Kodaikanal–Munnar Road
Encyclopedia
The Kodaikanal–Munnar Road (old SH-18) was located in Dindigul District
and Theni District
of Tamil Nadu
and Idukki district
of Kerala
in South India
.
It covers 81 kilometres (50.3 mi) from Kodaikanal
to Munnar
. The road was improved by the British in 1942 as an evacuation route in preparation for a possible Japanese invasion of South India
. With a maximum elevation of 2480 metres (8,136.5 ft) just south of Vandaravu Peak, it was among the highest roads in India, south of the Himalayas, prior to its closure in 1990.
In 1864 Douglas Hamilton
submitted a report stating that the Berijam Swamp
area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a military cantonment
or sanatorium
. "Let but the lake be reconstructed and a road made to it, and this magnificent sheet of water . . . will of itself attract residents to its vicinity. "The Fort Hamilton military outpost, later built there, was named for him.
In 1900 the Kundale Road and Tramway between Munnar and Top Station was completed by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company. The 35 kilometres (21.7 mi) road runs down the valley of the Kundale River. The road was built 4.6 metres (15.1 ft) wide of which 3.7 metres (12.1 ft) was metaled. The sharpest curve was 20 metres (65.6 ft) and the steepest gradient was 1 in 30. There were 22 timber bridges between 7.6 metres (24.9 ft) and 20 metres (65.6 ft) span. By 1905 the timber bridges were being replaced by steel and concrete structures.
In 1915, Law's Ghat road, opened Kodaikanal to cars, trucks, and buses coming from Batlagundu
. In 1925, a second ghat road was started from Berijam Lake
to Top Station
, connecting with Munner, Kerala and eventually Cochin, a total distance of 257 kilometres (159.7 mi). This was an extraordinarily slow dirt road, taking about eleven hours to reach Cochin. The road was impassable during and after heavy rains.
In 1942, during World War II, Madras City was bombed by the Japanese but the physical damage was negligible, though the public response was major and the city was evacuated because of fears of subsequent Japanese bombing and invasion. Many rich families from Madras moved permanently to the hill stations in fear.
In 1942 in preparation for a possible Japanese invasion of India, the British began improvements to the road to facilitate its use as an evacuation route from Berijam Lake
(Fort Hamilton) near Kodaikanal along the southern crest of the Palani Hills to Top Station. It was then called "The Escape Road". Existing roads then continued to Munnar and down to Cochin where ships would be available for evacuation out of India.
The road was operative till 1990 but was ignored by both the Tamil Nadu Forest Department
and the Kerala Highways Department in a dispute over its inter-state ownership. The old road is now in disrepair and overgrown with vegetation in some places. It is used as a logging trail and as a walking trail by local villagers and trekkers. Encounters with wild animals including bison
, elephants
, Leeches and leopards
sometimes occur on the trail.
The road begins as Club Road at 2100 metres (6,889.8 ft) elevation on the bund at Kodaikanal Lake
, climbing west as Upper Shola road and forking left as Pillar Rocks road. It passes the Green Valley View, (formerly called Suicide Point) at km 5.5, Kodaikanal Golf Club
at km 6, Pillar Rocks Viewpoint at km 6.5
and Moir Point at km 9.3. At this point of 2310 metres (7,578.7 ft) elevation the road forks, with the left fork going towards Berijam, and Munnar.
The right fork is the "Goschen Road" to the villages of Poombarai
and Kukkal
northwest of this place. Extensions to Mannavanur
(junction), and Kavunji
, together with a connecting road to Berijam Lake from near Kavunji, create a loop of about 40 mi (64.4 km) length, the "Forty Mile Round". In 1929, Sir Thomas Moir "turned the first sod", beginning construction of the "Goschen Road" which was completed in 1932.
Just past this junction is a Forest Department checkpost, which controls entry into the Allinagaram Reserve forest
through which the road passes west to Berijam Lake and beyond. This area is part of the proposed Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
.
Beyond km marker 13 on the Berijam road there is a firewatching tower from where one may have a fine view of the secluded Berijam Lake and the surrounding forest.
At km 21 at 2180 metres (7,152.2 ft) elevation, Berijam has a Forest Department Camp including an Eco-Education Center for visitors. Nature areas to be visited here include: swamp ecosystem, fresh water ecosystem, nature trail, bridge, medicinal demonstration garden, museum, nature walk, grassland and shola. This camp also is the site of an old two-story brick building, partly damaged and blackened over the years, with a bright yellow painted name reading "Britisher's Transit Camp". This is one of several transit camps built during World War II for British soldiers to rest along the 230 km (143 mi) British “Escape Route” from Kodaikanal via Top Station and Munnar to Cochin. While most of the transit camps are now either dilapidated or demolished, the one at Berijam is still used as a Forest Rest house. At this point an old road, now just a trail, forks off to the north for 12 km (7.5 mi) down to Kavunji village at 1975 metres (6,479.7 ft) elevation.
West of Berijam Lake, the road is closed for public vehicles and not maintained. Though the road is heavily damaged and overgrown till the Kerala border, it is well maintained within Kerala past Top Station.
The road meanders southwest and passes south of Konalar Dam and reservoir at km 25. It then continues southwest and around the south side of a 2320 metres (7,611.5 ft) hill at km 31, then northwest around 2517 metres (8,257.9 ft) Ibex peak and through a shallow 2390 metres (7,841.2 ft) pass at km 34. 1.5 km over a hill past a rest house, it passes down across a bridge over Kathirikkai Odei (the Second Trout Stream). There is a path from there up along the stream to a waterfall on the stream. The road then proceeds northwest, bridges the Pulavachiar river at km 39, makes a loop north and then passes south along the east side of Vandaravu Peak. The road crosses its highest point of 2480 metres (8,136.5 ft) just south of Vandaravu Peak at km 50 where it crosses the Kerala state boundary and enters Pampadum Shola National Park
.
