Trigger Warning: Mention of suic*de
Tamil Nadu’s Kodaikanal is no less than a haven for nature lovers – the Princess of Hills is blessed with lush green meadows, gorgeous valleys, misty hills, and picturesque lakes. These natural wonders make it perfect for a weekend retreat or even for a long, planned trip. One of the key attractions in Kodaikanal is the Green Valley View Point.
Earlier known as the ‘Suicide Point’, the view point is known for its views of the valleys and the Vaigai Dam. Here’s what you should know about the famous Green Valley View Point.
Green Valley View Point Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- How to reach Kodaikanal?
- Historical background of Green Valley View Point Kodaikanal
- What to do at Green Valley View Point Kodaikanal
- Other places to visit in Kodaikanal
How To Reach Kodaikanal?
If you are planning to visit Green Valley View Point, you must first know how to reach Kodaikanal. Here’s how to reach the quaint hill town by air, rail, and road:
By Air
Madurai has the closest airport to Kodaikanal, about 133 kilometers (km) away. Major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad have direct flights to Madurai. From the airport you can hire a cab to Kodaikanal or take a bus from the Madurai Bus Stand. Madurai to Kodaikanal is a 115.5 km long journey, and takes about 3 hours to reach.
By Rail
Kodaikanal Road is the closest railhead to Kodaikanal, with regular trains leaving from Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Madurai. Popular trains halting here are the Mumbai – Nagercoil Express, Madurai – Villupuram Passenger, and Chennai Central – Nagercoil SF Express.
From the railway station, you can choose to hire a cab or a local bus. The 2 hour journey from the railway station to Kodaikanal covers a distance of about 78 km.
By Road
Kodaikanal’s winding roads might look challenging to drive upon, but that is really not the case. There are regular buses from Kodaikanal Road Railway Station and Madurai that you can travel from. You can also hire a cab or drive from Coimbatore (171 km), Valparai (181 km), or even Ooty (252 km).
Historical Background Of Green Valley View Point Kodaikanal
Green Valley View Point in Kodaikanal was earlier known as the Suicide Point Kodaikanal. It was because of its steep and dangerous slopes that led to a few tragic accidents. There are also local stories of heartbroken lovers who jumped off the cliff to end their suffering. Some locals also believe that the view point is watched over by benevolent spirits who protect the area from damage. These tales, though morbid, add a layer of mystery to the now-famous tourist attraction.
Over the years, the view point has been developed with safety measures and better roads to accommodate more tourists. Today it is known as the Green Valley View Point to maintain a positive image and shed away any negative connotation of its previous name.
What To Do At Green Valley View Point Kodaikanal
Now that you’ve reached the valley view point, you can enter it free of cost just like any other view point. The place is located about 1,500 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Note that, there are no auto rickshaws here due to the hilly terrain, however you can rent a cab for a day, with prices starting from about INR 1,200 per day. You can also rely on local buses, though some hotels have also started renting out two-wheelers now.
The view point is a good place to unwind with your friends and family. There are a few food stalls here if you wish to munch on local snacks and refreshments. However, if you are carrying food with you, be extra careful because monkeys are more likely to love your food than you! You can also click plenty of pictures, stroll around, and take in the breathtaking views here.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Other Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal Lake
The hill town is most famous for its Kodaikanal Lake that is most famous for its boating experiences. There are plenty of souvenir and food stalls shops nearby from where you can buy chocolates, snacks, and other accessories.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: Free, however, boating tickets might cost extra
Coakers Walk
Hardly 10 minutes away from the lake, Coakers Walk gives a panoramic view of Kodaikanal Town. You’ll be pleased with the views the point offers, especially on clear days and sunsets.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 10
Silver Cascade Falls
A refreshing sight of cascading waterfalls can truly make your Kodaikanal experience worth it! The Silver Cascade Falls is a major attraction here and is a 180-feet natural wonder that attracts many Kodaikanal visitors.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Along with these places, you can also explore Chettiar Park, Pillar Rocks, and Guna Cave that will surely offer you a memorable experience in Kodaikanal.
Summing Up
Green Valley View Point is a must-visit tourist attraction here in Kodaikanal. With a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, hills, and the Vaigai Dam, it is a well-known tourist attraction here. The point has a mysterious backstory behind its naming, but that only adds to the mystery of the place and attracts plenty of tourists. So, when are you visiting the view point?
FAQs
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kodaikanal?
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is between the months of November and February. This is when average temperatures are below 10 degrees and the weather is generally chilly and pleasant.
Is 2 Days Enough For Kodaikanal?
Yes, 2 days are enough for Kodaikanal. The town is quite small yet filled with plenty of tourist attractions and spots of interest. 2 days are enough to explore the quaint hill town.
Which Is The Rainiest Month In Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal receives the heaviest rainfall in the month of late September to October. However, rainfall usually starts by June or July.
