Situated in the 'Princess of Hill stations', Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. Constituting a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The 'white cross' which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell's excellent tribute to love. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal.
The pillars are famous for providing bird's view of nearby surroundings. The chambers between these two massive rocks are called the Devil's Kitchen. Fewer times you might find rocks covered with mist and clouds, but when the ways become clear nothing beautiful than this could be ever seen. Affording a bird's eye view of the surrounding vista, these granite structures are located at a distance of about eight km from the lake tower, and encompass little hidden nooks and crannies within them, which are great to explore. Jutting straight away from the hills that surround them, the pillar rocks are majestic. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies. Moreover, do not forget to taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.
How to Reach
Public transport in Kodaikanal is very sparse. The easiest and most convenient way to travel within Kodaikanal is by hiring a private car or a taxi for a day tour. You can even book a taxi for half a day if you can manage to finish your tour of the Pillar Rocks by the first half of the morning.
You can find cars and taxis for hire at the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. There are daily tours that are organized from the bus stand and you can take your pick from the packages available- which will obviously include a trip to the Pillar Rocks.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Pillar Rocks is in summer, which is between the months of April and June. The weather doesn’t get too overwhelming in summer, with temperatures varying between 20 degrees Celsius and 36 degrees Celsius. Early mornings are relatively cool and perfect for adventure activities such as trekking, hiking and sightseeing from the summit.
It is advisable that you don’t visit the Pillar Rocks during monsoon because the slopes and the ground can get very slippery. The sharp edges and the deep gorges on the face of the rocks can make it dangerous to go sightseeing at the summit during this time.
Even though winters are also pleasant in Kodaikanal, there is no point going to the Pillar Rocks during wintertime because of the mist and fog, which will take away the real beauty of the Pillar Rocks- its sites and surroundings.
Places To Eat
If you are in the mood for an impromptu picnic but have not been able to pack your food from beforehand, there is no need to worry. Pillar Rocks is surrounded by restaurants, food stalls and eateries that serve local delicacies as well as many other cuisines to keep you satiated. Here are some of the nearest places to eat in Pillar Rocks.
1. Cloud Street- Cloud Street us a friendly café that offers a range of Asian, European, Continental, Italian and Vegan options. When you are there, you must try their lasagna and pizza, all of which can be enjoyed in a casual dining setting with a great view.
2. Café Cariappa- Café Cariappa is an organic café that has a number of snacky delicacies, along with steaming cups of traditional South Indian coffee. The café also has provision for outdoor seating, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kodaikanal landscape.
3. Tava- If you are looking for a more wholesome meal, you can check out Tava, which serves up a range of delicious South Indian, North Indian and Asian food, at extremely pocket-friendly prices. The place resembles a roadside Dhaba, and the food is homely and freshly prepared.
History
The strange structure, the sharp edges and careful positions of the Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal make it look as though it were man-made. In fact, several people who visit the place first believe these are some impressive man-made structures. However, these Pillar Rocks have existed for several centuries, and no one is really sure how long ago these were formed. Despite its elusive early life, the Pillar Rocks have a number of local legends attached to it, which makes a visit to these rocks incredibly exciting, irrespective of the view it offers.
The name of the Pillar Rocks is now forever attached to the name of David Gelli, an Englishman, who fell in love with the beauty of Kodaikanal. After his wedding to Irene Gelli, he travelled to Kodaikanal for his honeymoon where the couple visited the Pillar Rocks. However, Irene died in a tragic accident by falling from the summit and died. It is believed that David Gelli set up a striking white cross on the top of the rocks and many believe he jumped into the caverns after his wife since he was never seen again. Even though the cross has been destroyed by nature, many still search for this haunting symbol of love when they reach the top of the Pillar Rocks.
