Mumbai Darshan - ( Posted By SkipTheTown Official )

17 Apr, 2018

I was brought up in Mumbai and had always loved it. I have stayed in the City Of Dreams for almost 22 years and have been to almost most of the popular places. The popular tourism here is called Mumbai Darshan and after marriage, I thought to take my Wife for Mumbai Darshan as she hadn't explored Mumbai. 

Mumbai is the capital city of Maharastra. It is popularly known as the entertainment and financial capital. Mumbai is the best example of Unity In Diversity where most of the major Indian Festivals are celebrated. The climate has become Hot and humid these days and Life is extremely fast. The popular places to visit include Gateway Of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Marine Drive, etc.

Places To visit :

Gateway Of India
Marine Drive
Prince Of Wales Museum
Siddivinayak Temple
Haji Ali Dargah
Kamla Nehru Park
Mahalaxmi Temple
Orama 4D show
Nehru Science Centre
Juhu Beach

Route : Bus Tour Guide

Places I visited :

Gateway Of India - Boat Ride
Kamla Nehru Park
Mahalaxmi Temple
Orama 4D show
Nehru Science Centre
Juhu Beach

Let me share my experience of Mumbai Darshan with My Wife.

Gateway Of India And Taj Hotel

We booked Mumbai Darshan ticket 120 Rs. per adult ( transportation cost only ) a day prior from Maharaja Travels located at Kasturi Plaza, Dombivli. It is best to explore Mumbai Darshan by private tours and travels as the tour guide will take care of each and everything. The tour time was from 8 AM to 7 PM and we reached at the pickup point by 7:50 AM. The bus was on time and picked us at Gharda Circle, Dombivli.

After travelling for 1 hr and 30 min, we reached our first point Gateway Of India by 9:30 PM. During the Bus journey, the tour guide collected Rs. 500 per adult as entry tickets fee for various spots. As soon as we reached Gateway Of India, the tour guide led us directly for a Boat ride which lasts for 30 minutes. Boat ride costs Rs. 70 per adult. We entered the boat and went to the upper floor as the view from there will be even better. The boat ride starts from Gateway Of India and circle around Naval ruins and comes back. This overall journey took 30 minutes. The are other boats as well for Elephanta caves and Alibaug for which we need an entire day to explore.

Gateway Of India

INS Virat

The Boat had his own guide and he very well explained about the history of Gateway of India. It was built for welcoming King George V and Queen Mary during their visit. From the boat, entire South Mumbai ( Colaba ) can be seen with various top buildings like BSE, etc. He also showed us Tina Ambani's private Yacht gifted by Anil Ambani on her Birthday, estimated to be around Rs 400 Cr named TIAN. We also saw the decommissioned aircraft carrier INV Virat which served the Indian Navy for 3 decades.

TIAN

SeaGulls

On the way back to the gateway via boat, we saw several Sea Gulls flying along with us. It was a spectacular view. After landing at 11 AM, we clicked some pictures at the gateway and then proceeded towards our Bus for the next spot,Kamala Nehru park.

Kamla Nehru Park is situated at top of Malabar Hills. From Gateway Of India, it is around 8km and our bus took the route via Marine Drive. There was no halt at Marine Drive  and we missed it. Marine Drive is one of the popular spots to visit in during sunset. However, you will see the crowd at all times of the day. It is also called the Queen's Necklace. Around 11:30 AM we reached Kamla Nehru park and the halt duration was 30 minutes. Kamla Nehru Park is one of the well maintained and popular garden across Mumbai. From the park at the hilltop, we can see the entire South Mumbai with a spectacular view. The main attraction in this garden is the Boat House and childrens have a good time here. Here the grasses are cut in animals shape which added beauty to the garden. We had a peaceful time here and around 12 PM left for the next spot, Mahalaxmi Temple.

Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the famous temples in Mumbai situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road. It is situated at 4 km from Kamla Nehru Park and we reached there by 12:30 PM. The tour guide guided us properly towards the temple. the photography is strictly prohibited here and hence we couldn't click pics here. In Mahalaxmi Temple, three goddesses are worshipped, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. There wasn't much crowd that day and we were able to get inside the Manatapa and seek the blessings. We sat around some time there and it felt very peaceful. Toilet facilities are available here. The temperature was very hot and I felt extremely sweaty. We left after 30 mins towards the Hotel for Lunch. The Hotel was nearby the Temple and wasn't that good. You can request the Tour Guide to halt at a good A/C hotel.


After having Lunch, the bus took us to the next spot around 1:30 PM, Orama 4D show at Atria Mall. It conducts 4D shows which lasts for 20 mins and per adult cost is Rs 200. It was fun but was more suitable for kids. This basically shows 3D visuals on the screen viewed using 3D spectacles and the extra D factor comes by physical movements of seats, water sprays, etc as per the video. It was fun to have though.

It was now 2 PM and after the 4D show, the bus took us to the next spot, Nehru Science Centre. It is situated at worli and named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This science centre has a Planetarium where shows on Astronomy, Wildlife, etc are conducted and lasts for 45 mins. If we manually go there and try to get a ticket it's difficult as the seats usually get full. But the tour guides have internal contacts and he had our tickets booked prior. I was expecting an astronomy show but instead, they showcased a show on American Mountain terrains. It was a bit boring but since was fully air-conditioned, I felt much relaxed. It was now 3:30 PM when the show ended and the bus took us to our last spot, Juhu Beach.

You can find more details about the Nehru Science Center at 

https://nehrusciencecentre.gov.in/

Nehru Science Centre to Juhu Beach is a 15 KM distance and it took 45 minutes to reach there. On the way, the tour guide showed us the Bungalows of various film actors like Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachan, etc. at the Bandstand, Bandra. We reached Juhu beach around 4:15 PM. There was a 45-minute halt here. The Juhu beach was crowded and was cleaner as compared to earlier. Before entering the Juhu Beach area, there are many food stalls of fast foods. We had a Sev Puri and then went for Juhu Beach.

Juhu Beach

We spend time sitting on the sand and it was peaceful. the water was clean and many people were having a good time with the waves. After some time, our tour guide called us calling it as the end of Trip and later we were headed towards our pick spot Dombivli.

The overall experience was good but could have been better if they could have included Marine Drive as one of the spots. If you are planning to go on your own, you shouldn't miss this. From gateway, you can get ferries for Elephanta caves and Alibaug which we are planning for on the next trip.

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Lepakshi Temple - Bike Ride From Bangalore ( Posted By SkipTheTown Official )

3 Feb, 2018

Lepakshi Temple also know as The Veerabhadra temple is situated in the Anantapur district  of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 125 Km from Bangalore and 125 Km from Anantpur. There are carvings and paintings all over the Temple. There is a large Nandi Statue at a few distance away from the temple carved out of a Single Rock.  Beside the Nandi Statue, there is Haritha Toursim resort which provides Accomodation as well. Although, Lepakshi can be visited throughout the year, however the best time to visit from October to March. It is an ideal place for a weekend getawys especially for bangalorians and can be explored within 2-3 hours.

Veerbhadra Swamy Temple

Let me share my experience of Bike Ride to Lepakshi Temple with my Wife.

The route to Lepashi from Bangalore is simpler. we started out trip at 8 AM from babusapalya ( Bangalore ), proceeded towards Hebbal and took a right turn towards Banglaore New International Airport Road. The weather was pleasant and a perfect time for weekend getaway. The Airport road is also the Bangalore - Hyderabad highway and we have to stay on this highway for about 100 KM. Afterwards, from  Kodikonda Checkpost we took a left turn towards Lepakshi temple Road and continued to stay for about 16 km where on the left side cut road, few metres inside Lepakshi Temple is situated.

Bangalore To Lepakshi Route

We stopped for refreshment during the Journey at Indian paratha Company on the bangalore-Hyderabad highway before Nandi Hills cut road. I had always heard about Indian Paratha Company and visited it for the first time. We Ordered Parathas and it was good to have. It's a perfect hangout place for travellers visiting Nandi hills or Lepakshi.


