Yercaud

Yercaud is easily India’s cheapest hill station destination. Make that lest expensive for so rich is Yercaud in its natural charm and its potential for bountiful discovery that to label it cheap would be truly insulting. It’s sometimes referred to as the poor man’s Ooty would be nearer the mark.
Yercaud is how the Brits got around the tongue – twister Yercaud Tamil for lake-forest. This little hill station lies in the Shevaroy hills, part of the eastern Ghats. Unlike the more lush western Ghats are generally dry and feature short and rocky hills and Yercaud is thus a wonderful aberration. Spread over just 383 sq km Yercaud is small enough not to tire you. And yet spread out in mysterious little ways to give you a sense of serenity. Less crowded than Ooty or Kodaikanal. Yercaud is where you go to when you simply to recollect along with the poet emotions in tranquility amidst sunflowers, dahlias and roses.

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place.

Big Lake, Small Boat

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place. But if you or your kids fancy flower shows. Dog fairs that’s a good time to go. Also cheek out the Small Lake, fed by seven wells, situated close to town. Shevaroy Temple And Bear’s Cave

Situated atop Servaroyan hill, the Shevaroy Temple is the highest point in Yercaud 5326 ft above sea level. The temple is dedicated to the local deity Servaran and his consort Kaveriamma. Local tribals celebrate their annual festival here each may. On the way to the temple near the Norton Bungalow ( one of the oldest in Yercaud ) is Bear’s Cave, believed to have been the entrance to an escape tunnel of a long gone raja. Today the cave is covered over with vegetation and rocks. Though it is on private property, the public can still visi it,

Killiyur Falls

This 300 ft high waterfall is situated amidst picturesque surrounding. The water comes via a stream all the way from the big lake.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is home to hundreds of plants including rarities like the pitcher plant. You will also find specimens of the famous Kurinji flower which blooms ones in kolkata and shillong. It house over a hundred species of orchids of which about 30 are exclusive. In fact it has an orchid or threefound nowhere else in the world. Plant-lovers Mustn’t give this a miss.

Fun For The Kids

Hotel Shevaroys has the Magic Mountain amusement park with games and joyrides for the kids. It’s open to all for a fee.

Where To Stay

Hotel Shevaroys

Phone No – 04281 – 222383 / 6.

Tariff – Rs 425 – 1225.

Sterling Days Inn Resort

Phone No – 04281 – 222700 / 706 / 708.

Tariff – Rs 1400 – 2150.

Green Fort Inn

Phone No – 04281 – 222767.

Tariff – Rs 600.

Hotel Shoba

Phone No – 04281 – 222409.

Tariff – Rs 250 – 600.

Pondicherry

Seaside resort Pondicherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town.

The inherent ambience of Pondy, as it is fondly called, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard. Colonial buildings, some which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions
private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The visitor is greeted by mellow colours of cream, yellow, pink and grey with flamboyant bougainvillae bursting over gates and compound walls of cool courtyards.

Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the town's bustling, yet easy going life. But Pondy hasn't only its own special attractions to offer. It is a perfect base to explore the rich destinations around it,

Among the many terms that have been used to describe Pondicherry, perhaps the most outrageous is French Riviera of the east. When Pondicherry is written about as a culinary cornucopia where coqs are always had au vin and you thank the lord for daily baguette.

The truth is a little different. There are no Parisian – style streetside cafes. And certainly not everyone on the streets is likely to greet you with bon jour, monsieur! As generation of weekend holidays already know, the charm of Pondicherry lies in its incredibly leisurely approach to life, food and commerce. Pondicherrians are the skilled east-coast practitioners of the Goan art of sussegade.

The Aurobindo Ashram

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the French is the spiritual miscegenation spawned by Mirra Alfassa, aka the mother, the French aacolyte of Aurobindo Ghosh. At the unassuming building of the Aurobindu Ashram on Rue de la Marine you can visit the samadhis of Aurobindo and the Mother, as well as buy books from the publication department.
Timings – 8am to 12 pm and 2pm to 5pm

The Churches

Three of the town’s 17th – 18th century churches are outstanding. On Rue Dumas is the Church of the Capuchins, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame Des Anges , modeled on the Basilica in Lourdes. Next visit the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception on mission street. And the loveliest : the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Phone No – 2334597.On south Boulevard, with its fine stained glass panels.

