This is one of the most interesting excursions from Kodaikanal. Located at a distance of about 40 km from the city, the journey will take you through thickly forested areas abounding with orchids and shoal trees. The Kukkal caves are amongst the oldest carved caves in the region. Situated at an altitude of 1500 m, they offer the most breathtaking views of the Manjampatti valley down below. The caves themselves form a rock shelter with an overhang of stalactites and stalagmites rising from the base. Old rock shelters which are believed to be the home to the descendants of the Palaiyar tribes who used to wear leaf clothing, the Kukkal Caves are the overhanging slabs of various types of metamorphic rocks known as granulite and charconite. Until the mid-1980s, more than 30 families lived on the hilltop where a small temple was situated as well. The old hand paintings present on the walls of the temple indicate the presence of the Paliyan tribes. The now camping site of trekkers was once the earliest settlement of the Paliyan tribes. Situated at the height of 6200 feet above sea level, the Kukkal caves reside on of the highest altitudes in Kodaikanal which is why it receives a yearlong frigid climate along with misty and never-ending rains.

The factors behind the location of the caves when combined lead to its increased and unique biodiversity. The large variety of terrain of the Kukkal Caves is another important pointer which helps determine the factor which contributes to its unique flora and fauna. To trek in the forest areas, the tourists are required to get permission from the Forest Department. The slanting height and the presence of the caves inside the forest reserve which remains unhindered by human activities make the place peaceful, quiet and a real haven for all those who wish to break away from their busy life and unwind. Renowned worldwide as a diversity hotspot, a visit to the Kukkal caves will bring you one step closer to the common and rare species of plants and animals.

How To Reach

Situated at a distance of 40 km, the Kukkal Caves can be reached by taking a bus up to Poombaraj and then walking. Hiring a local guide is prudent. You will come to the Kukkal forest rest house after walking through the geranium plantations, pine, and wattle forest. An early morning hike from the rest house will take you all the way to the beautiful shoal with large wild orchids, but on the way, you need to beware of leeches. The rock shelter situated at the height of 1500 m actually as caves present as overhanging slabs of rock.

History

The Kukkal caverns had been once populated by this Paliyan group, and now this is a historical site that has been situated near to Kodaikanal. These caves lie at an elevation of 1300 metre and will be preferably frequented from the months of April till July and September till October.

The Kukkal caves are historical stone offerings that will display records of and will be considered as a house to enfant of unique Palaiyar ( meaning the “old ones” ) communities who have used to put on as foliage outfits. The caves are low pieces of the different kinds of metamorphic stones known as charconite as well as granulite. Under the mid- 1980s, more than 90 family members lived on the mountain top, where a little forehead is situated.

Wildlife

The area includes four types of ecosystems — swamp, grassland, freshwater lake and shola. Kookal lake runs through the middle of the sholas and surrounding grasslands.

Flora

The Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest has some unique features. An enormous 800-year-old tree, which bears fruit said to be useful for patients suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, is found here. It is now fenced in and under the care of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Very rare single fern trees, jamun and rudraksha trees, 26 species of cinnamon and the Shenbagam flower tree highlight the plant biodiversity.

Evergreen rain forest once extended down the valleys and slopes of the Palani Hills almost to the plains. One relatively large patch of evergreen forest survives on the north-west edge of the Palani plateau west of the settlement of Kookal. It lies on the flanks and crest of a north-south ridge and is mostly between 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) and 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) elevation. There is also a stunted dry woodland on parts of the ridge crest. Beyond the forest is the most extensive remaining montane grassland wilderness of the Palani Hills, merging with Manjampatti Valley in the Indira Gandhi National Park.

The Sholas are shrinking and wildlife populations are threatened due to monoculture plantations of the Introduced species pine, eucalyptus and wattle. Along with the encroaching trees, ground ferns are also eating into the grasslands, affecting both the flora and the fauna of the area. Kookal lake hosts a healthy otter population. The Kookal sholas are noted for 165 species of butterflies, and a number of relatively uncommon birds such as the wood pigeon, Nilgiri pipit.