By Gaurav Malhotra (07 th June, 2008)
Yelagiri Hills are perfect place to escape from the heat of the south
Indian urban chaos. A home to different tribal villages, Yelagiri is
picturesquely placed amidst four mountains, perched at a height of 1,048.5m.
This unexplored hill resort is one of the exotic hill stations in Tamil
Nadu. Tamil Nadu is blessed with good hill stations to compensate for the
hot, humid and sweltering weather of the region.
The place is easily accessible from both Chennai(150km) and
Bangalore(180km). The climate is also very soothing, during summer it soar
to maximum 34 degree and winter 11 degree Celsius. The name is believed to
derive from Elakkai or Cardamom. The neighbouring Javaddu Hills are also
famous for the heady perfume that wafts from its flora.
To reach Yelagir you have to surpass 14 hairpins turns through Ghat roads
that offers some breathtaking views. The beautiful green slopes are
dominated by green forests that also give shelters to 14 small villages of
Yelagiri house tribals, living simple and quiet rural lives in rustic house.
One of the way to know the life of tribals is to stroll around the weekly
market in the region. Another attraction of the region is the artificial
Punganur Lake, with its fountain in the middle, is great for plying the oars
or skimming along on pedal boats. The Mughal Graden and a children’s
park make it a popular family holiday destination.
The most popular activity of that region, is to trek to Swamimalai Hill, at
1322m through dense forests. the breathtaking view of the valley from the
top is worth the sweat. If you are not an ardent climber, you can easily
trek to Javaddu and Palamathi Hills, which are much easier to climb while
watching various kind of birds.
Yelagiri offers never ending surprises. The Jalagamparai Waterfalls, created
by Attaru river, just an hour trek from Yelagiri. Also visit the mulberry
plantations at government silk farm. In addition, the government fruit farm
at the botanical gardens at Athanavur and Nilavur is worth a visit. The
forest department maintains a herbal farm adjacent to the Punganur lake and
excellent suppliers of herbs and shrubs for Ayurvedic and Siddha forms of
treatment.
Related Guide Links
Chennai
Bangalore
Tirupati
Madurai
Meenakshi Temple
Tour Package
South India Tour Package
Where To Stay
Chennai Hotels
