Yelagiri
From World travel guide
Yellagiri is a city in Tamil Nadu, a state in the south of India.
Contents |
Get in
Yelagiri is about 170 Kms from Bangalore, good for a 4 hour bike ride with breaks along the way. Take the Highway out of Bangalore towards Hosur, turn towards Chennai at Krishnagiri and continue until you get just before Vaniyambadi, don't enter the town itself. You can see the Hills from quite a distance. From a break in the highway (that is still under construction) turn right into the road that takes you to Tirupathur. Continue some 5 Kms and at Ponneri Junction take a left to Yelagiri Hills. The routes are all marked with signboards in English.
If you prefer to take public transport Busses are going from Thirupattur and Jolarpet. You can take Taxi also from these places.
Yellagiri, at a height of 920 mt 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 Yellagiri. These tribals are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. - all the occupations of rural hill folk, in short. Their customs and habits, and especially the structure of their houses is unique and attracts a number of tourists to this hill station. Please note there are no petrol stations in Yelagiri, thus you have to fillup the tank at the last avalable Petrol station in the plains. Except for a few tyre changers there are no vehicle repair shops in the hills.
Also, please take your first-aid kit along with your regular medicines if any with you. There are no medical shops or doctors in the hills, except a government primary health centre. The nearest medical facility is available in Thirupattur only
Get around
As for getting around you may have to make your own arrangement for commuting in the hills. There are a few auto-rickshaws seen, but not sure whether they have come from the plains on some errand. But it is a great place for trekkers.
Each village has a Murugar Temple, small and big. At Nilavoor there is a devi temple for Kadavu-Nachiyar, which opens for puja only on fridays between 11.00 and 12.00 in the mornings. The villagers around believe this Goddess as very powerful and throng the place in good numbers on fridays.
See
Do
Trekking: • 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. Smaller peaks with quaint names like Javadu Hills, Palamathi Hills and others are an easier climb. Start early though and be back before 9 am, for once the sun climbs up it can get rather uncomfortable. • Jalagamparai Waterfalls: Jalagamparai water falls is 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.
Boating on Punganur Lake: • It is an artificial lake, excavated in an area of 57 sq mt. 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.
Science / Educational: • Vainu Pappu Solar Observatory (Elagiri): One of the largest solar observatories, it is situated in Kavalur, located 35 km from Thiruppathur, near Elagiri. Prior permission is required to visit this observatory. • Farm visits: Rose farms provide an interesting detour.
For Kids: • 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 we could not see any animals there when we visited in January 2006.
Buy
There is nothing special to purchse in Yelagiri, except home grown honey. But you should be sure of the quality before purchasing the same. The weekly market (Shandy) 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.
Eat
Food is not a problem in Yelagiri, except if you are on trekking. Otherwise there are number of eateries offering south/north indian food at reasonable rates. Branded soft drinks and water bottles avalable.
Drink
Sleep
A number of hotels big and small are available in Athanavoor and Nilavoor in Yelagiri. There is an Y.M.C.A. in the hills, offering dormitary accommodation.Strerling resorts have their branch in Athanavoor. The rates for hotel accommodation range from Rs.300/-to Rs.1000/- per room.
Get out
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