All You Need To Know About The Great Trails Kodaikanal

You know it’s a window of happiness when it opens up to majestic mountain views and an emerald green landscape. Luckily we’ve found this heavenly abode at the gorgeous Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels. Located in Kodaikanal, hailed as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, where hotels come a dime a dozen; Great Trails is a breath of fresh air!

Getting there

If you are looking to escape the hubbub of the city, then escaping to the hills is certainly a great idea! Thankfully, hilly retreats like Kodaikanal are just a short drive away and if you drop by the Great Trails, you can make a memorable trip out of it. After a three-hour drive from Madurai, via one of the country’s most scenic routes made special by impromptu animal visits and misty mountain views, we arrived at Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels.

A verdant retreat

Spread over a 7 acre estate, the Great Trails is a rejuvenating haven set amidst the cloud capped hills of Kodaikanal. As we made our way to the resort, we noticed potato farms spread as far as the eye can see. A welcome adorned with warm smiles and a knockout welcome drink got us all animated. You’ll be greeted by cobbled pathways, that are lined with British style cottages. At regular intervals, you’ll also chance upon patches of colourful blooms, spots of greenery, and outdoor spaces where you can lounge or play.

Pop of wood

Futhermore, the rooms at Great Trails enhance your stay by offering majestic views of the towering mountains. Luxurious yet cozy, the Rock Cabins & Timber Chalets offer two unique lodging styles. We made the Timber Chalet our home for the weekend. Built from sustainable Indonesian wood, the room comes with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to wake up to the beauty of nature. But even in the midst of this rustic landscape, the rooms have the luxuries of wifi and space heaters.

The art of entertaining

The rest of the property too has plenty to hold your interest. So if you thought you’d come and live a monk’s life here in Kodai, wait till you read this! In addition to a good deal of adventure sports and outdoor activities, Great Trails Kodaikanal also houses the longest Zipline in South India. Thrill seekers, it’s time to take a plunge into serenity.

From obstacle course challenges to endurance testing treks, they have it all. But if you are in no mood for heart racing games, opt for recreational activities like Table Tennis, Chess, Carrom etc. All in all, leave the planning to Activity Co-ordinator Mr. Bala and he will ensure that people of all ages are engaged, whether it’s walking on ropes or swinging rods in foosball. The best part, it doesn’t just end there. As the night gets younger, they create an atmosphere of merry making with a bonfire, barbecue and karaoke. Friday night done right, eh! 😉

Comfort food at it’s best

Whistler’s Cafe, the resort’s main restaurant opens out to a large garden overlooking farmland and mountains, promising a meal with a view. The buffet at the restaurant is quite lavish for Kodai standards. Their scrumptious and extensive menu included South Indian and Italian favourites; from an authentic Podi Dosa to a fanciful Pasta Arrabiata. The Chefs at Whistler’s Cafe do nothing short of creating a hearty stock of goodness that lead me to my bed where I settled into a long snooze.

One crisp morning, with Prashanth still asleep, I stood on the veranda with only the mountains and the soft, distant chirping of birds for company. Warm and content, I felt enveloped in the immutable peace of Kodaikanal.

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