Last month, I reached a point where I felt suffocated by life. Every day felt the same – wake up, rush to work, come back tired, scroll aimlessly, and sleep without feeling rested. One evening, I sat with my parents sipping tea. Looking at their tired faces, I just said, “Let’s go somewhere. Anywhere.” That’s how Yelagiri happened.

Fundera Park – Watching My Niece Smile

The first place we visited was Fundera Park. I still remember my niece’s face when she saw the rabbits. Her eyes lit up. She slowly held out some carrots and the rabbits nibbled from her tiny fingers. I felt something soften in me.

There were colourful parrots calling out to visitors, goats with innocent eyes, ducks quacking around without a care in the world. My mother, who rarely smiles these days, laughed when a small bird sat on her shoulder for a second. Before leaving, we had lemonade from a small café inside. Sitting there, watching children laugh, I felt peaceful after a long time.

Cloud Forest Park – Walking Without Thinking

Later, we went to Cloud Forest Park. It wasn’t a big place, but it felt calming. There were trees on both sides of the pathways, small flower beds, and some art installations where children clicked photos. My parents walked slowly, talking about their old days. I walked behind them, clicking a few photos, not to post anywhere, but to keep for myself.

We sat under a tree for a while. I watched the sky through its branches. In that moment, I didn’t think of work or bills or deadlines. I just breathed, something I had forgotten to do properly.

Thrill Valley – Seeing Fear Turn Into Confidence

We then visited Thrill Valley. My younger brother insisted I try ziplining. I am scared of heights, but his words stuck in my head: “Bhai, just do it once. For yourself.” I still remember standing at the edge, my heart racing, and then suddenly feeling the wind on my face as I zipped down. For a few seconds, I felt free.

My brother tried ATV rides, my cousins tried archery. All I saw around was people challenging their fears, laughing after winning over them. That day, I realised courage is not about being fearless. It’s about doing things despite fear.

Nature Park – Finding Silence Again

In the evening, we went to Nature Park. There was an artificial waterfall, a musical fountain, and small bridges over ponds. My father sat on a bench, eyes closed, head resting back. I sat next to him. We didn’t talk. We just sat, listening to the water. I looked at his wrinkled hands resting on his lap and felt grateful he was there with me.

Kids played nearby. The lights came on as the sky turned dark blue. I didn’t want to leave.

Jalagamparai Falls – Feeling The Water Wash My Tiredness

Next morning, we drove to Jalagamparai Falls. There wasn’t much water as it was summer, but whatever little fell on the rocks made a soothing sound. My niece dipped her feet in the stream. I sat on a stone, closed my eyes, and listened to the water flow. It felt like it was carrying away the tiredness I didn’t even know I was holding inside.

Selfie Panda – Laughing Like Kids

Before leaving, we stopped at Selfie Panda. There were giant panda statues, funny frames, colourful props. My mother, who is usually shy, posed with panda ears on her head and my father clicked her photo. She laughed like a teenager. In that moment, it felt like years of burden lifted off her shoulders.

Punganur Lake – Sitting In Silence Together

Our last evening was spent at Punganur Lake. We rented a paddle boat. As we moved slowly over calm water, my niece leaned against me and closed her eyes, feeling the cool breeze. After boating, we sat on the edge of the lake eating roasted corn from a local seller. The sun set quietly, turning the lake golden for a while. None of us spoke. And that silence felt comfortable.

Velavan Temple – Feeling Grateful

Before leaving Yelagiri, we went to Velavan Temple. My parents folded their hands and prayed silently. I didn’t ask for anything. I just said thank you – for their health, for my family, for this trip that reminded me of who I am beyond my job title.

Why Yelagiri Stayed With Me

Yelagiri is not like other hill stations with loud tourists and overcrowded viewpoints. It is simple. It has space to breathe, roads to walk on without bumping into people, quiet cafes where no one hurries you away, and places where you can just sit under trees for hours.

If life ever feels too heavy again, I know where I will go. Back to Yelagiri, where I left a piece of my tiredness behind and brought back a piece of peace with me.

👉 You can also check out my other posts.-All India Trip by Road