Things to Do in Yelagiri
Things to do in Yelagiri
It often comes across as a pleasant surprise to learn about the variety of things to do in Yelagiri, a tiny town nestled in Tamil Nadu. The not so popular tourist destination invites tourists to adore its pleasant climate throughout the year; especially visitors from the rest of South India. Thanks to its topography, the hill station has a number of activities for one to indulge in. The mountains like Swamimalai, Javadi or Palamathi make it possible for hiking and trekking in Yelagiri for tourists to enjoy views from atop a hill, while water bodies like the Punganur lake make opportunity for a serene overnight camping experience.It also offers boating expeditions in the day time. A picnic day with closed ones at Jalagamparai falls - that is considered to be one of the best tourist spots in Yelagiri is a great idea. While the silk farm is yet another place for a day outing; this place offers a rather unique experience of innovative learning by closely watching the entire life cycle of a silkworm and silk producing process.
Things to do list must also certainly include paragliding tours in Yelagiri, as the destination is known for being one of the best tandem flying places in whole of India. It requires one to not excel, or get trained in the sport of paragliding and rather just experience the joy of flying in the air with trained professionals. A few other things to do here in Yelagiri include touring local attractions such as Nature Park which is the go-to place for nature lovers, or finding spiritual peace at temples like Jalagandeeswar, Velavan and Moksha Vimochana which majorly house the deity of Lord Murugan. Moreover, for foodies, trying out the local dishes made of coconut and rice based substances is also one of the most fulfilling things to do on this hill station.
Counted among the top tourist spots in Yelagiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Jalagamparai Waterfall is a popular natural attraction, frequented by locals and tourists alike. The river stream of Attaaru, flowing through the valleys of Yelagiri Hills, creates this magnificent cascade at an approximate distance of 37 km from Yelagiri Town. Cascading from a height of 15 metres, this spectacular waterfall is also an ideal spot where one can indulge in nature and landscape photography.
The remote location of the waterfall keeps it away from the usual bustle that you will experience at the other tourist attractions near Yelagiri.The visitors can enjoy a number of activities at Jalagamparai waterfall. The clean water of the stream snaking through lush green forest adds medicinal properties to it, making it a perfect place for a refreshing bath. Many people visiting the site with family enjoy a peaceful picnic in the captivating surroundings on the plunge.
The waterfall can only be accessed via a trekking trail, which makes it a perfect option for thrill-seekers. Besides, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Jalagamparai Murugan Temple which can also be covered during your visit.Jalagamparai Waterfall is, indeed, a treat for any nature lover and should certainly be visited during a trip to Yelagiri.
Though the waterfall looks spectacular throughout the year except for the summer season when the stream dries up, you can plan your visit during or after the monsoon season for the most alluring atmosphere. The verdant landscape, misty aura, and cool atmosphere of this place is sure to please all your senses simultaneously.
Also Checkout: Yelagiri Tour Packages
Fundera park is an iconic place in Yelagiri that is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. This is an aviary and a petting farm where you can find more than 3000 species of exotic birds. Due to the terrain, the ideal way to reach Fundera Park is by a road journey be it either from Bengaluru or Tamil Nadu.
Fundera Park, Yelagiri harbors more than 300 foreign-exotic bird species sheltered not in cages but out in the open reserve. From Macau parrot to ostrich, or the smallest dove in the world, the staff at Fundera is trained to encourage and accommodate the tourists to interact with the birds. Visitors are permitted to feed the birds and hold them as well.
The interaction begins with birds and ends up with petting other farm animals such as guinea pigs, donkeys, cows, rabbits, and iguanas. A small eatery is set up in Fundera for quick snacking. What’s more? This scenic picnic spot offers an herb garden as well as a 7D cinema with a users rated and recommended VR. It is also an ideal picnic destination for family and children.
It reflects the vibrant beauty of the thickets of trees that outline the shimmering waters of the lake. There is also a Thambiran Lotus Pond constructed near the lake adds to the charm of the lake and attracts many visitors to the place. Sometimes when the water level in the lake is low, you can also see rocks at the bed of the lake.
Boating has become the main attraction of the place due to its beautiful surroundings and calming waters. There is a boating house near the lake which provides several boating options to travelers. The beauty of the lake increases multifold during dusk and dawn and you will be thrilled to discover more wonderful sights at and near the lake on a family trip to the Yelagiri Hills.
