Travel Books – The Must Reads

For most avid travelers the very act of traveling becomes an integral part of their lives, if they have full time jobs they look forward to that trip with bated breath , for travelers who are also photographers or writers their work gets infused into the travel experience or vice versa. Most travelers are inspired, by people , their friends who travel, by movies that show destinations with ardour and spirit, or most often than not by books. 

In this blog I am trying to give you the names of books that have more often than not inspired many a traveler to look outside his existent box and leave with a backpack and a vivid day dream, wandering into different places, locales, cultures and destinations.

Some of the best books are a must read for the traveling heart.

1. Jack Kerouac’s – On the Road 

   This is a beat generation cult classic describing in detail and on the go depictions of their journey. Of what they saw felt and experienced. This beat generation book is a must read for travelers as it opens up a new vista of possibilities, and a wonderful way to experience travel.

2. Ernesto Che Guevara’s – The Motorcycle Diaries

   This is a beautiful book and a memoir of the revolutionary Che Guevara and his journey with his friend Alberto Granado riding around in South America on a motorcycle. 

3. John Steinbeck’s – Travels with Charlie – In search of America

     This is a travelogue written by Steinbeck  , It recounts the trip Steinbeck took with his French Poodle – Charlie. It is their story, their journey through United States in a camper truck.

4. George Orwell’s – Homage to Catalina

    This is a travelogue, political history and also partly autobiographical. It is a warm story with English humour about the Spanish Civil War. 

5. Jon Krakauer’s – Into the wild

    An absolute must read this book recounts in true form and content the journey of a young lad Christopher Mc Candless who leaves all his possessions and goes into the wild to live in the Alaskan wilderness with the bare minimal luggage. His death , his views and his philosophies all etched into this book, it will surely prove inspirational.

Parinitha Konanur

    

Yercaud – A Perfect Weekend Get Away

Yercaud a hill station in Salem District Tamil Nadu is about 230 kilometers from Bangalore and makes for a superb weekend getaway. The climate of Yercaud is pleasant throughout the year and attracts a variety of tourists and travelers.

Yercaud derives its name from “Yeri” Lake and “Kaadu” Forrest in Tamil. Located in the Shevaroy range of Hills in Eastern Ghats. Historically speaking stone age implements have been found in the shrine in Shevaroy hills. 

Yercaud Lake View

How to Get there -  

By road – Take the Hosur road from Silk Board signal, reach Hosur then take the NH 47 superb stretch of road, reach Krishnagiri – Dharmpuri then Salem then reach Yercaud taking a turn from the highway into a smaller road. With about 20 hairpin bends and awesome view you will reach the top of the hill.

By Rail – Nearest train junction is at Salem

By Bus - There are plenty of buses available to Yercaud from Bangalore and other places in Tamil Nadu. 

When to Go – Yercaud has a pleasant climate through the year , but sees more visitors during summer. The rainy times are also quite enjoyable with a splendid view. 

What to do – There are plenty of things one can do in Yercaud depending on your preferences. There is the Yercaud lake right in the middle of the town, it is touristy and is thronging with visitors, but the road side food available around the lake is delicious and a must have. Especially the maize corn. 

The walk upto Montfort school is pleasant and takes you through the charming town. The green house which cultivates a variety of flowers and spices. Some of the view points are “Pagoda point” “lady’s seat” and “Karadiyur View point” , the best is probably the Karadiyur view point with a brilliant view of  the valley , you can reach here in a car/bike and walk about 1.5 to 2 easy kilometers and the route is full of vegetation and sometimes you can get to see loads of butterflies while you take the walk. One can also choose to trek or cycle in Yercaud there are many fascinating routes to take. 

Karadiyur View Point

The temples that you can visit are “Sevarayan Temple” and “Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari “ temple . 

If you prefer to eat well and stay within the reach of your hotel and laze your weekend in an awesome place with the best weather conditions , this is the best place to visit. It has many resorts and hotels that are clean and nice. Some of the hotels have options of taking entire cottages if you are going in a large gang, were you get a balcony and large rooms.

The Summer Festival would also be a great time to visit Yercaud when there are flowers shows, Dogs show, Boat races and a village fair, this happens for a week in the month of May.

Parinitha Konanur