Luxury in the heart of Kodaikanal

Wooded vistas, a man-made lake, a rich history, eucalyptus trees touching the sky, and a picturesque jungle for trekkers. These are some of the things that Kodaikanal offers.

The Tamara Kodai resort, which opened in May, is set to transform tourism in Kodaikanal, by making guests' experience even richer. The resort, developed by Bengaluru-based private hospitality brand Tamara Leisure Experiences, is an amalgamation of heritage of more than a century.

Housed in La Providence, it's a colonial building, dating back to the 1840s. Historical records show that the building was among the first to come up in the hill town. Fully restored, it now offers 53 suites. Facilities include a French-styled dining bistro, an all-day dining restaurant, besides wellness facilities such as a spa, fitness centre, and Kodaikanal's only temperature-controlled swimming pool.

Guests can also opt for the History Walk, cycling through forest paths, with a stopover at a 3,000-year-old village, and covering a lake and hills; the Coolie Ghat Trek, to trod the path mapped by the early American settlers; and Rainbow Forest Trek, which takes guests in the heart of one of the few pristine shola forests in the hill station.

Things to do

Some places that are a must-visit in Kodaikanal include the Kodai Lake, the Mannavanur Lake with a stopover at Bryant Park. Historic churches like La Saleth, Christ the King, and a Swedish Church as well as some temples are worth checking out. One must also visit Coaker's Walk and the Kurinji Andavar temple, which provides a panoramic view of the hills embracing Kodaikanal.

This DNA correspondent was on an all-expenses-paid trip courtesy the lodge.