Mantralayam Trip

Hello,

Am travelling to Chennai with 2 little kids and will be staying for 2 weeks. Had a plan to travel to Mantralayam in past but did not happpen due to the time. If am looking for it in December, is it convenient to travel?

I have travelled through train in past but worried that the duration will be too long for kids from here to sustain. I was looking for flight options as that is the best preferred one for us, but unfortunately this place does not seem to be well connected over flight. What are the better options to travel to Mantralayam? Would be willing to fly to closest airport but reading online did not see any. Please reply.

Also how about safety concerns for people travelling from here? Reading all news these days is scary to travel in India especially with kids. I feel like through the journey we may not be able to sleep due to safety concerns. Is that so?
Anyone who visited from US recently please help..

Thank you!