Name: Kodaikanal
Rating: 3.6

Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal Overview

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. 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 taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.

Pillar Rocks and David Gelli's Tribute to Love

There is a story related to this fantastic viewpoint which not many people know. When you visit it, the locals might tell you after being asked several times. A man David Gelli who had fallen in love with the beauty of Kodaikanal used to visit this place frequently. His last visit to the town was with his newlywed wife, Irine Gelli. Who knew their honeymooning would take an ugly face? As they were busy clicking pictures by keeping the huge rocks in the background, Irine slipped and fell into the depth of these pillar rocks. Unfortunately, she died.

After a few days, David not caring about his life, managed to reach the top of the rocks where he placed a wooden white cross (symbol of his love). He returned to the place after three days for the final time. After that day nobody saw him or heard of him. It is believed that he jumped off the cliff for the sake of uniting with his beloved wife. The Christian Church which they had visited before leaving for the pillar rocks had their names in its visitors' register. This register helped in tracing the names of these two lovers.

Wooden White Cross at Pillar Rocks

The wooden white cross which kept David and Irine's love alive survived the monsoon climate of Kodaikanal for several years. As the time passed, the right horizontal side of it broke down. However, it seems as if it was not meant to be kept broken. Some students from Madras noticed this and inquired about the same from the nearby shopkeepers. After knowing the heartfelt story, they decided to take upon themselves the job of maintaining it.

The bunch of enthusiastic boys re-coloured it and looked after it for a couple of years. Unfortunately, this gradually came to an end leaving behind itself a vanished wooden cross. Later, the government gave a contract for its maintenance. From time to time it was observed that the white cross kept falling. Finally, the government too gave up. Few groups of adventure junkies also tried reaching it, but the slippery vertical rocks prevented them from doing so. Today, the cross is nowhere seen, and the people who get to know about the story behind it still search for it when arriving at the hilltop.

Picnic Spot and Mini Garden at Pillar Rocks

People who are in search of peace and calmness will fall in love with this place. Be it your date or a family's day out, this place won't disappoint you. Within the shadow of these pillar rocks, is a perfect picnic spot. So, waiting for what? Pack some sandwiches along with juices and head straight towards this viewpoint. The place even has some shops offering tea and a bunch of snacks. Blooming with some of the prettiest flowers, the garden is perfect for you to cherish the tranquillity. A tour of this garden is something that is must if visiting the pillar rocks.

Best Time To Visit Pillar Rocks

Summer season (April-June) is considered to be the best time to visit the Pillar Rocks. During monsoons it becomes more slippery, hence gets dangerous. Moreover, in the wintertime, the clouds and fog is everything you can witness making summer the perfect season of travelling to Pillar Rocks.

How To Reach Pillar Rocks

Kodaikanal bus stand is the nearest bus stand to the pillar rocks. It is 7.5 km from the viewpoint. These are located on the Golf Links Road, hence, could be reached by taking a bus or hiring a car.