We parked our Bike outside Lepakshi Temple. There were too many Monkeys around. The temple had few staircase which leads to the Front Side of the Temple. The view from outside was magnificent.There were arragements to keep our footwear outside the Temple.

Mukh Matapa ( Main Assembly hall )

As soon as we entred the temple, there were sculptures, carvings and paintings all over. It is also called as Mukh Mantapa or the Main Hall. Photography was prohitbited at Mukh Mantapa, yet we could see some devotees taking photographs. The ceiling had many paintings. There were many worshippers seeking blessing from god and the goddesses. The temparature outside the temple was a bit hot while inside it was cool.

Kalyana Mantapa

Kalyana Mantapa

Right Side of the Main Hall will lead to an open-to-sky area which has the Kalyana Mantapa, 2 M Tall Ganesha Statue and an 18 feet tall Nagalinga. We first went towards Kalyana Manatapa. Kalyana Mantapa or Marriage Hall was built to perform the marriage ceremny of Lord Shiva and Parvati and has carvings of Several Gods attending the ceremony. We took some pictures and then went towards the ganesha Statue.

Ganesha Statue

Ganesha Statue is 2 Metre tall and is also about 2 Metre about the ground level. You can use the rocks to climb. It is on the left side of Kalyana Mantapa if you are entering the Kalyana Mantapa from the front staircase. Pictures taken sitting alongside Ganesha Statue was beautiful. We took the blessings and sat there for some time. Later the crowd gathered near the statue as they also wanted to take pictures. So we came down and moved further.

NagaLinga

A few metres away from the Ganesha Statue is the Nagalinga. It is a 18 feet tall granite rock which has carving of multi-hooded snake sheltering the Linga ( Shiva ). It was one of the best architecture within the temple premises. Since it was open-to-sky, the sun was getting hotter and we didn't spent much time at the Nagalinga. 

Sculptures At Temple Boundary Walls

Sculptures At Temple Boundary Walls

All the four side of the Temples boundary walls has beautiful scultpures with space for seating. It was shady and cool and we spent most of the time there viewing the serenity of the temple. After 30 minutes we decided to leave and came out of the temple. Outside the Temple there are public toilets which were neat and clean. We took our shoes and came outside the temple Premises. Temple autorities were distriubuting prasadam as well.We later came to know of some of the attractions we missed to visit inside the temple premises. It was a Big Footprint supposed to be of Lord Hanuman and we regreted it.


We took our bike and came out of the cut road and into the Lepakshi Temple Road. As soon as we entered the Temple Road, we saw a Big Nandi Statue and halted our Bike again. We gazed at the statue and it was marvellous. It is carved out of a single granite rock and is near the Haritha Tourism Resort. This resort provides accomodation as well. This was also the main attraction as we noticed huge crowd. We stayed there for few minutes and left for bangalore.

We didn't had Lunch at Lepakshi so we stop by around 2 PM at Indian Paratha Company again. After Lunch we left for home and reached home by 3 PM. 

The overall trip was delighting. If you are planning to visit, you can leave as late as 11 PM as well as it takes only 3 hours to reach including break. The temperature inside the temple is cool so you will always feel refreshing inside. The localities were good and helpful. Outside the temple there were some shops selling handicrafts and other items. You can checkout those as well. 2 Hours is more than enough to explore the place. We had a wonderful experience at Lepakshi.



                                                                                                                                        Posted By
                                                                                                      Skip The Town Official 

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Mysore Dusshera - Bike Ride From Bangalore ( Posted By SkipTheTown Official )

30 Sep, 2017

Mysore is one of the popular city in Karnataka located in the foothills of Chamundi Hills. Mysore is one of the weekend getaway destinations for Bangalorians situated at just 140 KM. The popular places of attraction are the Mysore Palace, Mysore Dusshera Celebration, Zoo, etc. 

Mysore Palace

Let me share my experience of Mysore Dusshera Celebration with my Wife.

We had always wanted to enjoy the Mysore Dusshera celebrations and finally, we did it this year. It was a planned visit with my Wife. We started planning for this a bit late and most of the Hotels were already full. After searching for some time in Yatra, we finalised Hotel Kings Kourt. It's a 3-Star Hotel. The Hotel was good and we enjoyed our stay there.

