction when you visit the location.
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