The Pondicherry Museum

This building with its huge rooms, wide windows and high ceilings, is itself worth a visit. Its ragtag contents are also worth an hour or so : Chola Bronzes beads and coins from the roman-era excavation at Arikamedu, old Pondicherrian vehicles like the pousse-pousse and artifacts from dupleix’s time. The museum is an Saint Louis Street, behind the Raj Niwas.Timings 10am to 1pm; 2pm to 5 pm

The Cluny Centre

Opposite the hotel de I’ Orient at 46, Rue Romain Rolland is the Cluny Embroidery Centre. A missionary outfit that provides vocational training to local whomen who sit in a beautiful mansion and turn out exquisite embroidery. Don’t expect a guided tour the centre gets more visitors than it can handle. The centre closes in may and june
Timings – 9-30 am to 5 pm. Sunday and Monday closed.

Chunambar

Mainly frequented by schoolchildren this pondicherry tourism-run outfit offers boating in a pretty creek. The boating club. Charge Rs 30. ½ hrs. for a paddle boat Rs – 40. ½ hrs. for kayaking Rs – 40. ½ hrs. for a row boat and Rs 50 for a speed boat ride.
Timing – 9am to 5pm

Where To Stay

Hotel de L’ Orient

Phone No - 0413 – 2343067.

Tariff Rs 1750 – 3500.

Hotel Helena

Phone No : 0413 – 2226789.

Tariff – Rs 1500 – 2500.

Mahabalipuram

In the intense heat of Tamil Nadu a dusty haze hangs like a pall over the temple town of Mahabalipuram. But the good news is tha as in most parts of coastal Tamil Nadu a pleasant sea breeze sets in late afternoons, making even may evening bearable.

Mahabalipuram itself or Mammallapuram as it was originally called, is an ancient seaport named after Mammala or Narasima Varman I the Pallava ruler who set up his capial here and established a centre of sculpture and art in the seventh century AD.

The striking feature of the sculpture here is that it is all monolithic giant works carved from single rocks. The fabulous ancient carvings make the town an acknowledged world Heritage site.

One very good reason for driving down the hi-tech East Coast Road – on your left are unforgettable glimpses of surf breaking on endless coastline, interspersed with stretches of casuarinas groves, and all along the road food courts, amusement parks and art village.

Arjuna And The Pandavas

Arjuna’s penance is considered the largest open – air bas – relief in the world. Carved on the side of a cliff is an elaborate depiction of one of the scenes from the Mahabharata – Arjuna doing penance to obtain a special weapon for the Kurukshetra war. The 30 m X 12 m carved area is split into two by a fissure that depicts a river. It is believed that in Pallava times, water flowed down this crack into the tank below. Animals and supernatural creatures are carved around Arjuna, and sculptures of gods Shiva And Vishnu.

The Five Rathas are actually a set of temples or Vimanas devoted to the five pandava brother and their wife Draupadi, built each of a single rock and unique in shape among Indian temples. They are carved with beautiful carvings, and to see them perched splendidly. Two millennia ago, this town could well have been a Pallava school of sculpture, guessing from the sheer quantity of unfinished and experimental work lying around.

Entry Fee – ( Rathas and shore Temple ) Rs 10. foreigners $ 10. Timings – 6 am to 5-30 pm.

Year End Drama

If you’re in January, you’ll be in time for the annual open-air dance festival held amid the rock temples, which showcase Bhaeatanatyam, Kuchipudi Kathakali and various folk dances, performed by renowned artists of the country. The 21 day festival encompasses the Christmas and Pongal celebrations. Every night means a new performance. Look for your favourite performers in the programme schedule available at the tourist office. Ticket can be booked at the Tamil Nadu Tourist Office.

Phone No – 04114 – 242361 / 63

On the east coast road. Near the market. Entry fee begin at Rs 150.Where To Stay

Where to saty and eat

Hotel Mammla Bhavan.