I am much of a Bike Rider and we decided to go to Mysore on My Enfield. Mysore is at a distance of 170 KM from Bangalore and if you are planning to visit Mysore during Dusshera, plan to leave much early and reach before 12 PM as the city will be crowded with people all over the road. Sayyaji Road which engulfs Mysore Palace and Bannimantap Ground will start getting closed by 12 PM as people gather on the streets to see the famous Jamboo Savari which starts from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap Grounds. If your Hotel is on the other side of Sayyaji Road, avoid getting into Sayyaji Road if you get late. Instead, use the Ring Road accordingly.

Route To Mysore From Bangalore

We started our trip at 9 AM from Bangalore ( Babusapalya ) and we regretted it later for leaving late. From Hebbal, we went towards Yeshwantpur took a left turn to Tumkur Road and then into the Nice Ring Road. Nice Ring Road will lead you to Mysore Highway. At 10:30 AM we stopped for refreshment at Hotel Vrindavan on Mysore Highway. The Hotel was good and food and ambience were lovely. After having breakfast we left at 11:30 AM. On the way, we stopped for few minutes at Ramnagara and Channapatna for breaks and we were in Srirangapatna by 1:30 PM.

Sayyaji Road To Mysore Palace

From Srirangapatna, it's only 16 KM to Mysore. We entered the city via Mysore Road itself from Srirangapatna and reached Sayyaji Road. Our Hotel, King's Court, was on the other side of Sayyaji Road. It was already 2 PM now and Sayyaji Road was started getting closed for the Jamboo Savari/Procession. We were stopped at Sayyaji and asked to take an alternative route. I could see in google map that the Hotel was just 1 KM away. We were going around in circles all leading to Sayyaji Road again which were closed. If we would have taken the Ring Road and KSR Road or left early from Bangalore, we would have reached the hotel by now.

It was 3:30 PM already and we parked our bike on one of the cut roads of Sayyaji. We were already exhausted and decided to watch the procession from there itself. Later, we got worried about our Bike and decided to reach Hotel at any cost. I opened Google Map, came out of the Sayyaji Road, and somehow managed to cross Mirza Road and reached Hotel from the back side by 4 PM.

Checkin was quick at Hotel Kings Court and we got a nice room. We took some rest there and left to watch the Mysore Dusshera procession by 5 PM. If you want to see the actual procession which starts from Mysore Palace you can buy tickets from bookmyshow. You will be seated inside a stadium in Mysore Palace. The per ticket cost is 500 Rs. You can also get the ticket from the Palace Counter. Since we couldn't book the tickets and we were already late, we decided to watch the procession from Sayyaji Road Itself.

Bannimantap Tickets At DC Office

While we were about to leave, I suddenly recollected that I missed taking the Bannimaptap Hard Copy Tickets from D.C. Office. I have booked the Bannimantap ground Tickets from bookmyshow. The cost per person is Rs.250. Since having an online booking is not valid. you need to get the Hard Copy Of The Ticket from D.C Office. BookMyShow has there own counters at D.C. Office. The ticket location for Bannimantap may change. While booking from bookmyshow they will update you of the latest ticket collection centre. However, generally, it is D.C. Office. 

From our Hotel, it was just 10 mins walking distance and we grabbed the ticket right away. It was 5:15 PM already and we took an auto from there towards Sayyaji Road. The auto driver informed us that it would be impossible to get near Mysore Palace at this time of the hour. So he dropped us at one of the cut roads near Sayyaji Road. Finally, we were at Sayyaji Road and we could see the procession going on. It was too crowded and we somehow managed to be on the Sayyaji Road boundaries. From there, the procession was clearly visible. It was 5:30 PM already though but it was worth it.

Dusshera Procession At Sayyaji Road

Dusshera Procession At Sayyaji Road

The processions ( Jamboo Savari ) which start from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap grounds showcases several artistic displays. We saw several Folk groups dancing all the way. Many Artisitics display, music bands, camels and horses were also part of the Procession. The main attraction is the Elephant carrying Goddess Chamundeshwari on the Golden Mantapa, which also proceeds to Bannimantap. We missed to see as it would have been at the very last of the procession and we had to reach Bannimantap grounds by 8 PM to watch the show. 

