Feb 24, 2009 04:00 PM
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A Four hour drive from Bangalore on Hosur road towards Salem will take you to Yercaud. For those starting in the morning a short break at Hosur for breakfast is recommended, though another 20 kms will take upto Adayar Anand Bhavan, Hosur resturaunts are better as they are not very crowded unlike AAB. A full tank at Hosur should be comfortable enough to reach Yercaud and return back to the filling station.
The toll road upto Krishnagiri and this has been extended between Krishnagiri to Salem. The toll is rather high between this section Rs. 48 for cars and LCVs. The toll is on the Dharmapuri bypass before hitting upon the Thoppur ghats. Before the toll booth is the second Adayar Anand Bhavan. This is far better than the Hosur outlet and the courtsey extended by the staff is admirable.
Upon reaching Salem, proceed towards the town and skip the bypass road. At the 5-Road intersection, take the left to Yercaud. There are good super markets (Spencers and Nilgiris) along this road.
The ghat road up the hills starts with a small fee at the check post. Good 30 mins drive will take you to the top. Sterling Holidays is a good place to stay.
The entire resort is built on the western slopes, so it would mean quite a bit of walking up and down to go the room from car park, but the view is beautiful. Room nos 202 is not well placed as it is obstructed by another room in front which cuts out the biew. Room 311 has excellent view point.
A complete walk around the town itself is enjoyable. It would take just 1 1/2 hours to go around from Sterling Resorts. The Gents seat and Lady's seat, the horticultural park are located very close to Sterling. Boating is good fun and cycling (hire cycles at Rs. 30 per 30 mins are available) around the lake is enjoyable.
Good veg food is available at Hotel Malar near Hotel Shevroys and Venkateshwara resturaunt near the bus stand. A 40 km drive along the Loop road, which is the road to Shevrayan temple takes you through various coffee estates and good view points before taking back to yercaud town. Other places are Pagoda point, another view point, the view of bauxite mines near Shevorayan temple are the visiting spots.
Can get pure honey at Rajarajeshwari temple. There are a few perfumaries which sell all kinds of scents and natural oils, Bhavani Singhs Perfumary is a popular one. A two day stay will be very relaxing and the people are very friendly and helpful. There are two petrol bunk on the hill. There are a very few newpaper stands, and if late, you don't get any English papers.
The town by itself is quite neat and tidy, except for a few dirty spots. Garbage is being dumped behind the lake, which makes it a sore sight and stinks a lot. The roads are very well maintained. The weather in Feb is pleasent during the day and a bit chill in the evenings and night. Ideal time for treks.
