India
Welcome to Project Kodaikanal, India! We hope you are looking forward to your volunteer trip! While we highly
value all of the great work volunteers do in the field with FIMRC staff and community members, we recognize your
important opportunity to explore India! Since volunteer activities coincide with normal business hours, Monday
through Friday are spent volunteering and Saturday and Sunday are typically spent learning about the local
culture or traveling on excursions. While no excursions are required, many volunteers like to take advantage of this
opportunity.
The following guide includes the most popular excursion options among staff and volunteers. Once on-site, our
staff will help you make all arrangements. Please note, excursions as well as the associated transport cost are not
included in your program fee paid to FIMRC.
History & Culture
Kodaikanal
India is a country located in Southern Asia. It is the seventh
largest country by area, and the second-most populous
country in the world, with over 1.2 billion people. India was
originally home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization before
the land was utilized by the British in the early 18th century
for its commercial goods. Four world religions originated in
India throughout its history- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and
Sikhism- all of which have contributed to India’s colorful and
diverse culture. After a struggle for independence marked by
non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, India gained
its independence in 1947. Today, India operates under a federal
republic government and is marked by a burgeoning economy.
Did You Know...
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The capital of India is New Delhi
Indian cuisine is very popular throughout the world, and characterized by rice dishes, such as Pongal
The official language in India is English, but Hindi is the most widely spoken language and the primary tongue
of 41% of India’s people. There is a plethora of other dialects spoken in the country.
The third tallest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga, lies on the border of India and Nepal
Excursions
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Excursions
The following excursions include the most popular options among volunteers
and staff. Please note, excursions as well as the associated transport cost
are not included in your program fee paid to FIMRC. Prices listed when
available and are subject to change,
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Kodaikanal Lake (Kodai Lake)
The Kodai Lake has immensely contributed to the beauty and attraction
of the hill station of Kodaikanal. Located about 3 km from the main bus
stand of the city, the lake covers an area of almost 60 acres and has a starlike shape, enhancing its beauty. The lake is bordered by a well-maintained
road, making it suitable for transportation by car or hike. Visitors can enjoy
boating, fishing, and horse rides near the lake- or, they can simply relax and
enjoy its picturesque views.
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Kukkal Caves
The Kukkal Caves are located at a distance of 40 km from Kodaikanal, and
are a good place to hike and explore the surrounding areas of the hill station.
In order to get to the caves, visitors walk through geranium plantations and
through a pine forest, ending at the Kukkal forest rest house where the
caves are located in close vicinity. The caves were settled by some of India’s
earliest civilizations and are beautiful examples of India’s multiple natural
landscapes. It is recommended to get a local tour guide to take you to the
caves, as they are quite hidden. 3
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The shrine of Meenakshi in Madurai, located about 115 km from Kodaikanal,
was built during the reign of Chadayvarman Sundara Pandyan in the 12th
century. The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310
following the invasion of Islamic conquerors, but was completely restored
in the late 14th century when Hindu Kings came back to power. The temple
has five entrances and has beautiful sculptures and stunning, ancient
architecture!
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Meenakshi Temple
Bear Shola Falls
The Bear Shola Falls is an elevated waterfall in the reserve forest located 3
km (1.9 mi) from the Kodaikanal Bus stand. Bear Shola Falls is a wonderful
touring spot in the area, named for the bears that used to go to the falls
for water. The final sketch close to the falls is a hiking trek that is ideal for a
day’s outing. In order to reach these waterfalls, you need to cross through
some rocky terrain; therefore it is essential to obtain a suitable mode of
transportation or use a tour operator.
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Kurinji Andavar Temple
This temple located 3 km from Kodai Lake is a famous shrine dedicated to
Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. “Kurinji Andavar” translates to “God
of Hill,” as Lord Murugan is thought to protect Kodaikanal. From this temple,
visitors can experience the role religion plays in India as well as take in views
of Palani and the Vaigai dam.
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Weekday Excursion Options
India
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Kodaikanal Wax Museum
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A new attraction in Kodaikanal, the Wax Museum is a unique destination
that offers two floors of wax statues and scenes. There are 30+ statues
depicting famous Indians and specific scenes that have taken place in
history. This is an interesting destination in Kodaikanal that is easy to get to
after a day at the site!
