Our long-awaited family trip to Kodaikanal finally happened—and what a journey it was! With 16 members, including kids and elders, we began our adventure from Cochin at 11 PM in a tempo traveler. The excitement was high, even though most of us dozed off after the initial chatter. By 8 AM, we reached the hills of Kodaikanal, welcomed by the cool mountain air and beautiful misty views.
However, the journey up the winding hairpin bends took a toll on the little ones. Three of the kids got motion sickness and ended up vomiting. But the moment we stepped into the pleasant chill of Kodaikanal, everyone’s mood changed. The beauty of the hills and the calm, refreshing atmosphere quickly lifted our spirits.
After freshening up, we headed out for breakfast. The food was tasty—fresh idlis, dosas, and steaming hot coffee—but we were surprised at how expensive everything was compared to Kerala. Most items, even simple snacks, were priced quite high.
Since it was vacation season, the place was crowded. Getting parking was a real challenge, and even walking along the narrow roads took some effort. We also noticed Kodaikanal follows a strict no-plastic policy. Disposing of plastic or bottles carelessly can lead to fines, which is great for preserving the place’s beauty.
After a little rest at our cottage, we had a homely lunch and set out to explore the lake. Boating there was a relaxing experience, with cool breezes and lovely views. Five of us tried horse riding around the lake—it was thrilling! Two others went for cycle rides. The kids especially loved the chocolate-coated biscuits we bought from a local shop.
Later, we visited the rose garden, which was bursting with colorful blooms. It was a treat for the eyes and cameras!
Dinner that night was cozy and delicious back at the cottage. We shared laughs, stories, and even planned the next day’s route.
The following morning, we set out early to see the famous Guna Cave. It was super crowded and took us around 2.5 hours to reach. Once inside, we had to wait a long time to click a family picture near the iconic tree roots. Still, the view and vibe were worth the wait. Right across the road, we refueled ourselves with hot fritters, Maggi, and cheese toast—simple but soul-satisfying!
We then explored the pine forest, where we clicked some stunning family photos among tall trees. Next on the list were Pillar Rocks, Dolphin’s Nose, Suicide Point, and Silver Cascade Waterfall—all offering unique views and natural beauty.
On the final day, we did some spice shopping and bought fresh carrots, beetroots, and local chocolates. Some of us picked up cute souvenirs and goodies for the kids. After lunch, we began our return journey. Just like on the way up, the hairpin bends got to the kids again—but by now, we were all used to it!
Despite the challenges, this Kodaikanal trip will always remain close to our hearts—a journey full of laughter, nature, bonding, and unforgettable memories.
A Memorable Family Trip to Kodaikanal – 16 Hearts, One Journey
Our long-awaited family trip to Kodaikanal finally happened—and what a journey it was! With 16 members, including kids and elders, we began our adventure from Cochin at 11 PM in a tempo traveler. The excitement was high, even though most of us dozed off after the initial chatter. By 8 AM, we reached the hills of Kodaikanal, welcomed by the cool mountain air and beautiful misty views.
Journey
However, the journey up the winding hairpin bends took a toll on the little ones. Three of the kids got motion sickness and ended up vomiting. But the moment we stepped into the pleasant chill of Kodaikanal, everyone’s mood changed. The beauty of the hills and the calm, refreshing atmosphere quickly lifted our spirits.
Day 1
After freshening up, we headed out for breakfast. The food was tasty—fresh idlis, dosas, and steaming hot coffee—but we were surprised at how expensive everything was compared to Kerala. Most items, even simple snacks, were priced quite high.
Since it was vacation season, the place was crowded. Getting parking was a real challenge, and even walking along the narrow roads took some effort. We also noticed Kodaikanal follows a strict no-plastic policy. Disposing of plastic or bottles carelessly can lead to fines, which is great for preserving the place’s beauty.
After a little rest at our cottage, we had a homely lunch and set out to explore the lake. Boating there was a relaxing experience, with cool breezes and lovely views. Five of us tried horse riding around the lake—it was thrilling! Two others went for cycle rides. The kids especially loved the chocolate-coated biscuits we bought from a local shop. Later, we visited the rose garden, which was bursting with colorful blooms. It was a treat for the eyes and cameras!
Dinner that night was cozy and delicious back at the cottage. We shared laughs, stories, and even planned the next day’s route.
Day 2
The following morning, we set out early to see the famous Guna Cave. It was super crowded and took us around 2.5 hours to reach. Once inside, we had to wait a long time to click a family picture near the iconic tree roots. Still, the view and vibe were worth the wait. Right across the road, we refueled ourselves with hot fritters, Maggi, and cheese toast—simple but soul-satisfying!
We then explored the pine forest, where we clicked some stunning family photos among tall trees. Next on the list were Pillar Rocks, Dolphin’s Nose, Suicide Point, and Silver Cascade Waterfall—all offering unique views and natural beauty.
Day 3
On the final day, we did some spice shopping and bought fresh carrots, beetroots, and local chocolates. Some of us picked up cute souvenirs and goodies for the kids. After lunch, we began our return journey. Just like on the way up, the hairpin bends got to the kids again—but by now, we were all used to it!
Despite the challenges, this Kodaikanal trip will always remain close to our hearts—a journey full of laughter, nature, bonding, and unforgettable memories.
