Sterling Yelagiri- A Charming Retreat in the Hills
Whenever we talk about hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Ooty and Kodaikanal are the first names that come to mind. However, these are not the only hill stations in Tamil Nadu. I went to Yelagiri which is one of the not so commonly known hill stations to find out what this place has to offer. During my stay in Yelagiri, I chose Sterling Resort.
Yelagiri is a small hill town located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu and is a couple of hours’ drive from Bangalore. I started from Bangalore early in the morning on a Sunday and reached the resort by 8:30. As you drive up through the winding hairpin bends, the scenic backdrop will take your breath away.
The town once belonged to the Zamindars from whom the government took over the land after independence and carried out developmental work. With modernization and construction of various resorts, more tourists started to come.
At Sterling Yelagiri, you will be staying inside plush air-conditioned rooms that are spacious, clean, and comfortable with a balcony overlooking banana plantations. Other amenities inside the room include an LED television with a satellite TV connection, a mini-fridge, and more.
On Day 1, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the in-house restaurant that serves special regional delicacies. Since the weather was pleasant, I chose to rent a cycle and peddled around the streets of Yelagiri. You do not have to go anywhere looking for a cycle as the resort has a collection of cycles.
Later, I took a dip in the pool after which the staff served a mouth-watering lunch that included numerous local cuisines. The Bamboo Biriyani with Jack Fruit was especially very tasty. At the recreational facility in the resort, you can pass time by playing a game of carrom or table tennis. There is also a compound where you can sharpen your archery skills. If you just want to relax, you can get an Ayurvedic massage at the spa that will help you rejuvenate and feel fresh.
On Day 2, I went to the resort’s Holiday Activity Centre that offers a wide range of experiences to keep you entertained. I decided to head out and explore the town. I went trekking all the way up the Swami Malai Hill. It is a short trek of moderate difficulty that an adult can complete in a couple of hours. Once you get to the top, you will find a temple and a breathtaking view of the entire valley. After I completed the trek, I went back to the resort to have my lunch and then I quickly headed to Nilavoor, a small hamlet on the outskirts of the town where you can take a short walk to witness the beautiful Jalagamparai Waterfalls.
If you have spare time, you can visit the various temples in Yelagiri such as Mariamman Temple, Mayilparai Balamurugan Temple, and the Nachi Amma Temple. Once I finished visiting all the major landmarks, I headed back to the resort and relaxed in my room. In the evening, I had a sumptuous dinner before calling it a day.
I left the next morning after thanking all the staff at Sterling Yelagiri who were very polite and courteous and ensured that my stay was comfortable. Based on my stay at this resort for two days, I would highly recommend you choose Sterling when you visit Yelagiri. You will have the best time of your life!
