Wednesday 14 July 2010

Yercaud July 2010








Yercaud trip july 2010:

Yercaud is a highland with lots of coffee plantations and a moderate climate in the state of Tamil Nadu (India).

We ended up going there only because this was the only place where it doesn't rain much during this part of the year.

Yercaud is about 230 KM from Bangalore, roads are nice with lots of tolls. We took a detour to hogenakkal falls which is somewhere between Blr and Yercaud.

Falls is quite nice, provided there is enough water and you can go close to the big falls, we couldn't. Only 2 so called restaurants and they were very basic.

Go for the boat ride ( theppa), we paid 500/theppa and this accommodates 5-6 ppl. The boat takes you near water falls and then drops you to have some fun near a beach. Boatman gives you a spin, which kids will like.

We stayed in a plantation camp about 15KM from Yercaud, name was Gowri estate. The place charged us 15k INR for 2 rooms with 10 beds + food. Place is very rustic/basic with a thin mattress and a thinner pillow.

No network coverage around that area, perhaps Aircel and BSNL, but they also don't work. So make sure to get good directions and arrange for a meet up near some landmark.

We had campfire, trekking ( quite a short and family friendly, my 2 yr old kid could do it).

Spectacular views, lunch/breakfast arranged near a very nice view point. Overall, this can be a nice and relaxing weekend out with family/friends.

There are some nice water falls, if you have enough change of clothes, you can visit them as you will get dirty.

Pagoda point and the various seats(lady's, Gent's, family etc) are optional, if you want to go there for going sake, you could go, but if you don't, then you don't miss anything.

Night view is very nice, with a lighted city for view.

Transportation from Bangalore, if you are a large group, a tempo traveller (TT) is suitable, rate in july 2010 was 9.5 INR/KM with minimum 750 KM + 200 INR for driver.

Carry your own water/beer/liquor, as nothing is on way.

Map --> refer to google for directions