Yelagiri Forest hill is a hillside conservation containment with beautiful scenic hiking trails and marked temples. Sometimes referred as Elagiri hills by tourists, the hilly terrain of Yelagiri Forest hills spreads across an area of 30 square kilometres and stands at an altitude of 1110.6 metres above the sea level.
The astounding beauty of the Yelagiri Forest hills arises from the numerous rose laden gardens, orchards, and sprawling green valleys across the landscape.The recent development in sports activities at the hills has made the Yelagiri forest hills a blooming hotspot destination for tourists.
The hilly valley is also surrounded by the Swamimalai Hill, standing as the tallest in the entire range of hills around the valley. The Yelagiri Forest hills are a favourite for trekkers and locals, who enjoy the display of beauty around them. It is known that Yelagiri Forest hill is home to a hundred different species of snakes.
For those who visit the Yelagiri Forest hills during May, an annual Yelagiri Summer festival awaits their presence. During this festival, a number of flower and dog shows are organised for the entertainment of the visitors and local people. This three day event is organised to promote tourism and cultural aspects of the region.
A number of temples and local accommodations can be found scattered all along the region. This trending forest conservation locality has welcomed many adventure enthusiasts to its calm and serene surroundings and promising tranquility.
A part of the sacred Trinity along with the Ekambareswarar and the Kamakshi Amman Temples, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, also known as Perumal Koli, is highly sacramental to the practice of Vaishnavism. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is of extreme religious importance.
The temple sprawls across a vast 25 acres of land and comprises of 32 shrines along with the shrine to the main deity. The temple has a unique idol of Lord Vishnu made entirely of wood, which is kept enshrined in a silver box and immersed in water. This water is released from the Tank every 40 years.
The main shrine to Lord Vishnu is located atop a small hillock, known as Hastagiri, which is 10 meters high and can be reached by a flight of 24 steps. It has murals of the late Vijayanagara Empire on the ceiling. There is also a shrine to Narasimha on the hillock, which houses the mysterious mask of Narasimha, the origins of which remain unknown till today.
The temple conducts aarti ceremonies in the evening and morning. It also celebrates a number of different festivals, attracting devotees and pilgrims to it over the years. Once every 40 years, the temple conducts a special Pooja and ceremony for Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal, where the 40 feet tall idol of the Lord made entirely of Athi wood is brought out for the worship of the devotees.Also, the temple has a strictly no littering policy and does not allow photography within the premises.
Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites of Lord Karthikeya, known as Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. Sculpted with rock-hewn architecture, the temple dates back to the 6th century, and was built by the Pandyas.
The hillock which the temple its upon is of great religious significance, and is also dubbed as the 'Southern Himalayas' by natives. The temple features several stunning, life sized sculptures and ornately carved pillars that open to the imposing 150 ft. high Rajagopuram that graces the temple’s entrance.
Timings: 05:30 AM to 01:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Location: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005
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What are the best things to do in Yelagiri?
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Which are the amazing places to enjoy camping in Yelagiri?
Yelagiri is the perfect place for camping.The camping packages are very well tailored keeping in mind the requirements of the vacationers. Check out the list of best places to enjoy camping in Yelagiri:
1. YMCA Camp Centre: YMCA centre is known to be a camping specialist in Yelagiri. The campsite is located amidst lush greenery over 30 acres of land. The centre provides all arrangements for camping enthusiasts and has several packages for tourists to choose from.
2. Silent Waters: This camping site overlooks majestic hills and valleys of Yelagiri and is surrounded by fruit orchards. The camping arrangements are properly done and are suitable for all types of tourists; be it a group of family or friends. You can truly enjoy the calm and relaxed ambience here.
3. Camp Samaritan: Camp Samaritan is known for its serene and scenic location. It is also popular for its great hospitality and is recommended to tourists looking for rejuvenation and peace of mind. It is an ideal camping site for reading a book, sipping some tea and enjoying the natural beauty.
4. Farm Tent and Camp: This campsite offers two different packages for tourists to choose from - standard and deluxe. It is suitable for all types of travellers, of all age groups or group sizes; small or large. The campsite also provides continental breakfast.
5. Yelagiri Forest Hill: Like most other camping sites, Forest Hill also has a scenic location. The ambiance is great and the arrangements serve as value for money. This camping site is surely a great pick for families.
What are the tourist places to visit in Yelagiri?
