Are you burned out and knackered this summer and wanted to take a breather? One of the best places in Tamilnadu to be this summer is the charming hill station of Kodaikanal that has about 40 tourist attractions. One of the lesser known places in Kodaikanal, though popular, is the Dolmen Circle.
The Dolmen Circle is about 8km from Kodaikanal Lake and 18km from Berijam Lake. It is one of the most important places among anthropologists. A pre-historic site, the Dolmen Circle dates back to 5000 BC.
This place is believed to be the dwelling place and burial site of the pre-historic man who belonged to the Iron Age and Stone Age. They are known as dolmens and Kistavens.
Situated nearby the Parvatha Vihar and the Pannikadu village, the dolmen is raised out of two huge erect slabs covered by a huge flat slab.
The sands of time brought destruction to several dolmens, so only two survive now. One is found at the Ghat Road near Periyakulam and another 2 km away from the hamlet of Pannaikadu.
It is located on the highest point before you descend to Pattiveerampatti still standing rock-solid without significant damage.
The place is the remains of pre-historic inhabitants in addition to models of dolmens and burial urns. The ruins and remains of the place can transport you right to the pre-historic living.
Research also shows that these were used as hideout for the pre-historic man. It is also widely believed that this site served as a safe haven for people to hoard their valuables. Site excavations in the past unearthed several copper and brass ornaments in addition to the utensils. On the other hand, Kistavens were used as burial grounds.
