Encounter with a Stranger

March 24, 2021 No Comments

Disclaimer: This is going to be a very long post. If you’re short on time, feel free to check back later. For the rest of you, read on!

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Have you ever had an encounter that holds a special place in your heart? I have been fortunate enough to have had memorable encounters with absolute strangers. Today I’m going to reminisce about one such encounter on a recent trip.

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It was a pretty normal evening in Italy. We had been backpacking across Europe for the 3rd consecutive week. Our backs are numb from carrying our luggage. We are here in Milan to catch a train, one of the last ones in our month-long itinerary across Western Europe.

When we planned our trip, we decided to explore Europe by train. Flights and buses may have suited the purpose better, especially with a baby on board. But there is something very unique about train journeys. They touch your heart in ways that a car drive or a plane trip could never replace. Is it because the one who is usually behind the wheel also gets to be a part of the conversations? Or the lack of pressure when you’re flying 30,000 feet above sea level? Our hearts chose to meander through Europe on those sleepy old rails built so long ago!

We arrived in Milan a little before noon that day. Our train from Rome to Milan was not as crowded as the one from Napoli to Rome. We planned on taking the overnight from Milan to Paris for the joy of experiencing it. We had many hours to kill before we would realize that we would have to kill even more time on that train!

The first few hours of the dreaded long wait went by in a flash. We picked up lunch at a local cafe and checked out yet another Duomo. By this time, we had seen more churches than we had ever seen before! Countries in Europe sure do have a LOT of them!

It’s strange how we tread on paths we never would have thought to take in our lifetime. In those moments that we do, we thank our stars for having taken the path that never would have been. Today was one such day! When you are a child, you are often told not to talk to strangers. Of course, as you grow older, the leash loosens. You are confident in your judgment of humans because of the paths taken. I have now come to understand that you are richer with one good friend than a million who look good for the ‘gram!

After weeks of hopping in and out of trains, we chose to stay put inside Milan Centrale station until the train arrived. We reserved our phones for our daughter’s random Youtube requests. We were now posed with getting creative with our time. This was something that I did so well in the 90s but had forgotten since!

The first hour sitting in the station went by exploring the many shops and restaurants within it. We walked up and down ramps. We checked out the architecture of the station. This was something we liked doing in Europe regardless. It seemed like there was art everywhere we went. We were an hour into our long wait and were already exhausted from having to find new things to do. It was starting to be unbearable. We forced ourselves to head to an early dinner hoping to kill more time.

After the early dinner, I headed over to a secluded side of the station, still close enough to the boarding area. I slumped into one of the rock-hard seats and commenced an uncomfortable nap. I am pretty sure I looked homeless on those rickety station seats from static hair styled by the humidity and the 1000 layers I had on to keep warm in the winter. Moments later, I heard the sound of a baby’s cry. After spending eternity without a thing to do, even a baby’s cry was the most happening thing in my life. I lifted my head from my half slumber to find a mother shhh-ing her baby in a stroller. I looked at her and we exchanged smiles. A smile that only mothers everywhere would understand.

I went back to my half-slumber when I hear a voice “Is this seat taken? I looked up to find that mother gesturing to a few seats near mine. I told her to go ahead and occupy those seats. Once again, I went back to my half-slumber. This time, the voice spoke yet again. I woke up immediately from my half-nap. I was glad to finally have something to do to kill my time.

The mother proceeded to ask me if I knew what time the Thello would arrive. We exchanged some small talk and asked each other polite questions about our respective journeys. Within minutes, we had struck a bond and a lovely conversation began to flow. There was an unspoken understanding that we were going to keep each other company until the train arrived.

This was quite cool because now was my chance to test out my level 1 French on this woman. Nadia was very patient as I worked hard to construct sentences and questions. I had spent a week in France at the start of the trip where I hardly got to speak the language. The only times I got to say anything were at the stations on rare occasions to ask for directions.

Now, I had a chance to figure if I could say anything beyond “Bonjour”. Too bad for me. I felt like Rajinikanth from Padikkaathavan. Our conversation had a lot of ouis and nons. We laughed as I made horrendous errors in my French. We talked about motherhood and postpartum recovery. We compared notes on European vs Indian vs American parenting. She even explained how the French change a baby’s nappy. Talking to her reminded me of my girlfriends. I made a note to get in touch with them when I got back.