The road then proceeds sharply down to the southwest through 17 hairpin turn
s to Top Station at elevation 1930 metres (6,332 ft) at km 60. Here the road becomes Kerala SH-18 and is well maintained, passing by extensive tea plantations 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) to Munnar. There is public bus service between kodaikanal to kilavarai, vattavada to munnar, the distance between kilavarai and vattavada is 17 km no bus service
. There were two roads from Berijam, one to Munnar
town, about 40 km (24.9 mi) west and another to Kavunji
village, 9 km (5.6 mi) north.
The old roads are now overgrown with vegetation and are used only as walking trails by local villagers and trekkers. Encounters with wild animals including bison
, leopard
s, elephants
, tigers
sometimes occur on these trails.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has restricted entry into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the general public. An entry permit (free) is required and can be obtained in person at the Forestry Department Office in Kodaikanal. Only ten permits are given each day, so early application the previous day is advised for timely access to the road west of Muir Point.
Most of these stream crossings still have stone and/or concrete bridges.
minor trail
s which branch off from the Kodaikanal–Munnar Road. Most of these show as "other trails" on the 1959 Army map. These intersections either go north to Upper Palani Hills villages or go south, dropping sharply down the south facing escarpment
to hill villages enroute and towns on the plains up to 1800 m (5,905.5 ft) below. The Ciff Trail provides an alternate east-west route between Berijam Lake and the Kerala Forest Bungalow. There are over 40 recognized hiking
routes from Kodaikanal using the Munnar road and these other trails.
Excluding Kodaikanal Municipal roads, going from east to west, the intersections are:
of India. Some of the very rare and endangered plants and animals of India are found here. including intact relics of primary indigenous
vegetation and a large number of non-native plants. The area is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspot
s of the world.
The road originally passed through an area of frost-tolerant shola
/montane grassland mosaic interspersed with pockets of stunted shola forests in the valleys. In 1900, 75% of the 385 km² (148.6 sq mi) area of the Upper Palni Hills,was grassland. This shola/grasslands ecosystem was effective in conserving monsoon rainfall and letting it soak in to replenish the watertable for year round release into the streams.
From 1948 through the 1960s the Tamil Nadu Forest Department planted large areas of indigenous
grasslands along the road with Black Wattle for producing tanning agents for use in the leather industry. Blue Gum
(Eucalyptus) and Mexican Weeping Pine were planted in order to provide a reliable alternative firewood supply to protect the native shola forests from cutting for firewood. The 1973 vegetation map shows these imported tree species
already taking over the grasslands around the road. A detailed dynamic map of 2002 vegetation shows distribution of various plantation species that have replaced most of the grasslands and native evergreen forests. Another 2002 map of Palni Hills, showing distribution of wattle plantations, also shows wattle dominating the route of the Kodaikanal Munnar Road. Exotic forests now cover over 80% of the area which was previously covered by Grasslands. These non-native species now dominate thousands of acres once dominated by native grasses.
These extensive wattle plantations are sometimes blamed as the major cause of reduced soil moisture and stream flows across upper Palni catchments, though it is likely that reduced rainfall during the Southwest monsoon period, combined with a pattern of heavy downpours and longer dry spells between rain events in the non-monsoon months is also responsible. Wattle plantations in the upper Palanis seem to help regrowth of indigenous shola species and associated wildlife, and also reduce cutting of shola forests by providing superior fuel wood. It is probable that these old, non-productive plantations, that are slow-growing or partially invaded with native woody species, are similar to native forest in terms of water use.
The Kadaveri– Kilvari road is a horse trail used by farmers of Kadavari to take their products to Kodaikanal, via Kilavarai. It is possible but not practical to pass here by off-road vehicle
.
Straight line distance from Kadaveri to Kilvari is 5.9 km (3.7 mi). The new route is 14.6 km (9.1 mi).
This is the least improved section of a new Munnar–Kodaikanal Highway proposed by the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd. This highway would provide a direct road link between the two popular hill stations of Munnar and Kodaikanal. The proposed road connects Vattavada (near Munnar) and Kadavari at the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. Length of the proposed Vattavada - Kadavari Road is 22.37 km (13.9 mi) A 4.5 km (2.8 mi) extension of the above road from Kadavari to Kilavari in Tamil Nadu is also proposed.
The proposed road would reduce the travel distance between the two hill stations 41% from 198 km (123 mi) (via Kodaikanal – Perumal Malai
– Mayiladum Parai – Mooliyaru – Oothu – Falls View
– Ganguvarpatti
– Kodai Ghat Road – Periyakulam
– Theni
– Bodinayakkanur
– Bodimettu – Devikulam – Munnar) to 116 km (72.1 mi), saving a driving distance of 82 km (51 mi). It would provide a reliable link between the unimproved and unconnected rural communities of Vattavada and Kilvari, improving the living standards of the people. Estimated cost of the project is Rs. 942 Million (2003 estimate). M/s Mecon Limited
has completed the feasibility study and submitted the final report.
Dindigul District
Dindigul District is an administrative region in the south of Tamil Nadu, India. The district was carved out of Madurai District in the year 1985...
and Theni District
Theni District
Theni District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in South India. The city of Theni is the district headquarters. The district is divided into two natural divisions: The hilly areas constituted by parts of the three taluks Periyakulam, Uthamapalayam and Andipatti with thick vegetation and...
of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
and Idukki district
Idukki district
Idukki district is one among the 14 districts of Kerala state, India. The district headquarters is located at in Painavu.It is the second least populous district in Kerala, after Wayanad .-Etymology:...
of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
in South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
.
