Are you planning for your honeymoon in or around Madurai? Madurai has some exotic hill stations nearby which are sure to enthrall you!
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the popular hill stations in South India. The mesmerizing scenic beauty, high hills, beautiful waterfalls, rare blossoms of Kurinji flower, herbal forest and steeping mountain terrain in Kodaikanal serves as the best holiday spot for people in and around Madurai.
The major tourist attractions of this place is Berijam Lake, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Kodai Lake, Shebaganur Museum, Coaker’s Walk, Solar Astrophysical Observatory, Pillar Rocks, Silver Cascade, Boat Club, Telescope Houses and more. Kodai serves as an ideal picnic spot, which the tourists can enjoy by indulging in leisure activities like trekking, fishing and boating. The major attraction of Kodaikanal is Kurinji flower. This is a rare species of flower that blossoms once in 12 years. People from various parts of the world visit Kodai as their holiday outing for its calm and pleasing environment. If you are planning for a perfect hang out around Madurai, Kodaikanal is the best hill station that you should not miss out.
How to reach Kodaikanal:
Kodaikanal is 120 kilometers from Madurai. If you are travelling by car or direct bus, it may take around 2 hours 30 minutes from Madurai. You would need at least one day for sightseeing if you are travelling by bus, the fare would be around Rs. 20-50 per person. Taxis charge around Rs 2000-3000 including return journey.
Megamalai
If you are a nature lover, then definitely you would enjoy the serene beauty of Megamalai. Located on the slants of the Western Ghats, Megamali is covered with abundant cardamon estates and green tea agricultural estates. You can enjoy your favorite leisure activities like bird watching, trekking and boating at this beautiful scenic environment. The high hill range offers a breathtaking view of the tea and coffee estates, Varusanadu Hills, an artificial lake and houses of plantation workers that you have lots of scope to enjoy the natural beauty of Megamalai. Moreover, Suruli theertham that is located nearby is one of the popular tourist attraction spot. Megamalai hills widely called as ‘High Wavy Mountains’ of the South district. The height of this mountain is 1500 meters above sea level.
As it is very near to the forest, Megamalai remains as a host to large number of birds and animals. Some of the most common forest animals seen roaming at Megamalai are spotted deer, leopard, lion-tailed macaque, porcupine, grey jungle fowl, sloth bear, resident and migrating elephants, flying squirrel can be seen wandering in crowds here.
Megamalai is the best place to relax and rejuvenate oneself. The best time to visit Megamalai is between September to March. The tourists can enjoy the clear pollution free surroundings, which each of the scenic spots serves as a treat to their eyes. And also the Megamalai falls that flows throughout the year serves as the famous tourist attraction in South India.
How to Reach Megamalai:
Megamalai is exactly 122 kilometres from Madurai district. If you are travelling by taxi, they would charge around Rs. 850-1000 from Madurai junction to Megamalai.
Palani Hills
Palalni Hills serves as the best religious tourist place for Hindus. There is a temple situated on the top of Palani hill, which the devotees should travel 659 steps to reach the temple. Being devoted to Lord Subramanya, Palani temple has large number of visitors travelling from various parts of the world. It is said and believed that the idols of this temple hold miraculous powers.
Moreover, the sandal paste and abhishekam offered at Palani temple is said to cure diseases like leucoderma and asthma. Therefore, people from all over South India as well as from other parts of the country flock to Palani Temple with Kavadi to be blessed and to please the Lord. The slope of Palani hills holds a wide range of rare medicinal variety herbs. The most important feature of this Palani Temple is, Muslims also come to worship this deity just because of the direction the deity faces. You can enjoy a religious as well as a mind free refreshing trip at Palani Hills.
How to Reach Palani Hills:
If you are travelling by car, it would take around 2 hours to reach Palani. Taxi would charge you around Rs. 910 from Madurai to Palani. You can take a tourist bus, which they would charge about Rs. 315 per person.