Activity
Savour the pristine natural beauty and peace of the hills here – no busloads of tourists to make you seek cover, no touts and pushy guides to spoil your day. Taste the local honey, reputedly the best and purest honey in all of Tamil Nadu– gigantic beehives hang from the trees in the verdant forests. Walk around the Punganoor Lake, a small man-made water body with some boating on offer – or if you are feeling lazy, just sit on the banks with a book or while away time looking at other folks busy rowing their boats. If you are in the mood to do something different, visit the government Silk Farm and ask for a guided tour. The Velvan Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan situated atop a hillock, with a giant statue of Gadothgajan in front is yet another interesting sight to see. During the months of July and August, local festivals are organized here that provides a colorful glimpse of the rich culture of the region Feeling active and ready for some adventure – in Yelagiri, even this need is easy to satisfy. Trek up to the Swami Malai Hill, the highest point in Yelagiri, soaring to 4388 ft. The climb is arduous particularly if you are a desk bound city person, but extremely rewarding - for the views from the top of the surrounding ghats are simply stupendous. All along the way, listen to the beautiful bird-song for the hill host quite a few bird species. If you are so inclined you can climb the other peaks such as Javadu Hills and Palamathi Hills. Explore the countryside and stop by at remote villages, where time seems to have stopped still, people living today as their forefathers did hundreds of years ago. Yelagiri is a fine destination for bikers – many vouch for the great ride to be had on the curvaceous roads here with its 14 hairpin bends! Give time a break in Yelagiri – you will be back for more.
Accomodation Options
Yelagiri boasts of quite a few good hotels that offer plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Things to Pack
Good walking shoes, light woolen clothing, sun protection and an umbrella.
Getting There
The drive from Chennai to Yelagiri will take 4.5 hours. From Chennai, drive on NH 4 to Ranipettai and take the NH 46 via Vellore, and Ambur to Vaniyambadi. From Ponneri, follow the signboards leading up to Yelagiri Hills. If you are driving from Bangalore, take the Bangalore-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Vaniyambadi-Yelagiri route. The nearest railhead is Jolarpettai with several Bangalore bound trains stopping here from Chennai. The nearest airport is Chennai.
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