Yelagiri Hills

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India is a paradise for travellers, offering a diverse array of tourist destinations, including many scenic hill stations. From the snow-capped charm of Manali and Shimla to the lush greenery of Munnar, Ooty, Darjeeling, Nainital, and Gulmarg—the list is extensive. Tamil Nadu, the southern state of India, is primarily known for its temples and spiritual sites. However, it is also home to a few picturesque hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud.

Among these, there is a lesser-known gem tucked away close to Chennai—the hill station of Yelagiri.


Yelagiri is one of the few budget-friendly hill stations in India. It’s not commercialized or crowded, making it an ideal weekend escape for those seeking peace and quiet. With limited sightseeing spots, Yelagiri is more about unwinding than checking off tourist attractions.

Situated roughly 240 km from Chennai and 160 km from Bangalore, Yelagiri sits conveniently along the Chennai–Bangalore route. The nearest railway station is Jolarpettai, about 20 km away. Vellore is the closest well-known town. Yelagiri can be easily reached by road, and taxis are available from Jolarpettai for those arriving by train.

Though modest in size and facilities—limited restaurants, ATMs, and accommodations—Yelagiri makes up for it with its serenity. It’s a destination that deserves a place on every traveller’s list.



Punganoor Lake:

At the heart of Yelagiri lies Punganoor Lake, the most popular attraction in the region. Surrounded by hills, this serene lake is ideal for boating and leisurely walks. A well-maintained park adjacent to the lake adds to its charm.


Murugan Temple aka Velavan Temple:

Perched atop a small hill is the Velavan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. A few steps lead to this peaceful shrine. At the entrance stands a rare statue of Ghatotkacha, the son of Bheema from the Mahabharata. The temple houses two shrines—one for Lord Ganesha, and the main one for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena. Interestingly, there's also a unique depiction of Murugan and Valli in the form of Kuravan and Kurathi, not commonly seen elsewhere.


Nilavur Tribal Village:

Located about 3 km from Yelagiri, Nilavur is a tribal settlement featuring a small lake and a park. It's a quiet place to explore local life and nature.

Park:

A well-maintained public park near Kodai Vizha Thidal serves as a popular spot for families and children to relax and enjoy the greenery.


Telescope:

The drive up to Yelagiri includes 14 hairpin bends, offering stunning views. There are three official viewpoints along the way. One of them, known as the Telescope Viewpoint, used to have an actual telescope in the past. Even without it today, the scenic views remain worth the stop.

Jalagamparai waterfalls:

Located near Tirupattur, the Jalagamparai Waterfalls is a seasonal cascade formed by the Attaru River. You can either trek from Nilavur or drive via Jolarpettai and Tirupattur to reach the falls. A peaceful Murugan temple in the shape of a Shiva Linga sits nearby, adding a spiritual touch to the scenic spot. The waterfall is a popular spot for visitors looking to take a refreshing dip.


Next time you're heading towards Chennai or Bangalore, consider a short detour to this quiet and charming hill station.

Happy travelling.






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Comments

  1. P.N. SubramanianThursday, September 22, 2011

    If rest and recuperation is the criteria, Yelagiri looks to be an ideal place and that too cheap. Thanks for the info.

    ReplyDelete

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