Phone No – 04114 - 242250.

Tariff - Rs 100 – 150.

Mammala Bhavan Annexe

Phone No – 04114 – 242060.

Tariff – Rs 400 – 770.

GRT Temple Bay And Beach Resort,

Phone No – 04114 - 243636.

Tariff – Rs 3000 – 4500

Annamalai

Annamalai National Park is situated at Palachi, between Palani and Coimbatore. The park which is also known as as the Indira Gandhi National park covers an area of about 117.10 sq kms and was established in the year 1976. The wildlife found here consists of the Elephant, Gaur (Indian bison), Tiger, Panther, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Chital (Spotted deer), Sambar, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Dog and Nilgiri Tahr.

The Avifauna includes Pied hornbill, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Black-headed Oriole and Drongo. There are also a large number of crocodiles in the Amravathi reservoir. The vegetation found in this region is rich mixed deciduous forest, tropical wet evergreen and tropical moist deciduous, The main species of Flora includes Rosewood and Teak. Looking at the ulandy range from a distance one can only wonder at nature’s extraordinary generosity in crafting these forests an the eastern sloopes of the western Ghat closer and you can see the leaves rustling in the wind. The rustling arouses myriad birds which begin to call in varying pitches their soft calls wafting gently over the valleys.

The quaintly-named Elephant Song Nature Tail from Anappadi to Karian Shola and back and the Bison Tail from Anappadi to Seechali are soft treks that last about two hours ( Tariff Rs 100 for 5 plus guide ) the Kannimara Trail from Anappadi to Kannimara Teak via Thoonakkadavu and the inspirationally named Flying Hooves

Kolokamuthi Elephant Camp

About 7km out of top slip, past Mt Stuart Block, this camp is home to nearly 50 Malasar tribal families. The malasar are expert elephant handlers. Entry is by forest. Jeep only. Contact the wildlife warden, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. 365 / 1. meenkarai road. Pollachi. Coimbatore District.

Phone No : 04259 – 225256. Entry fee. Rs 25.

Varagaliar Elephant Camp

Home to pachyderms. This camp for domesticated elephants is 24 km deep on the fringes Of the core area of the forest. The creatures are used in conflicts between man and elephant in the nearby Valparai Plateau where intrusions by elephant into tea gardens are becoming a frequent affair. Generally out of bounds for regular tourists, the enthusiast can take a chance by seeking special permission from the Deputy Conservator of Forests, pollachi to get here. Get a ride in the forest jeep ( Rs 25 per person ) as you cannot take your own vehicle into the main forest.

Parambikkulam and Thoonakkadavu

Continuing down the forested road from the top slip Reception Centre you’ll arrive at the Anappadi Checkpost which marks you entry fee here. Where there’s a dam, there’s a backwater. In this case all of 8 sq km. it’s great fun watching otters slip in and out of the waters. Don’t make the mistake of sitting on funny – shaped logs, which are probably crocodiles lying in typical regal crocodilian lethargy.

Take the forest jeep at Rs 25 per head to explore the region. The drive up to the Parambikkulam Dam will leave you spellbound. There are spectacular views to be had of the Sungam Range and the Nelliapadi Mountains as you look towards Thoonakkadavu and the Karimalai, Kalyanathy and Vaidi mountains beyond the Parambiar Valley.

Trekking

The quaintly-named Elephant Song Nature Tail from Anappadi to Karian Shola and back and the Bison Tail from Anappadi to Seechali are soft treks that last about two hours ( Tariff Rs 100 for 5 plus guide ) the Kannimara Trail from Anappadi to Kannimara Teak via Thoonakkadavu and the inspirationally named Flying Hooves Nature Trail are mediam treks that ake half a day ( Tariff – Rs150 for 5 plus a guide ) those two guided treks cost Rs 200 for 5. for nature walks and treks, contact the Reception Centre at top slip. Centre timings: 6am to 6pm.

Where to Stay And Eat

Banyan Tree ( Bangalore )

Phone No : 080 – 5730457.

Tariff : 3800.

