Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Kodai 2012

The day wakeup for us about 3 in the morning and driving out of home by 5AM in two cars, it was surprise to see still the signals at GST (Grand Southern Trunk) road works out on behalf a smooth traffic flow was on the road, since the international airport is on way.  It was a pretty wonderful dawn as we passed the suburb traffic, it was only on such occasions I get to see the sunrise which was vibrant this time with colorful hues and while passing the Kolavai Lake of Chengalpattu it glitter so beautiful on water which I couldn’t capture by poor chance.
Mist spread on mountains
Mist spread on mountains
We had our breakfast somewhere before and near Tiruchi and lunch on the hills half way to Kodaikanal, which we usual have at Tiruchi and only this time we were earlier on hills. The sun beating heavily at the foothills went gradually rising down as our msl level rose… the mist and clouds began to cool us under its white blankets and shower later.  We had no idea about rain as we come across the day with heavy sunshine; the bags tie to the roof rails were supposed to drench escaped with mild wet cloths.
Sis collecting mimosa
Cousin sis Deepika collects Yellow Mimosa (see the flower at last pic)
As we reached the CSI Retreat Center House beside the Kodaikanal Lake by the late afternoon enthralled me in its pleasing cold and pleasant stay environment among the woods and lawn. It was just like a home stay where breakfast and dinner were provided by the retreat center and the Yorke House allotted for us has a spacious hall and a dormitory to accommodate 20 plus people, and it was like a dream come true of staying together with dear ones under single tiled roof.
White-vented Myna
Jungle Myna
The house came entirely under our control and there are round tables for chatting and playing cards and having dinner together… even there’s a TV in the hall we aren’t interested to watch and more than it wasn’t playing gladly. Being nearby lake, dad and uncle went on their way walking after a small refresh and tea, we kept chatting and I was flashing around and found a couple of jungle mynas retreat at the lawn and there was a  dog lookalike a husky in spiky hairstyle! Lol
Spiky hair dog!
My uncle’s family is a regular visitor to the CSI Retreat Center and my cousin used to say Bison or Indian gaurs   are regular visitor to the retreat center for grazing and two days before our arrive too there were bison’s around the house, says the manager. But till we left the place staying there for 3 days, there wasn’t a bison but we saw a herd of them next to the Bryant Park’s forest area which extends beyond the CSI Retreat Center.
Indian guar captured near Bryant Park
It was a newly experience for me to sleep in a dormitory with cots one above another and it was indeed fun being together with cousins and even after lights turn off, we kept chatting and teasing like nothing. The younger once are all sent to sleep at upper berth and elders remained at the lower along with me and it was somehow warm at the lower berth since the contact with cold roof is prevented. It was quite wonderful being together and sharing our space and lean hands which I wish continues not only on this occasion alone.
Yellow Mimosa
Yellow Mimosa
More on the vacation is yet to continue…

10 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

sounds like a wonderful family retreat. :)

ashok said...

seems like u had a great time...lovely snaps jeevan

LadyFi said...

Wonderful shots. That yellow mimosa is gorgeous.

George said...

It sounds as if your vacation got off to a great start. I like the picture of the mist-shrouded mountains. It was neat that you got to stay in a dormitory with your entire family.

eden said...

Beautiful photos. Love the yellow mimosa. Nice to know you all enjoyed your vacation.

Anonymous said...

nice starting...

nice writeup...

expecting more from coming posts...

thanks jeevan for sharing

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots of interesting trip.

Rahul Bhatia said...

Interesting time and lovely snaps:)

venuss66 said...

Wonderful vacation.:)

Kalyan said...

Nice snaps from a nice place.