By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! After the epic altitudes and cross-country treks, we craved the gentle, colonial charm of the South. Our destination: Kodaikanal, nestled high in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. This trip was all about slowing down, breathing deep, and soaking up the dense, fragrant shola forests. It was an epic getaway filled with lovely mist and quiet fun with the crew—Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and me.
Biking the Berijam Road (The Epic Start)
Kodaikanal’s main draw isn’t its altitude, but its unparalleled natural beauty, especially the surrounding dense forests. Our Epic start was renting bikes and tackling the famous Berijam Lake road.
This road cuts through some of the most pristine shola forest and grassland in the region. The air was crisp, scented with eucalyptus and pine, and the visibility was constantly shifting due to the rolling mist. Biking through that silent, dense green tunnel felt incredibly refreshing.
The fun with friends began when the mist rolled in so thick we had to stop and wait. We turned it into an impromptu game of hide-and-seek, with our muffled laughs echoing through the fog. We were completely disconnected from the world, surrounded by ancient trees and soft silence. It was a beautiful, shared experience of isolation and freedom.
The Serene Coaker’s Walk
The most iconic and Lovely part of Kodaikanal is Coaker’s Walk. This narrow path runs along the edge of the mountains, offering stunning views of the valley below.
We went in the early morning. When the clouds are clear, the view extends all the way to the plains, but when the mist is in (which it usually is!), the fog hangs thick in the gorge, creating a white, mystical ocean. We walked slowly, taking our time, stopping to watch the clouds swirl and dissipate. It’s a place that forces you to be reflective and peaceful.
This provided the most Beautiful Moment: sitting on a bench overlooking the valley, quietly sipping a roadside coffee, feeling the cool air and the silence. It wasn’t about a massive sight; it was about the perfect combination of weather, view, and camaraderie.
Stars and Homemade Chocolate
Evenings in Kodaikanal are chilly, perfect for huddling together. The town is famous for its homemade chocolates and unique bazaars. We spent an afternoon taste-testing every variety of chocolate and buying ridiculously warm woolen goods.
The fun with friends continued with a challenge: navigating the winding roads around Kodai Lake in a paddle boat, which quickly turned into a synchronized amateur rowing disaster. But the laughter and the cool lake breeze were the real reward. Kodaikanal, with its quiet hills, misty forests, and gentle pace, proved that the greatest adventures often feel like a cozy, shared secret.
What’s the best local food item you’ve ever discovered on a trip? Share your finds below!
Stay cozy, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
