Yelagiri (also spelt Elagiri on some signboards) is a town in Tamil Nadu, a state in the south of India.
Yelagiri, at a height of 920 meters above sea level, stands majestically amidst four mountains. This is a hill station with a salubrious climate prevailing throughout the year so that winters do not keep visitors away. The main inhabitants of the area are the tribals who live in the 14 small villages which comprise Yelagiri. These tribals are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. - all the occupations of rural hill folk. Their customs and habits, and especially the structure of their houses is unique and attracts a number of tourists to this hill station.
There are 14 hair pin bends named with Tamil Poets(Pari Valivu, Ori Valivu, Kamban Valivu etc...) those leads to Yellagiri Hills. There is a sort of an observatory, after 12th bend with a telescope pointing towards the plains. It is difficult to park a car here owing to the narrow roads. Bikes should be fine.
On the way to the hills, you can see lots of small animals like monkeys, ox, goats, etc. Do not feed these animals as they can be dangerous. Don't forget to carry binoculars with you.
- Don Bosco Centre. Yellagiri Hills. Fr. Guezou, who is the founder of this Don Bosco Center has come from France and has been helping the poor people for many years. This center helps the poor and illterate youth to identify their future by providing IT education. They have the IGNOU Study center, IT Training Center and Software Development Center.
Don Bosco Centre. Yellagiri Hills. Fr. Guezou, who is the founder of this Don Bosco Center has come from France and has been helping the poor people for many years. This center helps the poor and illterate youth to identify their future by providing IT education. They have the IGNOU Study center, IT Training Center and Software Development Center.
- Swami Malai, (not to be confused with the town of Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam) the highest peak, soaring to 4,338 ft from Mangalam, a hamlet at its base, takes the cake. Its an easy climb of about an hour with infrequent breaks (about a 1000 foot climb). Smaller peaks like Javadu Hills, Palamathi Hills and others are an easier climb. Start early though and be back before 9AM, for once the sun climbs up it can get rather uncomfortable.
- Jalagamparai Waterfalls - Jalagamparai waterfalls are a 5 km trek from Yelagiri downhill. Its a tough trek, but the view from the sides of the mountain, of the valley, is truly rewarding. April probably is not a good time to visit the falls, as there is no water this time of the year. Recently (May 2007) there was no water in the falls. A tea shop owner said that there has been no water in this falls for the past 5 years. The tourist taxi operator may give you false information that recently there were some rain in this area and there may be water in the falls. His objective is to get money for the number of kilometers he runs the vehicle and not tourists' interest and pleasure. Just check this with somebody before you make a trip to this place. Otherwise it is a wasted trip. Especially if you go in the hot sun between 10AM to 12:30AM you will get headache. At the same time if one is interested in seeing the villages and the green pastures it may be fine. Next to the falls there is a temple at the top.
- Uphill for 4km can be fun when in groups. Don’t forget to carry water, you will not find a drop of water to drink once you reach the hilltop. You can see the clouds touching the lush green hills in early morning- an amazing sight. Make sure you wear sneakers as the trek can be a treacherous climb. You can hire locals from the village to help you as guide on your trek for around ₹300. It takes 2-3 hrs to climb the top of the hill, depending on your speed and agility. It is suggested to take frequent pit stops and enjoy the greenery. You can follow a radio tower beyond the Samaritan School on the hill top as you ascend- you can also follow the pathway laid by locals to guide your way up. Once you reach the top, you will see a small temple near the radio tower. Legend claims that the god in the temple saves people from being attacked by bears and evil spirits. You can climb a huge rock near the tower with the help of an iron ladder to take a breathtaking view of the valley beneath, nestled between the lush green forest and mountains- a true nature lover's paradise. You can find a few shortcuts routes downhill-- true trekkers can try out these.
- This is an artificial lake, excavated in an area of 57 sq meters. The Elagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society runs the Boat Club, with pedaling and rowing boats. There is a newly laid flori cultural garden with a pathway along the bund with a panoramic view of the lake on one side and the garden on the other. A connecting bridge leads the pathway around the lake. The pathway around the lake is particularly good for birding. There is also a small watch tower constructed next to a tree which can be climbed. Even though the water is not clear, the lake is pretty clean.
- Vainu Bappu Solar Observatory (Elagiri): One of the largest solar observatories, it is situated in Kavalur, located 35 km from Thiruppathur, near Yelagiri. Prior permission is required to visit this observatory.thht
- Farm visits: Rose farms provide an interesting detour.
- A well laid out park on a 6 acre land adjacent to the lake, is established with varieties of children's play areas installed within the park. There is also a small zoo. But no animals could be seen there in January 2006.
