Not the usual and often crowded Ooty or Kodaikanal, but no less than these in terms of scenic beauty, Yelagiri Hills can give Kerala’s claim to being ‘God’s own country’ very stiff competition. The best part is that it is still not such a big draw among visitors from Bangalore and Chennai. The weather is balmy, as the hill station is at an elevation of over 1,400 metres, so it is pleasantly cool in the monsoon. It is a perfect spot for doing nothing, but trekking up to the highest point, Swamimalai Hill is a popular activity among weekend warriors.
How to reach
CAR Yelagiri Hills is about 4 hours’ drive from Chennai down AH45. Tank up on fuel before you start climbing the hills and, if possible, carry jerrycans of fuel. TRAIN + TAXI The Yelagiri Express from Chennai is an evening train that reaches Yelagiri late at night. Trains going to Jolarpettai Junction are good for Yelagiri, as taxis are available from there.
Where to stay
Hotel Hill Breeze (mid-range, from Rs 2,500; http://yelagirihillbreeze.com) is a cheerful, standard establishment with a modern design. Yelagiri Residency (budget, from Rs 1,200; http://yelagiriresidency.in) is a pleasant hotel with soothing rooms and a location very close to Yelagiri Lake. Hotel Landmark (mid-range, price on request; www.hotellandmarkyelagiri.com) has sprawling grounds that will keep children happy, even though the room décor is not very easy on the eyes.
What to see & do
Trekking: The climb to Swamimalai Hill is uphill one, while the one to Jalagampari Falls is a downhill hike. The difficulty level is easy to medium, depending on your fitness.
Paragliding: The Yelagiri Paragliding Club is working on popularising this sport here. Take-off points are at heights of 450m, 560m and 600m.
Boating: Spend time on the water in pedal and rowing boats on Yelagiri Lake.
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2. Covelong (Kovalam), Tamil Nadu
If you want the classic beach experience without going too far away from Chennai, look no further than Covelong. Only 40km from the state capital, Covelong has a large, clean beach, pretty boats, windsurfing and the option of easy day trips to Mahabalipuram and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. The ruins of a Dutch colonial fort nearby lend Covelong a heritage charm.
How to reach
CAR This is the easiest way to reach Covelong, the drive taking just over an hour down the Rajiv Gandhi Expressway and East Coast Road. BUS Frequent buses from the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus or CMBT reach Covelong in about two hours.
Where to stay
Fisherman’s Cove by Vivanta (luxury, price on request; http://www.vivantabytaj.com) is the nicest place to put your feet up at Covelong. Hill & Sea View Resort (mid-range, from Rs 3,000; www.hillnseaview.com) is a value-for-money option with some rather classily done up rooms. Shelter Beach Resort (Tel: +91-44-27472424, e-mail: shelterbeachresorts@vsnl.net, www.shelterbeachresorts.com) is close to the Madras Crocodile Bank.
What to see & do
Mahabalipuram temples: The temple complex of Mahabalipuram, 20km from Covelong, is a sight not to be missed. One of the most amazing archaeological sites in India – indeed, in the world – these rock-cut temples, once visited, remain in one’s memory for life. There are five stunning monolithic temples and a huge bas relief panel of sculptures depicting mythological scenes related to the epic Mahabharat.
Madras Crocodile Bank: Who among us, with even a passing interest in wildlife, has not heard of Rom Whitaker? But very few weekend travellers have been to the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Centre for Herpetology (Tues-Sun 8.30am-5pm, entry Rs 35, www.madrascrocodilebank.org), which he set up within mere kilometres of Chennai. About 5km from Covelong beach, this reptile research centre has feeding sessions open for public viewing every Sunday at 11.30am, noon, 4pm and 5pm. The centre has worked hard to save the Indian crocodile, hunted on a mass scale for its skin, and visitors are offered a fun, interactive experience.
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3. Pondicherry (Puducherry)
‘Old reliable’ and ‘evergreen’, both monikers apply to Pondy. This town, among all those in India that were once ruled by the French, has most successfully retained its historical character and charm. And it has Auroville, the community space created by Sri Aurobindo, the spiritual leader who had been the revolutionary Aurobindo Ghosh. The influence of Auroville on Pondicherry is no less than that of the French colonialists. This amalgamation of Indian spirituality and French culture makes Pondicherry a unique destination, to be savoured at leisure.
How to reach
CAR Pondicherry is about 4 hours’ drive from Chennai down AH45. The Rajiv Gandhi Expressway-East Coast Road route is a slightly shorter one, but has toll points. TRAIN Several rains run to Puducherry station from Chennai Egmore. The early morning Chennai Egmore-Puducherry Passenger has the best timing but is unreserved. The Chennai Egmore-Tiruchirapalli Express reaches only a little later and has seat reservation. BUS Volvo buses run between Chennai and Pondicherry. Bookings on www.redbus.in.
Where to stay
The Auroville guest house service (www.aurovilleguesthouses.org) has a very well-organised system that lets you choose a guesthouse or homestay from four town zones and four comfort categories. Booking has to be done in advance. Le Royal Park (mid-range, from Rs 3,300; http://hotelleroyalpark.com) looks far more plush and ‘luxury’ than the starting rate suggests, and it is an easy and invigorating 2.5km walk to the promenade. Hotel Karai (budget, from Rs 1,700; http://hotelkarai.com) is serious value for money and a short taxi ride to the promenade. For a big dollop of style, try The Promenade (luxury, price on request; www.thepromenadepondicherry.com), a hotel by Hidesign, the leather accessories brand based in this town.