These are some of the best tourist places to visit in Yelagiri:
1. Jalagamparai Falls: Yelagiri things to do certainly include visiting Jalagamparai Falls. The beautiful falls are nestled in an abundance of greenery and are often tainted by fog making the weather absolutely pleasant. Here, river Aataru gushes down on these hills as Jalagamparai Falls and makes for a beautiful sight for visitors to enjoy.
2. Nature Park: Spread over a total of 12 acres of land, Nature park, as the name suggests, is the go-to place for nature lovers. The park has the perfect ambiance for visitors to relax and they can spend some time in tranquility around various types of colourful flowers that make for the scenic beauty of the park.
3. Punganur Lake: In the midst of Yelagiri’s stunning hills, Punganur Lake invites locals and tourists alike for a weekend getaway. There are a number of hotels and resorts around the lake where visitors can choose to stay overnight for a relaxed trip and enjoy a break from the city noise. A day picnic is one of the common things to do in Yelagiri, especially for locals.
4. Swamimalai Hills: Swamimalai Hills is one of the highest peaks in Yelagiri. It is a popular tourist spot that largely meets enthusiasts like mountaineers and trekkers. Amongst many activities to do in Yelagiri, trekking in Swamimalai Hills is surely one of the great options. After reaching the top of the hill, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire region.
5. Government Silk Farm: The silk farm is located in a village named Mangalam and is yet another place for tourists to explore. The mulberry plantations here draw the attention of all explorers and enable them to watch the entire life cycle of silkworms and silk-producing farms closely. The silkworms here have a room to themselves where they hatch after every 10 days. These silkworms are then transferred to the trays where they eat mulberry leaves, post which they help in the aggravation of the silk industry.
Must Checkout: Yelagiri Honeymoon Packages
How can I go from Chennai to Yelagiri?
Yelagiri is located at a distance of 228 kilometers from Chennai. Many buses, as well as trains, ply regularly to Yelagiri from the city. A train journey can be taken up until Jolarpettai, which is the nearest railway station. Thereafter, visitors can hire a cab. On the other hand, buses run with good frequency and are also the cheapest mode of transportation.
How can I reach Yelagiri?
1. By Bus: Regular buses ply between Jolarpet, Salem, Hosur and Tirupattur. KSRTC buses have regular frequency to Yelagiri. Moreover, there are buses running from nearby cities as well.
2. By Train: Trains to Yelagiri are easily available from Jolarpettai station. Regular trains to Yelagiri also run from most cities of India.
3. By Flight: Yelagiri does not have a separate airport of its own. One has to fly to Bangalore or Chennai airport and thereafter take a train or bus journey further ahead to Yelagiri.
What are the adventure activities in Yelagiri?
Which is the best time to visit Yelagiri?
Being a hill station, Yelagiri has a pleasant, cool climate throughout the year. It does not get very hot or humid anytime. The summer months of mid-March to May have clear skies and decent weather conditions. Around the months of May and June, tourists flock here to experience the summer festival and also because of vacation in most schools and colleges.
July and September experience slight rains and make the climate foggy; while winter months of mid-October to February can be considered as the best time to be here. During winters, the region blooms into its true colours and appears very scenic.
What is the ideal duration for a holiday in Yelagiri?
A two to three days trip to Yelagiri is an ideal duration for a holiday here. Yelagiri is located at a distance of just 160 kilometers from the city of Bangalore and is 228 kilometers from Chennai city. Thus the hill station serves as being a good weekend destination as well for the folks of these two cities.
For tourists coming from far off places, a maximum of a week is an ideal time. This time can be spent by carrying out various adventure activities to do in Yelagiri such as trekking to Swamimalai hills as well as relaxing at tourist destinations like Nature Park. This way, one can maintain a balance of engaging in outdoor activities as well as getting some time for relaxation.
Is Yelagiri a good holiday destination for a family?
Yes, Yelagiri is a great holiday destination for a family vacation. The hill station is nestled amongst beautiful hills and offers scenic views with an abundance of greenery. There are several things to do in Yelagiri of family interest. Like visiting waterfalls and temples, parks and picnic spots.
There are also several other Yelagiri things to do for kids and young members of the family. One of these is trekking to Swamimalai hill, one of the highest peaks in the region.
What is Yelagiri famous for?