It was 7:30 PM now and we left for Bannimantap grounds. We tried to walk along the edges of Sayyaji road which leads directly to Bannimantap. However, the crowd was so large in numbers that we couldn't even move. So we stepped back, went into one of the cut roads parallel to Sayyaji Road which also leads to Bannimantap. By 7:45 PM we were at Bannimantap. there are various entrance gates to the Bannimantap ground. Security will help you find the desired gate.

Bannimantap ground was huge and it was fully crowded. There are no seat numbers so we can pick the desired seat our choice. The higher the row seat the better as it gives an overall view. We were seated in the middle rows. The main attraction of Bannimantap is the Torch Light Parade which starts once the procession reaches Bannimantap ground. It was supposed to start by 8 PM but got delayed and the event started around 8:30 PM. Torch Light Parade was the first event and we could see several troops performing Parade. Young boys and girls scout were also part of the event The whole concept of Torch Light Parade is to welcome Maharaja and his Military Officials.

Parade

Parade

MotorCycle Acrobatics

After the Parade, the motorcycle stunts were conducted followed by Dance program. The event ended with Laser show and National Anthem. 

Around 10:30 PM we left from Bannimantap and went towards Mysore Palace. Mysore Palace is completely lit during Dusshera Days and we wanted to see it. We took an Auto and reached the Palace by 10:50 PM. The Palace was looking marvellous with each and every corner being Lit up. We were not sure about the lights out time and within 10 minutes the lights went out. Luckily, we clicked some Pics.

Mysore Palace

Palace Area

After lights out, we came out from the Palace Gate. There were so many Food Stalls just outside the gate and we had our dinner there itself. Later we went straight back to the Hotel.

Next day was our checkout by 11 AM. Since we were already in Mysore we decided to explore the Popular Mysore Zoo as well and headed for the Zoo by 9 AM. The zoo is nearby Mysore Palace and we reached there in 15 mins.

Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest Zoo spread across 157 acres. The Zoo was well maintained and is a must visit. There were different kinds of Animals and Birds Species. The Zoo landscape was well maintained and had a very nice scenic beauty as well. It took an hour and a half to explore the entire Zoo and we left from there by 10:45 AM.

Mysore Zoo

You can find more details about the Zoo below. Tickets can be booked online.

http://mysorezoo.info/ 

After checkout at 11 AM, we headed for our home. It was one of the best visits I had among all my previous Mysore Visits. Visiting Mysore during Dusshera is a must to be added to Bucket List.



                                                                                                                                        Posted By
                                                                                                      Skip The Town Official 

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Yelagiri - Bike Ride From Bangalore ( Posted By SkipTheTown Official)

25 Nov, 2017

Yelagiri is one of the popular Hill Station situated at an altitude of 1410 meters in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at a distance of 178 Km from Bangalore, 230 Kms from Chennai and 84 Kms from Vellore. It is located among four mountains and it is famously known for its pleasant climate which prevails all around the year. The best season to visit Yelagiri is from November to February. The ghat road to Yelagiri Hilltop has 14 hairpin bends. The hairpin bends have breathtaking views of the mountain. The highest point in Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing at 4,338 ft. One of the attractions at Yelagiri was Paragliding but is no longer incorporated now. This place is an ideal place for weekend getaway. Even though there aren't much of popular places to visit, there are still a few places that can engage yourself in this place.

Let me share my experience of Bike Ride to Yelagiri with My Wife.

Yelagiri Lake

Route To Yelagiri From Bangalore ( 180 Kms )

We started our trip to Yelagiri from Bangalore ( Babusapalya ) which is at a distance of 180 Kms at 7 AM and reached Silk Board at 8 AM. From SIlk Board we took the Hosur road towards Krishnagiri which is a 84 Km stretch with 3 lane road on one side. We took the Electronic City Flyover to skip the traffic. It has a toll of 30 Rs for a two-wheeler. The road to Krishnagiri is less tiresome as the highway is good with less traffic and can be covered in a single stop. After Hosur, at Shoolgiri, there is a Food Point which has got CCD's, Mc Donald's and other Restaurants for refreshment. We skipped it and few Kms later stopped at Sri Krishna Bhavan for refreshment at 10:30 AM.

