Apr 30, 2008 12:13 PM
7516 Views
We went to Yercaud to utilize our long weekend. We took an early morning AC bus from Bangalore to Salem(about Rs.500 per ticket) and then took another local bus from Salem to Yercaud(about Rs.50 per ticket). It was extremely hot at Salem and we were wondering if we had made the right choice. We wanted to take a taxi from Salem but the drivers were going berserk with the amount they quoted for an hour’s ride. As we ascended, the temperature started to come down and once at the top, the weather became pleasant and a bit cloudy.
We had already booked Sterling Resort from Bangalore. It cost us somewhere around Rs.6, 200 for 2 nights-3 days package, including all meals and half-day sightseeing. The people at the reception were dull and did not attend to us for some time, finally they showed us into a room that was nothing what we had imagined and seen in the pictures. The flooring was dirty, the room was smelly, and there was no view or balcony. We were extremely disappointed, went back to the reception, and had to explain to the receptionist that we were told in Bangalore that our room would have a dining space, kitchen area and a better view. After some struggle they arranged another room – this time an awesome one with fresh flooring, clean furnishings, and a breathtaking view out from the balcony. The room really cheered us up as our main objective was to relax and for that we wanted a comfortable setting. The welcome drink, fruits, a sponge cake, and a platter of Marie biscuits with jam in between arrived after some time. We ordered evening snacks – chicken and egg sandwiches and quite liked the taste. In the evening we just sat around in the balcony, had a few drinks+snacks, and soaked in the view - this was the best part of Yercaud. I am not sure if any other resort/hotel offers such a view in the city. Our senses calmed down and we dozed off soundlessly.
The next morning was as peaceful as the night. We saw the sunrise and prepared for our half-day tour. The resort people tried to fix us up in bus full of other tourists, but we had booked for a personal cab so we insisted and got one after some delay. There is nothing much to see in Yercaud. Just like any other hill station in south, it has a small crowded lake, a temple, and a few view-points. I would say that the view from our hotel room was far better.
We reached back to our room by lunchtime and went to the Ayurveda massage center in the resort. Both of us got a good massage and came back to our room – totally relaxed(later we realized that somebody has stolen Rs.500 from my hubby’s wallet – maybe it happened in the massage center).
We spent some time in the activity room of the resort, which caters more to people with family and kids with all the activities like tambola, and tongue-twister games, dance games – good for a family but not for couples. So we relaxed some more in our balcony, gulped down a few more drinks, and had a lavish dinner. Next day we started back to Bangalore, the same way we came.
Overall, I would say that it was because of the resort that we enjoyed some of the greatest views. It felt like being at the top of the world with ever changing scenery, clouds, and mountains in a peaceful setting. Apart from that there is nothing much to do in Yercaud. So, book a nice resort/hotel and just chill!