The hill station of Yelagiri attracts tourists for a number of reasons. Firstly, the destination is set amidst the hills and thus provides great views of the same. The landscapes here are filled with greenery and manage to draw the attention of every nature lover. Other than this, Yelagiri is also very popular for providing tourists the opportunity to engage in a number of adventure activities. A few of these include trekking, rock climbing, paragliding.
Lastly, the pleasant weather throughout the year makes the hill station a famous pick for tourists to visit anytime.
Which are some comfortable homestays in Yelagiri?
To get an authentic cultural impression of the place, many tourists choose to stay at homestays in Yelagiri rather than hotels or resorts. Yelagiri has quite a few options for visitors looking for such homely experiences. Some of these really comfortable homestays in Yelagiri are listed below-
1. Athulya Homestay - This property is a three bedroom homestay with a mini swimming pool with an outdoor garden to simply relax at, sipping some tea! The homestay also has arrangements for a fire camp and food from third parties for large groups of guests.
2. Peter's Park - This colony has a total of 15 independent cottages for guests to stay at. It is a great pick for somebody looking for a long stay of 10 to 15 days. The cottages provide the feel of being a home away from away with complete privacy and homely amenities.
3. Sai and Shreeya’s Holiday Cottage - With a peaceful setting, this cottage is located around farms and a lake. It has a terrace and outdoor space for groups of guests to relax or enjoy outdoor games, activities at. The terrace of the cottage offers mesmerising views of the sunrise. What better way to start the day!
4. Happy Hills Homestay - A simple homestay, this property makes sure to take care of all the basic needs. It has a caretaker, free Wifi, parking, power back up and house keeping.
Which restaurants serve the best food in Yelagiri?
Yelagiri may not be the best shopping destination but it surely is a great place for foodies. The hill station has numerous restaurants and eateries that have a number of options on their menu. Some of these best-serving restaurants are-
1. Nilgress Restaurant - Perhaps the most popular restaurant in Yelagiri, this one is a favourite of locals and tourists alike. One can go here for simple, vegetarian food to enjoy Indian and Asian cuisines.
2. Food Corner - Another option for vegetarian food, this eatery serves Indian and Asian dishes. The place is well maintained and the serving is hygienic.
3. Sai Sangeet - One of its kind in the area, Sai Sangeet serves vegetarian food. It also serves vegan food and gluten-free options which is rare to find in and around Yelagiri. Tourists looking for Indian and Asian cuisine must visit this place located on the highway.
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Yelagiri?
Yelagiri is quite a small and less populated hill station. The village does not have many options for public transportation for tourists to get around. There are local bus services that run in the city. However, they don’t ply between all the places.
The best way to get around Yelagiri is on foot or to hire a private cab.
What is the best local cuisine here? Where can I get to try it out?
The local cuisine of Yelagiri comprises of the traditional South Indian dishes, mainly rice-based ones. The vegetable curries are garnished in coconut and eaten with rice by the locals. Thus, anybody looking for an authentic experience can try the same. These dishes can be tasted at almost all South Indian cuisine serving restaurants in Yelagiri.
Nilgress Restaurant, Food Corner and Sai Sangeet to mention a few. When here, tourists must also try Payasum and Jangiri which are sweets that Yelagiri is famous for.
Where can I experience paragliding in Yelagiri?
One of the most popular things to do in Yelagiri is Paragliding. People across South India come to Yelagiri for paragliding experience as it is considered to be one of the best in terms of both - safety and scenic beauty. Paragliding here can be experienced at Yelagiri Adventure Sports Association who promotes and organises this activity at their site.
Which are the most famous temples to visit in Yelagiri?
1. Velavan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Velavan temple invites many devotees of Lord Murugan. It also houses idols of both Lord Ganesha and Gadothgajan which is quite rare. The temple is beautifully located with views of the surrounding hills.
2. Jalagandeeswarar Temple: Another temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, Jalagandeeswar Temple is situated atop one of the highest peaks of the region. Thus, it is a viewpoint for viewing the huge plains that lie on the base of the hill.
3. Moksha Vimochana Temple: Moksha Vimochana means to attain Moksha or Nirvana. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a belief associated with it. It is said that if any devotee prays at this temple for more than 42 days, then one frees himself from his past sins.
What things I should carry to Yelagiri?
Trekking enthusiasts must carry trekking shoes and other suitable trekking gears while nature lovers, photographers must carry their suitable equipment to capture memories of the trip in the stunning landscape.
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