Birthday Wishes For My Friend

Every time I think of my school days, there's one particular girl's face that flashes on my mind. If there's any girl with whom I've never had a fight right from my childhood, it's only her. She's the one who listens to all my silly problems. She's the one who can take all my emotional dramas. She's the one who sticks around even when I don't pick up her phone calls or reply to her messages. She's the one who loves me when I give her every reason not to. She is none other my best friend Sahana. Today is her 23rd birthday. May all that's bright and beautiful, fill her heart with happiness. Happy birthday. 

P.S.: Sahana, this world is filled with many uncertainties but one thing is always certain- I will be your friend beyond words, time and distance. Many more happy returns of the day!

Misty Mornings & Frosty Nights

I’m just back from Kodaikanal and I must say that it is one of my favourite holiday destinations. I’ve been there countless number of times but every time I go there, I get a new experience. It is such a calm and peaceful place to be in. I feel so refreshed after spending the entire weekend there.

The best thing about this place is the weather. I like it when I can’t see the sun’s rays for days together in Kodaikanal. Walking amidst the fog and mist is what I look forward to. The cleanliness maintained and the ban of plastic bags is something that has to be appreciated. I’ve visited almost all the sight-seeing spots which includes- Silver Cascade, Pillar Rock, Green Valley View (Suicide Point), Devil’s Kitchen (Guna Cave), Kurinji Andavar Temple, Berijam Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Observatory, Shenbaganur Museum, etc. The Lutheran Church is a masterpiece of ancient architecture in Kodaikanal. Cycling and horse riding around the lake early in the morning is so relaxing.

The next best thing in Kodaikanal is the food! I like to hog on hot and spicy food in Hilltop restaurant, especially the butter chicken. Astoria is another restaurant which serves class food. The baked and roasted maize with chilli paste, which is sold by vendors is a must try. I never forget to buy at least a small packet of home-made chocolates. There are so many varieties and they all taste so yummy. Pastry Corner is a small but well known bakery which is usually crowded and all the items sold over here are mouth-watering. The Naturals ice-cream parlour sells delicious natural flavoured ice-cream for only Rs. 20 or Rs. 30 per scoop.

There are so many resorts in and around Kodaikanal. As far as I know, Hill Country Holidays is the best. It has many posh villas and the price is also a bit high but as my uncle knows the manager of this resort very well, our family gets discounts. Holiday Home is yet another resort which has many comfortable cottages instead of rooms and the prices of the cottages are very economical here.

I go on a shopping spree whenever I visit Kodaikanal. Danish Display is my favourite. This shop always has many wooden show-case items, bronze statues, fragrance oils (like- rose, lavender, jasmine and tea tree), spices, accessories, terracotta wall hangings, etc. The hand-made woollen sweaters, jackets, pull overs, shawls, etc. which are sold in the Tibetans shops are of very good quality and it does not cost much when compared to other branded clothes.

I never miss out on listening to Kodai FM when I’m in Kodaikanal. This radio station plays a good mixture of soothing old and new Tamil songs continuously.

If you want to holiday in a South Indian hill-station, I suggest Kodaikanal. Trust me, there’s something very magical about this place. And, I’m already eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Kodaikanal.