It covers 81 kilometres (50.3 mi) from Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal
-Climate:Kodaikanal has a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate . The temperatures are cool throughout the year due to the high elevation of the city.-Economy:...
to Munnar
Munnar
Munnar is one of the most popular hill station in Kerala and in southern India. Munnar is located on the Western Ghats, situated in the Idukki district....
. The road was improved by the British in 1942 as an evacuation route in preparation for a possible Japanese invasion of South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
. With a maximum elevation of 2480 metres (8,136.5 ft) just south of Vandaravu Peak, it was among the highest roads in India, south of the Himalayas, prior to its closure in 1990.
History
Douglas Hamilton
General Douglas Hamilton was a British Indian Army officer, gazetted to the 21st Regiment of the Madras Native Infantry from 1837 to 1871. He was a well known surveyor of the early British hill stations in South India and a famous sportsman, shikari, big-game hunter and trophy collector. He was an...
submitted a report stating that the Berijam Swamp
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is at the old site of "Fort Hamilton", in the upper Palani hills....
area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a military cantonment
Cantonment
A cantonment is a temporary or semi-permanent military or police quarters. The word cantonment is derived from the French word canton meaning corner or district, as is the name of the Cantons of Switzerland. In South Asia, the term cantonment also describes permanent military stations...
or sanatorium
Sanatorium
A sanatorium is a medical facility for long-term illness, most typically associated with treatment of tuberculosis before antibiotics...
. "Let but the lake be reconstructed and a road made to it, and this magnificent sheet of water . . . will of itself attract residents to its vicinity. "The Fort Hamilton military outpost, later built there, was named for him.
In 1900 the Kundale Road and Tramway between Munnar and Top Station was completed by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company. The 35 kilometres (21.7 mi) road runs down the valley of the Kundale River. The road was built 4.6 metres (15.1 ft) wide of which 3.7 metres (12.1 ft) was metaled. The sharpest curve was 20 metres (65.6 ft) and the steepest gradient was 1 in 30. There were 22 timber bridges between 7.6 metres (24.9 ft) and 20 metres (65.6 ft) span. By 1905 the timber bridges were being replaced by steel and concrete structures.
In 1915, Law's Ghat road, opened Kodaikanal to cars, trucks, and buses coming from Batlagundu
Batlagundu
Batlagundu [pronounced Vathalakkundu] is a panchayat town in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The town is about an hour and a half from Kodaikanal....
. In 1925, a second ghat road was started from Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is at the old site of "Fort Hamilton", in the upper Palani hills....
to Top Station
Top Station
Top Station is tourist destination which falls along the border of the state of Tamil Nadu. The region is part of constituency of bodi Theni district in Tamil Nadu....
, connecting with Munner, Kerala and eventually Cochin, a total distance of 257 kilometres (159.7 mi). This was an extraordinarily slow dirt road, taking about eleven hours to reach Cochin. The road was impassable during and after heavy rains.
In 1942, during World War II, Madras City was bombed by the Japanese but the physical damage was negligible, though the public response was major and the city was evacuated because of fears of subsequent Japanese bombing and invasion. Many rich families from Madras moved permanently to the hill stations in fear.
In 1942 in preparation for a possible Japanese invasion of India, the British began improvements to the road to facilitate its use as an evacuation route from Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is at the old site of "Fort Hamilton", in the upper Palani hills....
(Fort Hamilton) near Kodaikanal along the southern crest of the Palani Hills to Top Station. It was then called "The Escape Road". Existing roads then continued to Munnar and down to Cochin where ships would be available for evacuation out of India.
The road was operative till 1990 but was ignored by both the Tamil Nadu Forest Department
Tamil Nadu Forest Department
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department was established as the Madras Forest Department in 1855 by Dr. Hugh Francis Cleghorn, "the father of scientific forestry in India". The department is responsible for managing all the protected areas and forests plus environmental and wildlife related issues of Tamil...
and the Kerala Highways Department in a dispute over its inter-state ownership. The old road is now in disrepair and overgrown with vegetation in some places. It is used as a logging trail and as a walking trail by local villagers and trekkers. Encounters with wild animals including bison
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
, elephants
Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years...
, Leeches and leopards
Indian leopard
The Indian leopard is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the five big cats found in India, apart from Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard....
sometimes occur on the trail.
Old route
The road begins as Club Road at 2100 metres (6,889.8 ft) elevation on the bund at Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, was instrumental in creating the lake in 1863, amidst the Kodaikanal town which was developed by the British...
, climbing west as Upper Shola road and forking left as Pillar Rocks road. It passes the Green Valley View, (formerly called Suicide Point) at km 5.5, Kodaikanal Golf Club
Kodaikanal Golf Club
Kodaikanal Golf Club is a private membership club with a 18 hole, par 71 Golf course. It is located about southwest from the center of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, South India at an elevation of ....
at km 6, Pillar Rocks Viewpoint at km 6.5
The right fork is the "Goschen Road" to the villages of Poombarai
Poombarai
Poombarai is a village located in the heart of the Palani hills, from Kodaikanal at: . Altitude is .It is coming under ANJUR Poombarai is a village located in the heart of the Palani hills, from Kodaikanal at: . Altitude is .It is coming under ANJUR Poombarai is a village located in the heart...
and Kukkal
Kukkal
Kukkal is a Panchayat village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Palani Hills in Kodaikanal block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is from Kodaikanal at: . Elevation is . Kookal is notable for the high biodiversity of the area.-Geography:Kukkal sits at the...
northwest of this place. Extensions to Mannavanur
Mannavanur
Mannavanur , is a farming village of 1437 households in Mannavanor Panchayat, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India, west from Kodaikanal It is by road from Kumbur village and from Kilanavayal village. Altitude is...
