Yelagiri
Yelagiri Hill is one of the popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst four mountains well known for its salubrious climate prevail throughout the year. Tribal people live in villages in these hills.
If you travel the winding Ghat road that has 14 hairpin bends you can reach the Yelagiri hilltop. The hairpin bends offer panoramic, breath taking views of the hills and its surroundings. The seventh bend is significant, since it offer the view of the slopes of the mountain and the green forests that carpet the hill.
Yelagiri comprises 14 small villages. The tribal people who live here are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. Their customs, habits, and the structure if their houses are very unique and attract tourists.
Places of Tourist Interest
Punganur Lake
It is an artificial lake dug in an area of 56.706 sq. mtrs. Boating on the waters of this lake can be an enchanting experience. An artificial fountain can be seen at the centre of the lake.
Children’s Park
A well laid out park on a 6-acre stretch of land, adjacent to the lake, is established for children visiting Yelagiri. Play equipment are installed within the park.
The Yelagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society runs the Boathouse at the park .
Velavan Temple
A temple for lord Murugan is located atop of a hillock. The location of this temple also serves as a viewing point. From here one can have the pleasure of viewing the green woods of the Yelagiri Hills. The yearly festival of this temple is conducted during the Tamil month of Adi (July – August). A gigantic sculpture of Godothgajan in a free standing posture is in front of this temple.
Government Fruit
Farm The botanical gardens at Athanavur and Nilavur have varieties of fruit bearing trees and plants that bear flowers of various hues, fragrances and shapes.
Government Herbal
Farm The forest department maintains a herbal farm adjacent of the Punganur lake. Here herbs and shrubs are cultivated to produce the main ingredients in the manufacture of Ayurvedic and Siddha forms of treatment.
Telescope House
A telescope has been installed on the Ghat road for the benefit of tourists to glimpse the slopes and terrains of the hills. There are also the temples dedicated to Tamil Annai, Vinayagar and Hanuman.
Jalagamparai Water Falls
The "Attaru" River passes through the Yelagiri hills and falls from 30 mtrs. Height at Jadaiyanur on the other side of the hills. This could either be reached from Tiruppathur 15 kms away or it is an hour’s trek from the hills. Adjacent to the Jalagambari falls, there is a Murugan temple, located within a building constructed in the shape of the lingam.
Shandy There is a weekly shandy or market for the products of the hills viz., Jack fruit, Suppottas, Guavas, Mangoes are displayed and sold.
Vainu Poppu Solar Observatory – Kavalur
The biggest solar observatory is situated in Kavalur, 35 kms. from Tiruppathur and 25 kms from Yelagiri. The Observatory can also be accessed from Vaniyambadi 30 kms away. Prior permission must be obtained to visit the Observatory.
All are welcome on Saturdays from 4 P.M to 6 P.M without prior permission.
A large variety of deer roam around the Observatory.
Other Attractions
The Summer Festival The Department of Tourism, the Yelagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society and the Vellore District Administration organize this festival every year.
Adventure Activities There are possibilities to organise adventure tourism and activities like trekking, mountaineering, rock-climbing and hang gilding on the hill slopes. There is a trekking route to the Jalagamparai waterfall from the hills.
Trekking routes are
Yelagiri (Athanavur) Village-Mangalam Village-Jalagambarai; Athanavur-Y.M.C.A Campus-Samimalai and return.
