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

This is the highest point in the Kodaikanal hills at 7700 ft., about 3 km. uphill from the Kodaikanal Lake and 6 kms away from Kodaikanal bus stand. We can study more about the celestial objects if we observe the sky from a great altitude since the interference from city lights is very less here. With this intention, this research centre was built in 1898. Its erstwhile director John Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots and is known by his name as the Evershed Effect. The observatory has also got a well equipped laboratory doing quality research work. Visitors can also see a small museum here.