A Weeklong Escape to Kodaikanal's Serenity

The Journey from Chennai to Kodaikanal

Chennai, known for its cultural vibrancy and coastal beauty, also experiences intense heat waves, particularly during the summer months. In May 2021, the city recorded a sweltering temperature of 41.3°C, the second-highest in two years, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai. Seeking relief from the oppressive heat, my family and I planned a vacation to the cooler climes of Kodaikanal.

Preparing for the Trip

Our adventure began with an online booking for a train journey from Chennai to Kodai Road. On the evening of May 11th, we boarded our train, eagerly anticipating the cooler weather ahead. The following morning, we arrived at Kodai Road, where the air was refreshingly crisp. An old Ambassador taxi awaited us, promising a scenic three-hour drive to our destination.

The Scenic Route to Kodaikanal

As we ascended the winding roads, the lush greenery of tree-covered hills and the vibrant life of village folk unfolded before us. To pass the time, my brother tuned into film music on his Walkman, while I delved into the humorous world of P.G. Wodehouse's "Pearls, Girls and Monty Bodkin." Hunger eventually called, leading us to a charming roadside restaurant named Sapeet, where we enjoyed a light breakfast amidst domestic rabbits, lovebirds, and a whimsical fish tank that promised wish fulfillment for a coin toss.

Experiencing Kodaikanal's Charms

Upon reaching Kodaikanal, we were greeted by locals bustling in woolen sweaters, a testament to the hill station's cool climate. We checked into The Kodai Resort Hotel, a centrally located three-star establishment, which we had also booked online. Most hotels in Kodaikanal, including ours, have a check-in time of 9 am, allowing travelers to settle in and start their day early.

Exploring the Local Attractions

Our first stop was Coaker's Walk, a panoramic path offering a bird's-eye view of the plains below, although our experience was partially obscured by mist. Next, we visited Bryant Park, a floral haven where we joined families and tourists in the simple pleasure of playing Frisbee.

Kodai Lake, a star-shaped man-made wonder, beckoned us next. We rented a rowboat and were shown the grandeur of the Carlton hotel and the Sathya Shree Sai Baba temple by our boatman. The presence of Sai Baba at the time had attracted an influx of tourists to the area.

Adventures and Local Cuisine

Horseback riding was an exhilarating first for me, despite the initial fear of falling. We concluded our day with a delicious dinner at Hotel Austoria, where the idlis and dosas rivaled homemade cooking. The absence of autos and taxis meant a strenuous walk back to our hotel, but the effort was well worth it.

A Week of Discovery

Over the next few days, we immersed ourselves in Kodaikanal's offerings. We rented bicycles to circle Kodai Lake, navigated through crowds when Sai Baba emerged from the temple, and visited the Kodai Astro-Physics Observatory and Sacred Heart College's nature museum. While the observatory visit was hampered by clouds, the museum captivated us with its diverse collections.

We marveled at the Silver Cascade and Liril Falls, learned about the renaming of the latter due to a soap advertisement, and obtained special permission to view the serene Berijam Lake. Trekking to the Neptune-Cool Rapids was an unforgettable experience, despite the rapids themselves being less impressive.

Our cultural exploration extended to the outskirts of Kodaikanal, where we visited villages like Manampahur and admired the German Angora rabbits at a local farm. The Kurinji Andavar Temple and Chettiar Park, with their stunning floral displays, and the expansive Pine forests, were also highlights of our trip.

Each night, we gathered around a campfire at our hotel, basking in the warmth and camaraderie. But as our vacation drew to a close, we reluctantly packed our bags, knowing that all good things must come to an end.

Returning to Chennai

We journeyed back to Madurai by taxi and caught the Pandyan Express to Chennai. The next morning, we found ourselves back in the bustling city, our memories of Kodaikanal's tranquility a stark contrast to the urban heat and pollution.

For more travel stories and insights, visit the India Tourism Official Website and explore the diverse destinations that India has to offer.