Travelogue #4 - Chennai to Yercaud

What do you usually do to beat the heat of summer? Chances are, like many others, you would head to one of the popular hill-stations nearby. For most people in Tamil Nadu, this choice inevitably narrows down to Ooty or Kodaikanal. But if you are looking for a calm and peaceful vacation over a weekend, take those two destinations off your list right away. Both of them have reached the peak of popularity and are bearing the brunt of excessive commercialism. If you are thinking what would be your next best bet, think no further. Yercaud, it is.



Yercaud has all that is there in Ooty and Kodaikanal, but in a smaller scale. At just around 1500 meters above sea level, it is not as taller and so much less cooler than the other two destinations. But, more importantly, it is also not as popular as the other two and hence is calmer, cleaner, less polluted and less congested. The terrific ghat roads with those 20 hairpin bends make sure that you cover the 35 odd km from Salem in no time. So, without waiting any further, pack your bags and head out to Yercaud for a short and refreshing break.



The entire town of Yercaud is so small that the best way to explore it is by foot. Taking prime place in the center is an artificial lake with boating facilities which is the major tourist attraction of the town. All the roads surrounding the lake are lined with shops and roadside stalls that are so typical of an hill-station. Grilled corn, homemade chocolates and an assortment of scented oils that are available in plenty provide the local flavor to the visitors that is not to be missed.



There are a couple of temples and quite a few view-points with peculiar names like Pagoda Point, Gents Seat and Ladies Seat that are worth paying a visit for the splendid views that they offer. The roads diverging from the lake will take you to one or the other spots mentioned above. Follow the sign-boards and you will not go wrong. The roads leading to and from and in and around Yercaud are comparatively narrow but are superbly surfaced, making them a driver�s delight. They can be tempting at times, so exercise caution.

ROUTEMAP:

FACTFILE:

* Total No of Days: 2 (28.05.2011 - 29.05.2011)

* Vehicle Make & Model: Tata Safari

 

* Odometer Start Reading: 146140 km

* Odometer End Reading: 146987 km

* Total Distance traveled: 847 km

* Total Quantity of Fuel filled: 83.45 l

* Average Fuel Consumption: 10.15 km/l

* Net Worth of Fuel filled: Rs 3550

 

* Destinations Covered: Yercaud

* Route Followed: Chennai-Villupuram-Salem-Yercaud

 

* Best Stretch of Road in Plains: Chennai-Villupuram

* Worst Stretch of Road in Plains: Kallakurichi-Salem

* Best Stretch of Road in Ghats: Salem-Yercaud

* Worst Stretch of Road in Ghats: None

THE LANDSCAPE:

THE AUTOMOBILE:

For obvious reasons, Yercaud has started gaining popularity and in a few years down the line, would probably not remain as much beautiful or peaceful as it is right now. Enjoy the virgin beauty of this place before it goes the Ooty and Kodaikanal way. And, as in any hill-station, please do not litter and strictly avoid using plastic bags. I did and I am urging you to do the same. Happy motoring!

Travelogue #3 - Chennai to Trichy

Tiruchirapalli or 'Trichy' as it is often referred to, is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. Located slap bang in the center of the state, Trichy is easily accessible and frequented by travelers all-round the year. If a calm, peaceful place with lots of temples and loads of cultural heritage is what you are looking at for your next weekend trip, then this is the place for you. The city has two prominent landmarks, both of which are extremely popular ancient architectural wonders.

For long, Trichy has been the most conservative and traditional amongst all cities in Tamil Nadu. Just visit the city once and you know why. Almost all the tourist spots in and around Trichy are places of religious interest. Having refused to open up to modern commercialism until a few years back, Trichy has now slowly started accepting modern lifestyle, but without losing an iota of its rich heritage.

Undoubtedly, the pride of Trichy is the Rockfort Temple which has been carved atop an ancient rock. Standing majestically in the heart of the city, this 83m high rock is considered to be one of the oldest in the world dating back to almost 3 billion years ago. The view of Rockfort from the bridge across the river Cauvery is classic vintage beauty. From the top of the temple, you get to enjoy an excellent view of the city.

Towering tall on the other side of the Cauvery is yet another architectural marvel of Trichy, the Srirangam Temple. Nestled in an island between two rivers and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the main temple tower of Srirangam is touted to be the tallest in South Asia. The temple complex is huge and a whole day is required to explore and enjoy it's beauty. These apart, there are a whole lot of religious places in and around the city to totally engulf you in spirituality.

The city as such is quite small and cheerful, with an old-world charm to it. On most weekends, the narrow yet neatly laid roads there will be deserted inviting you to take out your car or bike and enjoy the drive and the beauty of the city. On weekdays though, the roads in the city get really chaotic and messy.

ROUTEMAP:

FACTFILE:

* Total No of Days: 3 (22.04.2011 - 24.04.2011)
* Vehicle Make & Model: Hyundai Santro Xing

* Odometer Start Reading: 59414 km
* Odometer End Reading: 60166 km 

* Total Distance travelled: 752 km
* Total Quantity of Fuel filled: 52.15 l
* Average Fuel Consumption: 14.42 km/l
* Net Worth of Fuel filled: Rs 3226.44

* Destinations Covered: Trichy
* Route Followed: Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy

THE LANDSCAPE:

THE AUTOMOBILE:

Having driven across Tamil Nadu over the past year, I can vouch that the NH45 (Chennai-Trichy Highway) is undoubtedly the best road in the state. Its a pure motoring heaven and you need to experience it to understand what I say. Happy traveling!