In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore

HarryB · 7th February 2011, 11:08

Friends,

I will also start with the same line " This is my first travelogue at Team BHP" though i have been a member from couple years and with great interest have been reading other team member's fun trip reports and always though when will I get a chance to write a one of my own.

Had started hearing these strange noises in my sub conscious like someone whispering in my dream that your wish has been " approved". Writing approved as with now a days office cultures " this is the only word " Approved " we want to hear often .

So started feeling " wow " finally my day has arrived to go for a joy ride. you guys must be thinking what is so great about first road trip and travelogue and why so much fuss ? and you guys are correct as well, for a guy who learnt driving on our very old Premier padmini is this a first road trip ? the Answer is No . I had couple of road trips earlier in my now sold Ford Ikon. But this time the road trip had to be special a very special one as "THIS was the first trip of Ferrari's distant cousin, my lovable RED Grande Punto 1.3 MJD.

HarryB · 7th February 2011, 15:02

The " Day " :

Last friday came home late after a hectic day at work and enjoyed the lovely "JWB" (Keep walking) with Kenny G giving us company. Till then had no plans for the weekend. As usual got up late on saturday and was sipping some mom made hot tea and thought struck me " What i am doing at home on this lovely week end " ?

Just checked with dear wify for any commitments for the day and with her " Approval" decided to go to Golden temple in Sripuram Vellore. Decided Golden Temple coz had heard lots about it, secondly friends had told me that Banaglore- Chennai road was as smooth as butter and silk. So in a flash was ready for the ride.

Car : Grande Punto 1.3 MJD
Passengers: Mom , Dad , wife and my 1.4 year old daughter
Destination : Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore
Starting Trip Meter : 1397
Starting time : 1 PM

Initailly had planned to leave home by 11 am, but with such a sudden plan and small kid, decently was 2 hrs late and finally left home at 1 with usual stops at ATM, Medical shop and finally hit the new electronics city flyover by 1:30 pm. Road is really very nicely done with a toll of Rs 35 for single way and was fun to drive. In no time now was on the expressway to Hosur and crossed Hosur town sometime around 2 pm.

Pit stop no 1: Stopped at kamat Upachar and had nice and delicious lunch

Resumed the journey and was now cruising at great speeds. The road as adviced was sheer fun to drive and reminded me of my student days in US, the route 66 in Oklahoma and the freeway 101 in calif.

Now something about the Car.Punto on highway is like a champagne bottle.Once you open the cork and Zooooooooooommmmmmmm it goes and " SHEER FUN" to drive. Even with full load car just pulls above 3 figure speeds with ease and still u get a feeling that there is still more available under the hood.

Finally reached vellore by 5:30 and checked into Surabi International Vellore. Hotel was decent but felt lil exhorbitant (1900 Rs / day plus tax for double room). But the food was excellant and service very prompt. So no complaints for the price.

As adviced by the Hotel staff to see the temple at night in no time left hotel by 6:30pm and reached the temple complex by 7 pm.Parked the car and then took ticket for 100 rs per head for vishesh darshan.

Special counters available to deposit all your belonging. Strickly no cell phones, cameras or cams.Best is to leave them behind in Car.

Temple complex is really very beautiful but be ready for a very long walk as you have to do a very long round about.Once you reach the central golden temple you have to just hold your breadth to belive what you are seeing. A huge big temple made of "GOLD". Sight is really very mesmerising and you tend to look at it with sheer astonishment and keep pinching youself and asking " what you are seeing is that real or you are in some dream "

Paying rs 100 actually pays off as they take you very near the diety and inside temple to explore more for the beautiful carving and shandliers on the ceiling.After about 1 hr at the temple left the temple complex and reached the hotel to relax for the day.

Next morning had a small stint into Vellore town and vellore fort and left for Bangalore by 11 am and reached Blr by 4 pm

Ending trip meter: 1858

Total disctane covered: 461 km

Hope you guys enjoyed my travelogue and request you to please let me know your views. leaving you all wit some photos of the drive. Sorry no photos of the temple.

enjoy

Cheers,

HarryB

CliffHanger · 9th February 2011, 18:03

Thanks for posting your experience on visiting Vellore Golden Temple. I'm planning to visit the place this weekend.

