Thanks Rameshnanda, Ampere & srikanth. Will take perundurai route then.
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Originally Posted by ampere PS: When you mentioned, all resorts sold out, I assumed, you had contacted Stanmore also. Hence did not suggest. Do note that, on their site, they have mentioned there is no room service. Hence if there are infants, you will need to manage on your own. |
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Originally Posted by pypkmsrikanth incidentally which bungalow have you booked yourself? |
On my initial enquiries, Waterfall estates - filled till 31st May , Briar bungalows till 8th May Night, BBTC - no rooms.
Later got a call from Briar bungalows, and was told rooms available only at Monica Bungalow after 5 PM on 8th May (guests leaving that afternoon). Booked the rooms. 4 adults & No infants. So, shouldn't be a problem.
Its Monica Bungalow (8th Dinner to 9th lunch), quoted around 7K for 4 adults. We can check-in only after 5 PM
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Originally Posted by ampere EDIT: Note there is not much water in the dams. Dont go with high hopes. Aaliyar is decent, but I did not see much water in Sholayar. Hardly anything at Monkey falls also. You can cover Aliyar on your way up, as the dam is at the foot. So no need to spend time separately. Best way to spend time there is long walks inside tea estates! |
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Originally Posted by pypkmsrikanth Plan for about 2 hours from Aliyar Dam to Valparai as you would possibly take breaks to enjoy the scenery.
You cannot do Topslip from Valparai as it can be accessed only from Pollachi. Monkey falls may not have enough water at this time of the year so I suggest you don't have too much expectations from there. I doubt you would be able to go to Balaji Temple before 12 PM if you start around 6 in the morning from Salem. I suggest you go straight to the bungalow, incidentally which bungalow have you booked yourself?
What you could possibly do is to speak with the manager there and organize a local taxi who knows all the places thereby saving you time. You could finish one round of sightseeing after lunch(with the exception of Sholayar Dam). Also check out with the manager on a visit to Puthuthottam estate in the morning, this would allow you to spend some time with the Lion Tailed Macaques there. Puthuthottam estate is part of the Woodbriar group this has to be done at around 7 in the morning.
Once you are done with this come back freshen up have breakfast and may be go to Sholayar Dam and leave for Salem from there. If you are fine with night driving what you could do is on your way back make a detour to Topslip take the evening safari and push off to Salem via Pollachi and the same return route. |
Thanks for your inputs guys.
Objective is to have a relaxed trip, even if we are not able to cover many places. So, based on your inputs, framing the plan.
Day1: start @ 7 AM
Salem - Aliyar Dam (reach aliyar by 11 AM or 12 and will be leaving there by 2 or 3 PM).
Then visit few view points on the way to valparai
Chitti Vinayagar Temple
check-in probably by 6 PM.
Day2:
Morning - Puthuthottam estate, back to room for breakfast,
Balaji Temple
Nallamudi Poonjolai & Number Parai -- view points on sangiliroad.
Return Salem after lunch.
For Puthuthottam estate - what time we can start, if has to be done before 7 AM?
Topslip will have to be another trip then, don't want to try anything that will make this a hectic drive
(i'm the only driver and will have to drive back to Bangalore from Salem on same day or next day early morning)
Once again, thanks a lot guys for all the help.
EDIT: Also, please comment on decent Veg food options for Day1.
I think Pollachi would be good for breakfast, for Lunch - around Aliyar/Valparai. (strictly veg)