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Old 18th October 2021, 21:58   #1
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VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Greetings to all those who came here with cycle chain, hockey bat and exhaust vent pipe to bash VW for yet another edition. Ease up on. I leave you with my kodaikanal travelogue.

You have probably seen the Hollywood movie shutter. On the hero's shoulder sits a ghost. When he was weighed, the weight of two people showed up. After being married for five years, I have not been on a trip with my spouse. Doctors, we both have become accustomed to having only 3 to 4 hours of free time per day. I have, however, accompanied my college friends on several trips over the past five years. Fake conferences on the weekends allows a married man to go for trips with friends. It was my belief that if a tour was happening, it must be with friends. For all these years, my wife has come up with many plans to take a trip that I have avoided.

While I can create fake conferences to alleviate my stress, I didn't consider the perspective of my wife, who is in the same profession and has some added responsibilities than me. The thoughts of gulit settled on my shoulder, as they billowed and took on the shape of devil. In an effort to shake it off, I decided to tour Kodaikanal with my wife and 4 year kid.So my mission of the tour was to spend quality time with family.

Booking:
Searched Trip advisor for top rated hotels and booked Villa retreat. Reviewers found it different from a standard hotel, and its tagline said it was close to nature. Who cares. I chose this hotel because it was right next to Coakers Walk and most of the major attractions were within walking distance.

Duration of stay: 2 nights

Members involved
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In my capacity as a photographer:
Photographs were integral to travelogues. Additionally, good photographs will lighten the load of words.
‘Mayakkam enna’ is a tamil film. Despite being a good photographer, the protagonist was highly discouraged by experts. In order to make a meaningful impact, he travelled to the jungle to take photograph of animals. Each animal did what it was supposed to be doing, but the protagonist found everything mundane. The wretched man then sat down on a tree's foot, having spent the entire day in misery. When my throat had difficulty in swallowing, seeing hero’s pathetic state, A bird came from nowhere and sat on a tree and unfurled its wings for him, to take a picture. Goosebumps ran down my spine and thats when I decided I want to become a professional photographer. It's been ten years since I saw the movie and my photographic skills now.

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Whenever a bird came to sat on a tree branch infront of me, it was always to soothe the itching on its beak or legs.

Itinerary:
Thoothukudi- Madurai- batlagundu- kodaikanal

Day 1: We set off from home at around 2 pm. Destination was 250 kms away. Car had suffered two injector failures earlier, which made us apprehensive. Considering the recent one happened two months ago, I didn't expect it to happen soon.

We began climbing the ghat roads at around 5:30 pm. It was the first time my wife and son navigating ghat roads, so both were awestruck by the views. It was Friday night and there was barely any traffic in roads. Polo negotiates curves with surgical precision. Upon arriving at the hotel at 8 pm, we checked in and headed right to the restaurant. I ordered parottas without looking at the menu. It's my usual fare since I am from Thoothukudi in Tamilnadu, which is famous for its parottas. We went straight to sleep after our meal.

Hotel entrance
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Snowman from KodaikanalVW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled-1fde9bc3be58445c842522cd81f3339f.jpeg

Day 2:
Finished complimentary breakfast at about 8 am and We headed out to visit Pillar rocks and Guna caves before crowds clog the roads. Roads were nearly empty and we decided to take the left side of the belly of snow man. A shop keeper by the road side asked us to took the right side of the belly of snowman as the left limb is blocked at pillar rocks. I took a U-turn and revved up the accelerator just as a squirrel was on the left side of the road, standing on its two limbs well outside of the road edge. As soon as I noticed the squirrel, I steered to the right, to give him space, in case he decided to cross. Unfortunately it decided to cross and ended up under the left tyre. I pulled over and noticed smudges through the internal rear view mirror. As my emotions filled my body, I violently hit the steering wheel and I decided to head back to my room.

It would be unthinkable that, a baby squirrel born on a tree top in the hills, months earlier, had its fate written that it would be hit by a car from 250 kms away, that had taken a U-turn seconds earlier.