Keep Travelling and Drive Safe!

megazoid · 9th February 2011, 22:30

Good report. These roads make the highway trips very relaxed. The car looks good and last of all you should pen more of your trips.

HarryB · 10th February 2011, 09:02

Thanks Megazoid.Felt good that you liked my travelogue for sure will try to pen more of these

Thanks Cliffhanger. Do let me know if you need any more information for yr trip to Golden temple Sripuram vellore.

Note from the Team-BHP Support Team : Please use the "edit" button if posting within 20 minutes of the first post, instead of creating another back-to-back post.

vasoo · 13th February 2011, 09:40

Good report Harry. Can you explain the route to the temple? I know how to go to Vellore. But the temple is not seen properly mapped in Google Maps. How far is it from Vellore town? Can we do a single day trip from Bangalore?

Jeeper1941 · 13th February 2011, 10:29

Great report Harry! Also nice to see some awesome roads, especially liked the sign in one of your snaps "speed ends at the cemetery"! Wonder who came up with that..very creative. What is the speed limit on these roads?

nfsfreak · 13th February 2011, 10:32

Nice Report Harry.

Planning for a trip shortly. Can you give us the temple route (from vellore) & Temple timings?

HarryB · 14th February 2011, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfsfreak

Nice Report Harry.

Planning for a trip shortly. Can you give us the temple route (from vellore) & Temple timings?

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasoo

Good report Harry. Can you explain the route to the temple? I know how to go to Vellore. But the temple is not seen properly mapped in Google Maps. How far is it from Vellore town? Can we do a single day trip from Bangalore?

@ Nfsfreak

From vellore temple is approx 7-8 Km.As i was staying at Surabi International know the route from there.You need to ask from road named "officer Line " and follow the road straight ahead (no turns) for 7-8 Km and you will have the temple on your right

Temple timing : 8am to 8 PM.

@Jeeper 1941

Official speed limit is 80 Km/Hr, however easliy you can do 3 figure speeds with no issues

@Vasoo

One day trip is very easily possible provided you start early from Blr and you can reach Vellore in 3-4 hrs.

From vellore temple is approx 7-8 Km.As i was staying at Surabi International know the route from there.You need to ask from road named "officer Line " and follow the road straight ahead (no turns) for 7-8 Km and you will have the temple on your right

ampere · 14th February 2011, 16:56

All roads on the snaps! Where is the temple?
Waiting to see!

ranjitp1 · 15th February 2011, 13:32

Where are the pictures of the temple?The travelogue has been "roaded" with road pictures!Looking forward to the pictures of the temple.

HarryB · 15th February 2011, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

Where are the pictures of the temple?The travelogue has been "roaded" with road pictures!Looking forward to the pictures of the temple.

Guys,

There is strict NO NO to camera's or handy Cam inside temple premises.so dont have any photos.

However pls find below link to temple website and amazing video on golden temple on youtube

Golden temple - South Indian temple - AMMA - Sripuram - Vellore

YouTube - SRIPURAM GOLDEN TEMPLE TOUR

Cheers,

HarryB

ampere · 15th February 2011, 19:00

So one cant even take snaps of the surroundings?
Thats too bad!

vasoo · 17th February 2011, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryB

...

@Vasoo

One day trip is very easily possible provided you start early from Blr and you can reach Vellore in 3-4 hrs.

From vellore temple is approx 7-8 Km.As i was staying at Surabi International know the route from there.You need to ask from road named "officer Line " and follow the road straight ahead (no turns) for 7-8 Km and you will have the temple on your right

Thanks Harry. Did you comeback straight from the temple or went to Vellore town again? I was looking a for a route which does not touch Vellore town.

Anandg · 17th February 2011, 13:03

Hey Harry,
Nothing gives a driver a gr8 pleasure that the traveling with a lovely car on a gr8 highway with family inside. I went to vellore but before I got the car. Now about the temple it is truly amazing. Your eyes shall freeze looking at the gold there which is said to be approx 2000kgs+.You can imagine how other temples in India looked like before they were looted by Mughals and Britishers alike.