(junction), and Kavunji
Kavunji
Kavunji is a Panchayat village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Western Ghats in Kodaikanal block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India, Pincode 624103. It is from Kodaikanal at: . Elevation is...
, together with a connecting road to Berijam Lake from near Kavunji, create a loop of about 40 mi (64.4 km) length, the "Forty Mile Round". In 1929, Sir Thomas Moir "turned the first sod", beginning construction of the "Goschen Road" which was completed in 1932.
Just past this junction is a Forest Department checkpost, which controls entry into the Allinagaram Reserve forest
Reserve forest
You may be looking for forest reserve, a generic term associated with protected forest areas, which is also used as a specific term for protected forests in some countries...
through which the road passes west to Berijam Lake and beyond. This area is part of the proposed Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
The Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a proposed Protected area in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu State South India. The Park will be an upgrade and expansion of the 736.87 km² Palani Wildlife Sanctuary which was to be established in 2008. The park includes about 36% of...
.
Beyond km marker 13 on the Berijam road there is a firewatching tower from where one may have a fine view of the secluded Berijam Lake and the surrounding forest.
At km 21 at 2180 metres (7,152.2 ft) elevation, Berijam has a Forest Department Camp including an Eco-Education Center for visitors. Nature areas to be visited here include: swamp ecosystem, fresh water ecosystem, nature trail, bridge, medicinal demonstration garden, museum, nature walk, grassland and shola. This camp also is the site of an old two-story brick building, partly damaged and blackened over the years, with a bright yellow painted name reading "Britisher's Transit Camp". This is one of several transit camps built during World War II for British soldiers to rest along the 230 km (143 mi) British “Escape Route” from Kodaikanal via Top Station and Munnar to Cochin. While most of the transit camps are now either dilapidated or demolished, the one at Berijam is still used as a Forest Rest house. At this point an old road, now just a trail, forks off to the north for 12 km (7.5 mi) down to Kavunji village at 1975 metres (6,479.7 ft) elevation.
West of Berijam Lake, the road is closed for public vehicles and not maintained. Though the road is heavily damaged and overgrown till the Kerala border, it is well maintained within Kerala past Top Station.
The road meanders southwest and passes south of Konalar Dam and reservoir at km 25. It then continues southwest and around the south side of a 2320 metres (7,611.5 ft) hill at km 31, then northwest around 2517 metres (8,257.9 ft) Ibex peak and through a shallow 2390 metres (7,841.2 ft) pass at km 34. 1.5 km over a hill past a rest house, it passes down across a bridge over Kathirikkai Odei (the Second Trout Stream). There is a path from there up along the stream to a waterfall on the stream. The road then proceeds northwest, bridges the Pulavachiar river at km 39, makes a loop north and then passes south along the east side of Vandaravu Peak. The road crosses its highest point of 2480 metres (8,136.5 ft) just south of Vandaravu Peak at km 50 where it crosses the Kerala state boundary and enters Pampadum Shola National Park
Pampadum Shola National Park
Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Kerala state, South India. The park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National...
.
The road then proceeds sharply down to the southwest through 17 hairpin turn
Hairpin turn
A hairpin turn , named for its resemblance to a hairpin/bobby pin, is a bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary for an oncoming vehicle to turn almost 180° to continue on the road. Such turns in ramps and trails may be called switchbacks in American English, by analogy...
s to Top Station at elevation 1930 metres (6,332 ft) at km 60. Here the road becomes Kerala SH-18 and is well maintained, passing by extensive tea plantations 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) to Munnar. There is public bus service between kodaikanal to kilavarai, vattavada to munnar, the distance between kilavarai and vattavada is 17 km no bus service
Access
Berijam is located at the end of Pillar Rocks Road (old SR-18), 21 km (13 mi) southwest of Kodaikanal LakeKodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, was instrumental in creating the lake in 1863, amidst the Kodaikanal town which was developed by the British...
. There were two roads from Berijam, one to Munnar
Munnar
Munnar is one of the most popular hill station in Kerala and in southern India. Munnar is located on the Western Ghats, situated in the Idukki district....
town, about 40 km (24.9 mi) west and another to Kavunji
Kavunji
Kavunji is a Panchayat village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Western Ghats in Kodaikanal block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India, Pincode 624103. It is from Kodaikanal at: . Elevation is...
village, 9 km (5.6 mi) north.
The old roads are now overgrown with vegetation and are used only as walking trails by local villagers and trekkers. Encounters with wild animals including bison
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
, leopard
Leopard
The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its...
s, elephants
Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years...
, tigers
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
sometimes occur on these trails.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has restricted entry into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the general public. An entry permit (free) is required and can be obtained in person at the Forestry Department Office in Kodaikanal. Only ten permits are given each day, so early application the previous day is advised for timely access to the road west of Muir Point.
- Tourists contact: (before 11:30 a.m.) Government of Tamil Nadu, Tourist Office, Annasalai, Kodaikanal 624 101, Tamil Nadu, India. Phone: 04542-241675.
Trekking
Trekkers and researchers must get advance permission from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department to travel along the route of the old road. A pamphlet, "Sholas For Survival", available from the District Forest Office, Kodaikanal describes 17 local treks ranging from leisurely walks to challenging day long treks. This booklet provides a trekking map of the Palani Hills and details the degree of difficulty for each trek.Rivers
The Kodaikanal–Munnar Road crosses several rivers between Berijam and Top Station. There are no river crossings between Moir point and Berijam. Rivers that are crossed, traveling east to west include:- Berijam River is crossed at 10°10′50"N 77°23′21"E, immediately before Berijam Camp.
