Bangalore-Yelagiri-Chennai

On the evening of Friday, June 14th, our family embarked on an adventure from the tranquil J.R. Green Park in Bangalore. At around 4:30 PM, we set off, our hearts brimming with excitement and anticipation for the delightful discoveries that lay ahead.

As we journeyed on, we paused for dinner at Jain’s Padmavathi Hotel in Yelagiri. There, we indulged in a variety of dosas – podi dosa, masala dosa, and set dosa – each tasty in its own right, though not exceptional. The coffee proved to be the perfect energizer we needed for the remainder of our drive. The crisp evening air and the hotel’s warm lighting provided a welcoming atmosphere. By 9:30 PM, we arrived at Thangakottai, a palatial resort illuminated by enchanting lights that accentuated its grandeur. The restaurant, with its ceiling fans reminiscent of those from ancient royal courts, was particularly striking. After a hearty meal, we retired to our cozy and inviting rooms.

The following morning greeted us with a buffet breakfast that boasted the usual fare – cereals, cut fruits, sprouts – all delectable to taste. The coffee was excellent; however, the tea was somewhat lacking. After breakfast, we made our way to the pool where Puttu, initially reluctant, soon found joy in the shallow kids’ pool, his laughter echoing as he splashed around.

We took time to explore the resort’s Temple Street and Palace Avenue, each path narrating its own tale of elegance and charm. Around 11 AM, we set off towards Chennai.

Our journey included a stop for a refreshing tea break which set a comforting tone for the road ahead. In Vellore, we stumbled upon Kailash Parbat, a quaint eatery where we enjoyed a sizzler and a drink amidst its cozy ambiance. Puttu was particularly enchanted by the vintage decor – an old typewriter and a rotary phone captivated him for hours as his joy shone through his bright eyes.

Upon reaching Ilara Hotels and Spa, we headed to Blue Bay Beach – a vibrant spot where Puttu reveled in the swings and play area. Later at Geetam Veg restaurant, despite the bustling crowd and packed dining area, we relished ghee roast and parotta curry along with grape juice – all decently satisfying. The staff’s kind gesture of offering rice for Puttu made our meal even more delightful.

After a restful night back in our rooms, we enjoyed another morning by the pool with Puttu before breakfast. Our next destination was Matsyanarayana Temple – an open-air sanctuary beside a picturesque beach where the sea breeze and rhythmic waves added to its enchantment. We then visited Besant Nagar Beach Ramakrishnamath in Chennai where the temple’s serene atmosphere offered a peaceful retreat before exploring the majestic Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

For lunch, Food Nirvana lived up to its name with great vibes and scrumptious offerings like Medley Veggies and Litchi Mocktail. Continuing our journey back to Bangalore, we stopped at a coffee shop near Vellore but found it too crowded; hence we moved on to Ramana’s Cafe. There we savored rose milk and ginger tea – both delightful comforts.

Our final stop was Alankar Coffee where we sampled local snacks accompanied by another round of superb coffee. Contrary to reviews, the staff were kind and courteous which made our last stop quite pleasant.

As we drove back to J.R. Green Park, we reflected on our wonderful journey filled with good food, beautiful sights, and heartwarming moments with Puttu – an adventure that left us with cherished memories and an eagerness for more such travels.

Friday Evening

🚗 Depart from J.R. Green Park, Anekal Road, Bangalore.

🍽️ Dinner stop at Jain’s Padmavathi Hotel, Yelagiri.

🏨 Arrive at Hotel Thanga Kottai, Yelagiri

🍴 Dinner at the resort.

Saturday Morning

🥐 Buffet breakfast at the resort.

🚙 Start towards Chennai.

☕ Tea stop.

🍛 Lunch at Kailash Parbat, Vellore.

🏢 Check-in at Ilara Hotels and Spa.

🏖️ Visit Blue Bay Beach, Kovalam.

🍲 Dinner at Geetam Veg.

Sunday Morning

⛪ Visit Matsyanarayana Temple and the nearby beach.

🌊 Besant Nagar Beach.

🕉️ Visit Ramakrishna Mission.

🛕 Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

🍽️ Lunch at Food Nirvana, followed by a small shopping trip at Home Needs beside the restaurant.

☕ Tea break at Alankar Coffee Shop.

🚗 Head back to Bangalore.

🏡 Arrive at J.R. Green Park.

Most Enjoyed:

🏞️ Hairpin bend roads and views from the viewpoints of Yelagiri.

❄️ Awesome cool weather.

🏰 The most aesthetic resort, a real feast to the eye.

🙌 Welcoming staff at the hotel.

🎨 Engaging sessions like coloring, beads jewelry making.

🏊 Swimming pool fun with Puttu

🏖️ The clean Blue Bay Beach.

🍪 Crispy yummy snacks at Alankar Coffee Bar.

This itinerary captures the essence of our delightful adventure, filled with good food, beautiful sights, and heartwarming moments with Puttu.