Leaving my car in the hotel, I requested a ten minutes break and walked to the streets alone. I've allowed my thoughts to run their course. Every time I am stressed, this is my usual routine. I experience the emotions fully so that I will not be shocked by them, when they resurface in a different environment.
Over reaction they say. But I see my pet dog's eye in every animal's eye.

When I returned, we decided to take a stroll along Coakers walk. We were greeted by a full mist. There was actually nothing to see.

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This is my son putting the itchy bird to shame.

Our next destination was Lake. We went out boating and rented a pedal boat that we had to handle ourselves.

Having pedaled a boat for a while, we returned to our hotel for a cup of coffee. Our hotel had a view of the valley at the back. Spent an hour admiring it and planning our next visit.

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Valley view at back of hotel
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Then we visited Bryant Park across the street from the lake. The park is huge and draped in fog.

Bryant park

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At about 6pm, we decided to head back to hotel. We sat on a bench by the back of the hotel. As we admired the valley, we spent almost two hours chatting. In detail, my wife described how she wanted to build a house similar to the hotel. She was on a word jargon and my mind responded to her ‘you can only build that in these mist’ whereas my mouth vocalised ‘ok we will’ in contradictory to mind and reality.

Went to the room and switched on the tv. There is still one more over to play in the thriller cricket match between Dolakhpur and aliens, which obviously was won by Dolakhpur. Aliens left the world as guaranteed by them, before the match. Knowing we were in safe hands of bheem, we drifted off to sleep.

Day 3:
Right side of the belly of snow man was still there for us to explore. Our first stop was the solar observatory museum along this limb, where we chose to walk in, as there wasn't much crowd. The moment I entered the first room in the museum, it suddenly dawned on me that, I was unaware of the names of 12 planets in our solar system. It was my wife who corrected me, saying there were 11 planets. In the middle of this healthy discussion, another voice spoke up. The museum's guide, who graduated with a degree in physics, called us out to see the sun with specialised goggles. His 10 minutes speech revealed that, he is passionate about physics and the solar system. A newly married couple entered the arena and when the guide was busy explaining things to them, we planned our escape. we had an apocalypto run out of solar observatory. Sorry mate. You deserve better audience.

Our next stop was Moir point. Parked the car on the sides of road. Huge crowds. I snuck through the cracks hoping for something different. Yet again, what we see is a fog factory.

Next came Pine forest.

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Following a customary photograph, proceeded to the next station.

Guna caves:
Its original name was Devil’s kitchen because the fog emanates from the caves in the valley. I just wonder why so many men throng to see the Devil’s kitchen by paying money. It was my suggestion to my wife, to keep this name for the kitchen, in her imaginary hotel house. Got an earful.

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Thats our last spot on this tour. Saw Golf course enroute.

Went straight to room and packed things up. As I close the door one last time, a painting at the far end of the room caught my eye and made me feel heavy-hearted.

Is this mission a success?

In essence, in this tour we noticed fog in different places bearing different names. It does not mean it is a mundane hill station. Perhaps an experienced guy knows when to visit to get a clear view of all attractions.

In Lost world, when sarah was on a windshield creaking below her and a wireless phone dangling above and we were biting our nail in our childhood, anticipating what will happen next. Similarly my wife always complain about my carelessness which can be related to the wireless dangling above and sarah can be related to my marriage life.(Metaphor. She was in no way related to my marriage life). This kodai tour says “lend me your hand, sarah”.

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The painting I saw before I close the room door.

Last edited by Torque250 : 19th October 2021 at 10:50. Reason: Commas, Important places in bold letters
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Old 20th October 2021, 05:19   #2
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 20th October 2021, 09:47   #3
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

I must admit I opened the thread thinking it might be a Polo mod job of someone from Kodai. I was disappointed I was going to read about Kodai travelogue but you spared me another Kodai/Ooty (I am from South India) blog and instead I enjoyed reading your backstory, movie references and witty narrative. I hope you visit more mundane places off season and write about your experiences ;-) Just kidding.
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Old 21st October 2021, 09:52   #4
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

You made my day with this.
Kodai, I would have been many times but never had so many views instigating so much mirth. Your narrative had me in peals of laughter. Thank You!!!!
That said, we eagerly await more of YOUR special editions of the Polo (to also serve as an antidote to the numerous dopey and asinine "Special Editions" that VW puts out)
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Old 21st October 2021, 10:59   #5
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Hi

Nice travelogue!

