Kodai – A Vacation in the Hills

Vacationing at a hill station in the hot summer months of May and June had always been my wish. I had been to very few hill stations and Kodaikanal is one of them. The Kodaikanal or Kodai scenes are still vivid in my mind, as I had the opportunity to take a trip to this exotic place very recently. Kodai is a hill station located at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, South India. The description of the place is very dear to my heart, from the point of view of a common man as opposed to a professional writer and is very personal with little exaggeration and more fascination. I got off at Coimbatore airport at 10:30 am and traveled by car to my dream destination. When we entered the mountainous area, everything around us suddenly changed and seemed very different. The eye of a traveler would not miss the changes so subtle but so real and exciting:

• The rapid drop in mercury from a very hot muggy temperature to a pleasantly cool climate.
• Green, green and green everywhere, like a hipster who painted everything green.
• The cool breeze that sends shivers down your spine and softens the tresses on your forehead.
• The zigzagging and winding paths that seem to never stop and cause vertigo, until one reaches their destination (hotel).

The panoramic and green views evoke many euphoric expressions on the traveler’s face. When I arrived at my hotel, the light drizzle and calm atmosphere were intriguing. The beautiful hills and the magnificent hills loomed majestically, amid evergreen trees and plants that represented vitality and vigor. Blooming flowers and fruits were messengers of joy and enchantment. All the elements of nature converged into a single priceless beauty. One has to witness the generosity of such a nature to believe it.

With minor differences in pronunciation, the meaning of the word Kodaikanal in the Tamil language ranges from ‘gift of the forest’, ‘the summer forest’, ‘the forest of vines’ and ‘the end of the forest’. Whatever the meaning, it’s just forest everywhere: meadows, prairies, eucalyptus trees, pear trees and more. The must-see places that made my heart skip a beat –

• kodai Lake, an artificial lake stretching over an area of ​​5-6 km created in 1863, it is a popular landmark and main tourist attraction. The Kodaikanal Yacht Club rents out 2-seater and 4-seater pedal boats, which is the favorite pastime of most tourists. Walking, biking, and horseback riding along the path that borders the lake are other activities carried out by tourists, which help them achieve two objectives: to be in good health and to enjoy the beautiful hills that surround them. A variety of shops surrounding the star-shaped lake sell woolens, stuffed toys, medicinal herbs and oils, homemade chocolates, fruit, and a wide variety of other accessories.
• A botanical garden called bryant park Located east of Lake Kodai, it is never missing from the tourist itinerary. It derived its name from the forestry officer, H. D. Bryant, who built it in 1908. The park, with its many species of flowering plants, dahlias, delphiniums, French gold Mary, antirrhinum, verbena,celosia and pansies is a feast for the eyes. of all flower lovers. . The park boasts of a picturesque landscape with different varieties of ornamental plants, cacti and shrubs. The nominal entrance fee attracts many tourists, as well as locals who celebrate the summer festival in the month of May. Various cultural programs and dance and singing contests are held, which is again a great tourist attraction, since one enjoys these programs sitting on the lush green grass. Bryant Park is a great place for a picnic, as the buses that run regularly from nearby places attract a crowd of locals who come there to picnic or take part in these cultural activities.
• A paved road called Coker’s ride built by Lieutenant Coaker in 1872 it seems to be an endless uphill hike. It meanders around Mount Nebo, providing a stunning view of the surrounding hills and the city below. An observatory with a telescope, located midway along the trek, offers a view of Kodai’s ancient village. The vendors lining the promenade offer a wide variety of exquisite products. The delicious bright orange carrots along with their green stems stop the ascent and demand a short rest.
• pillar rocks they are huge masses of stone made of granite and charconite rocks at an elevation of 500 feet. A blooming garden located at this point is fascinating. The caves under these rocks are a safe haven for many endangered species such as the crested serpent eagle, black eagle and honey bazaar.
• the devil’s kitchen Prayedguna caves they are giant rock cave formations. Tourists are now not allowed to have a view of these natural caves, due to previous tragic incidents of suicides.
• green valley point or previously called suicide stitch offers an excellent view of the plains below. Previous incidents of suicides led to the construction of wire mesh around this point that serve as a barricade for adventurous tourists to venture further. The commercial stores that line the stairs are another great attraction.
• Enchanting waterfalls and cascading streams like the Silver Cascade Falls, Shola Bear Falls and Pambar Falls are other must see places in Kodai.
• Kurunji Andavar Temple which houses the deity Lord Murugan is one of the famous Hindu temples. a hundred years Church of LaSalette it is another tourist place, full of tourist activity and is a testimony of the widespread Christian culture.
• pine forests which are largely depicted in many South Indian films are a symbol of height and degree of growth in the words of a poet.
• Sai Shruti Ashram overlooking Kodai Lake provides a calm and serene atmosphere. Once the summer abode of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the entrance to this ashram puts the mind and body to rest. Shallow steps lead up to the mandir where regular bhajans are held.
• Kodai is a wonderful place for tourists interested in trekking. The rich flora and fauna makes Lake Berijam another exotic lake located deep in the forest in the upper Palani hills and requires permission from the forest department. Due to the wet weather, I had few opportunities to trek or visit this lake.
• The guides never fail to mention the 500 year old treewith its thick trunk.
• Homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, herbal oils, herbal teas, coffee and a wide variety of fruits such as plums, pears, figs, avocados, peaches, grapes etc. have a definite place on the shopping list.

Since my heart yearns for more, I decided to come back soon.