I’m participating in the #AtoZBloggingChallenge 2016 with the theme – Pins on the Map of my Memory – which is about places that bear a special connection with me for reasons mostly personal!
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Y for Yelagiri Hills
Several years back, on a weekend trip from Bangalore, we discovered a place that we had never heard of, until days before we made the trip. Recommended by a friend as quick getaway to experience a completely different, low-key pace of living, we headed down to the sleepy Yelagiri Hills, based in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Located at a height of 4,626 ft, approx. 150 km to the South-West of Bangalore, we found this place to be very different from anything we had encountered earlier.
Swami Malai Hills: the highest point of Yelagiri
The main road at Yelagiri touched many small villages and the pretty farmhouses sat by the emerald stretches of green, with private bungalows, temples, churches, missionary schools and farmland filling up the landscape. In the hills, forest and fruit orchards went hand in hand with brilliant weather almost throughout the year, presenting unparalleled natural beauty to its’ visitors. The first thing that hit our senses was the intense aroma of ripening fruits in the small hamlets and every time the wind blew, it carried with it a fragrance of the beautiful eucalyptus trees!
Custard Apples seen everywhere in Yelagiri
But we soon discovered that Yelagiri is more than just aroma and natural beauty. Of the many, the three key attractions were Swami Malai, the highest point in Yelagiri, that offered spectacular views of the hills and the surrounding countryside all around. We also enjoyed the boating on the centrally-located Panganur Lake, a big hit with families and for those enjoying picnics.
We noticed a lot of families with children enjoying the landscape gardens, which also had a playground and a snacks-corner to cater to the tourists. All of a sudden, the quiet hills had become a very busy place. I especially liked the beautifully designed Nature Park, which had flowering trees and a landscaped series of gardens that made it a perfect haven of peace.
The Lord Murugan Temple, located high up on the boulder, had plenty of fruit trees growing at the base of the stairs, and a group of local boys picking up the choicest ones from the lot. Quite a sight, must say! We skipped the Jalgam Parai Falls but will definitely recommend a visit, even if only to enjoy the idyllic weather and the moment’s solitude that the hills bring!
Before the weekend got over, it was time for us to leave. On our way back, we carried some fresh produce from Yelagiri’s fruit orchards -mango, jackfruit, jamun, custard apple and honey, and plenty of happy memories that would last us a lifetime.
14 Comments
richajindal
Hey I love custard apples & there’s nothing better than a fresh yield. Thanks for sharing this beautiful place
@2richajindal
http://richajindal.com/zero-oil/
tinabasu
We had planned for a Yelagiri trip but I couldn’t make it there finally. Heard it’s serene and quiet. Need to plan one soon
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
There’s always a time to plan it later. After the heat abates, esp because you have a little one to accompany you 🙂
vishalbheeroo
Such places do lot of good to the soul in terms of serenity:)
https://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com/2016/04/30/10328/
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Hmm, it does. People do think that way too 🙂
Shilpa Garg
Sounds like a beautiful place to explore and soak in the beauty of nature and great produce too!
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Yes, Shilpa. Sometimes little known places can be a great discovery too! The fruits were so yummy 🙂
The Diary Of a Rolling Stone
Oh I missed that too. Amazing Esha, I need to do my homework well before planning my next trip. Glad I found your blog.
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Aww, never mind! Life is a journey too. If you’re keen, there are so many trips awaiting you anytime…:) Glad to see you here as well!
The Diary Of a Rolling Stone
Oh! I am miles away Esha but visit sometimes due to my sister. Happy to connect though.
kalaravi16
That is another gem you have uncovered Esha. I hate all the crowded places, this seems like a good getaway. The pics are fab too! Local produce seems so fresh and delicious! One more to go 🙂
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks, Kala. Yes, fresh produce is always a welcome thing especially when you can bring some back with you. The trip was great but the fruits were absolutely delicious. Do visit, if possible.
Parul Thakur
I have to say this again..heard of this one but yet to step out 🙂 Love those shots..
Esha Mookerjee Dutta
Thanks, Parul. So glad to see you here again. Why do you need to go out when you can travel anywhere from the comforts of your home…arm chair travelling can also be great to discover the world.:)