KODAIKANAL

Coaker's Walk

This is a famous landmark in Kodaikanal and is very crowded. It is about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, and is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains, about 5000 feet below. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, the old Tope Bungalow (where the early traveler rested before climbing up to Kodai), Periyakulam town, the Sacred heart College in Shenbaganur (the alma mater for many Jesuit priests) right below and even the city of Madurai. At night, the pulsing shimmering lights of the plains make a truly unforgettable sight. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.