The Carlton Blog
Dotted with scenic landscapes, sightseeing spots, trekking points, and historic landmarks, Kodaikanal draws various kinds of tourists including leisure travellers, adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs. The hill station is one of those rare destinations whose original character hasn't changed much because of urbanisation or heavy commercialisation.
Kodaikanal colonial heritage is fascinating, and it still boasts that unique old-world charm through its old churches, vintage buildings, traditional cafes, lakes, parks, heritage hotels, and other places. As you explore these beautiful attractions, time seems to slow down and takes you back to a bygone era.
In this article, we dive into Kodaikanal's colonial past and list the different things you can see or do as a contemporary tourist looking to experience its rich heritage. Read on!
Nestled in Tamil Nadu's Palani Hills, Kodaikanal features cool weather and clean, fresh air throughout the year thanks to its high altitude and lush greenery. For this reason, British colonial officers and American missionaries began visiting it in the 19th century to escape the sweltering heat of the plains. As Kodaikanal gained popularity among these foreign entities, its development as a hill station took off.
Institutions like schools, cottages, churches, hotels, etc., soon emerged across the town. From stone structures and winding roads to garden-flanked bungalows and quaint cottages, colonial-era planning gave the hill station its one-of-a-kind character, beloved by tourists even today. Although now there are a number of premium resorts in Kodaikanal and other modern facilities to suit the needs of contemporary travellers, you can still see traces of the hill town's colonial heritage in its architecture, local lifestyle, and public spaces.
If you enjoy learning about a place's history and culture while travelling, Kodaikanal has plenty for you to discover. Beyond visiting popular tourist spots or choosing the best hotel in Kodaikanal for their stay, history lovers can try activities that let them see a different side of the hill station and glimpse its colonial heritage. The following are the top things to do or see:
The star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake is one of the town's most famous attractions, which is why most tourists consider hotels on Lake Road the best places to stay in Kodaikanal. However, not many people know that this tourist hotspot is actually manmade and an integral piece of colonial history!
It was created in the year 1863 under Sir Vere Henry Levinge's administration, who was the Collector of Madurai back then. The lake has now become the heart of the hill station, the epicentre of local life as well as the starting point of any sightseeing itinerary.
You can take a relaxed stroll along its tree-lined pathways, ride around on a rental bicycle, or go boating on the water. The breathtaking view of the mist hanging over the lake's surface in the early morning and the sweeping vistas of the Palani Hills in the background are sights that will absolutely mesmerise you. The Kodai Lake is an epitome of how thoughtful the colonial-era planning was, given how seamlessly it blends with its natural surroundings.
Situated close to the Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park is another landmark that you shouldn't miss when you are exploring Kodaikanal colonial heritage. Developed by a forest officer named H.D. Bryant in 1908, this botanical garden is proof of how long horticulture and outdoor recreation have been associated with Kodaikanal. In fact, its well-maintained grounds depict a gardening style that is common across many colonial hill stations in the country, comprising beautifully landscaped lawns along with a large variety of trees and flowering plants.
Bryant Park looks especially stunning during the flowering season as the seasonal blooms make it look more colourful and vibrant. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and family groups.
Kodaikanal is home to a few colonial-era churches that are a pivotal part of its heritage. These religious institutions are the hub of history and culture with their exquisite vintage architecture, serene grounds, and age-old community traditions. They offer an interesting perspective on the hill station's history, which is why heritage enthusiasts must definitely check them out.
One of the churches that you must visit in Kodaikanal is the La Saleth Church, the oldest church in Kodaikanal. Built in the 19th century, this Roman Catholic shrine was consecrated by a French missionary and features an amalgamation of Tamil and French architectural styles. Thus, it is a beautiful relic of the town's colonial past.
Christ the King Church (formerly known as Union Church) is another historical shrine that should be on your Kodaikanal colonial heritage travel itinerary. Built in 1895 by the American Madurai Mission, it gives you an insight into the hill station's Protestant missionary history. Its classic colonial-style Gothic architecture will certainly impress you.
Since La Saleth Church and Christ the King Church are both active places of worship, you should dress modestly and demonstrate respectful behaviour while visiting them.
