Who wouldn't want a break from the monotony of everyday life in a concrete jungle? Wandering through the misty meadows and the venturing into the deep woods to escape the clamour of the city might seem like a dream too good to come true. Pack your bags for a weekend trek in Kodaikanal through some of the most beautiful and pristine landscapes in the Western Ghats.
Kodaikanal is nicknamed the "princess of hill stations" for a reason. With its rolling meadows, misty hillocks, and countless brooks and waterfalls, Kodaikanal is as close as you can get to heaven on earth. The pristine air and the untouched landscape hidden away in the slopes of the Western Ghats are the ideal combination for escaping the mundane urban life for a much-needed break and recharging one's mind. What better way to explore this wilderness other than a weekend of hiking and trekking through its untouched woods and vast valleys speckled with quaint settlements and farming hamlets?
The most popular trekking route starts from the shores of Berijam Lake. Easily accessible from Kodaikanal town, this pristine lake is the perfect start for your weekend expedition into the wilderness. Long and winding forest trails will take you to Vandaraw, a quaint hamlet near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. The trekkers will be treated to surreal views of endless green meadows and rolling hillocks veiled in a thin layer of mist. Popular trekking trails circle through Poondi, a remote farming settlement in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Don’t forget to get some freshly picked carrots as a snack on the road from Poondi. The trekking trail dots several such quaint hamlets, such as Kavunji, Kukkal, and Poombaral. The multi-day trek covering over 80 km of the vast Kodaikanal landscape will be a unique experience to enjoy everything this slice of heaven on earth has to offer.
It is easy to get lost in the vastness of the valleys and the unfamiliar trails in the dense forests. So, trekkers are advised to utilise the services of certified local guides. For those wanting accommodation facilities, they can avail themselves of a stay in forest guesthouses with prior permission.