- There is a "KODAI VIZHA ground" which is a lovely ground with beautiful paths for walking. This is now be updated [May 08] to the Nature park . A lovely 10 acre campus with an artificial fall, an aquarium, musical fountain in the evenings and amazing landscaping. It has 2 shows in musical fountain 7PM and 8PM. Very nice with gallery like setup and playing some 4 songs each in Hindi & Tamil. The latest addition is the Nilavoor lake - more of a pond, with a few boats. Don't miss the ancient hero stines featured in the ancient temple - each of an archer pointing towards the 4 directions.
Swami Malai, (not to be confused with the town of Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam) the highest peak, soaring to 4,338 ft from Mangalam, a hamlet at its base, takes the cake. Its an easy climb of about an hour with infrequent breaks (about a 1000 foot climb). Smaller peaks like Javadu Hills, Palamathi Hills and others are an easier climb. Start early though and be back before 9AM, for once the sun climbs up it can get rather uncomfortable.
Jalagamparai Waterfalls - Jalagamparai waterfalls are a 5 km trek from Yelagiri downhill. Its a tough trek, but the view from the sides of the mountain, of the valley, is truly rewarding. April probably is not a good time to visit the falls, as there is no water this time of the year. Recently (May 2007) there was no water in the falls. A tea shop owner said that there has been no water in this falls for the past 5 years. The tourist taxi operator may give you false information that recently there were some rain in this area and there may be water in the falls. His objective is to get money for the number of kilometers he runs the vehicle and not tourists' interest and pleasure. Just check this with somebody before you make a trip to this place. Otherwise it is a wasted trip. Especially if you go in the hot sun between 10AM to 12:30AM you will get headache. At the same time if one is interested in seeing the villages and the green pastures it may be fine. Next to the falls there is a temple at the top.
Uphill for 4km can be fun when in groups. Don’t forget to carry water, you will not find a drop of water to drink once you reach the hilltop. You can see the clouds touching the lush green hills in early morning- an amazing sight. Make sure you wear sneakers as the trek can be a treacherous climb. You can hire locals from the village to help you as guide on your trek for around ₹300. It takes 2-3 hrs to climb the top of the hill, depending on your speed and agility. It is suggested to take frequent pit stops and enjoy the greenery. You can follow a radio tower beyond the Samaritan School on the hill top as you ascend- you can also follow the pathway laid by locals to guide your way up. Once you reach the top, you will see a small temple near the radio tower. Legend claims that the god in the temple saves people from being attacked by bears and evil spirits. You can climb a huge rock near the tower with the help of an iron ladder to take a breathtaking view of the valley beneath, nestled between the lush green forest and mountains- a true nature lover's paradise. You can find a few shortcuts routes downhill-- true trekkers can try out these.
Home made honey and jack fruit (on season) are available in Yellagiri Hills. The Home made Honey can be bought from YMCA with good quality and taste. You can trust it to be original. Otherwise you have to check whether its original. There is a small house near YMCA, where you can get pure malai thein (mountain honey). The weekly market (Sandhai) assembles in Athanavoor on Fridays. Again you will find the usual modern cheap plastic wares from the plains are sold, along with a few agricultural products from the hills.
A SBI ATM has been newly constructed near State Bank of India branch in Athanavur village as of August 2009.
Food is not a problem in Yelagiri, except if you are trekking. Otherwise there are a number of eateries offering south/north Indian food at reasonable rates. Branded soft drinks and water bottles are available. Look out for jackfruit - this area has plenty of it available especially in the summer months, and the fruit here is considered very good. Also, there are lots of fruits available each season like guava, custard apple, etc. Try to bargain as much as possible as the locals are very keen. On the contrary, you will also get some fruits near Swamimalai treking spot where the locals will surprise you by giving you more than what you expect.
A few food joints serve authentic Tandoori/Chinese/Indian food
- Tandoori Hut on Boat House Road (Next to Boat House Main Entrance)
- The Hotel Hills on the main Rd
Tandoori Hut on Boat House Road (Next to Boat House Main Entrance)
The Hotel Hills on the main Rd
There is a TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlet just opposite the entrance to the lake. So have no fears and you do not have to carry your liquor unless and until you are travelling from Bangalore where you have the option of more varieties and you would not want limit yourselves to the limited options available at the TASMAC Wine Shops in Tamil Nadu. Also, immediately after you take the right at Ponneri, you have another TASMAC Wine Shop on the right hand side.
BSNL, Vodafone and Airtel have connectivity in Yelagiri.
It is better to move out during the daytime. The hairpin bent road that takes you down (and up) is narrow and there are possibilities of traffic jams due to big buses.
- Kolar
- Hogenakkal