- Konalur River is crossed at 10°10′0"N 77°21′57"E, just south of Konalur Reservoir.
- Konalur River II (for lack of correct name) is crossed at 10°9′59"N 77°21′33"E, just west of Konalur River.
- Road recrosses Konalar River II at 10°9′36"N 77°21′9"E, 1.25 km (0.776715920812258 mi) SW of 1st crossing.
- Sebastian Odai is crossed at 10°9′18"N 77°20′52"E. This stream originates 1.3 km (0.807784557644749 mi) south, near Marian Shola Bungalow.
- First Trout Stream (proper name =?) is crossed at 10°8′55"N 77°20′10"E, just before the Forest Department Hut and other Forest Department buildings.
- Kathirikkai Odei (the Second Trout Stream) is crossed at 10°9′8"N 77°19′21"E, 2.2 km (1.4 mi) after the Forest Dept Hut. It has small pool above a 50 m (164 ft) waterfall just south of the road crossing. This stream flows northeast 1.8 km (1.1 mi) where it is joined by the First Trout Stream, then 4.7 km (2.9 mi) north to join the Sebastian Odai which in 0.3 km (0.186411820994942 mi) joins the Poondi Stream.
- Unnamed tributary is crossed at 10°9′57"N 77°17′27"E, just before Pulavachiar Forest Quarters. This stream originates 4.5 km (2.8 mi) SW, just above a 16 m (52.5 ft) waterfall, in the farthest SW corner of the Palani Hills.
- Pulavachiar River crosses the road at 10°9′57"N 77°17′27"E, 0.5 km (0.310686368324903 mi) past the Pulavachiar Forest Quarters, near milestone: "Top Station 12". This is below the final climb up to Vunderavu hut. The river flows north, is joined by several tributaries, including the PoondiPoondiPoondi is a village in the Ariyalur taluk of Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu, India.- Demographics :As per the 2001 census, Poondi had a total population of 4090 with 1891 males and 2199 females.- References :...
/KavunjiKavunjiKavunji is a Panchayat village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Western Ghats in Kodaikanal block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India, Pincode 624103. It is from Kodaikanal at: . Elevation is...
? stream and flows down the valley between Polur and Kilavarai. Just west of KumburKumburKumbur , is a farming village of 202 houses in Mannavanur Panchayat, at the end of the road west from Kodaikanal in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is at the head of the Kumbur River in Manjampatti Valley drainage basin...
, it becomes the major tributary of the Kumbur River which drops 800 m (2,624.7 ft) into Manjampatti ValleyManjampatti ValleyManjampatti Valley is a protected area in the eastern end of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, South India. It is a pristine drainage basin of shola and montane rain Forest with high biodiversity recently threatened by illegal land clearing...
, passing Mungulpalum village and joining the Ten Ar river at Manjampatti Village. - The road crosses small unnamed tributaries 4 times, north of Pulavachiar crossing.
- The road crosses only one small unnamed stream at 10°7′57"N 77°15′48"E, during its 550 m (1,804.5 ft) decent from Vandaravu to Top Station.
Most of these stream crossings still have stone and/or concrete bridges.
Shelters
There are several structures on or near the road which may be available for overnight use by trekkers. Proceeding east to west, they are:- The Forest Dept. checkpost at 10°12′39"N 77°26′53"E near Muir Point after Km 9 is not for overnight use but may offer temporary daytime shelter during a rain shower.
- Green Hut is an old Forest Dept. bungalow at 10°11′50"N 77°26′06"E near km 14, which has been used for overnight camping since at least 1943. It will be renovated soon.
- The Fire lookout tower at 10°11′32"N 77°25′11"E just past km 13, 8 km (5 mi) before Berijam lake, has a roofed hexagon structure not meant for overnight use but can offer short term safety from Gaur and elephants.
- There is a Forest Rest House at Berijam Lake, first developed as a British Transit Camp, at 10°10′54"N 77°23′20"E, at km 23, with limited accommodations, which serves as an overnight base camp for Forestry Department staff, researchers and trekkers. Trekkers must get advance permission to stay overnight there. Visitors must bring their own provisions, but cooking facilities are available.
- There are two huts at a place variously called Marian Shola Bungalow and Sebastian Camp on a trail south of the road at 10°8′47"N 77°20′38"E. These are shown on the Army map. The bungalow there was fixed up several years ago and equipped with flush toilets and an elephant ditch was built around it. There is a separate kitchen building out back.
- There is a Forest Department Hut and other Forest Department buildings at 10°8′56"N 77°20′9"E at the first trout stream. Tamil Nadu Forest Dept. built the buildings to house Dept. staff who lived there while supervising wood cutting enterprises and road work crews. The laborers, mostly Sri Lankan Tamils, built temporary shacks of poles and matting. The shacks were abandoned when the cutters moved on to another area. The supervisors' "pucca" huts remain and now provide basic overnight shelter for trekkers. Limited overnight accommodations may be used with advance permission.
- Pulavachiar Forest Quarters is an old British Transit Camp at 10°9′56"N 77°17′42"E, near mile stone: "Top Station 12". This camp shows below a red star on the Army map. There is overnight shelter here for trekkers.
- Vandaravu camp is two structures at 10°9′26"N 77°16′26"E on the north slope of Vandaravu Peak, as shown on the 1959 Army Map. Current condition and suitability for shelter is unknown.
- There is a small corrugated steel shelter on the lower square platform of the observation tower at Pampadum Shola National ParkPampadum Shola National ParkPampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Kerala state, South India. The park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National...
on the west slope of Vandaravu Peak at 10°8′42"N 77°16′18"E This is a poor alternative shelter to the nice Forest Quarters less than 1 km (0.621372736649807 mi) away. - There is a well maintained Kerala Forest quarters at 10°8′22"N 77°16′24"E near the Bandar Wireless Station on the south slope of Vandaravu Peak.
