Kool Kodaikanal

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I live in Bangalore, the IT hub of India. Work takes me around the world at least twice a year. Even with the exhuberance of visiting international destinations, I still love to travel to places surrounding Bangalore.

Had planned on visiting Kodaikanal for a few days at the end of summer, just before the monsoon set in. Could make it in the first week of June. A planned vacation for relaxation, with wife and kid, just the thing I wanted. Had reserved a cottage at Sterling Resorts, courtesy - a timeshare membership of a relative.

For conveyance, had made on-line reservations by Rajahamsa Executive (bus service of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation). Left Bangalore on the night of 1st June. Journey time 11 and 1/2 hours. Bit tiresome, but endurable. Other options were: firstly, train journey of 10 hours to Kodai Road, at the base of the mountains, and take a cab to Kodaikanal, another 2 hours. Secondly, flight to Coimbatore 1 hour, and by cab to Kodaikanal, another four hours (in addition to 2 hours check-in / check-out time at the airport, and another 2 hours travel time, to-and-from airport).

Reached Kodai bus-stand on 2nd June morning 8:30 am. The resort's travel desk had arranged for picking us up by car. Though it was stated as complimentary, the pick-up cost Rs.125/-, which was reasonable compared to what the other travel agents charge on ad-hoc basis. Since this was my first stay at the resort, my wife, who had stayed here about 8 years ago, negotiated with the receptionist for allotting a spacious cottage, and one with a good view. After checking out three cottages, selected one with a spacious bedroom, kitchen and a sitout.

The cottage looked cozy, and so did the atmosphere. We heard that it had rained everyday for the past few days, and expected the same during our stay. Thankfully, there wasn't any rain for the remainder of our stay there.

As mentioned in the beginning, the objective of this visit was relaxation. Still, we felt good to go out for a half-day sight-seeing tour arranged by the resort's travel desk. Few nice view points like Shanti Valley View, Pillar Rocks view, and a walk in the pine forest, refreshed our senses. The other half day rivetted around the Lake Area - cycling, boat-rides, strolling and spending time with our son in the children's park. The remaining two days and a half were spent lazing in the unkempt, but endearing, lawns outside our cottage in the resort itself. Playing with my son in the children's amusement place, penning a plot for my short story, few shots at UNO playing cards, helping my wife with cooking, and short walks within the resort took up the rest of my stay.

We left Kodai on the evening of 5th June, and reached Bangalore on 6th June morning. Back to city life and work, but with zeal and energy restored in both, body and mind.

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Comments

[Darsh]

Nice and simple
Felt good to know that relaxation was the main objective. I would love to plan such a trip myself.