With lush green forests, scenic beauty and the small town feels, Kodaikanal has a lot to offer to a tourist. Kodaikanal in Tamil language means 'the gift of the forest' and one can easily make out how fitting the name is, as soon as you get down from the bus. The cold climate is as welcoming, as it is harsh. So do carry wollen clothing. My three day trip to Kodai with my significant other (Shreya) is described below
It is easy to find a cab to your hotel at the bus stop. We stayed and 100% recommend staying at the scenic Hill Country Resorts. It may get expensive, but it will be worth it.
For the first day, Shreya and I decided to go out on our own in the marketplace to explore places to eat and some local shopping. The centre of the town is best explored walking as you can watch the daily hustle there. The first gem we found (through Google searches) was Aby's Cafe. It is a small cafe with a large variety of options.
Bargaining is a major factor when buying fruits or artifacts as you can get it for half the intial asking price. The centre of the town is pretty close to the beautiful Kodai Lake but I would recommend to save the praises for the Upper Lake View.
We also booked a trip for the next two days including all the must go places for a tourist. Again do bargain for the trips also.
Even though Coaker's Walk was in our trip to come, we decided to do it ourselves. A scenic walking platform which will stay with you forever. Do walk slowly and wait for the fog to clear.
P.S. : Visit the CSI Christ Church at the beginning of the Coaker's Walk......it is peaceful.
We started the day off with the tour guide taking us to the Bear Shola falls which were okay-ish. I would not recommend people entering the water as it is not clean. And to satisfy our morning hunger pangs, we got hot steaming masala maggi. But the monkeys along the road were successful in taking our beloved maggi from us. From Bear Shola falls we went down to the Dolphin's Nose and Echo point.
One needs to walk around 1 km to get there and the view was very good. A must try for everyone.
Since this was our last day in Kodaikanal and we had our evening bus to Chennai, we started early. After a hearty breakfast, we made our way towards the forest Reserve Area which requires permission from the Forest Department prior a day or two. To reach the forest area we had to pass along the Upper Lake View I mentioned before. It was Amazing.
The next stop was Silent Valley View Point. Hands down the best part of the trip. Standing over the clouds above 7000 feet, there is no reason why you won't feel like you literally are on top of the world.
After hesitantly deciding to move on from Silent Valley View, we saw the actual Forest Reserve Area, which can be seen from far away. It is restricted for public access.
The next stop was Berjim Lake. It was pretty amazing for a lake. The surrounding area of the lake is what makes it a delight. Don't be afraid to wander a little far from the lake.
The nest stop was Pine forest kodaikanal. A lot of movies have been known to have shot here. Definitely worth a visit.
While heading towards our bus from Berjim Lake, we stopped at the La Saleth Church, ideally located near the other end of Coaker's Walk.
P.S. : Do not forget to buy hand made chocolates and 100% pure nilgiri oil.
P.P.S. : Maggi and Coffee are your best friends around tourist spots.
Do let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.