Polur: Kodaikanal’s little known beauty

Polur, often regarded as the Gateway of Eastern Ghats remains one of the little-known beauties of Kodaikanal. 42 km from Kodaikanal, one of the main attractions include a large mountain temple located to Lord Narasimha. 

Polur was first inhabited by tribals and is famous for its Jain caves, with one of them having a 16-meter-long statue of Nimanatha. Renderipattu Digambar Jain Temple is also awfully close to this cave. From there you can take a bike ride to Jawadhu Hills, which is famous for its sandalwood trees. 

Other attractions include Kavalur Observatory and Beeman Falls, along with a fascinating hill called Parvatha to trek. Somewhere in Kuruvimalai, a 50 ft Vishnu statue is also being made. 

It is equally difficult to miss the rich vegetable gardens with an abundance of beetroots, carrots, potatoes, garlic, and butter beans. You can stay at Blue Moon Hut Homestays (owned by a Malayalee), nestled in the middle of mist and greenery, with windows made of straw bags, room with double beds, take bath in scented natural oils and breakfast outdoors.