What to see & do
Sri Aurobindo ashram: This is different from Auroville, which is far outside the centre of Pondicherry town. The ashram is in a peaceful tree-lined neighbourhood called White Town, very close to the promenade. The ashram is open to visitors, but some areas of it require a pass. Those staying at the ashram guesthouses get the pass. Those staying elsewhere can contact the Bureau Central (Tel: +91-413-2233604, e-mail: bureaucentral@sriaurobindoashram.org) to get one.
Auroville: This ‘universal township’ (www.auroville.org) promotes a certain way of life, that of ‘human unity’. Auroville, straddling the border between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, is about 12km from Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is open for day visits. Go first to the nearby Visitors Centre (9am-5.30pm) for information leaflets, exhibitions, a video viewing facility, a cafeteria and shopping facilities.
Promenade walk: The Pondicherry promenade is a particularly beautiful area. The waterfront is bound by a low parapet, below which there is a sandy stretch and piles of rocks in some places. Across the road from the promenade are a long line of colonial-style buildings.
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4. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
A hill station with a vast lake surrounded by semi-manicured greenery, Yercaud is extremely photogenic and, at almost half the distance of Kodaikanal from Chennai, a much more relaxing choice. The monsoon weather will be deliciously balmy at this 1,500m altitude. The Anna Park near the lake is a marvellous place for a picnic. Short nature hikes are among outdoor activities.
How to reach
CAR Yercaud is about 7 hours’ drive from Chennai down NH46 and SH18. TRAIN The nearest railway station is Salem Junction (35km). The overnight Yercaud Superfast Express from Chennai arrives at Salem early in the morning. From there, take a local bus or taxi. BUS There are regular Volvo and non-AC bus services between Chennai and Salem.
Where to stay
Shevaroys (budget, from Rs 1,300; www.hotelshevaroys.com) is a neat, pleasing establishment that started life as a coffee planter’s bungalow, and is located just a hop, skip and jump from Yercaud Lake and Anna Park. Hotel KC (budget, from Rs 990; www.hotelkcyercaud.com) is a great deal, considering its location close to the lake and its no-frills but comfortable rooms. For an infinity pool-spa experience, there is Hotel Grand Palace Hotel & Spa (mid-range, from Rs 3,600; www.grandpalaceyercaud.com) that has a fantastic valley view lawn within its premises. Golden Nest Resorts (mid-range, from Rs 5,000 for studios accommodating four persons) is a good choice for groups. The Regent Hill Side Resort (mid-range, price on request; http://enjoyyercaud.com) is about 2km from the lake, with a fascinating old-world ambience.
What to see & do
Boating on Yercaud Lake: The Yercaud Lake is roughly horse-shoe shaped, with a deer park wedged in between the two curving sides. Boating on this lake is a pleasure as the Anna Park protects it from much of the traffic rush in Yercaud town.
Kiliyur Falls: The gentle gradient of Yercaud is perfect for an easy hike. The Kiliyur Falls are roughly 3km from Yercaud Lake.
Ladies’ Seat: This, plus Gents’ Seat and Children’s Seat, are humorously named rock formations in the Yercaud hills overlooking the Ghat road. Folklore has it that Ladies’ Seat takes its name from an Englishwoman who spent her evenings here, admiring the vista. The spot is about 2km from Yercaud town.
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5. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
This one is further than usual weekend getaways, but worth visiting as it is only an overnight journey or a manageably long drive from Chennai. Nagarhole is one of the few parks in India to stay open all year. The vast park has the Kabini reservoir separating it from Bandipur National Park. It is possible to find many places to stay here with a spectacular view of the water body, which attracts wildlife like a magnet. The most majestic residents of Nagarhole National Park are the elephants, though leopards live here, too, along with a rich variety of birds.
How to reach
CAR Nagarhole National Park is 10 hours’ drive from Chennai down NH46. TRAIN The railway station nearest to Nagarhole National Park is Mysore (90km). The Chennai-Mysore Shatabdi Express starts from Chennai at 6am and reaches Mysore around 1pm. The Kaveri Express is more convenient, starting from Chennai at 9.30pm and reaching Mysore at 7am.
Where to stay
Orange County Kabini (luxury, from Rs 19,300 for Fri-Sun; www.orangecounty.in) is the most desirable place to stay, with immensely luxurious huts and loungers placed facing the Kabini river (reservoir). Kabini River Lodge (mid-range, from Rs 5,500 for tented cottage for Indian nationals; www.kabiniriverlodge.com) is a good government property with well-appointed rooms. Waterwoods Lodge & Resorts (luxury, from Rs 12,000) is very close to the Kabini river’s edge and rooms have nice views. The Bison Resort Kabini (luxury, price on request; http://thebisonresort.com) has deluxe machan suites that enhance the nature-gazing experience.
What to see & do
Boat safari: As the Kabini river (reservoir) meanders its way between Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, you can sit on a boat and watch the wildlife, usually elephants, ambling on the banks.
Jeep safari: The forest department rents out jeeps or you can hire one from a private operator. In either case, it is mandatory to take along a forest guide.
Walking: Some nature walks are allowed inside the Nagarhole National Park if accompanied by a guide.