Trekking in Yelagiri city can be one of the most fulfilling opportunities as it is the home to some of the most awe-inspiring trails . Since the difficulty level of treks is easy to moderate, it is a great place for beginners to experience the adrenaline rush while trekking uphill. There are several trekking tours in Yelagiri that help you discover the varying terrains and breathtaking sights, that is an ideal adventure for those seeking to unwind and escape from their mundane routines.
Those mesmerized by the charm of hill stations often come for trekking here. During trekking, one can encounter over 300 species of birds, making it a haven for birders. Culture enthusiasts can trek to explore the hills and abandoned forts established long back in time. But do keep in mind that most of the trekking tours are closed during monsoon, from July - September because the hills get more slippery making it dangerous to trek.
Yelagiri Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Yelagiri
Counted among the top tourist spots in Yelagiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Jalagamparai Waterfall is a popular natural attraction, frequented by locals and tourists alike. The river stream of Attaaru, flowing through the valleys of Yelagiri Hills, creates this magnificent cascade at an approximate distance of 37 km from Yelagiri Town. Cascading from a height of 15 metres, this spectacular waterfall is also an ideal spot where one can indulge in nature and landscape photography. The remote location of the waterfall keeps it away from the usual bustle that you will experience at the other tourist attractions near Yelagiri.The visitors can enjoy a number of activities at Jalagamparai waterfall. The clean water of the stream snaking through lush green forest adds medicinal properties to it, making it a perfect place for a refreshing bath. Many people visiting the site with family enjoy a peaceful picnic in the captivating surroundings on the plunge.The waterfall can only be accessed via a trekking trail, which makes it a perfect option for thrill-seekers. Besides, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Jalagamparai Murugan Temple which can also be covered during your visit.Jalagamparai Waterfall is, indeed, a treat for any nature lover and should certainly be visited during a trip to Yelagiri. Though the waterfall looks spectacular throughout the year except for the summer season when the stream dries up, you can plan your visit during or after the monsoon season for the most alluring atmosphere. The verdant landscape, misty aura, and cool atmosphere of this place is sure to please all your senses simultaneously.
Yelagiri Forest hill is a hillside conservation containment with beautiful scenic hiking trails and marked temples. Sometimes referred as Elagiri hills by tourists, the hilly terrain of Yelagiri Forest hills spreads across an area of 30 square kilometres and stands at an altitude of 1110.6 metres above the sea level. The astounding beauty of the Yelagiri Forest hills arises from the numerous rose laden gardens, orchards, and sprawling green valleys across the landscape.The recent development in sports activities at the hills has made the Yelagiri forest hills a blooming hotspot destination for tourists. The hilly valley is also surrounded by the Swamimalai Hill, standing as the tallest in the entire range of hills around the valley. The Yelagiri Forest hills are a favourite for trekkers and locals, who enjoy the display of beauty around them. It is known that Yelagiri Forest hill is home to a hundred different species of snakes. For those who visit the Yelagiri Forest hills during May, an annual Yelagiri Summer festival awaits their presence. During this festival, a number of flower and dog shows are organised for the entertainment of the visitors and local people. This three day event is organised to promote tourism and cultural aspects of the region. A number of temples and local accommodations can be found scattered all along the region. This trending forest conservation locality has welcomed many adventure enthusiasts to its calm and serene surroundings and promising tranquility.
A part of the sacred Trinity along with the Ekambareswarar and the Kamakshi Amman Temples, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, also known as Perumal Koli, is highly sacramental to the practice of Vaishnavism. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is of extreme religious importance.The temple sprawls across a vast 25 acres of land and comprises of 32 shrines along with the shrine to the main deity. The temple has a unique idol of Lord Vishnu made entirely of wood, which is kept enshrined in a silver box and immersed in water. This water is released from the Tank every 40 years.The main shrine to Lord Vishnu is located atop a small hillock, known as Hastagiri, which is 10 meters high and can be reached by a flight of 24 steps. It has murals of the late Vijayanagara Empire on the ceiling. There is also a shrine to Narasimha on the hillock, which houses the mysterious mask of Narasimha, the origins of which remain unknown till today.The temple conducts aarti ceremonies in the evening and morning. It also celebrates a number of different festivals, attracting devotees and pilgrims to it over the years. Once every 40 years, the temple conducts a special Pooja and ceremony for Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal, where the 40 feet tall idol of the Lord made entirely of Athi wood is brought out for the worship of the devotees.Also, the temple has a strictly no littering policy and does not allow photography within the premises.
Popular Trekking Destinations
Yelagiri Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Trekking in Yelagiri
-
What is Yelagiri famous for?
Apart from Yelagiri trekking, there are several other things to enjoy on this hill station.
