The Musafir Stories Podcast: Episode on Kodaikanal

Introduction

• Podcast Name: The Musafir Stories
• Guest: Ana VZ, Product Manager at Google Maps and avid traveler
• Destination: Kodaikanal, known as the Queen of Hill Stations
• Focus: Discussing travel experiences and tips for visiting Kodaikanal

Guest Background

• Location: Based in Bangalore
• Travel Experience:
  • Traveled to 20 Indian states and 18 countries in the past four years
  • Enjoys long travels and solo vacations, particularly during the pandemic

Travel to Kodaikanal

Overview

• Ideal Duration: 3 days for a weekend trip; longer stays allow for deeper exploration.
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Monsoons: Most beautiful, everything is lush and green
  • Winter: Still pleasant but less vibrant than during the rains
  • Avoid: Visiting in March/April due to dryness
• Travel Options:
  • Overnight bus from Bangalore
  • Drive takes approximately 8-9 hours
  • Nearby airport: Madurai

History of Kodaikanal

• Established by the British in the 1800s as a cooler retreat from the heat of Madurai.
• Features colonial architecture and well-planned gardens and flowers.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Accommodation: Stayed in V-Canal, a few kilometers from Kodaikanal main city.
• Activities:
  • Hiked to Dolphin's Nose (1.5 hours each way)
  • Lunch at Alf's Cafe with views of Dolphin's Nose
  • Explored local viewpoints and waterfalls with a hired cab
    • Waterfalls: Silver Cascade and Bear Shola (less impressive outside of monsoon season)

Day 2: Full-Day Tour

• Main Stops:
  • Mannavur Lake: Coracle boat rides and sunset views
  • Palani Village viewpoint and Pine Forests
  • Flexible itinerary with time spent at each location

Day 3: City Exploration

• Activities:
  • Coker's Walk: A beautiful 1km walkway with scenic views
  • Bryant Park: Well-maintained park with local activities
  • Guna Caves: Features "Devil's Kitchen" and was a filming location for the movie "Majal Boys"
  • Shopping: Kodaikanal is famous for spices and homemade chocolates.

Extended Stay Insights

• Chose to stay in a hostel located 4-5 km from the city center for more peaceful surroundings.
• Engaged with local biking communities and enjoyed walks in nature.
• Focused on remote work but made time for local food and cultural experiences.

Local Awareness and Environmental Initiatives

• Observed local initiatives for environmental protection and waste management.
• Community awareness through local newsletters, highlighting conservation efforts.

Additional Tips

• Local Cuisine: Lots of vegetarian options available, including cafes like Aby's Cafe and Estoria.
• Shopping: Look for local handicrafts and spices, particularly garlic and woodwork.
• Attractions: Consider visiting the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory for those interested in astronomy.

Conclusion

• Guest's Projects: Ana is writing a travel memoir and has a newsletter on Substack (Ambling Annie).
• Final Thoughts: Importance of mindful tourism and preserving natural beauty for future generations.