Sometimes, all you need is a break from the routine, some good friends, and a destination that brings you closer to nature. That’s exactly what our trip to Kodaikanal was all about. Fourteen of us, including my wife and close friends, planned an epic weekend escape to the Princess of Hill Stations—Kodaikanal.
🚐 The Journey Begins: Hassan to Kodaikanal
Our adventure started from Hassan, Karnataka. We had booked a minibus that could accommodate our full gang comfortably. Before boarding, we did a small pooja to start the journey with blessings and positive vibes. Our route was Hassan – Mysore – Hanur – Bhavani – Palani – Kodaikanal.
The overnight road trip was filled with music, laughter, and pitstops. Somewhere along the way, we stopped for breakfast. It was a simple meal, but with friends around, everything tastes better.
📷 (Insert picture of breakfast stop)
🏡 Stay at Silvermist Villa – Kodaikanal
We reached Silvermist Villa in the afternoon, and trust me, it was love at first sight! Nestled amidst the hills, the villa had three spacious rooms, large enough to accommodate all of us comfortably.
The surrounding view was absolutely breathtaking. The villa was surrounded by mist-covered trees and offered a panoramic view of the valleys. Inside, it had cozy interiors, a gaming space (where I played a lot of table tennis), and a rooftop that became our favorite hangout spot.
We cooked a simple lunch ourselves, ate together, and rested for a while before heading out for sightseeing.
🚣♀️ Evening at Kodaikanal Lake
Our first outing was to the famous Kodaikanal Lake. The lake was serene and reflected the golden hues of the evening sky. We took a stroll, clicked plenty of photos, and soaked in the fresh mountain air.
For dinner, we opted for a feast of non-veg delights—egg rice, biryani, tandoori, and some drinks that a few friends brought along. The highlight of the night was the rooftop gathering. With the stars above and Kodaikanal’s chill breeze around, we danced, laughed, shared stories, and made memories for life.
🌲 Saturday Escapades: Pine Forest, Guna Cave, and More
After a good night’s rest and a hearty complimentary breakfast at the villa, we faced a logistical challenge—our minibus was too big for city roads. So, we booked a Tempo Traveller (TT) for local travel.
Our first stop was the Pine Forest. The weather was misty, and the towering pines stood like silent guardians of nature. The fog wrapping the trees made it look like a scene from a movie.
Next was the thrilling Guna Cave. Ever since I watched Manjummel Boys, I was curious and slightly spooked about this place. Known for its narrow gaps and deep caves, Guna Cave was both eerie and beautiful. We took photos and videos but stayed safe and aware of our surroundings.
🏞️ More Wonders: Coaker’s Walk and Dolphin’s Nose
Post Guna Cave, we visited a few other nearby attractions like:
- Coaker’s Walk – A scenic stretch offering panoramic views of the valley. Ideal for slow walks and great photos.
- Dolphin’s Nose – A thrilling cliff-edge viewpoint. Standing at the edge and looking down made our hearts race!
By evening, we were exhausted. We had dinner at a nearby eatery and once again retreated to the villa for our final night. As expected, the rooftop vibes returned—light-hearted conversations, music, and the chilly air made it perfect.
🛕 Isha Foundation & The Way Back
On Sunday morning, after breakfast, we checked out of the villa and began our return journey via Coimbatore. We stopped for lunch there and made a soul-refreshing visit to the Isha Foundation.
The Adiyogi Shiva statue was majestic. The energy, the calmness of the surroundings, and the sheer spiritual vibe of the place were overwhelming. We took blessings, clicked photos, and spent some peaceful moments there.
🌲 A Twist in the Route: Forest Detour at Night
As we planned to take the Palani route back, we were stopped at a forest checkpost due to night-time restrictions. So, we had to detour through Rampura via Mysore, a route that took us through dense forests. It was thrilling and slightly spooky to pass through such wilderness at night.
Finally, by early Monday morning, we reached Hassan—tired, but full of stories, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Why This Trip Meant So Much
This Kodaikanal getaway wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about friendships, laughter, reconnecting with nature, and spending quality time with people who matter. Every moment, from the road trip songs to the foggy forest trails, made us feel more alive.
If you’re planning a group trip from Karnataka or anywhere in South India, Kodaikanal is a must-visit. And if you’re going with friends, double the fun is guaranteed!