Refreshment Halts Before Krishnagiri

We left Sri Krishna Bhavan at 11:15 AM. At Krishnagiri, we took a left towards Chennai Highway and about 45 Kms took a right at Kethandapatti Road. After traveling for few Kms in Kethandapatti Road, on the right side you will find couple of  roads under the Railway Bridge which will take you to Yelagiri Road. Sometimes, underneath the Railway bridge you may see waterlogging. However, it can be crossed on the bike and we did the same. If you still want to avoid this, continue on the Kethandapatti road for another few Km and take a left towards Salem-Tirupattur-Vaniyambadi Road and then right towards Yelagiri road.

Alternate Route Towards Yelagiri Road

The Yelagiri Road is yet another good road, with scenic beauty. It's a 16 Km stretch with scenic beauty on both the sides of the road and has got 14 Hairpin bends. There are multiple spots in between the hairpin bends where we click some pics. It's very peaceful and we hang around there for some time. Later we left and reached Hotel Kumarraja Palace at 1:30 PM.

View From HairPin Bend

Kumararraja Palace is one of the Best hotels in Yelagiri. It has got a beautiful pool, garden areas, indoor activities and cool places to click photos. I booked it from Yatra for one night after comparing most of the hotel. The receptionist guy was a decent, courteous guy and he enlightened us on all the amenities of the hotel and also on the places to visit in Yelagiri like Swamimalai trek, Punganur Lake, Nature's park, etc. He also made us aware of the tour packages to Swamimalai hill's which was Ok to have. We skipped the package as we decided to explore the town on our own.

Hotel Kumararraja Palace

After check-in, we got a bit fresh and decided to explore the town right away. It was already 2 PM and going to Nature's park and Punganur lake in afternoon would have been a waste. We decided to Skip Velvan temple as Swamimalai trek was on the list and it would have taken time to cover both Swamimalai and Velvan temple. From the hotel, we left for Swamimali Hills which was at 4 Kms from our hotel. 

Parking At Mariammam Temple

Swamimalai trek starts from the Mariamman Temple to Swamimalai Temple which is a 4 km route covering farmlands, Stone Staircase, etc. It is situated in Mangalam village. The best time to start the Trek is early morning before sunrise. Since we started the trek at 2 PM there was hardly anyone we could see and the Sun was already blowing heat upon us. From Mariamman temple, there is a small cut road which leads to the farmlands and then to the stone staircase from where the actual trek starts. You can find several localities near the Mariammam temple who can guide you to the route till the stone staircase. 

Swamimalai Trek Route

We parked our bike at Mariamman temple, took the cut road, covered the farmlands and reached the Stone staircase. The stone stair case lasts for 1 km and its comfortable till then. we didn't noticed other trekkers along with us. When we completed the stone staircase, going further appeared scary as we were all alone. The mud road was narrow from there and covered by dense bushes from both the sides. I would suggest having this Trek in group. We got a bit scared and dediced to abort and come down all the way down . We were back to the starting point of Stone staircase and noticed two couples coming along for the trek. We were in a big dilemma whether to continue up again or not as we had already climded 2 km before. Eventually we decided to continue as we didn;t want to miss this and was not sure of the future trip here. We finished the stone staircase again and walked through the mud roads. The trek seemed a bit simpler now with others around. The mud roads were straight for 500 metres and from there it will turn exhaustive as it will start getting hilly. We stop by every 10 mins to catch our breath. On the way now, we could see several trekkers coming down which motivated us to move further. After trekking for another 1.5 km we reached the top most point, Swamimalai Temple where our trek ended.

Since we weren't a much of a trekky, we didn't have proper trekking shoes which made our trek difficult. Proper trekking shoes are recommended because of the stone staircase. Also, carry a water bottle as at places the trek becomes exhaustive. Although, you will find local ladies selling fruits, buttermilk, etc at every 500-1000 metres. You will not find any other food stalls, etc on the way and evn on the top of the hill.

