Dolphin’s Nose, Kodaikanal
Dolphin's Nose, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus stand, is flat
rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. It is
an undisturbed area 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) down a very steep rocky trail
beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer
a welcome rest stop.
Beautiful views of steep rocky escarpments rising from
the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a
rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here
to Pambar falls (which is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls'
after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in 1985).
Dolphin's Nose provides a bird's eye view of the
scenic landscape of the surrounding mountainous area. It is a flat rock jutting
out of the mountain, overlooking a deep cliff, with its shape akin to that of
the nose of a dolphin. The 3-4 hour trip to the Dolphin’s Nose can be
undertaken at either 8 am or 2 pm. An experienced guide, well versed with the
terrain, will steer you through the trek.
The summit offers a panoramic view of the area below and
on clear days, you might be able to spot the Periyakulam Town as well as the
Vaigai Lake. The trek isn’t a very strenuous one and you might also take a
detour to the small village of Vellagavi which is on the same track.
To reach Dolphins nose at a distance of 8 kms from the
bus stand, one has to follow the route specified here. There is an old road
after crossing Pambar Bridge near Levinge stream. A rough curve rounds the
hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over an awful chasm
of 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins nose. This place demands 20-30 minutes of
moderate level trekking.