Around 9 pm, the ticketing staff informed us that the train was going to be further delayed. It didn’t matter as we loved each other’s companies. In Tamil, we have a word for these kinds of conversations – arattai which means idle gossip. The word can have different connotations. But in our case, it was certainly a good arattai. Talking to her had felt therapeutic. Was it because we were both mothers of wee little babies? Or was it because she was a stranger that made it easy for me to talk through stuff?

My husband was keeping himself busy with my daughter. He occupied her with play and exploration of the station. In the short span, Nadia and I developed such a special bond. I even helped with her baby now and then to give her a much-needed breather. We also took turns taking care of our luggage to use the restroom.

Closer to 11 pm, my daughter had a major hunger bout. I opened my bag to grab her formula. To our horror, the only bottle of water that was remaining had only an ounce of water at the most. And all the shops had closed in Milan Centrale. There was not a single shop to sell us water, let alone hot water. I searched the station all around and saw a small restaurant open up their shutters to bring in some chairs. I rushed to the shop begging the shopkeeper to sell me a bottle of water. The shopkeeper could not understand a word of what I said and sent me away.

On hearing this, Nadia told me to take care of her child so she could convince the shopkeeper in Italian. She returned with a big toothy smile, 2 large glasses of milk, and a huge bottle of water to last us more than a day. We gave one glass of milk to my daughter and the other one we shared. Would it even surprise you if I told you she refused to take the money for the food? I insisted but Nadia said something that I had not heard in many years. “No formalities in our friendship”. This was a phrase I have only heard in India. We refuse “Thank you” or “Sorry” in friendships and close relationships.

At a little past 11 pm, we were all called to our boarding gates. Nadia stood in another line as we had different types of reservations, unfortunately. We kept mouthing to each other that we would meet after we passed our checkpoint.

Past the boarding gate, Nadia asked to meet me once we had settled in the train to exchange emails and numbers. I agreed and told her I would go to her seat as she was traveling alone with her baby. We got on our train. After we settled down in our seats, I decided to visit Nadia. Unfortunately, they had closed off the access doors for the night. I decided to try again in the morning. The next morning as we made it to Paris, it was already too late. The boarding gate at Milan was the last of Nadia and her beautiful friendship. But the memory of the special conversations we shared in that short span is for a lifetime.

I had come into Milan on that winter’s day satisfied with all the experiences of the journey so far. I closed off my door for more and chose to stay put in the station. But life had one more in store for me that day! The thing that struck me at the end of it all was that a lot of my vacation memories were even better because of my beautiful encounters with these strangers.

Nadia, if you’re reading this (in some miraculous way), I’m sure you recognize this Indian woman. I would love to reconnect!

TRAVEL

Things to do in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley

December 12, 2020 No Comments

This one runs close to home. If there is one question I get from every person who visits the Silicon Valley, it is “What is there in the silicon valley beyond tech?”. Many visitors who do come by the valley are here mostly for work. It is very rare that we see someone pass by the South Bay especially for tourism. So if you do happen to be here, what do you do?

San Francisco is definitely the center of attraction for anyone visiting the Bay Area. The city is rich with culture, chaos, cuisines, celebration….. so many Cs. Even though the history of this region runs deep, much of the US itself is new in comparison to the rest of the world. And far newer than the East Coast. We are, what I like to call, the new face of America. This is a true melting pot of cultures from around the world!

Inch your way down to the South Bay and you’ll find yourself amidst large highways and concrete towers. All the giants who run the tech world today are headquartered in this region. You can also view hundreds of promising startups than any other place in the world. For Facebook lovers, there is always the ‘Like’ sign that tourists love to flock. Every single company has a special something for tourists to have a look at. All you need to do is walk into one of the many buildings and the security would be happy to point you in the right direction.

But hold on, isn’t there more to do in this tech jungle? If you drive a little further away from the tech companies that dot the major highways of the Bay, you will find yourself lost in a true jungle. Lush forests, cascading mountains and serene little lakes are the true beauty of the Bay Area. Our redwood trees are estimated to be roughy between 1000 and 2500 years old. We have some of the friendliest parks & rec staff who go out of their way to ensure we experience nature at its best. With tons of bike and hike trails, the Bay Area has a different terrain for every level.

