The Kodaikanal Observatory is one of the oldest int the workd, and has been functioning since 1898. It is a well equipped, productive laboratory and has made its mark in research. In 1909 its director Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots; this is known as the Evershed Effect. The Observatory is open to visitors on Friday mornings.
When visiting Karaikudi, Chettinad cuisine is something that you must try. It is spicy, original, and extremely tasty. If you would like to experience fine Chettinad home cooking at its finest, then visiting The Bangala is a definite must. This restaurant has an outstanding reputation for providing quality food that exhibits the best of the region without being too spicy for the tourists. The food is rather pricy at Rs 800 per meal, but there is no doubt that it is worth it. To experience the world famous Chettinad cuisine at this fine restaurant, make sure to book ahead.
Thiruvalluvar Statue: If you are looking for magnificence along with a monument that reams at you with cultural heritage and history then Thiruvalluvar Statue is definitely one of the best things that you must see in your visit to India. It is a symbol of greatness that stands 133 feet tall (38 feet is the height of the pedestal) Thiruvalluvar Statue weighs just a little bit more than 7000 tons and more than 500 craftsmen or workers have worked in its construction. Thiruvalluvar Statue was designed to be a beacon of art for the whole humanity.
Pennagram en route to the Hogenakkal falls is known for its brightly colored giant terracotta statues. These statues called “Aiyanars” are considered as guardian deities of the village. A weekly fair is held in Pennagram.
A huge weekly fair is held in the nearby village of Pennagaram.
The bottom of the falls can be reached only with the help of coracles called Parisal in the local language. Parisals are circular basket boats woven together with bamboo shoots and sticks and covered in buffalo hide or plastic. The boats have retained the same design, structure and features for over the last 100 years. These boats are used to cross the Cauvery River brimming with its undercurrents and to ride through the turbulent waters to the base of the waterfall. The more adventurous traveler can ask the boatman to spin the coracle.
Situated on a wild elephant feeding / migration corridor, Masinagundi is a charming place with scenic beauty. It is located 18 kms from Coonoor.
Cantonment of Wellington is located in the near vicinity of Coonoor. It is in Wellington that the well-respected Defense Services Staff College is located. The Wellington Golf Course is a popular place to stop and enjoy a civilized round of golf. In the midst of the exotic landscape, the touch of normalcy surrounded with the unusual location makes golfing at Wellington's an attractive possibility for many people. This golf course is especially popular with film crews who film in the area.
The site of Auroville was once a backward and impoverished rural area, surrounded by 13 villages with a population of over 40,000 people. Bare and eroded, it was mainly wasteland. A number of Aurovilians took up the task of 'bringing this land back to life' with the help of these villagers. After twenty years of hard work, they have succeeded in regenerating the soil on a long-term basis through biological farming methods without using any artificial fertilizers or chemical products.
Vikasa Soudha is a building which is located adjoining to Vidhana Soudha follows the super-modern construction. Vikasa Soudha is also built in the same classic style as that of Vidhana Soudha. The building was dedicated formally in February 2005.
The South Block of the building is built in an area of about 7.5 acres. The building has eight storeys. The outer walls are made of ornamental stone work. It resembles Vidhana Soudha frontage.