After returning back from Hampi,where each of us enjoyed the "royal" companionship of Krisnhnadeva Raya, I had to struggle a lot against a severe urge from within to explore nature at the best of its glory and splendour.I could not think of anything else but any hill station in South India. Ooty (Udgamandalam),Munnar,Kemmanagundi ,Kodaikanal etc. are some of the popular hill stations in the southern penisular,but I wanted to visit one which is yet to be conquered by swarms of tourists or the one which has not been touched by relentless commercialisation and urbanization.
With the above conditions in mind, I decided Kodaikanal is my destination.But as you know a travel mate always multiplies the fun and charm of traveling, I approached a close friend of mine,a batchmate of my engineering college, and he readily accepted to my proposal.So from next second onwards, we were so excited that every night we dreamt of high hills,spice plantation,green valleys etc.
Now we started planning how to reach Kodai.Since we were only two,there was no question of hiring any four wheeler from Bangalore ,and morover journey by train was also out of question because of non-availablity of direct trains (but I shall inform you on train journeys towards later part of the blog).As far as buses are concerned , you can book online through official KSRTC website.
We didnot opt for any of the above , rather went for a Govt. registered travel agent.This time it was Manish Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd.We scanned through the no. of packages available for Kodaikanal, and we zeroed on for one night and two days package @ 2400 bucks per person,which included the cost of to and fro traveling,accomodation and sight seeing with the group.Food was obviously extra.
We left Bangalore on 23 Dec.,08 in a Govt.recognised private bus.It was 9 to 10 odd hours of night journey,reaching Kodaikanal early morning at about 6:30 AM.Since our rooms were booked in advance in a deluxe hotel we checked in immediately.Rooms were booked on twin-sharing basis for your information.
After a refreshing hot water bath we went for a short nap of 40 mins.Let me say something about Kodaikanal.It is a small hill station, still to be discovered by many enthusiasts,and untouched by commercialization ,but it should not be underestimated as some sleeping hammock in the mid of dense tropical forest. Kodai is like any other town with all necessary facilities, surrounded by beautiful and enchanting hill ranges.
Geographically it is located at about 6700 feet above mean sea level , with the top most point standing at 7500 feet above MSL.It is famous for spices ,coffee, famous Nilgiri tea plantations, and not the least , Kodai is known for its desi chocolates.Now wake up guys, who think only French and Swiss only make good chocolates. Our own backyard is brewing with captivating fine cocoa aroma, and we are so unfortunate for being so unaware.
Coming back to my trip, at about 10:00 AM we started off on our sightseeing spree with our cameras loaded with fully charged batteries and empty memory cards,ready to shoot whatever that enchants and capitavates us.We hired an individual cab for both of us so that the Kodai's scenic beauty can be enjoyed to our complete satisfaction, before we go in a shared vehicle the next day for other sites.
We spent the first day to witness a few least known but nevertheless some of the most beautiful spots, in Kodai.The trip began with a popular 100 years old church followed by enchanting series of waterfalls called as "Bear Shols Falls".
Dear readers I shall very soon resume my blog....thanks for the patience !!!
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