The view from top of the hill was magnificent. It was worth a Trek. The Shiva Temple was open that day and we took the blessings. The temple is built inside a rock. Nearby the temple, there is a huge rock which has got a staircase to climb, From top of the rock, the view was even more amazing. The wind was chilly even at 3 PM and we rested for a while there. It was very peaceful and we took some pictures. Other then the Rock view point and the Temple, we didn't notice any other attraction and started to descend the hill after 30 mins. It took 30 mins to reach the starting point with one halt and left for our Hotel.

Note : 
1) Carry a water bottle and a good trekking shoes. On the way you will find only localites selling buttermilk and fruits. No other stalls are available.
2) Start early morning before sunrise for even better experience. After 12 PM, you may find very less trekkers and it may appear scary. Travel in gruops. The localities are very helpful and you may even find local guides.

We reached Kumararraja Palace hotel at 4:30 PM and got fresh and left for Punganur/Yelagiri lake by 5 PM. From the hotel it is only 2 Km and we reached there in 10 mins. There are multiple  entrances to the Lake. One if from the Yelagiri Lake Entrance  at Yelagiri Road, where there is proper parking space with Parking tickets and another from the back side  i.e dead end of Murugan Temple Road. We parked our bike at dead end of Murugan Road nearby the Lake Entrace. The parking there was at Owner's risk.

Yelagiri Lake Entrance

Yealgiri Lake is an artificial Lake with walking path  alongside the lake.  Boating facilities are available here. Near the Boat House, there are children park and some shops. Kids can have a good time there. We took a short walk alongside the lake viewing the serenity. We skipped the boat ride as we had many in the past. The boat cost was around Rs. 50 for pedal boats. There were row boats available as well. After reaching the boat house, we saw a children park there with some shops where we had tea. We didn;t spend much time there and left for Nature's Park at 5:30 PM.

Yelagiri lake To Nature's Park

Nature's park is at a distance of 1 KM from the Lake. So we decided to take our bike with us. Nature's Park is on the Yelagiri Road, exactly opposite to Yelagiri lake entrance. We drove back and reached the Park in a couple of mins and parked the bike. parking tickets are available. 

Nature's park is spread over a huge area, however, from the inside, it appeared to be small. Some of the attractions were entrance garden fountain, a separate musical fountain, aquarian, etc. Musical Fountain shows are there every day starting from 7 PM. 

We sat around for some time at the lawn near the garden fountain. It was very peaceful and took some pictures.  Later we strolled around for some time, watched the aquarium. Aquarium was good overall. It was 6:30 PM already. We had purchased the ticket for Musical Fountain which was supposed to start at 7 PM. Musical FOuntain show was rs 25 per person. We waited for it and finally, the musical fountain started. The seats were all full. It was a basic fountain and was an average show. The show lasts for 1 hour 7 PM-8PM but we left after 30 mins and reached the hotel by 8 PM.


By 8 PM, most of the shops were closed already and there are no good restaurents here. So we decided to have dinner from Hotel itself. This hotel provides only Buffet during dinner time and the food was extremely nice. Veg buffet was for Rs. 350 and Non - Veg for Rs. 400. There were varieties of dishes and I enjoyed my Non-Veg meal. After dineer, Hotel had arranged a bone-fire. We spend some time there and went to  sleep.

Next day morning, we had a complimentary breakfast. it was good. Later, we clicked some pics within the Hotel premises as it has nice artefacts. Around 9:30 AM, we left for Bangalore. We took the same route as earlier. We reached home by 3 PM with 2 breaks and Lunch. We had lunch again at Srikrishna Bhavan near Krishnagiri.

Overall it was a satisfactory weekend getaway. I would suggest visiting Yelagiri one's at least for Swamimalai Trek. We missed to see Velvan Tempe the next morning as we wanted to reach home early. It can definitely be included n your attraction to cover it the next morning.

                                                                                                                                        Posted By
                                                                                                      Skip The Town Official

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