Family trips are a tradition for us, yet as an expatriate, I have often had to miss out on these precious gatherings. However, this time, I was fortunate enough to be part of a grand expedition to the "Princess of Hill Stations"—Kodaikanal.
With a vibrant group of nearly 40 people, ranging from playful toddlers to elders, our journey commenced at 10:00 PM. As the bus wound its way through Mannarkkad and Palakkad, most of the travelers were tucked away in sleep, unaware that we had even crossed the border into Tamil Nadu. I remember peering out into the dim light of the night, watching the rhythmic silhouette of massive wind turbines spinning in the breeze.
The Ascent at Dawn
By 4:00 AM, we reached the foothills of Palani. Even from a distance, the hilltop temple shimmered like a golden crown against the dark sky. After a brief halt for morning refreshments, we began our ascent through the ghat roads just as the first light of dawn began to break.
Our "Travel Captain," Siddique, had insisted on climbing the hills during daylight, and it was a brilliant decision. As we ascended, the lake in the valley below slowly shrank until it vanished into the mist. To the melody of soulful Mappila songs playing in the bus, we watched waterfalls cascading down distant emerald cliffs.
The weather was perfectly temperamental—a light drizzle brushed against the windows but never hindered our fun. The highlight of the morning was a magnificent rainbow stretching across the mountains. It was the largest and most vivid rainbow I have ever seen in my life—a true masterpiece of nature.
Chasing Waterfalls and Roses
Our first major stop was the Silver Cascade Waterfall. Plummeting from a height of 180 feet, the roar of the water was invigorating. We spent time taking photographs before enjoying a hearty breakfast right by the roadside.
Continuing our journey, we reached the famous Kodaikanal Rose Garden. Spanning across 12 acres in beautiful terraces, the garden was a riot of colors with countless varieties of roses. It was the perfect spot for our large family to wander and relax.
Into the Mist: Guna Caves and Pine Forests
From the gardens, we moved to Moyar Point. The timing was surreal; despite it being high noon, we were greeted by a thick, heavy blanket of mist. It was so dense that we could barely see each other, and the sudden drop in temperature was exhilarating.
We explored the iconic Guna Caves and walked through the towering Pine Forests. No trip to Kodaikanal is complete without shopping, so we stopped at a local market. While the group loaded up on souvenirs and famous homemade chocolates, I bought a "Kodaikanal" fridge magnet as a keepsake and a box of assorted chocolates.
Lakeside Fun and the Journey Home
Our final destination was the heart of the town—Kodaikanal Lake. While it looks modest from the shore, the perimeter is actually a 4-kilometer stretch. Our family members split up to enjoy cycling and horse riding along the banks.
As evening approached, we began our descent. The return journey was filled with laughter, songs, and performances by everyone from the kids to the adults. We even had a small prize distribution ceremony on the bus to celebrate the spirit of the trip.
After a delicious dinner at a hotel in Palani, we headed back towards Kerala, reaching home by 3:00 AM. Though the journey ended, the memories of that misty afternoon and the giant rainbow remain etched in my heart.
Quick Highlights of the Trip:
Total Travelers: 40 (Family)
Must-See Spot: Silver Cascade & Moyar Point
Best Experience: Seeing the massive rainbow over the mountains
Souvenirs: Homemade chocolates and fridge magnets
Would you like me to suggest some catchy titles for your website or help you write a short Instagram caption for this trip?
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