The best season to visit the Bay Area is between February and May. The mountains are green and the lakes are full. You might even be lucky enough to bump into waterfalls during the period. This is not to say the other months aren’t good enough. Infact, the Bay Area has almost always perfect weather. There are only a few heat waves that barely last a few weeks in the summer. This is also the reason for the sky high prices in the real estate market here.

Besides our national and state parks and beaches, you can experience different cultures. Since the Bay Area is home to people from every part of the planet, you will structures and monuments from each culture. If you are in the mood for religious and spiritual architecture, head to the Livermore Hindu Temple or the Japanese Zen garden in Saratoga.

The food scene of the Bay Area is some of the best in the country. We have great coffee, ice creams and world cuisine. We are also a stone’s throw away from some of the world’s finest wine in Napa Valley and Sonoma. A special mention is Gilroy, about 30 miles south of San Jose. Nicknamed the ‘Garlic Capital of the World’, Gilroy certainly boasts many garlic farms in one small city. There is so much garlic here that they even have a garlic flavored ice cream. While you are in Gilroy, it is definitely worth visiting the Gilroy Premium Outlets for some factory outlet stores for considerably lower prices than directly buying in stores. The Gilroy Gardens are also worth a visit for families with small kids.

The next time you do visit the Bay Area, check out the following websites to plan an unforgettable visit.

https://www.mysteryspot.com – Because who doesn’t want fun in nature? Nestled among the redwood forests, the mystery spot is not only fun but is also a great spot to truly appreciate the beauty of the redwood trees.
https://www.alltrails.com and https://www.bahiker.com provide some of the best information about the natural and scenic spots to visit in the Bay. You will be surprised at just how much there is to see here.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/ParkIndex – Just the best information you can get about nearby parks and beaches!
https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/gilroy – For savvy shoppers, this is a must visit. The site also has access to deals and coupons.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/shiva-vishnu-temple-livermore-livermore and https://www.yelp.com/biz/hakone-estate-and-gardens-saratoga?osq=japanese+garden – For the spiritual
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sankat-mochan-hanuman-temple-watsonville?osq=hanuman – Another spiritual site that takes a bit more planning and effort but totally worth a visit. Located on Mount Madonna, this place also has a retreat with spiritual and yoga classes.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/bi-rite-creamery-san-francisco – For some of the best ice cream in all of US!
https://www.yelp.com/biz/philz-coffee-san-jose-2 – For some of the best coffee you will ever have!

PS: I would be happy to help anyone plan a travel itinerary for the Bay Area!

TRAVEL

Our near-encounter with a bear

November 6, 2020 No Comments

This is not so much of a post. I love sharing a few personal stories every now and then. And this is a small episode from our lives.

A few years ago, my husband and I had gone camping with his brother to Kings Canyon National Park in California. Believe me when I say this was our first time camping ever. We rented a tent and some camp gear before we headed to the park. Our first day was as eventful as one can imagine. With help from a nearby family, we managed to pitch our tent. We were so proud that we even celebrated with a nice meal of dosas cooked on our camp stove.

On that first night in our tent, it was pitch dark. The only sounds we heard was the faint rush of the King’s River flowing near our campsite and the sound of our breath against our sleeping bags. It was an utter thrill to be sleeping in the forest amid all the nature you can possibly ask for.

*Roaring river falls, Kings Canyon National Park*

I was content and almost on my way to subconscious bliss when there was a strange light that shone in our tent. We listened in and realized a car was backing up on to the road somewhere near us. So we went back to sleep. Suddenly, we heard this rustling of leaves near our tent. Just then, the shadow of a figure appeared in our tent moving with the movement of the car’s lights. Our first thoughts were we had a visitor on four paws. My husband held on to my hand with an iron grip and said “ Don’t worry, I got you.”. On the other side, he held on to his brother’s hand and assured him the same.

Once the car lights were gone, I didn’t think much of it and focused on going back to sleep. But it seemed my husband decided he couldn’t sleep and wouldn’t let us sleep until he had figured out what was rustling the leaves outside our tent. It turned out to be just a small flap flailing about in the wind on the side of our tent that had our over-imaginative minds guessing.

The first time camping is always the best one. You hear all these stories about bears making entrances. And especially after an evening of making dosas on a campsite, your mind is run with ideas of a dosa-craving bear rummaging around the site for dosas and a cup of chutney!

