Every journey teaches us something new. Every road gives us memories. This trip from Kochi to Kodaikanal became one of the most beautiful chapters in our travel life. It was a slow three-day road trip in our Thar, where we chose peaceful village roads, mountain views, and quiet stays over busy highways.
Day 1: Kochi to Kodaikanal – Through Villages & Valleys
We started early from Kochi, choosing calm village roads instead of crowded highways. Even though the journey took longer, the experience felt richer and more meaningful.
Kollengode – A Hidden Beauty of Palakkad
Our first highlight was Kollengode, a peaceful village filled with endless paddy fields, coconut trees, canals, and traditional homes. The view of the mountains behind the golden fields felt magical, like a scene from a movie. The simplicity and warmth of the place made us slow down and truly enjoy the moment.
We also passed through Muthalamada, known for its farms, and even spotted a small railway station that added a nostalgic charm to the journey.
Entering Tamil Nadu – Villages & Palani Views
After crossing into Tamil Nadu, the weather turned bright and sunny. Colorful houses, lively villages, and friendly faces filled the route. Soon, we reached Palani, where the view of the temple hill from the road gave us a refreshing boost of energy.
Welcome to Kodaikanal – The Princess of Hills
As we began climbing the hills, the scenery transformed completely. Deep valleys, floating clouds, and green mountains surrounded us. Seeing the “Welcome to Kodaikanal” board brought a quiet smile to our faces.
We stopped at a viewpoint, parked our Thar, and spent some peaceful time enjoying the view.
Later in the evening, we had hot chocolate and coffee at a small roadside shop. The cold weather and warm drinks made the moment even more special. By night, we reached Kodaikanal town, where the temperature dropped to around 13–14°C, and we loved every bit of it.
Our Stay – Tranquiland, Chinnapallam
We stayed at Tranquiland in Chinnapallam, about 5 km from town. Surrounded by nature and silence, it was the perfect place to rest.
The next morning welcomed us with bird songs, fresh air, and a cool breeze. Sitting with a cup of tea, we simply enjoyed the calmness and felt grateful for the moment.
Day 2: Exploring Villages – Poombarai, Kookal & Manjavanjoor
The second day was all about exploring hidden villages and experiencing a slower way of life.
Kodaikanal to Poombarai
Poombarai greeted us with a beautiful valley view filled with farms, neatly arranged houses, and winding roads. Everything looked peaceful and perfectly in place.
Kookal – Calm and Quiet
At Kookal, we spent time near the lake, enjoying the silence and watching reflections of the hills in the still water. The place felt untouched and calm.
Manjavanjoor – Our Favorite Spot
Manjavanjoor became the highlight of our trip. Wide grasslands, hundreds of sheep grazing freely, and complete silence made it feel unreal. With no tourist crowd around, it was just us, nature, and a peaceful moment we didn’t want to leave.
Via Kavunji & Poondi to Polur
We continued our journey through Kavunji and Poondi, passing narrow scenic roads surrounded by forests and farms before reaching Polur.
Night at Polur – A Place Like Heaven
Our stay at Polur felt like a hidden paradise. The climate was colder than Kodaikanal town, especially at night. With no noise or traffic, the silence felt pure and comforting.
Day 3: A Morning to Remember
The morning at Polur was magical. Cold air, bird sounds, and complete calmness made it unforgettable. With a cup of tea, we spent time taking photos, recording videos, and simply living in the moment.
By noon, we started our return journey to Kochi, carrying memories that would stay with us for a long time.
Why This Trip Felt Special
This journey was not just about reaching a destination. It was about choosing slow travel, connecting with village life, meeting kind people, and experiencing nature deeply. Every road gave us a new story, and every moment brought us closer.
Travel is not just about places; it’s about the memories we create together. And this trip reminded us why we love traveling the way we do.
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