Road Trip to Yelagiri

This is for fellow Bangaloreans...Especially for the overworked; and in desperate need for quiet and peace!

It's been a year and a half since we moved to Bangalore. We've had a tumultuous time with health issues and workplace problems. My mother was visiting and she suggested we should let out some steam and drive to a weekend destination. The idea was an instant hit, especially with my husband who loves long drives.  Thanks to online travel resources there is no dearth of information; and so began the process of secondary Internet research.

Bandipur, Chikmangalur, Mysore, Chamundi Hills, Yercud, Horseshoe Hills....we found a hoard of places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. But then we had several constraints: for one we needed to choose a destination where we wouldn't have to walk much; both me and mother weren't so well!  We wanted to drive to a place that wasn't too far. We were looking for a destination within 120 to 150 kilometers! A very important factor that all four of us [ Hubby, Daughter, Ma and Me] agreed on that the place should be some sort of a nature resort. Someplace we can experience raw natural beauty. An untouched and 'not so crowded' destination. We had almost decided on Krishnagiri when my husband came across a small hill town call Yelagiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. 

A couple of factors went in favor of a unanimous vote for Yelagiri:

• It lies within 158 kilometers from Bangalore
• Happens to be a lesser known hill resort; just the place for those who wish to spend some time in the lap of nature.
• Several holiday resorts with affordable yet quality services. [We made our decision purely on the basis of the information and pictures we saw and read on the Internet].
• Overall, financially a very viable weekend holiday option.

To be very honest we weren't expecting much. Just wanted to enjoy the drive, have a picnic lunch and spend a peaceful weekend. And therefore were pleasantly surprised. To begin with the very drive was so refreshing. NH7 of course is very smooth, almost world class; but the real draw is the picture pretty countryside. We drove past acres of emerald greens, silvery lakes and green velvety hills. 

Enroute we parked on the highway for a home-cooked picnic lunch. Suddenly my daughter squealed with delight. We were parked bang opposite a large lake. Pink lotus blooms and ducks were quite a sight. Interestingly we were parked on a busy highway, but the place had an untouched virgin spirit. We knew we were on the right track!

The drive up the winding road to Yelagiri was another experience. We had to slow down at each curve and the sights and sounds of the hills were almost intoxicating. We drove through a winding road through raw jungle land :D

Some vehicles stopped at places marked as special 'sightseeing view points'. It was interesting to watch monkeys stand on two feet and interact with people. There was something about the jungle we drove through. We felt animal presence. We switched off the car stereo and air-conditioner; and lowered the window glasses. The fresh aroma of the vast greens and bird songs kept us company till we drove up to the resort; which by the way was an experience in itself. The Kumararaja Palace is highly recommended for those who enjoy luxury and style.

Honestly, we had an amazing time. Of course there aren't any tourist attractions as such. There is a local lake and a botanical garden, which we wouldn't recommend. The best way to enjoy Yelagiri is to take in the sights and sounds of raw natural greens. The place is practically untouched!