TRAVEL

New York – The city that never sleeps

November 4, 2020 No Comments

New York city to me is the city of hope. A strong invisible rope that runs along the city binds every New Yorker together and this is visible to an outsider like me. You can feel a strong sense of community amidst the chaos and it’s beautiful to see.

Driving to New York city from Virginia after a weekend with family, we stayed put in nearby New Jersey overlooking the city of New York. From our landscape windows of every single room of our apartment stay, we saw the twinkling lights of the skyscrapers and the breathtaking Hudson river bearing boats and ferries carrying passengers back and forth. I could never get tired of this sight. It was worth waking up to and also the last thing to see every day and night!

Staying in New Jersey was a conscious decision because this was our daughter’s first trip ever. Choosing to experience the magical NYC during the day and the quiet of Jersey by night, our vacation was planned around lots of subway rides, experiencing New York’s food scene and the architechtural magnificence of New York while winding down to a relaxed evening back at our apartment in New Jersey.

Visiting the Empire State Building is a must but one that you should do with skip-the-line tickets if possible. The extra cost provided us with a wonderful experience and witness the panoramic views of New York city with towering skyscrapers that look like legos from on top of the tower to the silk ribbon of the Hudson River seen from any part of the building is spectacular. The elevator looks straight of Mad Men portraying a very 60s – 70s glamorous corporate scene. The elevator ride stops in a few floors. The 2nd floor is a great spot to capture the essence of New York city and the Empire State building with interactive simulation, videos and displays. The 86th floor is an open air observatory where you witness the expanse of New York City in the finest bird’s eye-view.

Other adventures in New York city included the lush green Central Park, a rare sight in a concrete jungle, the Statue of Liberty sightseeing cruise, the National 9/11 Memorial, Times Square, Rockefeller center and much more. Another favorite spot is the Oculus, a terminal situated by the 9/11 memorial and one world observatory on the subway system. It is modern and architecturally very unique, a must see if you visit New York.

For a New York – Italian experience, we headed to Eataly, a stylish Italian market with shops, restaurants and bars that were all things Italian. It is certainly not for the budget traveller. Eataly is a true gourmet experience to drink the finest of wine and ingredients so rare in fresh made-to-serve pastas and pizzas.

*The many wheels of cheese at Eataly, NYC*

On the humbler side of things, we had to make the mandatory Joe’s Pizza pit-stop recommended by all tourist pages. A small hole-in-the-wall serving you fresh pizzas by the slice, Joe’s is a stop you must take because what is a trip to New York after all if you don’t eat a good slice of pizza there?

The beauty of New York is the amalgamation of different cultures. It is the land of immigrants and it shows in the vibrancy that is New York. Famed for its Chinatown, we stopped at Xi’an foods to experience their hand-pulled noodles from the Szechuan cuisine recommended by many locals. This place is mandatory if you love authentic Chinese food. The chili oil made with Sichuan peppercorns and garlic is to die for. Hugging and holding on to fresh hand-pulled noodles, the dish is a super hit!

Even though I am not someone with a sweet tooth, I had to make a stop at Momofoku Milk Bar. Christina Tosi is one of my favourite TV pastry chefs and the simplicity behind the concept of her birthday cake recipe never ceases to amaze me. I got the famous cereal milk soft serve with cornflakes crunch on top. Growing up, I would always finish up the cornflakes leaving some of that milk with cornflakes bits behind. This milk soaked with the flavor of our beloved Kellogg’s cornflakes was the highlight of having cereal. The cereal milk soft serve is exactly just that! It brings back a rush of childhood memories and if you’re one of the many cereal milk lovers, this has to be on your list of things to do when you visit New York.

*Fearless Girl better than the charging bull*

I could go on and on about New York and the many things I did on my trip there. And this was just my first trip. There is so much more I haven’t seen and it will take me atleast a dozen more trips to say I’ve seen the city with all my heart. But what travelogue of New York is complete without the mention of their subways. Saving the best for last, the New York subway is an amazing experience for anyone that doesn’t have a subway system in their city. It connects you faster and better than any car or taxi. Of course, the taxis there are popular. In my opinion, the trains are a much better option. And to get the best New York subway experience, head to the Grand Central station. It is like going to a concert you will never forget. The experience is definitely one of a lifetime for every tourist. The grandiose of the structure, the music and the pure energy of the people flooding it make this the most vibrant place you will experience anywhere on the planet.