- There are limited commercial cabins and hotels at Top Station and many commercial accommodations of all classes at Munnar.
Intersections
There are several well established side roads and other intersectingIntersection (road)
An intersection is a road junction where two or more roads either meet or cross at grade . An intersection may be 3-way - a T junction or fork, 4-way - a crossroads, or 5-way or more...
minor trail
Trail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
s which branch off from the Kodaikanal–Munnar Road. Most of these show as "other trails" on the 1959 Army map. These intersections either go north to Upper Palani Hills villages or go south, dropping sharply down the south facing escarpment
Escarpment
An escarpment is a steep slope or long cliff that occurs from erosion or faulting and separates two relatively level areas of differing elevations.-Description and variants:...
to hill villages enroute and towns on the plains up to 1800 m (5,905.5 ft) below. The Ciff Trail provides an alternate east-west route between Berijam Lake and the Kerala Forest Bungalow. There are over 40 recognized hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
routes from Kodaikanal using the Munnar road and these other trails.
Excluding Kodaikanal Municipal roads, going from east to west, the intersections are:
- Kodai-Vellagavi foot path begins at 10°12′41"N 77°28′31"E at Pambar bridge near head of the Pambar river. Pambar Falls are nearby. Path descends steeply to Dolphins Nose, a dramatic perch over the Pambar valley below. A bridle path leads through Cardamom plantations, sholas and meadows leading to Vellagavi, an isolated old village with paved streets and a Muruga Temple. Foot path proceeds down west side of Vellagaviar River valley. The path becomes a dirt road along the river Vannathi odai. Kumbakarai Falls are at the bottom. Trekking distance is 8 km (5 mi). Trekking time is 5 hours.
- Goschen Road forks north, at 10°12′39"N 77°26′53"E at Moir point at km 9.3, toward the villages of PoombaraiPoombaraiPoombarai is a village located in the heart of the Palani hills, from Kodaikanal at: . Altitude is .It is coming under ANJUR Poombarai is a village located in the heart of the Palani hills, from Kodaikanal at: . Altitude is .It is coming under ANJUR Poombarai is a village located in the heart...
and KukkalKukkalKukkal is a Panchayat village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Palani Hills in Kodaikanal block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is from Kodaikanal at: . Elevation is . Kookal is notable for the high biodiversity of the area.-Geography:Kukkal sits at the...
to the northwest. Extensions to MannavanurMannavanurMannavanur , is a farming village of 1437 households in Mannavanor Panchayat, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India, west from Kodaikanal It is by road from Kumbur village and from Kilanavayal village. Altitude is...
(junction), and KavunjiKavunjiKavunji is a Panchayat village of terrace farmers at the far western end of the Western Ghats in Kodaikanal block of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India, Pincode 624103. It is from Kodaikanal at: . Elevation is...
, together with a connecting road to Berijam Lake from near Kavunji, create a loop of about 40 mi (64.4 km) length, the "Forty Mile Round". In 1929, Sir Thomas Moir "turned the first sod", beginning construction of the "Goschen Road" which was completed in 1932. - Green Hut-Chinnoor foot path begins at 10°11′50"N 77°26′14"E near km 14 near Green Hut. The path follows the cliff top for 2.2 km (1.4 mi) then descends a steep ridge 2.1 km (1.3 mi) to Chinoor village.
- Berijam-Periyur-Periyakulam foot path starts "near Hats off Point (Thoppi Thukki Varai) at 10°10′34"N 77°24′35"E. At about km 18 a footpath leads to Periyur Village. From the starting point there is a breath taking view of the rolling mountains and catchment area of Southparai reservoir. The foot path is very steep. Gaur are very common on the route. Vertical cliffs are numerous. After 4 km (2.5 mi) the trail reaches Periyur, a hamlet of Vellagavi village. The path continues through coffee plantations and deciduous forest along a stream to reach a metaled road. On the right is the Southparai reservoir on the Periyar river. The road continues to PeriyakulamPeriyakulamPeriyakulam is a town and a Municipality in Theni district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.-Geography:Periyakulam is located at . It has an average elevation of 282 metres . It is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats bordering the neighbouring state of Kerala. It is one of...
. Trekking distance is 18 km (11.2 mi). Trekking time is about 5 Hours." - Berijam (SW)-Bodi foot path begins at 10°10′46"N 77°23′56"E, at sluiceway of reservoir, 2.1 km (1.3 mi) before Berijam camp near km 19. This trail continues 18 km (11.2 mi) down a ridge where it joins the Marion Shola-Bodi trail and continues another 8 km (5 mi) to Bodinayakanur town.
- The Ciff Trail is an old 25 km (15.5 mi) walking trail providing an alternate east-west route between
Berijam Lake and the Kerala Forest Bungalow below Vandaravu Peak on the Munnar Road. This trail closely follows the southernmost edge of the Palani plateau along the top of the rugged escarpment dropping down to the plains. Beginning at the head of the Berijam-Bodi trail, after 4.3 km (2.7 mi), the trail reaches the cliffs and forks off to the west. The trail proceeds 4.9 km (3 mi) precariously along the edge of a precipice to a small hill. It then proceeds 1.3 km (0.807784557644749 mi) over the hill to Marion Shola bungalow.- After Marion Shola Bungalow the cliff trail heads west 1.7 km (1.1 mi) along the top of Marian Shola and 3.7 km (2.3 mi) to and over Ibex peak to the top of Ibex Cliff. After 0.8 km (0.497098189319845 mi) along this dramatic cliff, the trail heads 2.8 km (1.7 mi) up and over another hill and again skirts the cliff top. The trail then goes 2.4 km (1.5 mi) around the north side of a small hill and back along the cliff top to the furthest southwestern point of the Palani Hills. Finally, the trail goes 3.1 km (1.9 mi) north through grasslands at the top of a forested hillside, then northeast to rejoin the Munnar Road at the Kerala Forest Bungalow.
