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

Kukkal caves is located at a distance of 40 kms from Kodaikanal, a good place for trekking. To reach Kukkal Caves, travel by bus upto Poombarai and then you have to walk. The way to Kukkal Caves is straight out of a fantasy movie; a walk through geranium plantations and through a pine and wattle forest, an experience that can be described as pure magic. It is preferable to take a local guide. The Kukkal forest rest house is at the end of the trekking route. Early morning walks from the rest house will lead to the land of beautiful shola trees and gorgeous wild orchids; beware of leeches though. The caves here are actually overhanging slabs of rocks. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500 m.

The cave reveals traces of earliest settled tribals, Paliyans who used to wear leaf clothing. Overviewing the caves are Manjampath valley where bisons can be seen