We (my husband & I) were planning a vacation in August this year. We finally decided on Yercaud because we have heard abt it from our friends. We were intent on a no hassle, all rest and recuperating vacation.
Since we have a timeshare membership at Sterling Resorts, we called them and booked a suite for 2 people and the confirmation was faxed promptly. We reached Salem by train and took a bus to Yercaud. Sterling Resorts do offer to pick up guests from Salem by car but we decided to save the money. The bus service is frequent and we had no complaints. From Yercaud bus stand we took a car to the resort which is 2 km from the bus station.Check-in was painless and we were shown to our rooms. The view was breathtaking and the rooms were pristine. It was perfect for a couple and we settled in nicely.
Since we reached around lunchtime, we ordered from room sevice. The food arrived soon and it was tasty but expensive. We are talking abt a cup of plain potato poriyal costing Rs 45/- Since the resort provides cooking utensils and an electric stove, we decided to cook most of our meals. I, the ever thoughtful wife had packed some masalas n tea and essentials (We’ve stayed in Sterling resorts in Munnar before and knew that we can cook there).
There is a grocery store inside the resort where you can get veggies, eggs, rice, dal, masalas and if they dont have the thing you want, they’ll bring it for you the next day. But if you are going to the town everyday, you can get the things yourself. The veggies are so fresh and cheap. But I was surprised to learn from the cab driver that everything comes from Salem and is not grown there, except fruits.
We went for a walk that evening. Attractions like Ladies seat is right next to the resort and the next day we started visiting them one by one. There is a horticultural garden next door to the resort and we spent a nice 2 hrs there and reached children’s n gent’s seat from within. We like walking around, holding hands and talking abt stuff and the weather was perfect for this.
We spent 5 blissful days there. Whenever we ordered room service it was always prompt. The housekeeping staff kept the room clean. We took a tour of Yercaud by a cab arranged by the resort. It was Rs 350/- and the driver took us to all the touristy places, didnt hurry us at all, answered our questions knowledgebly and it was pleasant. Yercaud is a small place and it took is under 4 hrs to finish it all.
My advice to anyone planning a trip there...
If you are staying for long and the resort has cooking facilities, use them.
Walk a lot instead of taking a cab. Good for health and the routes are so scenic.
Take cash with you. Yercaud DOESNT have any ATMs We found abt this the hard way :-( We were short on cash when we discovered it. The resort manager offered to help us but we prefered to have a side trip to Salem and spent some time there.
Go boating and to the small deer park nearby.
I wasnt very impressed with the Pagoda Point.
Take your woollens. We didnt realise it could get this cold and we just had one denim jacket with us. We managed though!
Since we used our time share membership, am not aware of the cost of rooms in the resort. But book early.
Note : The resort charges Rs 11/- per unit of electricity you use so be aware of it.
All in all it was a very pleasant stay and the resort was lovely. I would certainly like to go back again.