I happened to stay at the same place pre-covid. Villa retreat is at a very good location, just beneath the coakers walk and opposite the Bryant park. I liked the food over there, though the rooms were a bit small for the price they quote.

Kodaikanal hills is one of those hills where you can maintain high average speeds and also enjoy sweeping curves and hair pin bends. I have totally enjoyed driving up and down them. I am very sure you would have had a blast driving a tight handling car like the polo I am used to gunning down sharp handling motorcycles over Kolli hills very frequently. Even to me, kodai was fun to drive.

Next time, try Elephant valley resort which is about 18 km away from kodai. It's a remote place where you can go trekking, elephant sighting as well as stay calm, which is the best thing I liked there. No telephone coverage, no TV. Just nice books, excellent backdrop of nature and cool climate.

Last edited by PrasannaDhana : 21st October 2021 at 11:02.
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Old 21st October 2021, 12:04   #6
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Well compiled travelogue.

Kodaikanal is one of those hill stations that's slowly but surely getting spoilt by unruly crowds and upcoming resorts/homestays. We used to do a Kodai trip every year as a routine but during our last trip have made a pact not to visit for the next 2 years atleast. The roads in general are fun to drive from Batlagundu and the tarmac quality has always been great.

Stayed at a property(vista rooms) beyond mannavanur lake this time and found it quaint as well as beautiful amidst pine forests.They even have a private lake with boating/kayaking.
The hotels in the heart of the city are always crowded and not worth their star rating.
The Tamara is an exception with wonderful rooms and amazing food, but is on the expensive side.

The outskirts of Kodai are ideal for weekend family getaways, but very few choices available at the moment.
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Old 21st October 2021, 17:23   #7
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Great travelogue.

It's a pretty good resort. Had stayed there long time back. Best part is that it's close to all major spots.

4 years back I had stayed at Kodai Resort Hotel which is next to Coaker's Walk. Although it was very well kept and rooms were really spacious, it was an old property.

My recommendation would be Fern Creek that I had stayed a decade back. Their food and hospitality was amazing.

Here's a picture that I guess is taken at the same spot .

VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled-dsc_0074.jpg
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Old 22nd October 2021, 05:07   #8
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

My response to your quirky narrative about the fake conferences on weekends, is the phrase from a tamil movie "why blood, same blood".

Hope your better half doesn't read team bhp.
Or else "Sona mutha pocha" would be the phrase that would be apt in that situation.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the travellouge.
Keep exploring and share your experiences.

Stay Safe and Ride safe.

For fellow members,
Why blood same blood = It's the same story with me as well.
Sonamutha pocha = Hope you had enough!

Last edited by matchvan : 22nd October 2021 at 05:19.
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Old 22nd October 2021, 12:17   #9
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

You definitely have a way with words my man, a quirky and also a bit mournful (the bit with the Squirrel), loved your write up.

On the subject of Kodai though - I live in a village literally at the foothills of Kodai. Like you get outside the house and on non foggy nights you see the lights of Kodai. Kodai is seriously getting untenable during season and holidays, but that region has so many many untouched virgin spots.

Google up Meghamalai, Sirumalai, Kurangini or half a dozen other places next time anyone wants to vacation in this region. Be warned though, these places might have only basic lodging, homestays etc but trust me when I say that they are utterly untouched, have stunning views and lovely weather.

If you still want to go to Kodai, and during peak / vacation season when the climb up will take you 2-3 hours, here is an alternate route which only locals take.

Periyakulam > Dharmalingapuram > Devadanapatti > Sengalupatty and then the hills.

