Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal
Coaker’s Walk, discovered in 1872, and has been named
after Lt. Coaker. It is located on the southern slopes of this beautiful hill
station; Coaker’s Walk is a paradise for nature lovers. Situated at a distance
of 1 km from the lake of Kodaikanal, this place is known for its long winding
paths, forests and flowers present.
The major attraction of this place is the Telescope
House that offers beautiful view of valley and its nearby towns. Tourists
visiting this place are required to purchase a ticket for entering Coaker’s
Walk. The ideal time to make a visit to Coaker’s Walk is before 2:30 in the
afternoon. This is because after 2:30 pm, the mist starts setting all over by
the late afternoon.
Coaker's Walk, 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the
bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, 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.
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,
Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. 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.
The walkway is very well maintained and it's great spot
for photography. One side of the walkway is occupied by majestic houses built
during colonial period.
Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM.
