My parents wanted to go on a drive someplace today and we decided to go to Pearl Valley near Anekal. We are members in the Pearl Valley Resort and since it has been quite a while since we last went there or since we heard from the resort, we decided it’s best if we go and see if the resort still exists!

We set off around 12 noon or so on the 45 km drive to the resort. We took the Bannerghata road and the traffic on that road was really pathetic thanks to some road repair work (finally). We stopped enroute for lunch at some dhaba. The roads rapidly deteriorated and driving was hell. We thought of turning back several times, but then decided to continue since we had already come this far.

Just before the road to Bannerghata National Park, we had to take a left and proceed further to Anekal and then had to take a right to Pearl Valley. We reached some sort of check point, where we had to pay 12 bucks (for cars) and proceed. We reach a “junction” where we had to take a right to go the resort or go straight to go the waterfall. we wanted to check out the resort first so we took a right and drove down on the worst road (if I may call it that) I have ever driven upon and finally reached the resort…or whatever was left of it.

The defunct Pearl Valley resort

The resort is pretty much closed now. Only the caretakers and some other people were around. Nothing was operational (not even electricity!). Well we heard that the resort has been taken over by a new management and might be revived in a few months time. So let’s hope something comes out of it.

The rooms from outside

We then left the resort and went to check out the famous Muthyala Madu. Once again the roads were terrible. We soon reached a KSTDC canteen, where we were surprised to see many cars and bikes. From here one needs to climb down some steps to reach the falls.

The steps that lead to the falls (and there was a lot of it)

We had to walk down quite a few steps to reach the falls, which was another big disappointment. The falls had dried up and there was only a small shower of water. The place had paper and plastics and bottles strewn all over, which was very sad to see. There was also a temple and a shop selling refreshments at the base.

The (lack of) water falls

We climbed back up and went to the canteen had coffee and left the place for the 50 Km drive back home. Since the Bannerghata route was terrible, we wanted to avoid it and so we took a diversion near Anekal and got onto Hosur Road, which is so much better a road, in comparision to what all we had just gone through. The return was smooth and much shorter (time-wise) and about the same (distance-wise), compared to Bannerghata road.

Me and my car!

In the end it was just a nice big drive today for me. Would have enjoyed the drive more if the roads were in a better condition. For other planning on visiting the falls — It would be better to visit the falls after the rains, when it will be in full force and the Bannerghata route is to be avoided. Hosur road is much better and faster.