Often termed as filmmakers’ favourite, Chettiar Park in Kodaikanal is beauty personified. Made in the year 1977, the park got its name from the Chettiar people living in the region. It was constructed on farming land and is one of the reasons why this Park is organically blessed with lush greenery. The rich flora and fauna of this park add more allure to the picturesque backdrop. Along with several species of flowers and plants, this park also is home to the rare Kurinji Flower which blooms every 12 years. During this time, the park gets covered in a purple hue. Make sure to take time to spend time soaking in nature.
About Chettiar Park
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Chettiar Park Kodaikanal has a special appeal for the locals and tourists because of its unmatched beauty. Created by the Kodaikanal Municipality in 1977, the park was named after a group of people called ‘Chettiar’. They used to live in this area and are well-known for their contribution to this area along with their business skills. Initially, the land was used for farming; however, it was turned into a park, and soon it gained popularity as a tourist spot in Kodaikanal. Spread across 10 acres of land, Chettiar Park is also a dream place for photographers. Located at a height of 1400 metres from sea level, the lush greenery around the park with colourful flowers is maintained under the supervision of the government. Long-standing trees and well-trimmed grassland make it look pretty.
Must Read: Offbeat Places In Kodaikanal
Things To Do
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Chettiar Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and people with kids. You can spend 30 minutes to 1 hour here and enjoy the park’s beauty. But what do you do to spend your time here? Let’s find out.
1. Roam around the Park: You can visit every nook and corner of the park. The lush greenery will soothe your eyes while different species of floral plants create beautiful scenery. You will also find a section dedicated to cacti and different kinds of succulents, with their names on display. If you consider yourself a gardener, this place will turn out to be heaven.
2. Kid’s Playground: If you bring your kids to Chettiar Park, you can spend more hours there. The children’s section of the park has swings, slides, and several other fun activities. So, let your kids enjoy themselves while you relax and enjoy the scenery.
3. Attend the Flower Show: If you visit Chettiar Park in May, you can see the outstanding flower show arranged here. The park is decorated with different colourful flowers and it’s worth a watch. Many of the flowers are exclusive to this place, and some are so rare that this might be the first time you see them.
4. Enjoy Taking A Stroll: Given our lifestyle, taking a stroll in this park amidst nature is a rejuvenating experience. Chettiar Park has several walking trails that will take you to different parts of the park. Walk at a slow pace to inhale the beauty and absorb the view.
5. Enjoy Boating: There is a small lake inside Chettiar Park where you can enjoy paddle boating. Floating over the water is a relaxing activity, particularly when the greenery and colourful flowers crowd the surrounding areas.
6. Go for Hiking: Finally, something for adventure lovers as they can go hiking here. Many hiking trails here will open the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Surrounded by hills and valleys, Chettiar Park is a great destination for hikers who have just started hiking.
Places To Visit Nearby
If you plan a day out, 1 to 2 hours is enough for staying in Chettiar Park. For the rest of the day, you can plan a visit to several places as Kodaikanal doesn’t limit itself when it comes to tourist attractions. Here are some places which you can visit after you are done exploring the park.
1. Silver Cascade Falls
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Silver Cascade Falls is worth a visit because of its distinctive features, which you might have guessed by its name. It creates a silver-looking waterfall because it falls from a height of 180 feet, and the sound of the falling water is powerful as well. The best time to visit this fall is during the monsoon when the water is at its highest volume. You can indulge in activities like rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, and others.
Distance from Chettiar Park: 6.6 Km
Timings: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kodaikanal In June
2. Bryant Park
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Spread across 20.5 acres of land, Bryant Park is the biggest botanical garden in Kodaikanal. This park was developed in 1908, and its name was derived from a British officer, H.D. Bryant. Today, the state’s horticulture department maintains this park, and they have done a great job. The park is home to rich flora, and you will come across many rare species. Try to visit in May as the park organises a Flower Show, showcasing how rich Kodaikanal is in nature’s beauty.
Distance from Chettiar Park: 3.3 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
3. Kodaikanal Lake
Image Credit: KARTY JazZ for Wikimedia Commons
Kodaikanal Lake is located at a very short distance and deserves to be included in your must-visit list near the park. This man-made lake was built by the British Government in 1860 when they were developing Kodaikanal and was dedicated to beautifying the place. Spread across 60 acres, this star-shaped lake is perfect for bird-watching. The lake is 10 metres deep, but impurities have made it shallow nowadays.
Distance from Chettiar Park: 4.4 Km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suggested Read: Resorts Near Kodaikanal
4. Kurunji Andavar Temple
Image Credit: Matthew T Rader for Wikimedia Commons
Chettiar Park is within walking distance of Kurunji Andavar Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is built using the Dravidian style, which dominated the majority of temples in Tamil Nadu. The massive gopuram will amaze you with its aura.
Distance from Chettiar Park: 450 Metres
Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Essential Details
While there is not much to know about Chettiar Park, certain details always help to ensure a hassle-free experience.
How To Reach
As Chettiar Park is well-connected to Kodaikanal, you can reach Kodaikanal town and hire a rental cab or take your car to the park. You can also take a bus from Kodaikanal Bus Station, which is only 3.3 km away from Chettiar Park.
Entry Fee
The Chettiar Park entry fee is INR 15 per person. If you take a camera inside, it will be INR 25. The entry fee is INR 10 only for children.
Timings
The Chettiar Park timings are from 9 am to pm. As the park remains open for such a long duration, you can take time to visit it thoroughly.
Best Time to Visit
As the weather in Kodaikanal is pleasant throughout the year, you can visit the park anytime. However, May is the best time to be here as you can visit the extraordinary flower show. The park arranges colourful flowers, some of which are of rare species. It is a breathtaking view to watch!
Further Read: Kodaikanal Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Chettiar Park can be a great escape as you can spend a few hours amidst nature. The colourful flowers, lush green valleys, lonely hiking trails, and the small and beautiful lake will make your day. Moreover, the places nearby to visit are also quite attractive. When planning a trip to Tamil Nadu, keep a day reserved for this park.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chettiar Park
Where is Chettiar Park located?
Chettiar Park is located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. It is only 3 km from the Kodaikanal Bus stand and 1.5 km uphill from the town of Kodaikanal.
Which is the best month to visit Chettiar Park?
Though you can visit the park any time of the year, May is the best time to be here. A big and beautiful flower show is organised at this park this time that is worth visiting.
Do you need to pay any entry fee for Chettiar Park?
Yes, you need to pay an entry fee to enter this park, though it is quite minimal. For elders, you must pay INR 25 and for children, the cost is INR 10. To carry a camera, you must pay INR 15.
Can you have a picnic inside Chettiar Park?
Yes, you can have a picnic inside the park. Also, you can bring food from outside. However, you must maintain cleanliness to protect the environment.
Is photography allowed inside the park?' answer-4='Yes, photography is allowed, but you need to pay additionally for the camera.
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