Kodaikanal trip

There’s nothing like visiting a new place to remind us of who we are.

In my heart I know that this is what being in Kodai did for me. I mean, prior to the trip I knew I was burnt out exhausted, was demoralized by the on-goings in my workplace. It was clear to me that I needed to slow down, take a real break and breathe; even if it meant doing more work, work I love , to get there. Ironic, I know. But welcome to my world of full plates and multi-tasking. Take a seat and stay awhile.

Anyway, so, I did know all that before getting on the van, that I was tired and grumpy and not myself at all. That’s why I was so excited to get out of the city. I needed some distance and perspective but boy did I receive so much more. Because clarity comes when you least expect it and sometimes, the you that’s truer than true, appears behind the lens, beside friends, in a breathtaking, unassuming, unsuspecting super place.

The best part about Kodaikanal was that not only did it remind me of who I was, it made the best version of me quietly and without drama, appear. Being there, being away from what I knew, being submerged in a different culture, pressed to collaborate and work with 15 friends, detach and not have easy access to the reassurance and comfort of the grid, I exhaled and well, just let everything be.In the process, we worked as we communed with nature and brainstormed and planned as we ate, met people, took pictures and happily experienced Kodai’s identity.

In the end, the trip was a success, which was a good thing. That was why we were there in the first place,right?

But there was something else. I began to notice that I had a huge smile everywhere I went. That I talked to everybody, it didn’t matter who. That I made mental notes of what felt different but gave a voice to everything that was somewhat like home. I noticed that I listened more intently to what people were saying and had nothing but nice things to say. And it’s not like I didn’t do these things before. I guess it was what was happening inside me. There was a bearable lightness of being. It was refreshing and relaxed and I knew that this was what feeling happy and contented meant. It’s like a warm fuzzy cum culture shock and the best after taste in your mouth. Kodai really took me by surprise and it will always have a special corner in my heart.

Thanks again my friends for allowing me to discover myself in the most interesting, most productive and most fulfilling of ways.

Yes, I was there. Exactly where I needed to be.

Important information for tourists if you're going to Kodaikanal.

1. Don't take bath in the falls.
2. Have sweater with you since the climate is very cold.
3. Few tourist spots have entrance fee at a nominal rate.
4. Make the city green and clean.
5. there are also some tourist spots like Berijam lake, Berijam valley etc which can be accessed only if you get permission from the forest office in Kodaikanal.


Cheers,
~Sudhan