A complete disregard for children’s safety!
We went to Kodai in a box for my Niece’s 5th birthday. We had first heard about it through Instagram. The copious amount of influencer marketing should have been the first warning sign.
On arrival we were shocked at the state of the park. It was in complete disarray (although perfect for any budding film makers looking to shoot an unsettling horror/ crime scene akin to an episode of true detective). What I assume were once colourful decorative pieces are now faded and falling apart, the wire fences surrounding the walkways are rusted and have exposed wire pointing outwards, and the wooden walkways/ bridges are one over enthusiastic group of children away from a disaster. For a place that I gather is only around 2 years old it looks more like 20. But we are paying premium prices for a premium experience. If you are going to charge upwards of 900 rupees for certain packages then you should have the common decency to make your experience worth what you’re asking your customers to shell out.
So it was a waste of money- whatever. But the most insidious thing about Kodai in a box is the disregard for children’s safety. Yes, I’m assuming a large percentage of their visitors are snap happy influencers, however at its core this is a place meant for CHILDREN! One look at their instagram page, and their advertised list of activities confirms this. So would the owners like to explain why their play area is so unsafe? One of the wooden steps leading up to the slide has literally fallen apart. The next step is in the process of doing so. I had a look at their guest review book on our way out and this issue was mentioned 2 months ago as well! The slats on the wooden bridge of the same play area, have shifted to be so far apart that my 2 year old niece’s leg fell through. When this happened we were just a few steps behind on the same walkway. We weren’t going to complain about this but were shocked by an unprovoked comment from one of the workers saying it was our fault for letting her play on her own. And there were no warning signs or anything indicating this wasn’t safe for children to play on. When you own a place that is predominantly visited by young children, and are presumably raking in the dough with over priced tickets, and celebrity visitors, why don’t you have the sense to spend a bit of that money to make the place safe for children to play? Is it because you think so little of your customers that you think they are stupid enough to keep coming anyway?
There also seems to be a culture of blaming the care takers for things out of their control. When my niece was doing the pebble painting experience one of the workers was standing right in front of her criticising her for using so much paint, they were afraid because apparently the owners hold them accountable if too much paint is being used. The constant comments negatively impacted the birthday girl’s experience. And all this hullabaloo over an experience that was a rip off anyway! When she sat down she was given a cup of dirty water with a bunch of hardened unusable paint brushes, and a set of camlin paints that were already all mixed together, and had a bunch of colours missing.
I would like to reiterate that I’m not blaming the caretakers for any part in what was an unexpectedly bad experience. They are doing the best within the limited parameters set by their employers. We were provided a lovely mint tea, and a delicious cupcake that we and the kids thoroughly enjoyed! The caretakers were also very kind, and hospitable.
There are many little details I haven’t mentioned in this review like the empty cement basin billed as a “wishing well”, and the countless other little disappointments. I doubt this review is going to change anything for the owners- who if they really cared would have sorted out these issues long before they...
Read more"Kodai in a Box" is truly one-of-a-kind in the enchanting town of Kodaikanal, and it's evident that a lot of heart and love have gone into creating this exceptional haven. It's a place where children can have unforgettable interactions with ducks, horses, dogs, goats, birds, and fishes – a unique experience in itself.
During our visit, we were pleasantly surprised to discover organic pears and Eucalyptus oils available, adding to the charm of the place. Our kids were so enamored by this place that it was a challenge to convince them to leave.
One highlight of our visit was the herbal tea served at Kodai in a Box, which was not only refreshing but also incredibly relaxing. The attention to detail and the thought put into every aspect of this place is truly commendable.
It's astonishing how they manage to fit so many wonderful things into one space. The natural channel of water encircling the area adds to its unique appeal. In fact, our kids were so absorbed in the activities here that they didn't show much interest in the usual sightseeing spots in Kodaikanal.
The warm hospitality of Rashmika and Ajith, who graciously gave us a tour of their remarkable establishment, left a lasting impression. We were touched by the story of Pinky, their lovely mother dog, who, despite losing her own puppies, adopted two motherless puppies and raised them as her own. It's a testament to the caring environment they've created.
One delightful surprise was the playful ducks that chase you for snacks. It's an experience that you'll absolutely love, and it adds to the overall charm of Kodai in a Box.
As a parent who was initially concerned about engaging my kids in Kodaikanal, I can confidently give full marks to Kodai in a Box. It's a place that's not only unique but also heartwarming, and it offers a memorable experience for the...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of visiting Kodai in a Farm in Kodaikanal, and it was an exceptional experience that truly saved our trip! There was heavy rush at the popular sightseeing spots, and restrictions due to the chief minister's visit made our plans difficult. Thankfully, we found Kodai in a Farm, which offered a peaceful escape from the crowds.
The farm's beautiful surroundings and serene atmosphere immediately put us at ease. The staff was friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The farm provided a unique experience for our kids, who really enjoyed feeding the animals and playing around with them. It was heartwarming to see their excitement as they interacted with the different animals on the farm.
Even though the stream in the farm had no water, the farm had enough other things to keep us excited and engaged. We especially enjoyed the tasty cookies and peppermint tea they served—both were delightful and refreshing.
Kodai in a Farm turned what could have been a stressful day into a memorable one. It's a must-visit for families seeking a calm, authentic, and child-friendly experience in Kodaikanal. We can't wait to return and explore more of this amazing place! Keep up the great work and maintain the farm as it is—we loved every moment...
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