South India - Kodaikanal: Nature's Wonderland

Kodaikanal! The excitement was palpable as we headed towards this iconic destination, famed for its presence in Tamil movies that I've admired countless times on screen. Known as the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal is a serene and picturesque town nestled in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats. I

Its lush greenery, mist-covered hills, and pleasant climate offer a perfect escape from the heat of the plains, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Situated 2,000 meters above sea level in the Dindigul district, Kodaikanal boasts a unique ecosystem and a blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and mystique, making it a popular honeymoon destination

Our journey from Coimbatore (MYSURU & COIMBATORE) to Kodaikanal spanned 4 1/2 hours, including along narrow, winding in-roads shared with lorries, buses, cars, and motorbikes navigating steep inclines and descents. There were some aggressive gestures and heated exchanges, with words exchanged that felt like a sharp prick in my ears.

The first stop in Kodaikanal was at Silver Cascade Falls on Ghat Road. Plummeting 180 feet from Kodaikanal Lake, the waterfall was a mesmerizing sight. As a nature enthusiast, I found the lush green surroundings and the soothing sounds of cascading water incredibly therapeutic. It was a delightful start, watching the cascading falls, feeling the waters in my hands, and capturing my moments in the beauty of Silver Cascade Falls.

We then arrived at Holiday Home Resort. Collecting the keys, I walked into my chalet, which felt like stepping back in time to the ambiance of the government houses I once lived in on Jalan Scott and Jalan Chan Ah Thong in Brickfields, which no longer exist. I smiled as I walked in, resonating with my memories. It was a colonial-style chalet, furnished with pieces reminiscent of those days. For bathing, the bucket-scooping method awaited - a nostalgic experience, taking me back to how I used to bathe in the government houses.

Lunch was served in the dining area at 2:30 pm, a reminder of the quirks of traveling in tour groups. The meal, freshly prepared from their kitchen, was worth the fifteen-minute wait. Thumbs up for the deliciousness, yet it was South Indian food once again.

Subsequently, we embarked on our Kodaikanal exploration. The drive itself was an adventure, winding up and down narrow roads. I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables and fruits displayed on both sides of the road, highlighting the stark contrast between my city life and the natural wonders of Kodaikanal. Truly amazing.

We also spent some time at the spot which has been said as the spot for Tamil move shoots, where I couldn’t resist playing like a wild child, darting among the tall trees, imagining myself as an Indian movie star in action - Weeee! 

As the afternoon wore on, rain added a touch of messiness, but our spirits remained undampened as we explored further, delving into the wonders of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, a verdant haven showcasing rich biodiversity spread over an extensive area. It's a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, with dense forests, rolling hills, and tranquil water bodies supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, including  deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. 

The sanctuary also hosts endangered and endemic species, highlighting the ecological significance of the Western Ghats. Trekking its well-marked trails offers a chance to immerse in serene surroundings and observe wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a vital area for conservation efforts and preserving this pristine environment.

The scenery was truly mind-blowing, with the weather turning chilly and a gentle breeze carrying cold mist against my skin. Did we encounter any wildlife? Unfortunately, not this time. Despite our hopes, our animal friends remained elusive - but the experience of being immersed in Kodaikanal’s natural beauty was unforgettable.

Sadly, when it came time for our visit to Guna Cave, we were too late; visiting hours had ended since the clock had ticked past 5 pm. Duh! However, we had been informed beforehand that the cave is off-limits. We didn't mind viewing Guna Cave from a distance or lingering in the surrounding area, which we were keen on.

Our next stop was retail therapy at Kauveri Spices. My-My! I was almost in turmoil. Temptation ran high as I wanted to grab all the spices, sweets, and natural ingredients like soaps and shampoos. Logically, in the end, I settled for only 500 grams of homemade chocolates and a bottle of Saffron Almond Oil for my beauty care. Supposedly the purest kind for ditching wrinkles and dark spots.

The last item on our list of Kodaikanal sightseeing was Kodaikanal Lake. Honestly, I couldn't be bothered. I didn't even get down from the van. I was not interested in leisurely walking around, renting a bicycle for cycling, boat riding, or paying for a horse ride.

After waiting for over an hour for the rest to return, we headed back to Holiday Home Resort. Dinner was at the resort itself, where I had a small meal to warm my tummy before retiring to my chalet. The best part? Halfway through bathing, the hot water ran out. Imagine that! Bathing in the chilly Kodaikanal weather was unavoidable.

I hurriedly got out of the bathroom, brewed a cup of hot tea, and made sure all the lights were on in my chalet. To ward off any spookiness, I had two companions: my Ganesha statue that I always carry while traveling and a Bible that was on the side table next to my bed.

The presence of the Bible intrigued me. Why was it there? Was it a precaution against spooky experiences? Despite these thoughts, I managed to get at least 6 hours of sleep. The next morning, after breakfast, we checked out, and I sadly bid goodbye to Kodaikanal.