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Coaker's Walk - Places to see in Kodaikanal by Sarah from Seattle, America

11/18/2015

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Located not far from the center of Kodaikanal is Coaker’s Walk. A simple attraction, this paved pathway rests on the side of a tall hill, affording anyone who cares to pay the ten rupees entrance fee a startling view of the valley below. Unfortunately, the day I went most of the view was obscured by mist, but the few glances I got of the land below was enchanting.
 
Rolling forests, whitewashed resorts nestled among the greenery, grand houses and vegetation for days. Even with the November mist, it was worth every single rupee.
 
Testifying to the beauty of the valley are two telescope viewpoints. For another five rupees, visitors can step inside and take a closer peak at the scene below. There is not just one but two places where you can check things out, at either end of the walk. If it’s clear when you visit, I highly doubt you’ll be able to resist the temptation to see what’s going on down below in greater detail.


The tourist presence can be felt keenly along the walk. Stalls selling handmade silk string earrings, knockoff sunglasses and umbrellas (but, oddly, no chai) nestle against the inner side of the walk. One can even find, bizarrely, small statuettes of Native American styling. I’m not sure how or why this is a thing here, but I’ll let you make of that what you will.

​The walk itself is not terribly long, but affords plenty to look at along the way. In addition to the valley views, I found the Van Allen Maternity hospital, snuggled up next to a café serving hot drinks and delicious lunches. The hospital itself is a sweet little number made of rough stone, with touches of old English masonry.
 
Coaker’s Walk is the perfect place to take your sweetheart on a morning stroll, after getting breakfast at one of the nearby eateries on the lower end. Or, if you’re traveling with family, kids will surely get a kick out of the telescopes, andthe bright trinkets for sale. A must see for any visitors of Kodaikanal.

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Kodaikanal -  English Countryside, Indian Location 

11/16/2015

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The most striking thing to me about Kodaikanal is how much it reminds me of England. Throw a stone, and you’ll hit an old stone cottage, with moss growing in the crannies and along the ground. 

An Englishwoman who saw the need for an English-medium school to assist the numerous Christian missionaries in the area founded the Kodaikanal International School in the early 1900s. It’s somewhat imposing gray stone façade—located in the middle of town—shows the founders roots quite clearly.

​The English (and Christian) influence can be felt in the Christ the King church, located not from the KIS. I swear, someone went to a little village in England, plucked this gem out of the grass and transported it to Kodai. While I didn’t go inside, I did get a glimpse of the interior, complete with leaded glass windows and a turret.
 
Kodaikanal also has it’s own tea room, again located in yet another sweet stone building from the turn of the century. While the food at Tredis Tea House may leave some wanting, the atmosphere alone is worth a visit.


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Colourful Kodaikanal

11/9/2015

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​Even in November, with the mists shrouding the hills and afternoon rains coming in like clockwork, the pops of color in Kodaikanal will take your breath away. As I wandered the streets this morning my attention was caught, over and over again. Bright flowers bloom every few steps, making me feel like I was in a tropical paradise at times. Most shocking to me were the poinsettias.
 
Poinsettias, to me, are a quintessential Christmas staple. Pots of these white and red blooms grace every entryway, holiday festival and church gathering. In my mind, they conjure up images of snow, tinkling bells and evergreens decked out with ornaments and tinsel. Here, they tower overhead, no longer resigned to tiny, cellophane-wrapped bowls.
 
Side by side with the poinsettias other, less familiar flowers blossomed, decorating the roads. Delicate pink trumpet shaped flowers hung from rich, green ivy. Tiny magenta and yellow clusters brightened my walk home.

But the flowers are not the only vibrant stars in Kodaikanal. I would be remiss not to mention the Shri Bathirakalliamman Temple near Convent Road. Located on the same street as a slew of auto repair shops that clog the road with motorcycles, this small temple packs a big impression. Like a wild birthday cake, statues of deities top the temple, each meticulously painted. Baby blue and cotton candy pink, spring green and splashes of red invite the eye to explore, while the sound of honking scooters and the hubbub of day-to-day life float around.

​You’ll also find some of the wildest paint jobs on houses and hotels. In particular, the M. Maruthu Relax Home guest house, with its egg-yolk walls and ocean blue accents is a sight to behold. Whether the rooms inside are as fun as the outside, I Couldn’t tell you, but the innovative decorating makes the place look warm and inviting nonetheless. 

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Love in Kodaikanal

11/4/2015

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With the feel of the English countryside butting up against the color, vibrancy and power of South India, this is a town like no other. The relaxed atmosphere and cozy feel of the town makes it ideal for lovers.
 
There are a plenty of sweet guest-houses to choose from. Those who want to be closer to the action can choose a place near the center of town, while couples wanting more solitude will find a number of options for places to stay nestled in the valley, or farther up on the hillsides. The best hotel in kodaikanal is Fairway Inn and it is special cottages with jazuzzis and kitchens. For an eco holiday and best resort in kodaikanal I thought Eco Escape was beautiful. 

​The vibe of Kodaikanal town is mellow, mellow, mellow, especially when compared to many other places in which you’ll spend time in India. The merchants are, by and large, soft spoken and sweet-tempered. I haven’t once felt pressured to buy something I didn’t already want.
 
There are no tuk-tuks, but there are plenty of taxis around ready and willing to give you a lift home, or to any of the numerous sight-seeing spots nearby. And while the drivers may offer to take you places when you’d really rather stay put, a simple no, or even a shake of the head, will mean you’re left to your own devices. Which means more time to focus on the town, and the excellent company you may be sharing it with.

The vibe of the town is mellow, mellow, mellow, especially when compared to many other places in which you’ll spend time in India. The merchants are, by and large, soft spoken and sweet-tempered. I haven’t once felt pressured to buy something I didn’t already want.
 
There are no tuk-tuks, but there are plenty of taxis around ready and willing to give you a lift home, or to any of the numerous sight-seeing spots nearby. And while the drivers may offer to take you places when you’d really rather stay put, a simple no, or even a shake of the head, will mean you’re left to your own devices. Which means more time to focus on the town, and the excellent company you may be sharing it with.

​I visited Kodai in November, which meant afternoon rainstorms like clockwork, and some of the most beautiful, cozy, mist-covered mornings. When I set out a little before ten there was a perfect chill to the air, the kind that begs for a hot mug of chai. A couple hours later the sun had burned off much of the overhead cloud cover, giving me some delicious warmth as I trekked about. Then, around two, gentle rains cooled down the day once more. I can imagine sitting in a café or on a balcony somewhere, reading or having deep conversations, a mug of tea at hand. If I had to build a holiday home in Kodaikanal it would be amazing as I could enjoy this, I saw a lot of nice homes and was particularly impressed by the eco homes made by Organic Brooklyn builders the best builders in Kodaikanal. They even have a homestay called Avondale which is probably the best homestay and best cottage in Kodaikanal. 
 
Whatever time of year you choose to visit, Kodaikanal seems to me a perfect place to bring your honey for a romantic getaway. Beautiful scenery, kind people and shop after shop of handmade chocolates will guarantee to inspire your romantic side.


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