Yelagiri

Tekkers Paradise

Yelagiri Hill is at an 1410 meters altitude, and one of the most popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst four mountains well known for its salubrious climate prevailing throughout the year. Tribal people live in villages of these hills. Human settlement started around 200 years ago.

Travel by the winding Ghat road that has 14 hairpin bends, you can reach the Yelagiri hilltop. The ride offers panoramic breath taking views of the hills and its surroundings. The seventh bend is significant, since it offer the view of the slopes of the mountain and the green forests . The highest point in Yelgiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft and a popular destination for trekkers.

Yelagiri comprises of 14 small villages. The tribal inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry etc. Their traditions, habits and the structure of their houses are very unique and attract tourist’s attention.

Ebenezer Matriculation and Higher Secondary Residential School, Peace Garden Matriculation School and Samaritan Residential School are some educational institutions cater to all categories of both Local and Outstation Students. The Don Bosco, has recently established an Arts and Science College for the benefit of local community.

Paragliding

Yelagiri Adventure Sports Association (YASA) established in 2007 is a society formed by eminent sports loving and service oriented persons. Frequent workshops are conducted for this sport. In 2008, Jointly with Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), YASA conducted the first Paragliding Festival. Contact : 9444449591, 9444033307. E-mail : info@yasa.co.in - for details.

Adventure Activities

There are possibilities to organize adventure tourism and activities like trekking mountaineering, rock-climbing and hand gliding on the hill slopes. There is a trekking route to the Jalagamparai waterfall from the hills.

Trekking routes

The highest point in Yelgiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft and a popular destination for trekkers. There are other trekking options that include smaller peaks like Javvadu Hills and Palamathi Hills. Yelagiri (Athanavur) village-Mangalam village-Jalakambarai; Athanavur –Y.M.C.A. Campus- Samimalai and Return are some spcieal options. The Forest Department at Tiruppathur . [Forest Ranger at Jolarpettai Tel: 04179-220185] may be contacted for assistance and guides to take up trekking in the area.

Shopping

There isn’t much shopping to be done at Yercaud. The tourists can shop at Salem markets on their way to Yercaud. Salem is famous for textiles and bright handloom fabrics. Most tourists pick up fresh spices from the shops here.

Summer Festival

The Department of Tourism, the Yelagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society and the Vellore District Administration organize this festival every year. Flowers show, various cultural programs and Dog Show with an enchanting breeds of Dogs on show , are conducted every year.

How to reach Yelagiri

By Road: Athanavur Bus Stop (0 Kms)
By Rail: Jolarpettai Railway Station (19 Kms)
Vaniyambadi Railway Station (24 Kms)
Tirupattur Railway Station (30 kms)
By Air: Bangalore (191 kms)

Tourist Information
Tourist Office
Yelagiri.
Mobile : 94477-84477
Email : info@yelagiri.net

Places of Interest

Punganur Lake

This is an artificial lake dug in an area of 57 sq.mt out of 12 acres lake area.

Children’s Park and Boating

A well laid out park on a 6 acre stretch of land, adjacent to the lake, is established for children centric entertainment at Yelagiri. Play equipment are installed within the park. Boating on the waters of this lake is an enchanting experience. An artificial fountain can be seen at the centre of the lake. Ticket for 4 people on paddle boat will cost Rs.75/- per 30mins.

The Yelagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society operates the Boat house at the park. Different species of Deer population is found in the Observatory area.

Velavan Temple

A temple for Lord Murugan is located atop a hillock. The location of this temple also serves as a view point. From here, one can have the pleasure of viewing the green woods of the Yelagiri Hills. The yearly festival of this temple is during the tamil month of ADI [July-August]. A gigantic sculpture of Gadothgajan [mythical character] in a standing posture is located in front of this temple.

Government Fruit Farm

The botanical Gardens at Athanavur and Nilavur have varieties of fruit bearing trees and plants with flowers of various hues, fragrances and shapes.

Government Herbal Farm

The forest department maintains a herbal farm adjacent of the Punganur lake. Herbs and shrubs are cultivated here to provide the main ingredients in the manufacture of medicines for Ayurveda and Siddha forms of Indian medical treatment.

Telescope

Telescope has been installed on the Ghat road for the benefit of tourists to have a glimpse of the slopes and terrains of the hills. There are also the temples dedicated to Tamil Annai, Vinayagar and Hanuman.

Jalagamparai Water Falls

It is 5km downhill trek away from Yelagiri, The “Attaru” River passes through the yelagiri hills and falls from a height of 30 Mtrs. This could either be reached from Tiruppaththur, 15 Kms away or it is an hour’s trek from the hills. There is a Murugan Temple adjacent to the Jalagamparai falls, located within a building constructed in the shape of the Lingam. The isolated location of the waterfalls attracts visitors in large groups for picnicking. Jalagamparai Waterfalls is at its best from November to February when it is gushing with water. It is better to avoid the month April as it is normally dry during this time.

Sandhai

Sandhai is the local term for markets. There is a Weekly Friday Sandhai [ market] in Athanavoor. Apart from the local products like the Jackfruits, Chickoo/Sapota, Guavas, Mangoes and Honey, one can find the usual modern cheap plastic wares from the plain.