Be they private residences, institutional buildings, public spaces, or heritage hotels in Kodaikanal, the hill town has a plethora of colonial-era structures that you can observe to admire the vintage architecture. A guided heritage walk or a leisurely drive through select neighbourhoods can give you the opportunity to view these architectural landmarks. While not all heritage properties are accessible to tourists, you can watch them from a distance on public roads.
Stone walls, large windows, sloping roofs, verandahs, gardens, sheltered entrances, etc., are a few of the typical characteristics of the traditional cottages and colonial-style buildings here. These details depict how the built environment was designed to maintain harmony with nature and adapt to Kodaikanal's hilly terrain and changing weather conditions.
Kodaikanal's walking routes, nature trails, and winding roads represent its colonial history as much as the heritage buildings do.
You can go on a scenic drive along the roads passing through forested stretches, eucalyptus and pine trees, and old residential neighbourhoods for a glimpse of the picturesque landscape that first attracted the attention of the colonists all those years ago.
Coaker's Walk is a kilometre-long paved clifftop path for pedestrians that offers expansive vistas of the surrounding valleys and the distant hills. Lieutenant Coaker constructed this elevated walkway in 1872, hence this tourist landmark is also an important part of Kodaikanal's colonial history. If you are staying at premium resorts in Kodaikanal near the lake, you can easily cover this sightseeing point.
Additionally, you can explore nature trails or suitable walking routes to spend time amidst the quiet natural surroundings. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the most favourable time for nature walks. However, you should strictly follow only the marked routes, avoid entering prohibited areas, and check the local weather conditions before you head out.
There is something truly alluring about the quaint local cafes and traditional bakeries in a hill station like Kodaikanal. Though not necessarily dating back to the colonial period, these establishments imbibe the essence of the town's relaxed lifestyle. You can sip on a hot beverage like tea or coffee and gorge on delicious baked goods or other snacks while you take a break between sightseeing and appreciate the enchanting hill station views. In case you don't have the time to visit a local cafe or bakery, the best hotel in Kodaikanal may have a cosy cafe on its premises where you can enjoy a similar experience.
Heritage hotels always top the list when you search for the best places to stay in Kodaikanal. As opposed to regular hotels, heritage retreats try to recreate an old-world colonial charm in their architecture and landscaping. At the same time, they offer well-appointed rooms with modern facilities and amenities for your convenience. Therefore, a stay at a renowned heritage hotel can further enhance your historical exploration of Kodaikanal!
Established in 1974, The Carlton is one of the most reputed heritage hotels in Kodaikanal. Featuring spectacular colonial-style architecture, terraced gardens, and a gorgeous setting right next to the iconic Kodaikanal Lake, it is a great choice of accommodation for those who want a taste of the hill station's history without compromising on contemporary comforts.
At this property, you will find an array of modern luxury rooms with lake/hill views, premium in-room facilities, multiple dining venues, world-class amenities, and grand event spaces. Moreover, its central location makes it a convenient base for travellers, whether you want to partake in lakeside activities or visit the hill station's famous attractions.
So, if you desire a stay where Kodaikanal's colonial past meets the present, The Carlton is an excellent option!
The above old-world experiences will give you the ultimate glimpse of Kodaikanal's colonial heritage. Get in touch with The Carlton Kodaikanal to book a room now!
Kodaikanal's development as a hill station started during the nineteenth century when British colonial officers and American missionaries began visiting the Palani Hills to escape the sweltering heat of the plains. They appreciated its cool weather and picturesque surroundings. Gradually, educational institutions, churches, landscaped gardens, cottages, etc., emerged around the hill town and helped shape its unique character.
The Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, La Saleth Church, Christ the King Church, and neighbourhoods home to historic buildings and traditional cottages are the best places to explore Kodaikanal's colonial heritage. These landmarks will give you an insight into the hill station's history and culture.
Heritage hotels in Kodaikanal like The Carlton are a fantastic accommodation if you want a stay that balances rustic, old-world vibes with modern conveniences. It features colonial-style vintage architecture, terraced gardens, well-appointed luxury rooms with lake/hill views, multiple restaurants, top-notch amenities, grand event venues, and much more. The hotel's central location near the Kodaikanal Lake makes it the preferred option for most tourists as they can easily reach the hill station's key attractions from here.
PLAN YOUR HERITAGE GETAWAY
Discover the charm of colonial heritage blended with 5-star lakeside luxury in the heart of Kodaikanal.
