Yelagiri is one of the serene hill stations of Tamil Nadu that creates a perfect destination for nature lovers, along with adventurers. The lush green beauties and rolling hills are ideal for relaxation and exploration. It offers unlimited trekking routes and peaceful lakes to indulge in various activities in Yelagiri that suit every traveller’s interests. Whatever the reason, Yelagiri promises experiences that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired. From adventure to peace, this article helps you plan the best things to do in Yelagiri. A visit to Yelagiri is sure to be an experience that will linger in the heart forever.
Top 10 Things To Do In Yelagiri
Below is the list of the top 10 best things to do in Yelagiri:
1. Trekking at Swamimalai Hill
Photo: Mohan Babu V / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking at Swamimalai Hill is one of the exciting activities to be done in Yelagiri. The panorama of the trek includes breathtaking views of surrounding hills and valleys. It is a favourite destination among trekkers. The trail passes through a very dense forest that is full of beautiful varieties of flora and fauna. An appreciable scope for birdwatching and photography is available. This will involve approximately 2-3 hours of climbing to get to the top. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trekker, this experience will create indelible moments between the spellbinding beauty of nature.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: INR 350-500/person
Distance: 3 km
2. Boating At Punganoor Lake
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Punganoor Lake is a perfect boating destination and relaxation destination. The serene water body, amidst the greenery, is a perfect spot to let go of all the chaos, buzzing with couples wanting to spend romantic moments and families looking forward to family time. While taking your boat ride, you can choose a pedal boat or row boat. The lake has a very beautiful scenery around it the pathways have been well designed for lazy strolls or family picnics. Don’t forget your camera to capture some really beautiful reflections on the water, especially at sunset when the scenery goes into the painter’s palette of colours.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Entry Fee: INR 30/person
Distance: In town
3. Jalagamparai Waterfalls
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Jalagamparai Waterfalls are some of the best things to view in Yelagiri, which one can hardly miss while visiting the place. The waterfall falls from about 20 feet amidst lush greenery. It’s such a breathtaking view that many people visit the place. The place around the falls is perfectly ideal for picnics where families can enjoy meals while listening to the soothing sound of water. The mist with the waterfalls is just refreshing and a great relief during the summer months. This is a destination to suit all, whether for families or adventure seekers.
Best Time To Visit: September to December
Entry Fee: Free
Distance: from Yelagiri: 15 km
4. Velavan Temple
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Velavan Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is one of the seven hills of Yelagiri. As a meditation retreat, no less than a spectacular structure that can offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, the temple affords a serene atmosphere making it perfect for meditation and reflection with spiritual depth added to your exploration of what to do in Yelagiri. They can feel the sanctity while coming to know about the local religious practices and traditions that enhance their knowledge of Tamil culture.
Best Time To Visit: Morning and Evening
Entry Fee: Not Available
Distance: 2 km
5. Adventure Camp At Yelagiri
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Adventure Camp Yelagiri is the perfect destination for the energetic; there, one can try their hand at rock climbing, zip-lining, and paragliding among others. It’s mainly designed for the wishes of adrenaline seekers who do not want to lose the beauty of the hills and forests. All these activities provide interaction, a relationship with nature, and enjoyment. Another aspect is that it equips participants with safety equipment so that everyone enjoys it safely. In addition, the professional instructors take new participants through every activity, meaning that it is also open to beginners.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Varies according to the activity
Distance: In town
6. Nature Park
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Nature Park at Yelagiri is perfect for family vacationers and nature lovers looking for some time with Mother Nature. It has numerous flora and fauna species, long routes for walking, and a play area for kids. It is a perfect destination for the lazy-walking tourists visiting the clean air and beautiful landscapes in this hill station. Boards carrying education about local wildlife and plant species spread across the park can also make their visit informative and fun for any age group.
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Entry Fee: INR 30/person
Distance: In town
7. Telescope Observatory
Photo: Kelly / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Yelagiri Telescope Observatory is an excellent location for astronomy enthusiasts to view the stars. The visitors will be arranged at short notice to offer guided sessions to identify celestial objects on nights when city lights are free. Thus, the excursion proves to be educational too where people can gaze deeper into the universe with expert guidance. The view of the planets and constellations through powerful telescopes will create lifelong memories in the minds of adults as much as in children.
Best Time To Visit: Night
Entry Fee: Varies with session
Distance: In town
8. Amirthi Forest Reserve
Photo: Owais / Wikimedia Commons
A boon for a nature lover is the nearby Amirthi Forest Reserve, treks through dense forests replete with exotic flora and fauna and open vistas for birdwatching and photography. Given the variety of avifauna present here, birdwatching enthusiasts have exciting scope, so it is an excellent location for photography and nature walks, which enable people to indulge in natural beauty, thus making it one of the best things to do in Yelagiri.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Distance: 25 km
9. Herbal Garden
Photo: Елена Климович / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The government-established Herbal Garden houses many medicinal herbs of the region. As a visitor, you are made aware of herbal medicines and modalities for sustainable practices while interacting with local farmers who come forth to share their knowledge of the traditional medicine practices that run along bloodlines. This educational experience amalgamates nature appreciation with cultural discovery, making it an enriching stop during your visit, where you can gain insights into holistic health practices.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
Entry Fee: INR 10/person
Distance: In town
10. Local Festivals
Photo: Marcin Dampc / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Local fairs organised at Yelagiri provide a glimpse of vibrant culture. Pongal, for example, is an event that has folk music and folk dance performances, and the food in the events depicts community spirit and some of the traditions practised in Tamil Nadu. Engagements of people at such events give visitors firsthand experience into community customs and traditions which eventually improve their knowledge of the glamorous hill station, thus making it one of the best things to see in Yelagiri.
Best Time To Visit: January
Entry Fee: Free
Yelagiri, a spot of natural beauty and cultural richness, has been offering visitors everything from trekking scenic trails on Swamimalai Hill to serene boat rides on Punganoor Lake. Accompanied by the spiritual enlightenment to be gained from exploring the Velavan Temple, the region celebrates Tamil culture and traditions through the local festivals. With boundless adventure and relaxation opportunities, Yelagiri ensures every tourist leaves these rational premises with bright memories of this visual wonderland where nature and tradition blend in a perfect blend to ensure a memorable experience. Contact us to know the best things to do in Yelagiri for a truly enriching getaway.
Cover Photo: cprogrammer / Wikimedia Commons