The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers.

Tripoto
29th Apr 2018

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Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

We always used to think, "What is our passion as a couple?". Of course we loved travelling, but specifically we loved going off the tarmac to visit places lesser known to mankind, spending our days camping outdoors and live a minimalist life without having the daily luxuries, basically testing our limits and adjustment abilities through each travel. But camping by yourselves is never safe, as there is always that uncertainty lurking at the back of your mind. Fast forward, a few intense Google sessions and we happened to come across CampMonk, where we could book hundreds of campsites all over India.

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. 1/2 by A CoupleOfTrippers
Visit www.campmonk.com for the list of campsites

As soon as the safety feature was turned on, we had to try it out. This is about the 2nd campsite we visited in Kodaikanal - The Misty Mountain Hop. Read about the other one Here! The beauty of this place lies in its remote location and the eco-sustainable and immersive way of living it offers. It is at least an hour away from urbanization and right in the middle of the woods. During our stay, we heard Bisons that were on on their occasional strolls around the property at the middle of the night. Don't worry, since humans are wilder, the animals are more scared and they will not attack you unless you provoke them. This is definitely the perfect place for the nature lovers who like to disconnect themselves from the modern world and immerse themselves in the lap of nature.

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. 2/2 by A CoupleOfTrippers
Soaking in the spectacular views of Kodaikanal

Getting There

Day 1

The Misty Mountain Hop is located near Karuna Farms, around 12.5kms from Kodaikanal Lake (11.5km from Perumalmalai).

The route from Kodaikanal Lake to MMH

Photo of Perumal Malai, Tamil Nadu, India by A CoupleOfTrippers

From Kodaikanal Lake, take the route towards Perumalmalai and at Shenbaganur Bus Stop take the sharp right towards Kodaikanal Christian College.

Take the left road from here!

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Follow the Map above and just before the college, take the right towards Karuna Farms Parking Lot. After 500 meters of mean terrain, you will notice a small white gate on the left, leading to the Karuna Farms Parking Lot.

The gravel road that leads to The Misty Mountain Hop

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Small white gate at the entrance of the Karuna Farms Parking lot.

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

You need to park your vehicle there and either take a jeep or hike to the ground location of the campsite. The Jeep charges a fixed rate of 450 bucks each way. Call Murugesh - +91-9865151047 or Lakshman - +91-9865762318 to book a Jeep atleast an hour before you reach. Once you reach the ground location, it is a serene hike through the pine forests uphill towards The Misty Mountain Hop (200m).

Hike through the pine forests to reach the campsite.

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Jacob Cherian, who is the camplord, will proactively provide you all the necessary information few days prior to your stay. It was super convenient for us to get the detailed guide, complete with important phone numbers, map locations and must pack essentials. Santosh is the manager of this campsite and he will guide you from Karuna Farms parking lot to the campsite. He is one of the sweetest and warmhearted person we have ever met. He does not have a "No" in his dictionary. Any demands, you name it (of course not to the extent of travelling to the moon and back) and he will happily work it out for you.

What to expect

Once you reach The Misty Mountain Hop, expect to be mesmerized by the jaw dropping valley views. The mountains that belong within the property are cut into steps, where at each step you can choose a spot to pitch your tent. Just surrender yourselves to Mother Nature and let her take care of you!

Get a panoramic view from any level you pitch the tent.

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Enjoy the ever changing weather at this altitude. During our stay, we witnessed three different weathers on the same day, starting with a sunny morning, then a stormy afternoon and for the icing, the day ended with a tent full of clouds!

A sunny relaxing morning

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Sudden Rains in the afternoon

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Cloudy evenings and night

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

The Misty Mountain Hop is a rustic campsite and will provide you with the basic amenities of camping. There is a common fire ring where you can enjoy the warmth of a campfire along with other fellow campers, a primitive toilet with a view, an open kitchen where you can cook your meals using the basic utensils and the masalas provided and a common charging point to charge your devices.

Cozy Evenings. Conversations. Campfire.

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Primitive poo with a view

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Way to the outdoor kitchen and the cottage

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

And as I mentioned previously, the nearest town is almost an hour away, so carry the basic groceries along with you if you are in the mood to make your own food.

You can also try some of the local meals from the village that Santosh can get for you on prior request. The Misty Mountain Hop is the perfect example of what an ecological civilization should be. With a minimalist approach followed to maintain harmony between mankind and nature, we enjoyed Kodaikanal in all its glory.

Oh and did I tell you, this is the perfect opportunity to detox your mind and soul, as in all probabilities you will not have any reception on your phone. The village can sometimes be devoid of electricity. Get your cameras out to capture some magical night skies or leave your gadgets behind and tune into the hilly trance!

Things to do

Take the early morning hike further up the pine forests to the sunrise peak. At the top, you can witness the sun rise above the clouds. You can also get an aerial view of the Kodaikanal city.

The serene hike up the pine forests to reach the top

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

If you're not much of a hiker, you can still marvel the incredible sunrise from your tent.

Make our own meals and enjoy it sitting on the grass, soaking in the sun with the refreshing mountain air and the ever changing clouds.

What can be more satisfying than a bowl of hot Maggie in the mountains!

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

Take a guided hike to the old forest and discover waterfalls, learn about mushrooms. Bring out the Mowgli in you, climb trees, pluck fruits and live healthy.

Join a plogging party and help in the making of a litter free world. Read about it in the link.

To feel and soak in the impeccable beauty of living in the woods, you need to adapt to slow travelling. Do not look for an itinerary here. Free yourselves. Disconnect from the modern world and let your thoughts flow. Live like a local, try some local food or even try to cook yourself a meal. Read. Write. Chill. Hike. Explore. Click. Do whatever you love. Do something that you always wanted to, but never got a chance to do so in your fast paced metro lives. The possibilities of pursuing an experimental lifestyle are endless here!

Our cozy little home

Photo of The perfect hideout in the clouds of Kodaikanal for the Experimental Travelers. by A CoupleOfTrippers

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