Every thing is maintained nicely and is impeccable but only with 1 sore point. The Deity has less importance than the owner (cum politician) here. You shall see his photos more in temple that the goddess herself! It makes one said that to see that the owner's photo is placed just beside Idol with him smiling without joining hands in front of the goddess making him appear as if he is one of the gods(which is true for today's politicians). This temple is fairly new - approx 3+ years old. Sorry for OT but could help expressing my opinion looking at the flamboyance displayed there. Though owner is involved in various charity works which is indeed a good gesture as a human though. I wish if all politicians use their ill gotten wealth is good works like this.

7th February 2011, 11:08	#1
HarryB BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 70 Thanked: 53 Times	In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Friends, I will also start with the same line " This is my first travelogue at Team BHP" though i have been a member from couple years and with great interest have been reading other team member's fun trip reports and always though when will I get a chance to write a one of my own. Had started hearing these strange noises in my sub conscious like someone whispering in my dream that your wish has been " approved". Writing approved as with now a days office cultures " this is the only word " Approved " we want to hear often . So started feeling " wow " finally my day has arrived to go for a joy ride. you guys must be thinking what is so great about first road trip and travelogue and why so much fuss ? and you guys are correct as well, for a guy who learnt driving on our very old Premier padmini is this a first road trip ? the Answer is No . I had couple of road trips earlier in my now sold Ford Ikon. But this time the road trip had to be special a very special one as "THIS was the first trip of Ferrari's distant cousin, my lovable RED Grande Punto 1.3 MJD. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

7th February 2011, 15:02	#2
HarryB BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 70 Thanked: 53 Times	re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore The " Day " : Last friday came home late after a hectic day at work and enjoyed the lovely "JWB" (Keep walking) with Kenny G giving us company. Till then had no plans for the weekend. As usual got up late on saturday and was sipping some mom made hot tea and thought struck me " What i am doing at home on this lovely week end " ? Just checked with dear wify for any commitments for the day and with her " Approval" decided to go to Golden temple in Sripuram Vellore. Decided Golden Temple coz had heard lots about it, secondly friends had told me that Banaglore- Chennai road was as smooth as butter and silk. So in a flash was ready for the ride. Car : Grande Punto 1.3 MJD Passengers: Mom , Dad , wife and my 1.4 year old daughter Destination : Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Starting Trip Meter : 1397 Starting time : 1 PM Initailly had planned to leave home by 11 am, but with such a sudden plan and small kid, decently was 2 hrs late and finally left home at 1 with usual stops at ATM, Medical shop and finally hit the new electronics city flyover by 1:30 pm. Road is really very nicely done with a toll of Rs 35 for single way and was fun to drive. In no time now was on the expressway to Hosur and crossed Hosur town sometime around 2 pm. Pit stop no 1: Stopped at kamat Upachar and had nice and delicious lunch Resumed the journey and was now cruising at great speeds. The road as adviced was sheer fun to drive and reminded me of my student days in US, the route 66 in Oklahoma and the freeway 101 in calif. Now something about the Car.Punto on highway is like a champagne bottle.Once you open the cork and Zooooooooooommmmmmmm it goes and " SHEER FUN" to drive. Even with full load car just pulls above 3 figure speeds with ease and still u get a feeling that there is still more available under the hood. Finally reached vellore by 5:30 and checked into Surabi International Vellore. Hotel was decent but felt lil exhorbitant (1900 Rs / day plus tax for double room). But the food was excellant and service very prompt. So no complaints for the price. As adviced by the Hotel staff to see the temple at night in no time left hotel by 6:30pm and reached the temple complex by 7 pm.Parked the car and then took ticket for 100 rs per head for vishesh darshan. Special counters available to deposit all your belonging. Strickly no cell phones, cameras or cams.Best is to leave them behind in Car. Temple complex is really very beautiful but be ready for a very long walk as you have to do a very long round about.Once you reach the central golden temple you have to just hold your breadth to belive what you are seeing. A huge big temple made of "GOLD". Sight is really very mesmerising and you tend to look at it with sheer astonishment and keep pinching youself and asking " what you are seeing is that real or you are in some dream " Paying rs 100 actually pays off as they take you very near the diety and inside temple to explore more for the beautiful carving and shandliers on the ceiling.After about 1 hr at the temple left the temple complex and reached the hotel to relax for the day. Next morning had a small stint into Vellore town and vellore fort and left for Bangalore by 11 am and reached Blr by 4 pm Ending trip meter: 1858 Total disctane covered: 461 km Hope you guys enjoyed my travelogue and request you to please let me know your views. leaving you all wit some photos of the drive. Sorry no photos of the temple. enjoy Cheers, HarryB Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

