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

There is much more to South India than temples. And places like Bodinayakkanur prove just that. Quaint, serene hills offer a tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of crowded Indian cities. Touted as the “Cardamom Capital of India”, Bodi is the true underrated queen of the hills, seducing tourists with her sheer natural beauty. She does not need commercial tricks to enrapture her guests. She alone is enough.

If there is one thing that irks me in my interactions with foreigners visiting India is their spending a great amount of time and money to travel halfway across the world to go visit the “Taj Mahal.” Also, being an Indian myself, I hate visiting the Taj Mahal. I digress, but more on that later.

Why Tamil Nadu is much more than temples

As much as I recommend visiting the famous temples of Tamil Nadu, they are extremely crowded, and the hygiene in food establishments in the immediate area is a big hit or miss, thanks to the hordes of people visiting the architectural wonders. In addition, you may not have access to basic facilities, such as a restroom. As an avid traveler myself, I pledge myself to the general rule of avoiding touristy places like the plague. The grandeur and beauty of those places are often ruined by disorderly tourists and are packed to the point of being unrecognizable. It is no wonder the seasoned travelers always recommend traveling off the beaten path.

Kodaikanal is beautiful, but wait till you see Bodi

Have you ever felt spellbound by a place so lush it felt like you were wrapped in a beautiful poem? That was Bodi or Bodinayakkanur for me. Bodi was not supposed to be on our itinerary. It was always Kodai and onwards to Munnar. But a quick pit stop is all it took to realize Bodi’s charm. She is not commercial like the major hill stations of Tamil Nadu, but she is the epitome of the true off-the-beaten-path experience. Bodi is a small town, a mere 20 mins from Theni, sometimes described as “Earth’s hidden paradise”. 

With sprawling, lush green tea estates, mountains, and waterfalls all around, there is a ton for nature lovers to explore for a few days. Nestled along the foothills of the Western Ghats, she is majestic, and did I mention how utterly gorgeous she is? Keep in mind there are accommodations in and around the area, but expect them not to be as fancy as the ones you see in Kodai or Ooty for sure.

Bodi – An Underrated Destination for Tea Enthusiasts

There is nothing more inviting than sitting in a cozy corner with your cup of chai. And with a setting like Bodi in the backdrop, that chai makes for a memorable experience. Dotted with tea estates, Bodi produces some of the finest tea in the country, a caffeinated allure to bring your kettles and sieves for the perfect sip from all over the world. Learn to brew from the masters and steep away to your heart’s content, watching the pickers pluck and sort the leaves to be packed for you to enjoy. And for the true South Indian chai or Chaya experience, have yours served in a davara and tumbler.

There are quite a few guided tours and personalized tours of the estates. Some of the popular tea estates in Bodi include the High Field Tea Estate, the Kuttikkanam Estate, and the Mayilaadumpara Estate.

Some of the best waterfalls in Tamil Nadu are located in this small underrated town of Bodi

Its idyllic location makes Bodi home to several waterfalls that are worth exploring. Suruli Falls is one of the town’s famous waterfalls, located about 35 km from Bodi. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a breathtaking view of the cascading water. You will find locals taking a dip if the officers permit. 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. These falls are also surrounded by dense forests and offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

You will find some of the wildest hikes in this little known South Indian town – Bodinayakkanur

For those interested in trekking and hiking, Bodi offers several opportunities to explore the surrounding hills and mountains. Keep in mind that a majority of them could be unpaved. Make a quick pit stop at the Theni Forest Office. I have linked to a district forest officer who would be able to help you find the right trails.

The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a stone’s throw away from Bodi, which is home to several trekking trails and important wildlife. Be sure to take any necessary precautions before entering the forested areas. The forest office highly recommends traveling with a forest guide, especially if you are new to the area. You may need to carry salt or anti-leech spray to ward off leeches and other bugs in the area. 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, a 14th century temple built by Pandya King, Veerapandi. The story goes that the late king revived his eyesight after praying to the Hindu goddess Gowmariamman. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful decorations, reminiscent of 14th century architecture from South India. You may be able to witness and even participate in a few temple rituals while you’re here.

Eating off a banana leaf is much more than the meal itself

Yes, restaurants in Tamil Nadu have plates and forks and spoons and all sorts of cutlery you can imagine. But one of the experiences you just can’t miss and is widely available across the state is eating off a banana leaf. Tuck into a delicious spread on a vaazha ilai saapadu (banana leaf meal) while you visit Bodi. The harmony of colors and flavors as you scoop the food with your hands off the banana leaf is an experience on its own. You just need to look for places that have “Meals ready” or “Full meals” boards. If it is a fully traditional place, you may be asked to sit on the floor. Simply fold the leaf and ask the waiter where you could throw the leaf right after your meal. It’s that eco-friendly!

Whether you’re a nature lover, culture lover, history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Bodi has something for everyone. The magnificence of its raw beauty will have you lost in your thoughts, steeped in your dreams, and stay true to the off-the-beaten-path experience you desire.