Week 25: Trip to Yelagiri

After a grueling work week, Soundarya and I decided we needed a break. Just a day off away from the routine, somewhere quiet, close to nature. While I’ve explored most hill stations in Tamil Nadu, I had never been to Yelagiri. So we set our eyes on it this time.

We debated quite a bit about where to stay—whether to go with a typical resort/hotel or something more personal like a villa. That’s when we stumbled upon a charming place called Swiss Villa in Yelagiri. I had never stayed in a villa before—especially one inspired by Swiss architecture. To our surprise, it also turned out to be more affordable than most resorts or hotels. So we booked it and made our way there.

The property was peaceful and beautifully maintained. If I ever get to build a home in the hills, I would want it just like that. We spent some time soaking in the surroundings before heading out to explore. We visited the Birds Park, Nature Park, caught the musical fountain show, and ended the evening with a lovely dinner at Antara Inn.

Although the villa was cozy and nestled at the hilltop, I couldn’t sleep well. Not sure if it was the chill in the air or the flu I was suffering from. The next morning, we grabbed a decent breakfast at Annapoornai Hotel and made our way to Nilavoor View Point.

It was so windy we could barely walk uphill—but the view was absolutely worth it. On our way back, we picked up some fresh star fruits, tender coconuts, and rambutan, and then drove back to Chennai.

Even though it was just a short two-day trip, it gave us the perfect escape from the chaos of city life—and a much-needed peace of mind.