9th February 2011, 18:03	#3
CliffHanger BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 756 Thanked: 1,597 Times	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Thanks for posting your experience on visiting Vellore Golden Temple. I'm planning to visit the place this weekend. Keep Travelling and Drive Safe!
	() Thanks

9th February 2011, 22:30	#4
megazoid BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 502 Thanked: 3,370 Times View My Garage	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Good report. These roads make the highway trips very relaxed. The car looks good and last of all you should pen more of your trips.
	() Thanks

10th February 2011, 09:02	#5
HarryB BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 70 Thanked: 53 Times	Thanks Megazoid.Felt good that you liked my travelogue for sure will try to pen more of these Thanks Cliffhanger. Do let me know if you need any more information for yr trip to Golden temple Sripuram vellore. Note from the Team-BHP Support Team : Please use the "edit" button if posting within 20 minutes of the first post, instead of creating another back-to-back post. Last edited by FlyingSpur : 10th February 2011 at 09:31. Reason: Please use the EDIT function instead of posting back-to-back posts within 20 minutes. Thanks.
	() Thanks

13th February 2011, 09:40	#6
vasoo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Memphis TN Posts: 1,039 Thanked: 246 Times View My Garage	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Good report Harry. Can you explain the route to the temple? I know how to go to Vellore. But the temple is not seen properly mapped in Google Maps. How far is it from Vellore town? Can we do a single day trip from Bangalore?
	() Thanks

13th February 2011, 10:29	#7
Jeeper1941 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 229 Thanked: 380 Times View My Garage	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Great report Harry! Also nice to see some awesome roads, especially liked the sign in one of your snaps "speed ends at the cemetery"! Wonder who came up with that..very creative. What is the speed limit on these roads?
	() Thanks

13th February 2011, 10:32	#8
nfsfreak BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 330 Thanked: 139 Times	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Nice Report Harry. Planning for a trip shortly. Can you give us the temple route (from vellore) & Temple timings?
	() Thanks

14th February 2011, 16:56	#10
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,930 Thanked: 12,901 Times View My Garage	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore All roads on the snaps! Where is the temple? Waiting to see!
	() Thanks

15th February 2011, 13:32	#11
ranjitp1 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 3,711 Thanked: 1,924 Times	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Where are the pictures of the temple?The travelogue has been "roaded" with road pictures!Looking forward to the pictures of the temple.
	() Thanks

15th February 2011, 19:00	#13
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,930 Thanked: 12,901 Times View My Garage	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore So one cant even take snaps of the surroundings? Thats too bad!
	() Thanks

17th February 2011, 13:03	#15
Anandg BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 324 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: In my Punto to Golden Temple Sripuram, Vellore Hey Harry, Nothing gives a driver a gr8 pleasure that the traveling with a lovely car on a gr8 highway with family inside. I went to vellore but before I got the car. Now about the temple it is truly amazing. Your eyes shall freeze looking at the gold there which is said to be approx 2000kgs+.You can imagine how other temples in India looked like before they were looted by Mughals and Britishers alike. Every thing is maintained nicely and is impeccable but only with 1 sore point. The Deity has less importance than the owner (cum politician) here. You shall see his photos more in temple that the goddess herself! It makes one said that to see that the owner's photo is placed just beside Idol with him smiling without joining hands in front of the goddess making him appear as if he is one of the gods(which is true for today's politicians). This temple is fairly new - approx 3+ years old. Sorry for OT but could help expressing my opinion looking at the flamboyance displayed there. Though owner is involved in various charity works which is indeed a good gesture as a human though. I wish if all politicians use their ill gotten wealth is good works like this. Last edited by Anandg : 17th February 2011 at 13:07.
	() Thanks