*The grand chandeliers of Grand Central*

The city of New York is truly a city that never sleeps. It has so much to offer for every person. From the constant music to the mouth-watering selection of foods to the many social events happening in the city, New York is an emotion that has to be experienced at least once in your lifetime!

Side note – For people that grew up watching Friends the tv show, check out 90 Bedford St, New York and even a small restaurant where Central Perk should have been!

*So no one told you life was gonna be this way!…..*

TRAVEL

14 Reasons to Visit Puerto Morelos in Mexico

November 1, 2020 1 Comment

Visit Puerto Morelos - A Lesser Known Gem of Mexico

Nestled between the tourist-packed glamorous Cancún and Playa Del Carmen of the Yucatán peninsula is the quaint little fishing port town of Puerto Morelos. Rickety old wooden boats bobbing in the salty yet blissful Caribbean sea and local children sucking on their ice lollies are regular scenes you witness when you visit Puerto Morelos.

Our trip to Mexico was extra special because this was the last trip of just the two of us alone and the first of the 3 of us as a family.

My pea in a pod braved the mesoamerican barrier reef system in questionable boats with just a raggedy old life jacket. We snorkeled, played in the water, and spent hours drawing hearts and playing tic tac toe on the ocean sand, watching the waves wash our art over and over again.

Here are 14 reasons why you must visit Puerto Morelos.

Beautiful beaches – Puerto Morelos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. The white sand and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Snorkeling and diving – The coral reef located just offshore is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the vibrant underwater world and swim with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Unspoiled nature – Puerto Morelos is surrounded by lush greenery, mangroves, and wildlife. Visitors can take a guided tour of the nearby nature reserve and witness the beauty of the flora and fauna.
Peaceful atmosphere – Unlike other tourist destinations in Mexico, Puerto Morelos has a quiet and laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Local culture – The village is home to a friendly and welcoming local community that is proud of its culture and traditions. Visitors can experience the local way of life and learn about the customs and history of the region.
Fresh seafood – Puerto Morelos is known for its fresh seafood, which is caught daily by local fishermen. Visitors can sample the delicious dishes at the many restaurants and street vendors located in the village.
Cenotes – The Yucatan Peninsula is home to several cenotes, which are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear waters and explore the unique ecosystem.
Mayan ruins – The Yucatan Peninsula is also home to several Mayan ruins, including the famous Chichen Itza and Tulum. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Eco-tourism – Puerto Morelos is committed to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices. Visitors can take part in various eco-tourism activities, such as sea turtle conservation, beach cleanups, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Adventure activities – For those seeking adventure, Puerto Morelos offers several activities such as zip-lining, jungle tours, and ATV rides.
Bird-watching – The village is home to several species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and pelicans. Visitors can take a guided bird-watching tour and spot the colorful and exotic birds.
Art and culture – Puerto Morelos is home to several art galleries and cultural centers that showcase the work of local artists and artisans. Visitors can browse the art and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Wellness and relaxation – The village is home to several spas and wellness centers that offer various treatments such as massages, yoga, and meditation.
Sunsets – Finally, Puerto Morelos offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in Mexico. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea and relax in the peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Cool winter breeze and playful stray dogs set the mood for our long walks from this cozy little beachfront cottage we were renting to the town’s square where musicians serenaded everyone with live Mexican music. With tabletop shops selling artwork, clothing & jewelry and restaurants serving flavors of local food, the town square became our favorite spots to hang out in the evenings.

Small straw hut shops along the square sold fresh fruits and vegetables. Some shopkeepers would go the extra mile to slice up delicious ripe mangoes and sprinkle chili powder, salt, and lemon. It transported us back to our childhood days eating mangoes from the pushcarts at Marina Beach in Chennai.

The Chichén Itzá is a spectacular ancient Mayan city that is worth a visit when you are in the beautiful state of Quintana Roo. The ruins reminded us a lot of our own South Indian temple architecture. It is a beautiful 2.5-hour drive from Puerto Morelos. We stopped en route at Valladolid, a town that boasts colonial-style architecture, and the array of colors of buildings and homes is a sight to see.

