Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Waiting for the Green Signal
The day began quietly at home. I stayed back until around 2 PM so Yamuna could finish her office work without pressure. Once she was nearly done, I went to Delhi World Public School and picked up the children early.
Onam Outfits Saved the Clock
By the time we returned, Yamuna had packed everything and was ready. The children had attended school in their Onam attire, so there was no changing, dressing or last-minute preparation. Our neighbours and close friends, Santhanam and his family, joined us—and by 3 PM, our Kanyakumari escape was underway.
Coffee for Us, Ice Cream for Them
Our first break was at Sri Krishna Pannai Paal. The adults settled for the comforting combination of coffee, chai and hot vada, while the children naturally chose ice cream. Refreshed and recharged, we returned to the car and continued south.
When 250 Kilometres Felt Like 25
I drove the entire distance—nearly 250 kilometres—but it never felt like a long journey. Interesting conversations with Santhanam’s family, mixed with the children’s chatter and excitement, made the kilometres disappear. Sometimes, the right company is better than any playlist.
Santhanam versus the Hotel Tariff
We reached Hotel Rajeshwari International at around 6:30 PM and asked for two deluxe rooms. That was when Santhanam revealed his negotiation talent. The original quote was ₹4,800 per room, but he managed to secure both spacious rooms for a total of ₹5,000!
Peace Beside the Highway
The hotel turned out to be a pleasant surprise—large rooms, a peaceful highway location away from the town’s congestion, and even a swimming pool for the children. The setting was calm and comfortable. The food, however, did not appear to be its strongest attraction.
Returning to a Reliable Dinner Table
Instead of experimenting with the hotel food, we returned to Hotel Chitra Pure Vegetarian Restaurant. It was our second visit, and the restaurant proved dependable once again. We enjoyed a good, satisfying dinner before heading towards the sea.
Where Three Seas Meet
After dinner, we walked around Triveni Sangamam and visited the iconic tip of the Indian mainland. The roaring sea, cool night air and illuminated Thiruvalluvar statue gave the place a completely different character after dark.
Messi, Ronaldo and a Little Shopping
The children’s excitement continued through the nearby shops. We bought them IPL, Messi and Ronaldo T-shirts and stopped for a lively photo session. Between the shopping, laughter and photographs, the evening gained the cheerful disorder that only a family trip can create.
A Bench, the Sea and a Mental Reset
The most peaceful part of the evening required no activity at all. We sat on a park bench facing the sea and allowed the sound of the waves to slow everything down.
Santhanam and I had a relaxed conversation. Yamuna and Santhanam’s wife became absorbed in theirs, while the children remained happily occupied. Everyone had their own little space, yet we were enjoying the moment together. It was a genuine mind detox.
The Fastest Check-In Was into Sleep
By the time we returned to the hotel, the driving, walking and excitement had caught up with us. There was no energy left for late-night conversations or elaborate plans for the morning. We reached our rooms, settled in—and everyone simply crashed.
Some journeys are remembered for the destination. This one will be remembered for how effortlessly 250 kilometres passed—in conversation, laughter, food, friendship and a few quiet minutes beside the sea.
AnandNataraj 