I want someone to take me back to Kodaikanal, where I would boat on the lake. Another thing that I want to do is trek the thickly wooded slopes of this British-Madrasi hill station where wildflowers grow among Eucalyptus and Pine trees. Once there, I would find tumultuous waterfalls that lose themselves in clear pools. I would also peer over the steep rock outcrops at the town below shrouded in mist, smoke rising from the home chimneys, the dry, clean, bracing air difficult for my Mumbai lungs to breathe.
Monsoons in Kodaikanal
The southwest and northeast monsoons cross over Kodaikanal in July. Rain clouds sneak into the tiny township 2,133 meters above sea level, bringing chilling dampness with them. Kodaikanal is shivering. During the day, the residents dress in tweeds and flannels. At night, wear woolens.
Things to see and do in Kodaikanal
By 7.30 p.m., everyone is inside the house. At home, they have log and coal fireplaces. I had one at the Rahejas’ colonial rock-and-wood hotel, the Carlton, where I was staying. The month of July is ideal for going. And I’d like to return to the old Enid Blyton-esque hill-station. Visit its parks, clubs, churches, hospitals, hotels, stores, and schools, and stroll through its cobblestone streets, all of which were left over by the Raj.
Given below are two places that you must visit in Kodaikanal
The Kodai Dairy
Look for the Kodai Dairy, which is famous for its Cheddar, Garlic, Pepper, and Chilli cheeses, at ye old Spencers general store. Meet the gnarled old nuns of the Belgian Convent, who offer hand-embroidered linen. Look for the Jewish hermit baking Apple Pie in a secluded house among the wild trails.
Kodai Lake
Kodai Lake is a natural amphitheater beneath the Carlton. Every room has a view of it. The water glistened among the emerald green wooded slopes. Inviting you to stroll down the rose-scented walkways. Go boating. Or you could go fishing. After that, have South Indian Hoppers cooked with Toddy and vegetables stewed in Coconut Milk for lunch. Dinner was Anglo Indian Mutton Pepper Fry and Mulligatawny. High tea with Cinnamon Cake On a rainstorm night at 11 degrees Celsius that feels like winter, I’m drinking hot chocolate.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
His work
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him. In the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. In a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work, Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward.
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