This structure reminds me so much of South Indian Architecture

The Caribbean waters on the Yucatán peninsula are the bluest of blues, and the sand is so soft like flour. Away from the glitzy overcrowded resorts of nearby cities, Puerto Morelos is the perfect vacation destination to enjoy the culture and architecture of Mexico while relaxing your mind, body, and soul!

The many seaweed carpeting the beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula

Plan a trip to Puerto Morelos

Overall, Puerto Morelos is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an action-packed vacation, Puerto Morelos has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a trip to Mexico, make sure to add Puerto Morelos to your travel itinerary and experience the magic of this charming village for yourself.

TRAVEL

Exploring Bodi – A Trip to South India’s Best Kept Secret

October 31, 2020 3 Comments

Exploring Bodi - TN's Best Kept Secret — Dreamy hills of Bodinayakkanur

One of the charming things about traveling around lush South India is the access to healthy food options. Fast food is fast but never unhealthy. Nothing can beat a relaxed sit-down meal served on a banana leaf. The harmony of colors and flavors as you scoop the food off the banana leaf is an experience on its own. I would opt for the latter any day! Here is a little recollection of my journey exploring Bodi – the cardamom capital of Tamil Nadu.

Undoubtedly, far away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai, the calm interiors of Tamil Nadu are a clean and welcome change!

Our Trip to Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Our trip around South India began in our hometown Chennai and made its finale among the humble tea plantations of the luscious hill station town Munnar. We sojourned at the textile haven Coimbatore and explored the precious “princess of hills” Kodaikanal. Obviously, Our itinerary was lined up with a few small towns and villages along the way. But there was one place that was not meant to be a stop that I can never forget.

Have you ever felt spellbound by a place so lush it was like a beautiful poem you can never forget? That was Bodi or Bodinayakkanur for me. Bodi is a small town, a mere 20 mins from Theni, sometimes described as “Earth’s hidden paradise”. Lying at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Bodi is considered the cardamom capital of India.

Bodi is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by lush green tea estates, mountains, and waterfalls. Bodi is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway.

Visit the Tea Plantations when exploring Bodi

Of course, one of the main attractions in Bodi is its tea estates. The town is home to several tea plantations, which are spread over vast acres of land. These plantations produce some of the finest tea in the country and attract tea enthusiasts from all over the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tea estates and witness the process of tea-making, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. Some of the popular tea estates in Bodi include the High Field Tea Estate, the Kuttikkanam Estate, and the Mayilaadumpara Estate.

Unexplored Nature in the heart of Bodi

Apart from tea estates, Bodi is also home to several waterfalls that are worth exploring. One of the most popular waterfalls in the town is Suruli Falls, which is located about 35 km from Bodi. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a breathtaking view of the cascading water. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters and enjoy the beauty of nature. Another popular waterfall in Bodi is the Kumbakarai Falls, which is situated in the Kodaikanal hills. The falls are surrounded by dense forests and offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Exploring Bodi is a Trekker’s Paradise – Bodinayakkanur

For those interested in trekking and hiking, Bodi offers several opportunities to explore the surrounding hills and mountains. The town is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats and offers some of the most scenic trekking routes in the region. The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located about 20 km from Bodi, is home to several trekking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trekking routes in Bodi vary in difficulty and can be customized to suit the needs of different levels of trekkers.

Witness rich culture in Bodi

Another must-visit attraction in Bodi is the Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple, which is located in the heart of the town. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Gowmariamman and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful decorations. Visitors can witness the daily rituals and prayers conducted at the temple and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

In addition to its natural beauty and religious sites, Bodi is also known for its delicious cuisine. The town is famous for its traditional South Indian dishes, such as dosas, idlis, sambar, and simple, heartwarming rasams. Visitors can sample the local delicacies at the many restaurants and street vendors located in the town.

Overall, Bodi is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Bodi has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway, consider adding Bodi to your travel itinerary and experience the magic of this beautiful town for yourself.

An Unforgettable Poem that is Bodi

As we ascended the Western Ghats, wrapping the outskirts of Bodi, it felt unreal that such a place would even exist where I come from. If this isn’t heaven, I don’t know what is. Like a painting etched in my mind, these will be the 5 minutes I will never forget for the rest of my life.