Pataudi

Cut of from the clamour of delhi and Gurgaon on a quiet inner road, stands a stately palace amidst landscaped gardens. The palace at Pataudi, home to cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi of the Bhopal royal family and actress Sharmila Tagore, has opened its doors to travelers, albeit with some reservations. The palace accepts group booking of 10 people at a time, with at least 3 days notice

But this palace is just perfect for these special holidays with your friends or family. Its interiors, a discreet symphony of chintz, chandeliers and mementoes from yesteryear offer visitors a serene sojourn in a classy home.

Location

On a quiet inner road near the Hari Mandir Ashram. To get there, turn right before the toll point in the jaipur road before the Bilaspur police chowki. Drive 9 km or so until you come upon a PWD guest house, near the Pataudi Palace.

Telephone No : 91-9810256080 ( Samson Massey )

Accommodation : 10 doubles, 5 suites

Tariff : Rs 4000 for a couple, plus Rs 1000 per person for three meals a day

Delhi reservation : 011-23013794

Neemrana

It is Rajasthan's closest palace from New Delhi, situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway - only 100 kms from Delhi's international airport. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year old Aravalli ranges.

Neemrana Fort, which dates back to 1464 can be credited with having started the weekend holiday craze that’s beset Delhi. The story began when the Fort, embraces by a horseshoe-shaped hill, was bought by writer Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg from its Chauhan owners. They did a terrific job in resorting the fort, turing it into an opulent non-hotel on 10 levels.

Delightful in the winters and romantic in the rains, the Fort is tolerable even in Rajasthan’s summers, thanks to the high heat of noon. Discover bits of the fort at leisure or simply slump in a comfortable chair and gaze at the plains blow from a private deck as you sip your cuppa.

Though only the public areas are open to visitors, what you can access is spectacular Each room has been individually refurbished to create a different character with unique Indian objets d’art and colonial furniture. The dining room and lounge have open balconies and windows, and the restaurant often doubles as a performance area. There’s Suraj Kund, the royal reservoir – turned – swimming pool on a hillside terrace. And of course there are the famous loos – each with a view !

A rough trail downhill passes by an ancient baoli about a km away. This step-well plunges steeply down 11 levels with only the last two underwater. Echoing the architectural style of the 1700s, the 170 steps aren’t recommended for small children or arthrtitic knees. Also, villagers no longer come to draw drinking water from its now stagnant pools. Verandahs around each level are supported by pillars. Experts. Say these bear a strong resemblance to the columns in Delhi’s Qutb Minar complex – hardly surprising given that both there sites were chauhan strongholds’

Location : Just of the Jaipur highway

Telephone No : 01494 – 246006 / 8

Email : sales@neemranahotels.com

Website : www.neemranahotels.com

Accommodation : 44 Rooms.

Tariff : Rs 2200 – 12,000; TE Credit Cards Amex, Visa, Master

Facilities : Restaurant, bar, gym, health spa, Jacuzzi, indoor games, library, meditation. Sightseeing, swimming pool, yoga,

Mud Fort

Tucked away in the historic tracts of Bulandshahr lies a diverting little rural retreat that’s perfect for a spot of quality R&R Embellished with seven turrets and a wide moat, the Mud Fort of Kuchesar, set atop a bastion and amidst verdant mango orchards and lush sugarcane fields, will beguile you with its brisk autumnal breezes fragrant with scents of the country. Built in the mid-18th century by the Jats of Mandoti, you can have a weekend of history and royal grandeur, without compromising on modern comforts and convenience. Horse-reading at the fort completes that royal touch. Picnics at Brij Ghat, with its lush mango groves on the banks of the Ganga just 24 km away, add a refreshing piquancy to to an outing in the dappled sunlight.

Location : Surrounded by sugarcane fields, on the Delhi-Moradabad road

Telephone No : 05736 – 273039

Email : sales@neemranahotels.com

Website : www.neemranahotels.com

Accommodation : 10

Tariff : Rs 1500 – 1650

TE : Credit cards, Amex, Visa, Master, Diner’s, Citi Bank, HDFC

Facilities : Restaurant indoor games, library, swimming pool.