And first look at Kodai

I'm up in the clouds!

Kodai Lake

O glorious, mountainous hill station that it is. I have forgotten what it is like to be cold and to not be sweating 24/7. This is a very welcome change! In Sellipatti, the weather reached 100 F or above with 3,000 percent humidity besides. Here in Kodaikanal, it gets up to 80 at most and lows of a chilly 65 F. I have to sleep with blankets; what a novelty!



I am staying with the Varughese family, who I connected with through my good friend, Laura. I have had a wonderful visit so far. My hosts, George and Gigi, have been incredibly kind and hospitable. They have been making me feel quite at home. I wish I could stay longer already! The Varughese's are from the state of Kerala originally, which means I've been eating some amazing Keralan food, including lots of curries, chicken and coconut. Gigi's a fabulous cook!

Gigi and her two children, Roopan and Kalyan.

Pilgrim's rock. There's a tiny cross placed by a pilgrim at the top of the rocky peak at the left. You'd probably need a magnifying glass to see it, though.