Our family’s summer vacation at “KODAIKANAL” — “Princess of Hill stations”
When I was busy doing my Final Year Project Submission, My family has been discussing a place to be well spent for summer vacation. Due to the hot summer, in which the days are longest and nights are shortest, we googled many places. And we decided and concluded to go with “The Gift of the Forest” which is nothing but “KODAIKANAL”.
On the day, we started our travel in the early morning at 4.am, and we reached 7.am. While traveling on the mountain road, Damn!! the place was lively with full of energy, fogs, and fresh air. The birds were chirping and the waterfalls sound which was far away from us makes our travel an amazing experience.
Silver Cascade Falls
While on our journey from Madurai to Kodaikanal by road, we confronted by the stunning sight of water thrashing down from 180 feet right into the ground below and mesmerizing one and all with its sheer strength and beauty. The chill breeze and the waterfalls sound make our presence as an unforgettable. Nearly we took around 30–40 pics. The falls are also seen as a halting-place for various vehicles and tourists as there are many shops around it that sell fruits and various other kinds of forest products.
Pine Forest
After visiting cascade falls, we continued our trip to visit the pine forest which was well known for its unique beauty and peaceful surroundings. One can also have interesting camping enjoyment right here after you have permission from the neighborhood authorities. We had spent a lot of time here and we walked between the trees and having fun with my little sister makes me happy and I also felt that the moments were still in my eyes.
Pillar Rocks
Situated in the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal. Near to this, there were amazing roadside shops available which consists of coolers, T-shirts, and icecreams, etc. Our family took an amazing pic near to this and it was looking very good enough because I was actually there in that pic LOL. After visiting pillar rocks we went for lunch... Because it was almost 2.30 p.m.
The Bryant Park
After having our perfect lunch, my younger sister asked us to go to the park and also to play with her. We laughed!!. Then we thought to address the children’s park which was near to us. By searching for the park, we came to know that there was a park named “Bryant” which was situated on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, is well known for its unique beauty, and with 325 species of trees, shrubs, and cacti, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. As it was the summer season, a flower show also conducted in the park which is a part of the summer festival attracting many tourists and not just for those interested in botany. The show is organized by the Department of Horticulture and showcases many kinds of vegetables and flowers which are brought from neighboring villages and compete for various prizes. The decorations were mind-blowing!!!.
The Kodaikanal Lake
This lake is the heart of Kodaikanal. The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range is the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. I and my sister rented the cycles and we went around the lake. While cycling we laughed, shouted, and also we conducted cycling race between us. Wow!!! it was actually funny but it was also memorable. After cycling, we step for boating. When I saw the clock, shocked!.Because it was almost 5.30 pm. Time was running fast compared to our cycling race. While we are having a discussion about boating, it started raining. Superb climate!!!. And by the way, we missed boating.
Trip ends with Kurinji Andavar Temple
It was around 6.30 p.m. and also the cloud stops raining. Everything was closed (boating, cycling, horse riding). My dad asked to take ourselves to the temple because he was actually a very big devotee of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga. In Kodaikanal, there was a very famous temple named “Kurinji Andavar temple” which also known as ‘God of Hill’.Thus the name itself symbolizes its connection with the hill and the God of the hill. The temple has also a connection with the Kurinji flower which blooms on the hill once in 12 years. Thus it is a place which presents amazing sightseeing options for nature lovers as well as offers good photographic opportunities. We went to the temple and relaxed. After that, we started to return back from Kodaikanal to our home. On the way, we gossipped everything about what are the things from which we had started. I suggest everyone go to Kodaikanal at least once in their life.
