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. IIts 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.
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