Yercaud had been a place I had longed to visit, with its name sounding luxurious when pronounced (Yer-Caoud). It was also my first time experiencing trekking and camping, and we had gone with the trip organizers called Exoticamp.
We started our journey from Chennai, traveling in an AC sleeper bus, which was another first-time experience for me. Throughout the night, we had engaging conversations, shared laughter and emotions, creating heartfelt moments to cherish.
The following morning, we arrived at Salem Bus stand and had tea and biscuits before continuing our journey to Yercaud. A friend kindly lent us a vehicle to go up the hills, which we expected to be a straightforward and easy climb. However, our vehicle had to stop midway, as it was not suitable for the hilly terrain. We were then informed that we would have to trek to the top of the hill from where we stopped.
The trek started off relatively easy, but as we continued, it became increasingly challenging, with rocks and swamps hindering our progress. However, we were greeted by the sounds of birds and other small animals, creating a sense of being in a rainforest. The sun even made an appearance, peeking out from behind the clouds.
This was my first time trekking with my friends, and the experience was entirely new to me. We continued walking for the next one and a half to two hours until we finally arrived at the campsite.
To my surprise, the campsite was not a typical tent and bonfire setup. Instead, they had luxurious tents with beds and lighting facilities. The restroom facilities were also sophisticated, providing a sense of comfort and ease that one would not expect in such a remote location.
After settling in and taking a few pictures, we embarked on a sunset hike. We walked for several miles until we reached the highest point of the mountain, where we waited for the sun to set. The sunset was breathtakingly beautiful, and we captured the moment in crystal-clear pictures. We chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the stunning view. However, there was a moment of fright when we were posing for a picture, sitting on top of a pile of wood, and one of the logs rolled. Fortunately, we escaped unharmed.
Upon our return to the campsite, we sat down for a cup of tea and some snacks, eagerly waiting for the tour guide to start the campfire. Although the people in the campsite were not all from the same group, we all came together to enjoy the atmosphere and experience.
It was clear that the main intention of this camping idea was to bring groups of people together to share in the joy of nature and the outdoors. The sense of community and togetherness was palpable, with everyone coming together to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
As the campfire blazed, we took turns introducing ourselves and sharing personal experiences. We sang songs and laughed, creating unforgettable memories as the night wore on.
One of my cousins suggested that we turn off all the lights in the campsite so that we could stargaze. We readily agreed, and soon we lay on the ground, looking up at the sky and marveling at the beauty of the constellations. For the next 15 minutes, we hugged each other and cherished the bonds we had formed, giving life a new meaning.
Eventually, we retired to our tents, with some of us choosing to sleep while others continued to have fun. My best friend prepared midnight maggi, hijacking the kitchen that was typically used to prepare our three meals a day. It was a night that we would never forget, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.
The following day, we started by playing archery, badminton, and darts within the campsite, enjoying the fresh air and the company of our friends.
We then ventured down the hill, and this time the trek was calmer and more serene as it was drizzling rain. The scenery was breathtaking, with the droplets of rain rolling off the leaves like lotus petals, creating a mesmerizing effect that left us in awe. It was the little things that made the experience so special, adding to the beauty of the surroundings and the memories we were creating.
After indulging in numerous photo shoots, we explored other sites within the Yercaud hill. We had spicy sweetcorn in the midst of the densest fog, enjoying every bit of the experience. Eventually, we made our way back down the hill to my friend's place on a heavy rain day, with romantic melodies playing in the background.
We visited waterfalls, drenching ourselves in the pouring rain and feeling fully alive in the moment. It was a trip to remember, filled with unforgettable moments, stunning scenery, and cherished memories that would stay with us forever.
Comments