Indian Lake Resort - Day Trips, Cardamom House

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DAY TRIPS

DINDIGUL (45 minutes drive)

This is a charming little known Market Town about a 45 minute drive from “Cardamom House”. It is steeped in history, much of it revolving around the famous (or infamous depending on whose side you were on) warrior Tipu Sultan.Towering over the town is a massive volcanic plug on the top of which you will find a small Temple and the remains of an old Fort. A few years back this complex was awarded the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dindigul Garlands

Dindigul is a centre for Tanneries and Cotton Spinning Mills. Not to be missed are the two vegetable markets, the flower market and some superb Fabric Shops. We suggest that at lunchtime you eat a typical “Thali” at one of the many Vegetarian restaurants. This is served on a Banana leaf and eaten with your fingers.

MADURAI (90 minutes drive)

It is one of India’s most famous cities. To enjoy it fully, to absorb its atmosphere and have time to browse around the markets, takes time.

The SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE is not only one of the most spectacular Temples in India, but is also an important Pilgrimage site where Hindus from all over the world come to pray. The atmosphere is vibrant as thousands flock to undertake the ritual “Pooja”. From early in the morning until dark the place is truly pulsating with activity.

Sri Meenakshi Temple

But in addition, Madurai is an important commercial centre and its shops stock a wide range of merchandise. In a covered market (an extension of the Temple itself) not only will you find fine fabrics but also intriguing Brassware artifacts– sold by their weight!

Around the city there are many other places to be visited such as the ancient “THIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE” with its evening “SON ET LUMIERE” and the GHANDI MUSEUM. Madurai has indeed lots to offer everybody.

PALANI (90 minute drive)

Above this market town’s bustling streets lies a huge and important Temple complex dedicated to Lord Murugan, the ‘Son’ of Lord Shiva and the ‘Brother’ of the much loved Elephant God, “Ganesh”. During December, January and February, tens of thousands of Pilgrims having walked barefoot for many days arrive at the “Sri Dandavudhapani Temple” to attend the numerous Hindu rituals taking place at that time.

Lord Murugan Temple. By Night

It is a long uphill walk if you decide to emulate the Pilgrims - and the stones are blistering hot underfoot! Easier by far is to take either the “Hoist”. This is an odd form of transport related to the Rack and Pinion rail systems encountered in Switzerland. If you decide on this way to the top, do be careful of the hoards of mischievous monkeys who swarm around the base station. They all seem to be highly trained Kleptomaniacs who will relieve you of anything they can lay hands on. Spectacles, Food, just anything!

Alternatively you can take the recently installed Cable Car which whisks you to the summit in five minutes!

KODAIKANAL HILL STATION (3 hour drive)

High (2,100 metres) in the cool hills lies this famous Hill Station. It was here during the Raj period that the government officials from Madras (Chennai) moved during the hot months of April and May to escape the oppressive heat of the coastal city.

“Kodai” as it is known, nestles amidst rolling mountainous peaks and ancient woodland - and is frequently enshrouded in Mist. The three hour drive from “Cardamom House” takes you through the spectacular mountainous scenery of the Western Ghats. Some of the places you must see when in ‘Kodai’ are the Silver Cascade Waterfall; Coakers Walk; The Pillar Rocks; Bryant Botanical Gardens and the Kodaikanal Lake.

View from Kodai. Western Ghats