Vatakanal is a resort town adjacent to Kodaikanal in the south of India. The town is comprised of cottages set in the spectacular scenery of green mountain slopes. The travelers who arrive there rent a cottage and dive into the tranquility, usually for several weeks.Vata’s magic is its disconnection from civilization, with no internet, telephone or any other means of communication with the outside world. Even running water is a rare commodity. Rabbi Ran Shamir and his wife Liat arrived at this remote location in 5767 (2007) and overcame numerous obstacles to found a proper Chabad House. Vata’s backpackers just feel at home there! A home where one can sit, put down one’s backpack, talk, cook in the kitchen, bake a cake for friends and just feel comfortable. The Farbrengens (Hassidic gatherings) that last well into the night, to the hours when the Neshama (the soul) suddenly begins to speak, have become famous amongst the Israeli backpackers.
