Hey explorer, 

One of my cousins lives in one of those tier-1 cities in India. The city never sleeps with constant horns, never-ending traffic, rushing people, and many more such things happen, making your life miserable. At least, that's what I could find from the curses she used each evening (haha!). 

If this is you, hating the city life you are living in or feeling jealous of those relatives or friends living in the tier-3 cities, Vattakanal in Tamil Nadu is the place you must visit. Experiences, you ask? Let's explore...

Why Vattakanal?

Imagine, as you set your foot down on earth, everything around you feels so calm and slow from the life you got used to. Instead of rushing, people around you welcome you with a broad smile. Instead of black air, fresh air hits your face. Instead of the scorching sun, the trees around protect. 

Likewise, every step you take here is an Instead to the city we all got used to living in. It's Vattanakal just 7km away from Kodaikanal. Wanna enjoy a peaceful and calming day or a break from the hustling life? Then Vattanakal is all yours. 

Overview

Vattakanal's history is relatively recent compared to other Indian towns. Developed in the early 20th century as a retreat for British officials, it soon became a spot for a growing Israeli community. The Israeli presence is particularly noticeable, earning it the nickname "Little Israel."

Vattakanal sits at 2011 meters (6634 feet) on the western edge of Tamil Nadu in the Palani Hills, a sub-range of the mighty Western Ghats. Dense forests, rocky outcrops, quaint houses in villages, and the lush hills and valleys offer scenic views and a refreshed feeling. 

The culture here is so unique because it's a blend of Tamil traditions and Israeli influences. The laid-back atmosphere, the presence of cafes serving Israeli food, and the unique shops selling handcrafted items show the foreign culture influence. Yet, Tamil customs remain strong.

Tamil is the primary language spoken by the local population. However, due to the tourist influx, particularly from Israel, English is widely understood and spoken in shops, restaurants, and guesthouses. Some Tamil daily phrases include:

- Vanakkam (வணக்கம்) - Hello/Greetings
- Eppadi irukkeenga (எப்படி இருக்கீங்க?) - How are you? (Formal)
- Nadhi saapadu (நல்ல சாப்பாடு சாப்பிடா) - Please have a good meal.
- Eppadi varuga (எப்படி வருகிறீர்கள்) - How can I come? (polite)
- En peru (என் பெயர்) - My name is...
- Unga peru enna (உங்கள் பெயர் என்ன) - What is your name? 
- Summa irukken (சுத்தமா இருக்கேன்) - I am just fine.
- Varuga (வருகிறேன்) - I am coming.
- Nandri (நன்றி) - Thank you.
- Aavadhu (அவசியம்) - You're welcome (literally: It is necessary)
- Eppadi poga (எப்படி போக) - How to go...?
- Ennakku theriyadhu (எனக்கு தெரியாது) - I don't know.
- Pudhu varuthu (புதுசு வருகிறேன்) - I am new here.
- Innuyoru taza (இன்னொரு டீ) - One more tea please.
- Santhosam (சந்தோஷம்) - Happy to help (literally: Happiness)

Vattakanal has a refreshingly cool climate year-round. Average temperatures range from 15°C in the winter to 25°C in the summer. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings a welcome burst of greenery and occasional rain showers.

Discovery Checklist

You can do many things and visit many places here since Vattakanal is a newly formed hill station. With fewer crowds, enjoying this place and creating memories can still be difficult when you do not see it how you should. So check out the must-do things while you are here:

- Enjoy Vattakanal Waterfalls
- Trek to Dolphin's Nose rock formation
- Trek through various trails to enjoy flora and fauna
- Visit the nearby villages and deep dive into their way of living 
- Do bold activities like mountain biking and rope down rocky cliffs

And the must-visit places in the surroundings are:

- Kodaikanal - 7 km
- Bryant Park - 7 km
- Pillar Rocks - 20 km
- Bear Shola Falls - 18 km
- Geen Valley View (Suicidal Point) - 10 km

Do not forget to taste Israeli and South Indian cuisine and freshly brewed coffee. On the way home, carry some locally produced honey and hand-made things like wooden crafts, handloom textiles and pottery pieces. 

Travel Itinerary

A Guide to WH Questions

Transportation

As a newly emerged tourist destination, there is no direct transportation system to Vattakanal from any major city. However, getting to this site from Kodaikanal or any surrounding place is possible.

Fly into Madurai Airport (120 km away) or Trichy Airport (150 km away). From there, take a taxi or pre-booked car to Vattakanal (4-5 hour drive). Alternatively, fly into Bangalore and take an overnight bus to Kodaikanal (5 am arrival). Hire a taxi or car from Kodaikanal to Vattakanal (7 km).

The nearest railway station is Kodai Road (100 km). Then, you can get into a bus or a taxi to get to Vattakanal directly.

Hotels 

Although Vattakanal is a budding hill station open for tourism, several eateries and stay options are available at reasonable prices, catering to all travellers. Some of our recommendations include:

• Accommodation

- Prince Homestay - It's a 3.7-star rating hotel. 
- Hostel Jerusalem - It's a 3.7-star rating stay option. 
- Tycoon Wood Cabins - It's a 4.5-star rating hotel. 

• Eateries

- Altaf's Cafe - Best for PAN Indian food.
- Manna Cafe - Best for chicken items. 
- Arasi Stores - Best for snacks and meals.

Popular Food

- Israeli Foods: Falafel wraps, hummus platters, and shakshuka.
- South Indian Specialties: Dosa, idli and sambar, vada, and thali. 
- Beverages: Freshly Brewed Coffee.

Travel Tips

- Pack clothes according to the season you are travelling in. 
- Vattakanal is all about relaxation. So, enjoy the slow life here. 
- Locals prefer physical money over digital payments. So, carry cash. 

Safety Tips

- Be careful while trekking because of the slippery trails. 
- Wear strong footwear to deal with the rough walking trails. 
- Accept locals how they are. Do not comment or mimic them. 

Travel Expenses

The expenses in Vattakanal meet the needs of both budget-friendly and expensive travellers. Although most of the things are inexpensive, hotels can become pretty costly. On average, a budget traveller might need ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 a day per head. 

Conclusion

Misty mornings, green surroundings, the chilly atmosphere throughout the year, cold waterfalls, and walking up to birds chirping and unpolluted air - all this might seem like a dream, but it is an environment in Vattakanal. Take a 4-day break from your busy life to have some peaceful and entertaining days in the book of your memories. 

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