Bryant Park is a botanical garden located on the eastern side of the Kodaikanal Lake, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. The park was established in 1908 by H.D. Bryant, a British army officer, who was also a forest officer in Madurai. The park covers an area of over 20 acres and has more than 350 species of trees, shrubs, cacti and flowers. The park is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike Kodaikanal, who come to admire the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna in the park. Visit during Kodaikanal One day tour by cab
Location of Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located at Lower Shola Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India. It is about 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from the Kodaikanal Lake and 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Kodaikanal bus stand. The park is situated opposite to the Coaker’s Walk, a scenic walking path that offers a panoramic view of the lake and the hills.
Timing/Entry Fees Bryant Park
Bryant Park is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 09:00 am and 06:00 pm. The entry fee for visiting the park is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 15 for children. The fee for still camera is Rs. 50 and for video camera is Rs. 100.
How to Reach Bryant Park
There are many ways to reach Bryant Park from different parts of Kodaikanal and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: Bryant Park is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from the park. The main road, also known as Lake Road or NH44, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to the park.
- By Rail: Bryant Park can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kodaikanal and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, which is about 80 km (50 miles) away from the park. Other nearby railway stations are Palani, Dindigul and Madurai. From these stations, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the park.
- By Air: Bryant Park can also be reached by air from various airports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 135 km (84 miles) away from the park. Other nearby airports are Coimbatore, Trichy and Kochi. From these airports, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the park.
Things to Do/Must See Bryant Park
Bryant Park offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the park and its surroundings. Some of the things to do and see at the park are:
- Exploring the garden: Exploring the garden is one of the most enjoyable activities at Bryant Park. Visitors can walk around the park and admire the various species of trees, shrubs, cacti and flowers that grow in different sections of the park. Some of the notable plants in the park are eucalyptus, pine, magnolia, orchid, rose, dahlia etc.
- Visiting the glasshouse: Visiting the glasshouse is another interesting activity at Bryant Park. The glasshouse is a structure that houses some exotic and rare plants from different parts of the world. The glasshouse also has a display of bonsai plants that are miniature versions of trees.
- Watching the flower show: Watching the flower show is also an option at Bryant Park for those who love flowers. The flower show is an annual event that takes place in May during the summer festival in Kodaikanal. The flower show showcases a variety of flowers in different shapes, sizes and colors that are arranged in artistic designs.
- Visiting the other attractions: Bryant Park also has some other attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Some of them are:
- Coaker’s Walk: Coaker’s Walk is a scenic walking path that is located about 0.3 km (0.2 miles) from the park. The walk offers a panoramic view of the lake, the hills, the valleys and the plains.
- Kodaikanal Lake: Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake that is located about 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from the park. The lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, who converted a marshy land into a lake by constructing a bund and bringing water from three streams. The lake has a star-shaped appearance and is surrounded by lush green hills. The lake offers various activities such as boating, cycling, horse riding etc.
- Christ the King Church: Christ the King Church is a church that is located about 0.3 km (0.2 miles) from the park. The church was built in 1895 by the American Madura Mission and is one of the oldest churches in Kodaikanal. The church has a Gothic style of architecture and has stained glass windows and paintings.
Significance of Bryant Park
Bryant Park is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kodaikanal and Tamil Nadu. Some of the reasons why Bryant Park is important are:
- It is a botanical garden that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature in Kodaikanal. The park has more than 350 species of trees, shrubs, cacti and flowers that grow in different sections of the park. The park also educates and trains students of ornamental horticulture as it is also recognised as a demonstration centre.
- It is a cultural garden that showcases the influence and integration of different cultures and communities in Kodaikanal. The park attracts visitors from different parts of India and the world, who come to admire the various species of plants and flowers in the park. The park also celebrates various festivals and events, such as flower show, summer festival etc.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at Bryant Park?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at Bryant Park for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.
Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Bryant Park?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Bryant Park, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking etc. There are also some shops and stalls near the park that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs etc.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Bryant Park?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Bryant Park, such as Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Christ the King Church etc.
Conclusion
Bryant Park is a botanical garden located on the eastern side of the Kodaikanal Lake, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. The park was established in 1908 by H.D. Bryant, a British army officer, who was also a forest officer in Madurai. The park covers an area of over 20 acres and has more than 350 species of trees, shrubs, cacti and flowers. The park is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna in the park. Bryant Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the park and its surroundings in Kodaikanal.