Pricing: $0.50 (US) ~ 30 (INR)
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Madurai Tour
Take a tour of the beautiful historic city of Madurai, located about 120 km
south east of Kodai, in a colorful van provided by the Madurai Sightseeing
Company. Experience the beautiful architecture of the temples and museums
and get a taste of the culture and people of Madurai. After the half-day tour,
visitors are given the opportunity to shop for one hour at select outlets,
where they can purchase authentic Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.
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Pricing: $7.00 (USD) ~ 400 (INR); www.maduraisightseeing.com
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Green Valley View
Located 5 kilometers from Kodaikanal, Green Valley View offers a beautiful
view of the plains, valleys (5000 ft drop!) and hills surrounding the hill station.
It is extremely picturesque and one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal!
It is recommended to visit this site during the day for the best views of the
valley.
Pricing: Many tour operators offer package deals to see all the local sites
priced at about $27 (USD) ~ 1570 (INR). A popular tour operator offering this
kind of package is Pioneer Tours: www.pioneertours.in/kodaikanal_sight_
seeing.html
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Shenbaganur Museum
Shenbaganur Museum is the Museum of Natural History of Kodaikanal. It is
located 5.6 km from Kodaikanal Lake, and contains numerous items marking
the natural history of the area since the 1920s. The Museum preserves and
exhibits archaeological remains and the endemic flora and fauna of the
Palni Hills, discovered mainly by students and professors of the Philosophical
seminary of Jesuits, all called Sacred Heart College, over the years. The
museum also houses two maps of the Palani range and Kodaikanal.
The museum is open 10 am-11:30 am and 3 pm- 5pm daily. Entry is free.
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Excursions
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Boat Rides in Periyar
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and tiger reserve is a National Park in Kerala,
located approximately 285 km from Kodaikanal. The trip could take
anywhere between 6-8 hours, so traveling to Kerala is more of a weekend
excursion. The National Park is comprised of rainforests and a variety of
wildlife, including bison, deer, wild dogs, leopards, primates, and elephants.
The forest department organizes boat rides on the lake for tourists who visit
the sanctuary. The boats will take you along the lake, where you will be able
to take in the scenery and maybe even spot an elephant bathing! The boats
hold between 50 and 150 people, and tours occur at 7 am, 9:30 am, 11:30
am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. It is recommended to purchase your tickets at least
two hours in advance in order to ensure your seat.
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Pricing: $5 (USD) ~ 300 (INR)
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Coaker’s Walk
About ½ km away from Kodaikanal, Coaker’s Walk is a narrow pedestrian
path constructed in 1872. It runs along the edge of steep slopes of Mt. Nebo
and offers a spectacular view of the plains below. On a cloudless, clear day,
one can enjoy various views of Dolphin’s Nose in the south, the Pambar
River valley in the South East, the city of Madurai and a bird’s eye view
of Periyakulam. Be aware of the phenomenon called “Brachem Spectre”: a
lucky person that is able to see his/her shadow in the clouds with a rainbow
halo. This only occurs when the sun is at an exact position behind the clouds
and mist! There is also an observatory along the walk with a telescope where
you can further take in the sights.
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Pillar Rocks
The Pillar Rocks are three large boulders that stand 400 ft. (122 m) high
that offer an incredible viewpoint of the hills and valleys below. The space
between the pillar rocks is known as the Devil’s Kitchen.
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Additional Tips from Trip Advisor
From waterfalls, scenic hikes, to pristine lakes, Kodaikanal is a beautiful
place that offers volunteers many great options for adventure. For
additional trips from travelers, please feel free to check out the list of the
Top 30 activities in Kodaikanal from Trip Advisor.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g303890-Activities-Kodaikanal_
Tamil_Nadu.html
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This concludes the volunteer excursion menu for Project Kodaikanal, India. Activities can be arranged with our staff
upon your arrival. Please note the availability of excursions depends on your trip length, time of year, and volunteer
schedule.
Prices listed are our best estimates and are subject to change. Volunteers are responsible for excursion and
transportation cost as excursions are not part of your program fee paid to FIMRC.
Please be aware that all excursions are at the risk of the volunteer. While FIMRC works hard to ensure your safety,
you are participating in any extracurricular activities at your own risk. Also, while staff is happy to assist with
planning, FIMRC does not guarantee that a staff member will accompany you.
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