Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Less popular than its better known cousins, Ooty and Kodaikanal, Yelagiri is a small hill station in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu with a history dating back to colonial times. Yelagiri was the private property of the Yelagiri zamindars but in the 1950s the government of India brought Yelagiri under its jurisdiction. Yelagiri is a complete haven for backpackers and picnikers and boasts of a number of uphill treks and is a cluster of 14 hamlets inhabitated by tribal folk. Known for its salabrious climate, Yelagiri is a place to visit throughout the year. One should book in advance as it is not easy to get rooms here at short notice during the weekends. Small but not small in terms of attractions, this hill station is the perfect outdoor getaway. Here are the places to visit in Yelagiri.
How to reach
Yelagiri is around 150 km from Bangalore and 250 km from Chennai.
From Bangalore:
Bangalore - Hosur - Krishnagiri - Yelagiri.
It is around 2hours and 50 mins drive.
From Chennai:
Chennai - Tambaram - Arcot - Vellore - Ambur - Yelagiri.
The drive is around 3 hours 57 mins.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Hair Pin Bends
The road to Yelagiri has 14 hair pin bends which are named after Tamil poets. On the 12th bend one can see an observatory. One should drive carefully on these bends and also note that it would be difficult to park a car here but should you be on a bike then it should be fine. One will come across wild monkeys, ox and goats on the way. Do not try feeding them. Do remember to carry your binoculars so that you may enjoy the view.
Photo Courtesy: Team958
Things to remember
Do keep an eye on your petrol tank as there are few gas stations on the way, the last one being in the plains.
Carry a spare tyre and also keep a tool kit handy as repair shops too are also few.
Keep a first-aid kit with you along with any regular medicines. Yelagiri has a government health care centre and a private clinic.
Photo Courtesy: Rob Deutscher
Swami Malai
Swami Malai is the highest peak in the Mangalam range and has a hamlet at its base. The climb to its top is easy . One can also climb the smaller peaks nearby.
Photo Courtesy: Vijay
Jalagamparai Waterfalls
5 km downhill from Yelaggiri is the Jalagaparai Waterfalls. Although the trek is tough, the view one gets from the side of the mountain makes up for it. Be warned that the waterfall is rain water fed, so just check before going there.
Photo Courtesy: cprogrammer
Punganur Lake
One of the most popular attractions in Yelagiri, the Punganur Lake is an artificially excavated lake here. One can either take a pedal boat or a rowing boat to go boating in the waters. It is also a good place for bird watching. A small watch tower is constructed near the place in order to assist the bird watchers.
Photo Courtesy: Sayowais
Observatory
The Vainu Bappu Solar Observatory is located on the 12th bend and is one of the largest observatory. One needs prior permission in order to visit the Observatory.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Shopping and Eating
There is not much shopping that one can do here. Yelagiri is famous for its home made honey and Jackfruit. Do try out the local cuisines that are offered here.
Photo Courtesy: McKay Savage