Yelagiri is a peaceful and serene hill station which has rapidly progressed to become a well-known holiday destination due to the constant efforts of the Tamil Nadu tourism board. It is situated in the district of Vellore close to city Krishnagiri. Yelagiri has plenty of spectacular green valleys, rose-gardens, and orchards. It is encompassed by the Palamathi hills, the Swamimalai hills, and the Javadi hills. It lies at a height of 920 meters over the sea level. It is a perfect destination for families, peace-seekers, couples and even adventure-enthusiasts for spending their holidays in the lap of nature and away from the disorderly and chaotic life of the city. There is a wide range of things to do in Yelagiri hill station.
Yelagiri is one of the few marvels of nature that has remained unspoiled by the enclosure of the world outside. Before the Independence of India, Yelagiri was a private property of a Zamindar family and during the 1950s, it was taken over by the government. Tourists can visit the residence of the family that is located in Reddiyur. This region is mainly inhabited by various tribal groups who reside in the 14 villages that together make up the hill station. Their unique and unparalleled customs, traditions, and house structures entice thousands of tourists from all over the country.
The climate of Yelagiri comprises of Summer, North West monsoon, South East monsoon, and Winter. The temperature here ranges between 18 C and 30 C. The best time to visit Yelagiri hill station is between November and February as it is the best season for sightseeing and travel in Yelagiri hills.
Yelagiri is at a convenient distance from major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. You can easily reach this hill station from these cities by car.
Chennai to Yelagiri- The distance between Yelagiri and Chennai is about 258 km. The roads are well-accented with proper signboards to guide you. You can also spot plenty of eateries on the highway. The drive will surely be an unforgettable one for you as 14 hairpin bends will take you to the splendid and picturesque mountainous scenery.
Bangalore to Yelagiri – Yelagiri is situated at a distance of about 150 km from Bangalore. It will take about 3 hours to travel from Bangalore to Yelagiri by road. You can take NH7, NH46, NH4 or NH234 to reach Yelagiri. You don’t need to worry about losing your way as the signboards on the highway will guide you well.
The closest airport to Yelagiri is the Bangalore International Airport which is situated just 145 km away from the hill station. Chennai Airport is another nearest airport located at a distance of about 260 km. After getting off at the airport, you can rent a taxi as it will conveniently take you to Yelagiri at reasonable rates.
The closest railway station from this place is Jolarpettai railway station that is located at a distance of about 21`km. The station has excellent transportation links to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore. You can also hire a taxi or an auto from the station.
Nearest bus stands are located in the neighboring cities of Tirupattur and Jolarpettai.
This beautiful hill station is home to some of the most astonishing and breathtaking tourist attractions. Some of the most beautiful tourist places in Yelagiri are: –
Jalagamparai Falls is one of the most visited attractions in Yelagiri. This delightful fall skulks amidst invigorating packed greenery, surrounded by a faint mist. River Aattaru flows down the rocks with the fall. You can reach Jalagamparai falls following an exhausting but pleasant trek of about 5 km. It is believed that the water of the fall holds the power to heal various ailments as it has medicinal or remedial properties. This place is an ideal picnic spot, so you can take eatables with you and spend quality time with your family and friends.
Known for– Tourism, picnic, scenic view, and trekking
Entry fee– Entry is free
Timings– 6 AM to 6 PM
Mobile/Camera allowed
The park is located close to the Punganoor Lake and is spread over an area of twelve acres. The park caters to the needs of all age groups in terms of providing a soothing, stunning and astonishing environment. The park is home to multifarious and bountiful flora.
Known for– A musical fountain with multicolored lighting, fish aquarium, an artificial waterfall, a children’s park, a bamboo house, and splendid gardens.
Entry fee– Rs 15 per adult and Rs 5 per child.
Timings– 7 AM to 8 PM.
Mobile/Camera allowed
It is a contrived lake situated in the middle of the Yelagiri hills. The lake is encompassed with a nature park and a fountain in the center. You can enjoy boating amidst the calm and peaceful surroundings of this lake with your family for a delightful experience.
Known for- An exquisite artificial lake, photography, boating, a serene point.
Entry fee– There are no parking charges. The entry fee is Rs 3 per person. The boating charges range from Rs 50 to Rs 75 according to the type of boat rented.
Timings– 8AM-7PM.
Mobile/Camera allowed
SwamiMalai is one of the most renowned and highest peaks in Yelagiri. You can reach this scenic point after a 3 Km trek from the Punganoor Lake. Over the years, more and more tourists are visiting this hilltop to enjoy the spectacular view of the valley.
Known for-Tourism, Scenic landscapes, photography, and trekking.
Entry Fee– There is no charge for entry.
Timings– No specific timings
Mobile/Camera allowed
This beautiful temple is devoted to Lord Murugan. It overlooks the encompassing hills. It also has unique idols of Gadothgajan and Lord Ganesha.
Known for– Sightseeing, splendid architecture, and Karthigai Thirunal festival.
Entry fee– No Entry fee
Timings– Darshan can be done from 6AM-8PM. At noon, the doors of the temple are closed for a few hours.
Mobile/camera not allowed
Nilavoor Lake is also a beautiful and astonishing tourist attraction located in Yelagiri. Its vivacious verdure and tranquil surroundings will fascinate you.
Known for– scenic lake and boating
Entry Fee– Visiting the lake is free of cost. If you wish to take any of the amusement rides, then you need to pay the charges.
Timings– No specific timings
Mobile/Camera allowed
The herbal farm is preserved by the forest department and is situated near Punganoor Lake. When in Yelagiri, you must visit this place to know about the medicinal plants which are used to make Ayurvedic medicines.
Known for- Medicinal plants, flora, aquarium, and the musical fountain.
Entry fee– Rs 25 per person; Parking fee-Rs 5; Musical fountain fee- Rs 25 per person.
Timings– 9AM-6PM
Mobile/camera allowed
The most well-known trekking path in Yelagiri is the astonishing trek to Swamimalai Hills. These hills are located at a height of 4,338 ft. After reaching the hilltop, you will get to see an enthralling view.
The extraordinary hills of Yelagiri is an ideal destination where you can try paragliding. The spectacular views of the forests and valleys will make this experience worth cherishing for you. You don’t need to worry about safety because a well-experienced and professional team will take care of it.
Being a hill station, Yelagiri is also famous for rock climbing. You can come here for rock climbing throughout the year. Zorbing and Zipline are some other adventure activities you can indulge in.
When in Yelagiri, you can try out traditional South Indian Cuisine like- Dosas, Idli Sambar with chutney, Medu Vada, Uttapam, payasam, Ragi malt, Tomato Thokku, Aviyal, Rasam, Chicken curry, Coconut rice, Kaapi (filter coffee), Appam, and much more.
The five best restaurants in Yelagiri with good food and great hospitality are:
1) Peter’s Park
2) Anthurium
3) Thenkani restaurant
4) Hotel Nigress
5) Food corner
Yelagiri is renowned for its home-made honey, Mangoes, and Jackfruit.
You can visit the YMCA or the weekly market in Athanavoor for the best quality honey. If you relish Jackfruit then visit this hill station during summers and you will find plenty of them. Visit the local markets to get some of the best handicraft items at reasonable prices.
Yelagiri is an ideal holiday destination for people who are looking to spend some peaceful and unruffled moments with their family and friends. This hill station has a wide range of things to offer for every age group whether it is a long walk amidst the scenic and magnificent valleys, paragliding, and rock climbing for adventure enthusiasts, trekking trails for stunning views, ancient temples with magnificent architecture, and astonishing picnic spots with wonderful boating experience for children. It is a perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway.
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