Yelagiri has a lot to offer its tourists, from rolling hills
to stunning views. There are a total of 14 hairpin bends leading to the hill
station, each named after popular Tamil poets. At the end of the 12th
bend, there is an observatory that points to the plains and this spot is a
must-visit one.
You’ll come across several viewpoints, so carrying cameras
and binoculars can be a good idea. You can spot many small animals on your way
up the hills and there are ample places to trek if you are an adventure enthusiast.
Swami Malai, the highest peak in Yelagiri, is an easy climb that you can take
up to get a good view and so are the Palamathi and Javadu Hills.
For a more rewarding view, trek downhill to Jalagamparai
Waterfalls. Boating on the artificial Punganur Lake with pedal and row boats can
provide a panoramic view of nature’s bounty. Parks for kids have good play
areas so your tiny tots will surely enjoy the trip as well.
When to Visit Yelagiri
With an inviting climate that’s prevalent throughout the
year, none of the seasons keep visitors away from Yelagiri. The temperature
during summers (March to June) typically ranges from 18o C to 34o
C, and winters are moderately cold and temperatures could vary from 11o
C to 25o C. Yelagiri exudes a special charm during the monsoon, as
the thriving greenery takes the region over.
Although Yelagiri is a destination that can be visited
during any time, November to February is usually considered as the best time to
visit this hill station. Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated here
in a grand spectacle and the place takes on a new and dynamic look during this
time of the year.
Getting to Yelagiri
Yelagiri lies about 250 km from Chennai and 150 km from
Bangalore. If you are driving from Bangalore, take NH7 towards Hosur en route
to Chennai until Vaniyambadi. If you’re taking up the trip from Chennai, you
can take the Chennai-Bangalore highway until you reach Vaniyambadi and then
signboards at every juncture will lead you to the hills.
The path from Ponneri to Yelagiri is a ghat road and it has
14 hairpin bends. Since the roads are narrow, a bike ride will be the most
convenient option as you can enjoy the surrounding sights while riding. If you
are planning to travel by train from Coimbatore, Chennai or Bangalore; you have
to alight at Jolarpettai Junction and then travel by road.
If you intend to use public transport, buses can be taken from
Jolarpet and Thirupattur. Taxi service will also be available from these
points.
Some important points to consider during your trip to
Yelagiri is that there are no fuel stations in the hills, so it is a good idea
to fill your fuel tanks adequately to ensure that you don’t encounter any
glitches. There are no major vehicle repair shops in Yelagiri, so ensure that your
vehicle is serviced prior to the journey.
Once these initial things are taken care of, the
final trip to Yelagiri can help you de-stress and enjoy at the lap of nature.
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