- Kavunji Road junction is at 10°10′53"N 77°23′17"E just past Berijam Camp. This old road is now overgrown but remains a popular trekking route between Berijam Camp and Kavunji village where scheduled public busses are available to Kodaikanal. "Berijam – Kavunji is an easy walk. Start at Berijam Forest Rest House, follow Mannavanur (Kavunji) Road up to 2 km (1.2 mi), then take the old bridle path. Meadow Wattle, Pine, Eucalyptus plantations are alternating. River Konalar has Trout fish and pine plantations on the banks. Trekking distance is 12 km (7.5 mi). Trekking time is 3 Hours."
- Konalar-Bodi foot path begins at 10°10′04"N 77°22′28"E starts 3.3 km (2.1 mi) after Kavunji Junction and joins the Berijam (SW)-Bodi foot path 3.9 km (2.4 mi) downhill.
- Marion Shola-Bodi foot path begins at 10°8′33"N 77°19′57"E at 2280 m (7,480.3 ft) elevation. After passing steeply down 4 km (2.5 mi) through the shola and along a small ridge, the path follows an unnamed stream 7.3 km (4.5 mi) to Uttamparai village at 400 m (1,312.3 ft) elevation on the plains. Bodi is 7.9 km (4.9 mi) by road from the village.
- Kavungi - Poondi - Polur trail at 10°10′31"N 77°17′32"E, 1.2 km (0.745647283979768 mi) north of Pulavachiar River bridge, is a popular trekking trail between Kavungi - PoondiPoondiPoondi is a village in the Ariyalur taluk of Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu, India.- Demographics :As per the 2001 census, Poondi had a total population of 4090 with 1891 males and 2199 females.- References :...
- Polur Road to the northeast and the Vandaravu peak area. - Kilavarai trail, also at 10°10′31"N 77°17′32"E At about 40th Km from Kodaikkanal, a forest road leads to Kilavarai. Sholas, grasslands, Eucalyptus and wattle plantations alternate. Be cautious around Gaur Vellaiyan a 52 ft (16 m) waterfalls at a picnic spot enroute. Enjoy the high attitude meadows. Trout fish live in the areas streams.
- Klavara Trail starting at 10°10′3"N 77°17′7"E goes 4.2 km (2.6 mi) west to Klavara Village. A vehicle road then goes south 5.3 km (3.3 mi) to Top Station and north 2 km (1.2 mi) to Vattavada, another 1.3 km (0.807784557644749 mi) to Kovilur and 2.6 km (1.6 mi) more to Kadaveri.
- Top Station-Bottom Station foot path starting at 10°7′27"N 77°14′40"E, elevation 1900 m (6,233.6 ft), follows the 4.06 km (2.5 mi) route of the old Top Station-Kottagudi ropewayAerial tramwayAn aerial tramway , cable car , ropeway or aerial tram is a type of aerial lift which uses one or two stationary ropes for support while a third moving rope provides propulsion...
. The path descends 1198 m (3,930.4 ft) from Top Station to Kotagudi. The winding path is about 8.3 km (5.2 mi) long. From Kotagudi a rough and winding road descends 9.7 km (6 mi) through the foothills along the valley of the Kotagudi River to the level plains where it proceeds smoothly 6.4 km (4 mi) to Bodinayakanur.
Roadside forests
The upper Palani Hills route of the Kodaikanal Munnar road is part of the Western GhatsWestern Ghats
The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
of India. Some of the very rare and endangered plants and animals of India are found here. including intact relics of primary indigenous
Indigenous (ecology)
In biogeography, a species is defined as native to a given region or ecosystem if its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention. Every natural organism has its own natural range of distribution in which it is regarded as native...
vegetation and a large number of non-native plants. The area is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspot
Biodiversity hotspot
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans.The concept of biodiversity hotspots was originated by Norman Myers in two articles in “The Environmentalist” , revised after thorough analysis by Myers and others in...
s of the world.
The road originally passed through an area of frost-tolerant shola
Shola
Sholas are patches of stunted evergreen tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest found in valleys amid rolling grassland in the higher montane regions of South India. These patches of shola forest are found mainly in the valleys and are usually separated from one another by undulating...
/montane grassland mosaic interspersed with pockets of stunted shola forests in the valleys. In 1900, 75% of the 385 km² (148.6 sq mi) area of the Upper Palni Hills,was grassland. This shola/grasslands ecosystem was effective in conserving monsoon rainfall and letting it soak in to replenish the watertable for year round release into the streams.
From 1948 through the 1960s the Tamil Nadu Forest Department planted large areas of indigenous
Indigenous (ecology)
In biogeography, a species is defined as native to a given region or ecosystem if its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention. Every natural organism has its own natural range of distribution in which it is regarded as native...
grasslands along the road with Black Wattle for producing tanning agents for use in the leather industry. Blue Gum
Blue Gum
Blue Gum usually refers to the subspecies or the species in Eucalyptus globulus complex, however it may also refer to a number of other species of Eucalyptus in Australia. Confusingly, in Queensland it usually refers to Eucalyptus tereticornis, which is known elsewhere as Forest Red Gum.* Gippsland...
