A great weekend holiday spot that is just a two-hour drive away, Yellapur, located on NH 202, is a small town that offers a balm to city-worn souls. With a mix of nature trails both known and unexplored, it proved to be a great place to commune with nature and escape from the concrete jungle of Hyderabad city.
An early start helped me avoid heavy traffic, so I could enjoy the intriguing landscape of the amazing Western Ghats with an easy mind. Two hours later and thoroughly refreshed with a hot cuppa on the highway, I figured I could afford to be a bit adventurous.
Reserving the day to nourish my wayfarer soul, I headed for Markatti Rock Formations, a well-known tourist attraction with only my inner compass as a guide. It must have been experiencing an off day, because I got lost trying to make my way through the wilderness.
Luckily for me, friendly locals helped me get back on track – only to get lost again!
After a bit of meandering, I caught sight of the famous rock formations, which was a thrilling moment for me. I soaked in the feel of being a part of this amazing natural wonder, which seemed to beckon me. However, attempting to climb them without any proper support or equipment proved a challenge and I gave up on the idea.
I moved on towards Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point, which is about 20 km from Marakatti Rocks and offers a picturesque spot for nature-lovers. With the fading light of the setting sun and the vast canvas of the sky filled with purple and orange shades, it was a breathtaking sight that soothed my soul instantly.
Banana Country Resort, comprising simple cottages, great for relaxing and enjoying wholesome food was next on my list. There were many other nature-lovers, pursuing the same holiday dream as me. So if you want to experience a great family vacation in the wilds or embark on a day-tour perfect for all ages, you know where to head!
On Day 2 of my weekend getaway, I found a travel companion. Shashidhar, a naturalist, and I, visited the Ganeshgudi forest range, 25 km from Yellapur. I learnt about the Sathodi Waterfalls, which is on the verge of submersion and then trekked to the Magod waterfalls, 19 km away, which was an invigorating and refreshing experience for the body and mind. In retrospect, I feel, treating a case of Hyderabad blues couldn’t have been easier — or more memorable!
Treat yourself to luxury
If you prefer to stay indoors, relax in the luxurious cottages or rustic jungle huts in the Banana Country Resorts. The interiors and exteriors have an abundance of resplendent woodwork from carved lattices to door and furnishings. The cottages have been assembled to form a blend of culture and luxury.
Time for some adventure
Ramanguli, nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats is 22 kms from Yellapur. With its complex and enchanting ecosystem, it is located along the scenic banks of river Gangavali. You can try for adventure sports like jungle safari, trekking, island camping, mountain biking, crocodile watching and white-water rafting.
The writer is a wayfarer
