Stories from the road

Every family needs a mountain escape, and our road trip to Kodaikanal turned out to be a perfect blend of nature, bonding, and joy. Our recent road trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal was just that — an unforgettable escape into the lap of nature with two full families, endless laughter, great food, and the kind of peace you can only find in the mountains.

The Crew: Two Families, One Bond

We were a big gang – myself, my wife Pallavi, our three little adventurers – Vivaan, Nihaal, and Aarna – and my parents. Alongside us was our close friend Mohit, his wife Deepti, their daughter Myra, Mohit’s parents, and Deepti’s parents. With three generations traveling together, this was not just a trip – it was a celebration of togetherness.

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Day 1: The Journey Begins

We started early on Saturday morning at 6 AM, escaping the city’s chaos with excitement bubbling in our hearts. Our first pitstop was for a South Indian breakfast near Salem – and with so many highway-side options, we were spoilt for choice. Hot idlis, crispy dosas, and strong filter coffee gave us the much-needed energy boost.

Around lunchtime, we stopped at Dindigul, famous for its spicy biryani. We gorged on the legendary Dindigul Biryani followed by the much-talked-about Jigarthanda, a chilled dessert drink that was just perfect for the warm afternoon.

By 4 PM, we reached our destination – Le Mistral, a serene property tucked away in the hills of Kodaikanal. The place was like a dream — surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers in every color, and a breathtaking view of the mountains right from our rooms.

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A Warm Welcome at Le Mistral

The property had a homely vibe. A friendly caretaker and his family took care of all our needs, and they even had an adorable pet dog who instantly made friends with the kids. The evening was spent soaking in the mountain breeze, relaxing in the gazebo-style glass dining hall, and enjoying a bonfire complete with veg and non-veg snacks, some drinks, and a lot of laughter. Dinner was delicious, and after a long day on the road, everyone had a sound, peaceful sleep.

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Day 2: Trekking, Lakes & Little Adventures

The next morning started slow and serene. There was a walking track around a green lawn where we stretched out with a little morning walk and yoga.

Later, Mohit, Deepti, Pallavi, and I went for a short trek. The trail surprised us with fresh berries growing on wild trees, and in a fun twist, we stumbled upon a wild animal’s skull! The view along the way was nothing short of a painting — misty hills, chirping birds, and forest trails that told stories.

After breakfast, we headed for our first major sightseeing – Mannavanur Lake and the Sheep Farm, around 1.5 hours away. A gentle drizzle made the drive even more scenic. With no mobile network, we got separated into three cars, but all managed to reach the destination within half an hour of each other.

The place was magical — a lake surrounded by mountains, with soft clouds hovering above. A small canteen there served piping hot Maggi, bread omelette, tea, and of course, ice cream – a hit with the kids!

We enjoyed horse rides, a short zipline, and even a Coracle ride. On the way back, we discovered a restaurant with a glass high-rise ambiance — delicious food with panoramic views. We also visited the Rose Garden before heading back to the property for another bonfire evening, this time with cards and stories.

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Day 3: Misty Mornings and Foggy Fun

We started the day with boating at the iconic Kodai Lake. The weather was just perfect – full of fog and mist, turning everything into a fairytale. Vendors selling ice creams on the lake added a quirky charm — because what’s better than cold ice cream on a colder lake?

Post-boating, we indulged in street shopping and tasted local street food before heading to the famous Coaker’s Walk. In that weather, it was surreal — a dreamy walk among the clouds, literally.

Evening brought yet another bonfire, but this time, we turned it into a dance party! With Punjabi beats playing loud, every member from both families let loose and danced their hearts out. It was the highlight of the trip.

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Day 4: Lazy Morning & Whispering Vibes

This was our lazy day. We woke up late, spent time enjoying the property’s amenities, and clicked a lot of photos. For lunch, we went to Whistler Cafe – a stunning place with great ambiance and even better food.

We returned to the property, filled up our cars’ tanks for the long journey back, packed up, and relaxed with some more cards and UNO. The caretaker’s wife whipped up some amazing French fries and Dragon Chicken – the perfect farewell snack for the kids.

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Day 5: Homebound with Hearts Full

We left early in the morning, retracing our route. Breakfast and lunch stops kept us going, and we couldn’t resist picking up some juicy mangoes from a roadside stall near Salem.

By 5 PM, we were back home in Bangalore — tired but full of happy memories.

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Until Next Time…

This trip to Kodaikanal was everything we hoped for – nature, food, bonding, and joy. Traveling with family and friends brought us closer, made the kids happier, and left us with stories to cherish for years to come.

Here’s to many more such hill station getaways — where the mountains heal, and memories are made.