Kodaikanal, 'Switzerland of the East', Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Dolmen Circle of great anthropological significance at Kodaikanal is the presence of pre-historic remains, these are called Dolmens and Kistavens which are the dwelling and burial places of people of stone age and iron age. According to the erudite researchers and savant scholars, the dolmens date as far back as 5000 BC. Located 8 km from Kodaikanal Lake, Dolmen circle contains remains of pre-historic inhabitants of this area and burial urns and models of dolmens. It is 18 km from Berijam Lake.

The Dolmens are made of two very large erect stone slabs topped by a larger flat slab.

According to the dictionary, dolmens are a tripod like structure that buttress a megalithic crypt and date as far back as the Neolithic era. Kodaikanal Dolmen Circle is one of the leading anthropological sites, dotting the Indian subcontinent. The innumerable dolmens and kistavens provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the prehistoric man.

Extensive research and years of excavation have revealed that the dolmens served the purpose of abodes or hideouts for the ancient man. However, it is speculated that rather than living, the people kept their valued possessions in the dolmens. In fact, several copper and brass ornaments and utensils have been unearthed in the dolmens. The Kistavens on the other hand, primarily functioned as a burial ground for the ancient man.

The ravages of time and centuries of repeated neglect have resulted in their gradual depletion. Unfortunately, there are only two such stone structure sites that remain standing and intact in the Indian subcontinent. While one dolmen circle is sited at the ghat road near Periakulam, the other one 2 km past the Pannaikadu hamlet on the highest point before descending to Pattiveerampatti and forms a fine spectacle as it dominates the skyline from its elevated position at the summit.