667

Time: Dec 23rd to 25th 2009

Place: Thiruvannamalai, Tirukoilur, Yercaud

Company: Wife and parents

Album: Click here

Highlights:

Day 1:

After thinking and rethinking, finally decided on the above mentioned places for the long weekend. Left at 9 am in Alto towards Thiruvannamalai. NH7 till Krishnagiri is good but after that, road was not all that good. Reached T at about 3 pm. Visited the massive temple of Arunachaleshwar after lunch at a local restaurant. There is Arunachaleshwar hill right in front of the temple which is somewhat very soothing and supposed to be one of healing too. Devotees are known to walk around the hill (14 kms) as Pradakshina.

Then headed towards Tirukoilur - beautiful road. It was just about an hour's drive - or less. Since there was no accomodation that day (painting in the rooms) in the Raghothama Swamy Mutt premises, had to go to town for lodging. [Had stayed in the Mutt room last time when I had come here with parents]. Found a decent lodge right in front of the Tirukoilur Trivikrama temple. Visited the Trivikrama temple, and then went for dinner.

Day 2:

Got up by 3.30 am to again visit the Trivikrama temple as we were told that the Lord Trivikrama will be dressed in 'Vishwaroopa' custom at about 5 am. But when we went to the temple at 5 am, the idol seemed to be in the same attire as the previous night! Speaking of the idol, this is a special idol with one leg raised, as if to conquer the Sky - as per the story of Vamana.

Then, at about 6, went to RS Mutt. It is the only Mutt with no shade. This Swamy specially asked for such a place. If and when the branch of a tree grows and tries to give shade, it will automatically wither away. It is beautifully located just beside a river, however there was hardly any water flow when we went. Atmosphere is very calming and soothing.

Had to forego lunch because of our further plans. So, left at about 8, had breakfast, checked out of the lodge and headed towards Salem and thence onto Yercaud. It was about 3-4 hours bumpy journey. Road is being widened and hence it is sloppy. Upon reaching Salem, directly headed to Yercaud, which is about 30-45 mins from Salem with high elevation gain and 20 hair pin bends.

Reached Yercaud and searched around for a lodge. Found Classic Cottage for a reasonable amount and checked in. Had lunch at Hotel Tamil Nadu and then went to Pagoda Point. It was all covered with mist and fog but yet pristine. Then went to Lady's Seat. A different view point and also beautiful. Remembered being here with Pavan, Preetham and Ashwin. Then sat around the lake for evening snacks. Retired.

Day 3:

Whole Yercaud was amidst clouds! We were walking, driving, breathing clouds! Kiliyur falls paraking lot was next destination but did not venture to the falls as it was too steep a trail. Took some snaps and then headed downhill to Salem and thence onto Bangalore. Reached Bangalore at about 4 pm. Beautiful road all the way.

Overall, had driven 667 kms and all inclusive expense came to Rs 5000 for all 4 of us. Mileage in Alto was about 20ish. Realized that this trip too was a religious+hill station trip like Rameshwar-Kodaikanal and Dwarka-Khandala. It was a nice outing and nice drive, although Thiruvannamalai was the only thing I had not seen before.