I was there last Monday and on this route, when I made the entry (it is via a protected forest and you have police checkposts and you need to make entries) at around 11 AM, there had been exactly 6 vehicles that had gone ahead of me the whole day. On my entire trip up till it joins the main NH, I might have seen maybe 4-5 vehicles pass me the other side. THe vistas are also utterly stunning.
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Old 22nd October 2021, 12:51   #10
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Very entertaining post. Loved it! Quirky and darkly comic.
The snow man map cracked me up. With such drawing skills, I am sure you aced your Anatomy and Surgery papers
Keep writing. Here's hoping that your wife prevails upon you for more such trips.
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Old 31st March 2022, 10:37   #11
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stribog View Post

If you still want to go to Kodai, and during peak / vacation season when the climb up will take you 2-3 hours, here is an alternate route which only locals take.

Periyakulam > Dharmalingapuram > Devadanapatti > Sengalupatty and then the hills.

I was there last Monday and on this route, when I made the entry (it is via a protected forest and you have police checkposts and you need to make entries) at around 11 AM, there had been exactly 6 vehicles that had gone ahead of me the whole day. On my entire trip up till it joins the main NH, I might have seen maybe 4-5 vehicles pass me the other side. THe vistas are also utterly stunning.
Great tip. Do you mind detailing the route to Kodaikanal and back. Sorry couldn't locate this route via google maps. I plan to start from Trichy to Poomparai. Would love to skip the town all together and any route that's not crowded, could be great.
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Old 31st March 2022, 10:42   #12
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti View Post
Great tip. Do you mind detailing the route to Kodaikanal and back. Sorry couldn't locate this route via google maps. I plan to start from Trichy to Poomparai. Would love to skip the town all together and any route that's not crowded, could be great.
So this is a small (but well paved so don't worry) road, Google will definitely not pick it up if you are coming from Tiruchy.

So navigate to Periyakulam first.

Then put Devadanapatti >> kodai.

This will get you there. But be warned road is not as broad as the kodai road Highway. Parts of it are 1.5 lanes at best.

But the flip side is , I usually don't even see 10 passenger cars in my entire trip up, possibly a few trucks and there is one private bus service on that route. Mostly only local 2 wheelers.
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Old 31st March 2022, 11:23   #13
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stribog View Post
So this is a small (but well paved so don't worry) road, Google will definitely not pick it up if you are coming from Tiruchy.

So navigate to Periyakulam first.

Then put Devadanapatti >> kodai.

This will get you there. But be warned road is not as broad as the kodai road Highway. Parts of it are 1.5 lanes at best.

But the flip side is , I usually don't even see 10 passenger cars in my entire trip up, possibly a few trucks and there is one private bus service on that route. Mostly only local 2 wheelers.
Finally managed to find the alternate route. Hopefully this is it.

Trichy -> Tandurpatti

From Tandurpatti, take the Kumbakarai Road and then Kodai-Kudumbanar Road and then merge on the Kodaikanal Ghat Road.

VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled-routetokodai.jpg

If there roads are well paved, it would make for an awesome trip. Also this route takes just 10 mins more than the usual Ghat Road, which I wanted to avoid, as I would be going during the peak season and that long weekend (Tamil New Year).

Thank you once again, for this fantastic tip.

The only issue it seems is, I have to go through the town to reach Poomparai, which I'm dreading. Let me see if I can find an alternate route, at least skipping the road that goes through the lake/observatory road.
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Old 11th May 2022, 13:44   #14
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Re: VW Polo - Kodaikanal edition - Unveiled

Finally managed to find the alternate route.

From Tandurpatti, take the Kumbakarai Road and then Kodai-Kudumbanar Road and then merge on the Kodaikanal Ghat Road.

Hi,

Have you tried the above alternate route through Adukkam ? Was it motorable and navigatable ?

I am leaving on Friday, and can expect a crowd on the normal Kodai ghat road. If the above alternate road is good, don't mind trying it.

Regards,
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