Yelagiri is a quaint place that can be enjoyed according to the time you want to spend out there. From picnickers in hurry to avid trekkers and the stressed-out executives desperate to escape the humdrum of daily life- Yelagiri is the place to be in. However, the real charm of this sleepy little Hill station (just 30 sq Km) lies in “doing nothing”. Yes, it’s true. There are no fancy stores, no hordes of tourists, no touts nothing. Most of the time you will find the roads empty, (there is only one main road) except for Sundays and holidays. Summers see some crowds arriving here perhaps to beat the scorching heat of the planes. Let’s explore some of the places at Yelagiri.
Pungannoor Lake Park: Pungannoor Lake Park is the primary object of interest at Yelagiri. The lake is not very big and has a garden as well as a miniature zoo as attractions.
Nilavoor Lake: Nilavoor Lake is not very big and more like a pond. The lake takes its name from the village of Nilavoor. The district administration has drawn a big plan to promote the lake.
Swamimalai Hill: Swamimalai Hill is another popular sightseeing destination in Yelagiri. No matter if you are a trekker or a picnicker you will find the place just fabulous.
Jalagamparai waterfalls: This place is a must-visit if you happen to be in Yealgiri after the post-monsoon period. To reach Jalagamparai waterfalls, it takes about an hour from the center of Yelagiri. There is also a trekking option here.
Karadi Malai Hills: This is also an ideal trekking option. It literally means “Bear Hill “in Tamil.
Velavan Temple: Lord Murugan Temple or the Velavan Temple as the locals call it is situated atop a hillock. The temple is located at one of the highest places of yelagiri offering a panoramic view of the entire hill.
Moksha Vimochana Temple: visit this temple if you want to get rid of your sins. The temple was founded by a saint. The atmosphere of the places is quite serene, unlike a temple.
Nature Park: Nature Park is one of the best addresses in Yelagiri. It’s actually a theme park, set up in 12 acres area.
14 Hairpin bends: A total of 14 pin hairpin bends fall on your way on the spiraling ghat road that leads to the top. Read More...
Telescope Point: As you make your way up the hill through the famous hairpin bends, just after the 12th hairpin bend there is the “Telescope House”. It’s a 2 km drive from the main road. The Telescope point is maintained by the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu. They charge nothing for viewing. You can get a good view of the plains below. However many times the visitors have complained that they had seen a huge lock at the entrance and came back disappointed. You can wish you only best of luck.
Government Silk Farm: The Government silk Farm also known as the Sericulture farm is a place where you can actually see silkworms. It is located at a place called Mangalam that is 5 km away.
Government Herbal Farm: The Government Herbal Farm is located adjacent to the Punganur Lake. It is maintained by the local forest department. Many herbs and shrubs cultivated here form the ingredients of Ayurveda and Siddha medicines.
Where to get the right kind of food forms an important aspect of your travel itinerary. Here we have tried to cover some eating joints on the way and at Yelagiri Hills where you can have good food.
Hotel Renaissance at Hosur: This is just after Hosur on the left-hand side as you travel towards Krishnagiri on National Highway or the Bangalore road. Here you get a choice of really good Buffet Breakfast and Lunch. The options vary from south Indian, continental, Chinese, Continental,
Reliance A1 plaza: Reliance A1 plaza is also just after Hosur. It offers excellent facilities and the premises are clean. It’s essentially a combination of the fuel stations and food joints. You can have a go at Dosas, Idli at reasonable prices.
Ananda Adyar Bhawan: This food joint is around 15 km from Reliance A1 Plaza and comes on your left-hand side as you proceed towards Krishnagiri on the highway. After crossing the Sulagiri Bye pass it is around 6 km or so. Good South Indian vegetarian food is on offer and the rates are also affordable. Try their Onion Dosa and Rava Kesari.
Vaniyambadi, the Biryani Land: Vaniyambadi is a place famous for Biryanis. The aroma of this is sure to linger on for a long long time. Infact Vaniyambadi and its twin town Ambur both are famous for distinctly flavored Biryanis. You need to try their delicious Mutton Biryani. Khaja Hotel, Islamia Hotel, Ahmediaya hotel are good places offering Biryani. For veggies, there is Saravana Bhavan.
Madhura hotel: located on the main road as you reach uphill Madhura hotel located on the main road as you reach uphill serves descent vegetarian food.Zeenath Taj Garden Resort offers good non-veg fare. For good variety of Dosas you can visit joints opposite the Yelagiri Hills Country Club. Mostly all hotels or resorts have their in-house restaurants. Surprisingly in this small town you get a good fare of Tandoori, Chinese, South Indian and to finish it of some really cool ice creams.