(Eucalyptus) and Mexican Weeping Pine were planted in order to provide a reliable alternative firewood supply to protect the native shola forests from cutting for firewood. The 1973 vegetation map shows these imported tree species
Introduced species
An introduced species — or neozoon, alien, exotic, non-indigenous, or non-native species, or simply an introduction, is a species living outside its indigenous or native distributional range, and has arrived in an ecosystem or plant community by human activity, either deliberate or accidental...
already taking over the grasslands around the road. A detailed dynamic map of 2002 vegetation shows distribution of various plantation species that have replaced most of the grasslands and native evergreen forests. Another 2002 map of Palni Hills, showing distribution of wattle plantations, also shows wattle dominating the route of the Kodaikanal Munnar Road. Exotic forests now cover over 80% of the area which was previously covered by Grasslands. These non-native species now dominate thousands of acres once dominated by native grasses.
These extensive wattle plantations are sometimes blamed as the major cause of reduced soil moisture and stream flows across upper Palni catchments, though it is likely that reduced rainfall during the Southwest monsoon period, combined with a pattern of heavy downpours and longer dry spells between rain events in the non-monsoon months is also responsible. Wattle plantations in the upper Palanis seem to help regrowth of indigenous shola species and associated wildlife, and also reduce cutting of shola forests by providing superior fuel wood. It is probable that these old, non-productive plantations, that are slow-growing or partially invaded with native woody species, are similar to native forest in terms of water use.
New route
Though the old evacuation route is now impassable for vehicles, there remains a desire and need among farmers and tourists for a direct road link between Kodaikanal and Munnar.The Kadaveri– Kilvari road is a horse trail used by farmers of Kadavari to take their products to Kodaikanal, via Kilavarai. It is possible but not practical to pass here by off-road vehicle
Off-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
.
Straight line distance from Kadaveri to Kilvari is 5.9 km (3.7 mi). The new route is 14.6 km (9.1 mi).
This is the least improved section of a new Munnar–Kodaikanal Highway proposed by the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd. This highway would provide a direct road link between the two popular hill stations of Munnar and Kodaikanal. The proposed road connects Vattavada (near Munnar) and Kadavari at the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. Length of the proposed Vattavada - Kadavari Road is 22.37 km (13.9 mi) A 4.5 km (2.8 mi) extension of the above road from Kadavari to Kilavari in Tamil Nadu is also proposed.
The proposed road would reduce the travel distance between the two hill stations 41% from 198 km (123 mi) (via Kodaikanal – Perumal Malai
Vilpatti
Vilpatti is a Panchayat in Kodaikanal Taluk of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is composed of the main village of Vilpatti and 11 hamlets....
– Mayiladum Parai – Mooliyaru – Oothu – Falls View
Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul District,Tamil Nadu State, South India. It is tall and is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the third highest in India and the 267th highest in the world....
– Ganguvarpatti
Ganguvarpatti
Genguvarpatti is a panchayat town in Theni district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.Genguvarpatti India census, Genguvarpatti had a population of 10,569. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Genguvarpatti has an average literacy rate of 57%, lower than the national average of...
– Kodai Ghat Road – Periyakulam
Periyakulam
Periyakulam is a town and a Municipality in Theni district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.-Geography:Periyakulam is located at . It has an average elevation of 282 metres . It is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats bordering the neighbouring state of Kerala. It is one of...
– Theni
Theni
Theni is a town in the Western Tamil Nadu state of South India. It is the headquarters of Theni District. It is known for the large-scale trading of Cardamom, Cotton, Grapes, chilli and Textiles. It hosts the second largest weekly market in Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest in South India...
– Bodinayakkanur
Bodinayakkanur
Bodinayakanur is a city and a municipality in Theni district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.-Demographics:...
– Bodimettu – Devikulam – Munnar) to 116 km (72.1 mi), saving a driving distance of 82 km (51 mi). It would provide a reliable link between the unimproved and unconnected rural communities of Vattavada and Kilvari, improving the living standards of the people. Estimated cost of the project is Rs. 942 Million (2003 estimate). M/s Mecon Limited
MECON Limited
MECON Limited, formerly known as is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Steel of the Government of India....
has completed the feasibility study and submitted the final report.
Gallery
External sources
- Travelogues:
- November 27–29, 2009 Kodaikanal to Munnar Trek - A Bittersweet Escapade, Poonam Parihar 35 photos
- August 27, 2009 Kodaikanal - A different approach, (The New Road) by Shinu
- Chennai Trekking ClubChennai Trekking ClubThe Chennai Trekking Club is a voluntary nonprofit organization whose members meet weekly for Outdoor recreation, Environmental education and Social responsibility activities. The club was established on February 22, 2008 by a small group of trekking enthusiasts in Chennai, India...
–- May 1–3, 2009 Kodai–Munnar Escapade, Ashok Rajasekaran
- May 1–3, 2009 Kodaikanal Munnar trek, Aravind GJ, 182 Photos
- April 2, 2009 Visit Kodaikanal, Trek Mannavanur to Vandaravu via Berijam-Marian Shola-Kathrikai Odai-
-
- March 21–23, 2008 "Kodai to Munnar" Trek, Peter Van Geit, 231 Photos
- March 21–23, 2008 GPS Trak - Berijam to Munnar segment
- October 4, 2009 Kodaikanal to Munnar: Backroads at their best, 120 km (74.6 mi), Sydney Winer
- Jan. 7, 2008 Kodai to Munnar - The Art of Getting Lost ..., Lost in the Woods
- May, 2006 Days in the forest Following a forgotten mountain trail in the Western Ghats. Text and photographs by Sanjiv Valsan
- Bangalore Mountaineering Club -
- Jan 26–29, 2006 Trek from Kodai to Munnar, Pradeep Jayaraman,
- Photos: