Day 2&3 - Yercaud local to Vellore to Chennai

The Day 2 started around 5 am when rain started as if it was declaring itself as a spoil sport for the day. Fortunately it calmed down in few minutes when me and my wife decided to go out for a walk to the woods and the garden. Iam sure you would agree with me that there's more beauty to nature after it rains as if the rain cleans and refreshes everything.






The good time spent walking along the woods with my wife made the environment around more exotic.

Now was the time to say good bye to the hotel and start the journey ahead.
Fortunately it was a bright sunny day indicating there is lot to make for the day today.





Our first spot for the day was Sheveron temple which was located at a substantial height and very picturesque location on every corner. The picture on right was taken near the temple.



The landscape on right is nothing less than the Alps.

A tip - Ensure that you check weather before you travel for Yercaud to enjoy the flora and fauna to the maximum.







The pictures on the left and right were taken while coming from Sheveron temple.
Look at the mesmerizing woods and feel the enchanting trees.



Our next spot was Kiliyur waterfall located down slope. We had to travel 5-6 kilometers to get to the bottom of falls, park our car and walk down another 250 steps.

As a tip, try to be there at car park by 12 pm because there is an acute shortage of parking space. Secondly remember that you have to walk down 500 mts and come back so carry water bottles and some snacks.

But its worth walking down. You will also find a well located and clean cafeteria when you park your car.

Another tip is regarding the access road to waterfall which is extremely narrow with sharp edges. So be carefull with the road specially while overtaking.

The next spot where we dropped was the famous lake at the center. The boating is reasonable and staff is quite friendly.

I advise you to opt for a boat with shade specially when you have bright sunny day.










There were ample of stalls near the boating spot selling boiled corns and peanuts that were sufficient for us to fill our stomachs and keep us going for next few hours.





Now its time for us to leave Yercaud as we visited most of the spots and there was nothing much left except a botanical garden which we were advised not to visit since it rained last night. However if you were lucky not to have rain, you might be interested in visiting depending on your plans for return.

Anyway we started same day by 2 pm however we decided not to go back the same route as we all preferred to explore the unexplored. We took alternate road to Yercaud and we were glad to take this option since what was coming next before us was an untouched, uncommercialized beautiful way that you will witness ahead.

While leaving we were absorbed by this beautiful structure with words written "You are the light of the world" and looked like a Christian missionary.

 As our car drove the woods we found a new landscape every few minutes.

   The roads were much quieter and less traffic prone than the one from where we entered and there were fortunately no hairpin curves this time.

Just enjoy the bamboo trees and the thick woods.





It almost gets dark in the thick jungle but road was smooth that keeps you going.









You will find beautiful small streams of water flowing at some corners.




The spring water was clear and we got a chance to taste it.






As we reached the base of the hills we proceeded towards Vellore where we were supposed to have an overnight stay.

The return journey was equally thrilling and the beauty of the countryside kept us captivated.

We drove all the way Non stop except for fueling our car tank.




Finally towards 6 pm we reached Vellore. We stated at local hotel named Darling Hotel. Though the name was did not suit our personality :) but being a 3 star the ambiance and service were very decent.

We had dinner in hotel itself though it was much expensive and really not worth money.
We straight went to sleep after a drink and you know when you are tired you get a very pleasant, sound sleep.

The next day morning we got ready, had a lovely south Indian breakfast offered by hotel and went to visit local places.

We took a decision to keep our car parked at hotel and since we checked in hotel at 6 pm yesterday, we could retain the room till 6pm.

As the next tip goes, most hotels are booked for 24 hours from the time you check in , unlike in many other cities that book only from 2pm to 10 am. Also since we benefited, I would advise to travel locally on local conveyance like auto. You need to negotiate the rates however do ask hotel reception how much is the rate for each spot so that you do not look outsider to the auto driver where he can quote any rate to his will.
Most people are soft spoken but do not expect them to be gentle when you negotiate rate so keep addressing them as "Anna" (Big brother) to keep them in good spirits.

Our first stop was Jalakanteshwara temple built in 1566 AD which boasts of typical Dravidian architecture which is same as most of the famous temples in south India.



If you enlarge the photograph below you will be able to read the history of temple and appreciate its significance.

Its worth visiting this temple and specially to enter where pooja (worship) is performed and see the rituals followed there. Though we were not allowed to click the photograph but we fortunately clicked few of them before we were told.

On right side and below you will find photos within the temple where priest performed rituals. He washed Shiv lingam and after put Vibhuti on our forehead that made us feel blessed. To preserve sanctity of its meaning, I recommend that Wikipedia can explain you Vibhuti better than I could do justice in explaining in my own words.







On my right you will see inside view of the a part of temple where meetings were held in old times. There were sitting thrones made of stone.





We came out of the temple and wanted to visit the fort near here. To our disappointment we could not find anything pleasing at the fort. Infact the fort is nothing but a four sided wall where you keep walking only to come at a dead end. This is very unlike to the forts you get to see in Agra and Jaisalmer,

Our final spot was Golden Temple which was 30 minutes auto ride from Fort. This is one temple that comes as surprise when you see the unexpected. A beautifully planned , artistically developed temple that offers a lot apart from an opportunity to pay obeisance. Whereas Wikipedia can tell you more about the temple but what we liked most were the design, landscape and above all as you walk you get to see a lot of inspirational quotes on life, success, world etc.

I could not post pictures of this temple here since cameras were not allowed. However Iam adding a photo for you to admire the beauty.

As my last tip goes, this temple is a must visit for anyone to come or cross Vellore. Secondly DONOT wear shorts or capris above ankle while visiting this temple as you will not be allowed and then you will be requd to either go back to hotel to change or buy a cloth to cover (available by vendors around). 

Also donot forget to buy the merchandise that temple offers at discounted rates from shops within specially ayurvedic/herbal oils for arthritis, cough 'n cold and joint pain creams apart from taking some souvenirs.

We were coming towards end of our trip and it was time to go back to hotel, pick up our bags and proceed for Chennai. We were leaving behind a trail of memories fortunately some of them captured through camera and now put before you in form of this blog.

If you find this blog to be helpful in planning your trip or in any form then I will find my purpose of writing this blog fulfilled. Please leave a comment if you wish me to add anything from your experience at the places mentioned in my blog.

Lastly if you want to connect with me then you can reach me at Facebook, Linked-In links mentioned below.

Keep smiling :)