After a bustling Diwali evening filled with lights and firecrackers, we all woke up later than planned, still exhausted from the celebrations. The morning was a mad rush with the usual house chores and packing, and no time to whip up breakfast at home. Eventually, we managed to set off at 10 AM. Just as I started the car, I noticed the fuel gauge hovering low, and to add to the mix, Advaith was already cranky. Yamuna suggested we fuel up right away, but I insisted on getting breakfast first to avoid an impending meltdown from Advaith.

We stopped at Harish Hotel, where Advaith’s hunger had reached new heights. Feeding him was a challenge, but Yamuna handled it skillfully, somehow keeping him settled. The rest of us—Yamuna, Aradhya, and I—had a quick breakfast, and by the time we refueled, it was 11:30 AM. With full bellies and a full tank, we were ready for our drive to Kanniyakumari.

The kids were soon immersed in mobile games and eventually drifted off to sleep, giving Yamuna and me a rare stretch of uninterrupted conversation. The two-hour drive passed by smoothly, and before we knew it, we arrived at Hotel Rajeshwari around 1:50 PM. The property was inviting, with spacious, clean rooms and ample parking. Only two kilometers from the southernmost tip of India, the kids were excited and instantly made themselves at home with the TV and some playful chaos.

Though none of us were especially hungry after breakfast, we decided not to skip lunch. The hotel restaurant was convenient, but the food didn’t quite live up to expectations. I soon discovered we couldn’t charge meals to our room, which was a minor annoyance. Lesson learned: perhaps next time we’d look for outside dining options.

In the afternoon, we headed to Sunset Beach, a spot we had all enjoyed last year. Strangely, the kids weren’t as thrilled this time and quickly voted to return to the hotel’s swimming pool instead. So, we did. The pool turned out to be a highlight of the day; the kids, Yamuna, and I spent a lively three hours there, splashing around and relaxing together.

After a quick change, we decided to explore Beach Street and revisit the food court we enjoyed last year. Disappointment awaited us, though, as most shops were closed, and even the play area now charged fees. We settled for some ice cream and watched the kids play for a while before setting off to hunt for a good vegetarian restaurant.

Our quest for dinner was almost comical. We tried Shantha Bhavan, but after being told it would take 30 minutes with no guarantee of availability, we moved on. Pure veg options were scarce, and seafood spots dominated the area. Finally, we found Hotel Chitra tucked inside Vivekananda Ashram. It had an old-world charm and college-hostel vibe, and to our delight, the simple dishes—dosa, chapati, and fresh juices—were delicious.

Back at the hotel, the kids settled in for the night, already planning tomorrow. They were adamant about another pool day, but I’d promised a visit to Poovar. Yamuna hinted at returning home early to rest before Monday. Whether the kids or Yamuna win that debate will be tomorrow’s story, but for now, it’s lights out.