Yelagiri lures you in with its, lush scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. The laid-back town sits in the Yelagiri Hills and is surrounded by mango and jackfruit plantations. Spend your time trekking in the valley, cooling off in waterfalls and paragliding over verdant peaks.
Things to do in Yelagiri
Hemmed in by lush hillsides, Lake Punganoor is perfect for a picnic on the grassy foreshore or pedal boating across the water. A shady walking trail winds up to the Jalagamparai Waterfalls, which cascade into a crystal-clear pool great for a swim.
Yelagiri attracts adventurous travellers with some of Tamil Nadu's best trekking. At over 1,300 metres, Swamimalai is Yelagiri's highest peak. A one-hour walking trail winds up to the summit, where you'll get stunning views over the countryside. Yelagiri is also considered one of India's top paragliding destinations, where you can sign up for an exciting tandem flight.
Perched on a hilltop, Velavan Temple commands sweeping views over the valley. It was built in 1964 and is dedicated to Murugan, a Hindu deity typically depicted riding a peacock and wielding a hunting bow. The candy-coloured temple is painted in pinks, yellows, blues and greens.
Family-friendly Yelagiri Nature Park features emerald lawns, flower-filled gardens and perfectly clipped hedges. You can cool off in the artificial waterfall and enjoy the musical fountain, while kids will love the small aquarium home to fish, turtles and reptiles.
Getting around Yelagiri
The town of Yelagiri is best explored on foot, while taxis and auto rickshaws access the surrounding hillsides. Jolarpettai Junction is the closest major railway station, a 40-minute drive from Yelagiri.