Two's company
On a quick trip to Kodaikanal to blow off some steam.
A refuge to escape the summer temperatures, a locale to rest your weary soul from life’s hullabaloo for a weekend, a destination that comprises granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills; yes, it’s none other than Kodaikanal.
Situated 7,200 feet above sea level among the picturesque Western Ghats of India in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, lies the ‘princess of hill stations’, which is a must-visit for one and all.
A sought-after holiday and honeymoon destination, the town centers around the man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake bordered by evergreen forests. Add to that a cool and misty weather, and you cannot ask for more!
And so we started. Two souls, keeping all this in mind, set forth on a road trip from Angamaly to this scenic beauty of a place. Though the weather played spoilsport (due to the monsoon), it could not dampen our spirits.
While it drizzled all along, we reached Ezhattumugham – a country village in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. A quiet and serene place, overshadowed by the beautiful Athirappally Waterfalls that lie 13 km uphill, it is yet to make its name in the hearts of travelers. Absorbing the tranquil gaze of this place, we moved on till we reached Athirappally. Indeed, we were awed by this majestic waterfall. No wonder it is nicknamed the ‘Niagara of India’.
We passed by Charpa Falls and then moved on to Vazhachal Falls, which is just 5 km from Athirappally. Just hearing the constant rumbling of the water will make one’s heart yearn for more.
Moving on, we passed through the Upper Sholayar Dam in Tamil Nadu. The dam is a vital reservoir under the Parambikulam Aliyar Project. Nearly 20 km more and we reach Valparai, a hill station in the Anaimalai Hills of Coimbatore district. Valparai comprises tea and coffee estates. It is also home to the Nilgiri Tahr - a stocky goat with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. We spent time digesting the vastness of the area before we rolled our wheels again to sway our bodies to the 40 hairpin bends between Valparai and Aliyar. Hairpin 9 was where we halted. The ride through these hairpin bends was an outstanding experience. We gazed at Aliyar Dam, which is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats.
From Aliyar, we journeyed through many agricultural fields of tomato, cauliflower, beetroot, cabbage, etc., and we were at Palani by 6.45 p.m. Also known as Pazhani, this town in Dindigul district is famous for the Palani Murugan Temple situated on a hill overlooking the town. Although we did not visit the temple, glittering lights greeted us from below. Satisfying our stomachs with refreshments, we set our sights on Kodaikanal.
A ride through the hills at night was indeed a surreal experience. With a chill slowly creeping in - the constant swoosh of the wind, the buzz of insects, the vehicle’s headlight often creating dark contours of deadly forces unimaginable at bends, and the trees standing tall - I can’t put into words what traversed my heart at that time. My co-rider was also mesmerised by this experience, I am sure!
Wheels down at 10 p.m. at Kodaikanal, we quickly wriggled into a hotel for the night as it was cold already. My partner was fast asleep within minutes while I raked up what I had gone through. It was too much to take in. Too much! I had slept off before I knew it. Woke up with the hotel guy knocking for tea and knew we had a huge day ahead of us. And indeed we had!