THE ENCHANTING KODAI

Kodai is one of the busiest hill stations during summer as it is the common destination of the southerners to escape from the hot climate. Ramesh and I decided to have a short visit to Kodai with family during the first week of May. As May 1st being a National Holiday, tourists from all over the country could be seen enjoying the weather out there.






We started from Trivandrum via Nagercoil, Thirunelveli, Madurai, Vadipatti, Nilakkottai, Vathlagundu to Kodaikanal and it took almost 8 hours to cover a distance of around 410 KMs. The road condition is perfect for any type of vehicle. Kodai is around 100 KM from Madurai. We drove taking breaks in between enjoying the drive. It was rather unbelievable to see flowers on the plants planted on the traffic islands in the middle of the 6 track National Highway-7 even during this hot and humid climate.

Although the roads are not as good as the NH after taking deviation from the NH at Vadipatti, we could reach Kodai by 2 PM. Heavy rains welcomed us in Kodai and we got stuck in the room as it was freezing outside
















Due to the heavy rush we decided to arrange a taxi for the Kodai sight seeing tour the next day as moving by our own vehicle would fetch more time becoz of the difficulty in parking. Taxi cost us Rs.1000/-. Even our expert driver could not get us out of the traffic jam and we were held up in several spots for hours. It was then when we felt that such places should not be visited during holidays and weekends. We had a short visit to almost every sight seeing spots in spite of heavy rush and intermittent rain.

Sightseeing Places

Coaker’s Walk
Pillar Rock
Upper Lake View
Guna Care
Pine Forest
Moier Point
Green Valley View
Golf Course
Silent Valley View
Brayant Park
Kodai Lake
Bear Shola Falls
Silver Cascade waterfalls









We had food from TAVA Veg Restaurant which is a good option. Although the tariff for the first day at GNP Hotel was Rs 1000/- for a double room, the second days as rooms were not available, we had to move to another hotel called Spring Valley. Exploiting the situation a room was charged for Rs 2700/- a day. We had a plan to visit the village Poompara and other nearby places which is almost 30 KM from Kodai but later decided against it due to heavy traffic and poor road condition due to rain.













The next day morning, after breakfast, we checked out at about 8 Am and returned via Vaika dam, Uslampetti, Perayum, Rajapalayam, Shenkottai, Thenmala, Kulathupuzha, Madathara, Palode, Nedumangad, Trivandrum. The traveling time through this route would be more although the distance is somewhat less ie around 375KM. from Kodai to Trivandrum. The picturesque sights through this route are worth seeing and a whole day drive along this side is really awesome.































Travel Tips

Never choose public holidays for short visits
Book hotel rooms in advance
Drink only mineral water
Fruits and Vegetables bought should be thoroughly washed before use.
Carry sweater especially for children.