Fundera Park- Fundera Park is a haven for birders. It contains over 300 exotic species of birds that are uncaged. They have a 7-D cinema on their premises too.
Velvan Temple- Velvan Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. One has to climb a few steps before they reach the temple.
Nilavoor Lake- Nilavoor Lake is a quiet place in the hill station, famous for morning and evening walks. There is a boating excursion available too, which costs INR 50 per head for 10 minutes of boating. -
Is there any specific type of clothing recommended for the trek?
For treks in Yelagiri, one should resort to comfortable and hassle-free clothing. Wear full-length comfortable pants with t-shirts and trekking shoes. You might have to carry a backpack with water bottles and snacks, so keep your clothing light. For trekking during winters, you can wear full-sleeves clothes and carry a sweater with you if need be. It is advisable not to wear shorts because you might encounter various insects and bugs on the way.
-
What sort of food will be provided, packed, or instantly cooked?
Since it is difficult to make food at higher altitudes, moreover carry the equipment from downstairs, the food available is mostly packed. There are instantly cooked foods like cup noodles and tea and coffee packets. You can also carry your own snacks.
-
Can we consume liquor/smoke while on treks?
The consumption of alcohol or tobacco is prohibited while trekking in Yelagiri for your own safety. You will be at higher altitudes, with a high risk of an imbalanced fall. It may also discomfort those around you.
-
How safe is trekking and camping in Yelagiri?
Both camping and trekking tours in Yelagiri are safe to carry out. The trek levels vary in their difficulty, from easy to moderate, making it a great place for beginners to adjust to trekking. The camps include various activities like paintball and zorbing, the equipment for which is provided to you which are safe to handle.
When it comes to activities like zip-lining, you should not worry because the operators understand your concern and do not want you to undergo any sort of harm. If you are not comfortable with either of the activities, you are free to say no. -
What things should I carry for trekking in Yelagiri?
Trekking in Yelagiri is all the more fun with the right kind of things packed along the way. Some of them include:
Sunscreen- Sunscreen during summers protects you from getting sunburnt.
Sunglasses and hats- Be it summers or winters, carry sunglasses and hats to protect you from the glare of the sun, making it easier to trek uphill.
Warm Clothes- If you are certain you will not reach downhill by afternoon, then do carry warm clothes like sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and coats as it gets chilly in the evenings. -
Can we do trekking during nighttime?
Yes, trekking tours in Yelagiri also have nighttime packages. They mostly include both your trekking and camping expenses lie between INR 3,500 – INR 5,000. You can spend the night around a bonfire and spend some quality time with your friends, spouses, or yourself.
-
Is it safe for a solo traveler to trek?
Yes, trekking in Yelagiri is safe for solo travelers, be it men or women. There have been no incidents of inappropriate behaviour during treks, packaged tours, or camping. The people present are seeking the thrill amidst wilderness, just like their fellow companions.
-
What are the difficulties faced while trekking?
Some of the commonly faced problems while trekking in Yelagiri include
1. Acute Mountain Sickness- Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS is defined by symptoms like a light headache or dizziness at a higher altitude. Your body’s inability to acclimatize with its surroundings causes AMS. So carry a packet of Diamox Pills.
2. Sore feet or blisters- Those unaccustomed to treks might have sore feet or blisters while or after the trek. That’s why it is necessary to wear proper footwear.
3. Fatigue- Since your body is not used to this much muscle pressure, trekking might lead to fatigue. However, this can easily be cured after a good night’s sleep. -
Is Yelagiri worth visiting?
Yes, trekking in Yelagiri is what makes it a worthy place. The misty clouds, mountain tops, and lush green environment attract many tourists here. Not only this, there are various exotic species of birds that migrate to and fro the place, making it a must-visit destination for birders.
-
Which are the best places to enjoy trekking in Yelagiri?
1. Swamimalai Hills
Swamimalai Hills is nestled amid the forests of Yelagiri. The trek here is easy to moderate and is a great place for beginners to embark their trekking journey. The trek here is easy to moderate, and is a great place for beginners to embark their trekking journey.
Most people avoid trekking to these hills during monsoon because the path gets slippery and dangerous. Other than that, these hills offer a delightful view from atop. There is a Shiva Temple built at the top, attracting devotees. So lose yourself to the natural beauty spread over here as you begin your expedition to Swamimalai hills.
Location:Swamimalai Trekking RTE, Yelagiri, India
Price:Free entry
Timings:4 – 5 hours
2. Yelagiri Forest Hill
At Yelagiri Forest Hill, if you are booking a packaged trek, then you will be provided with all the basic amenities required to spend your most memorable two days here. Usually, people come here to spend 2D/1N on New Year’s to embark a pleasant beginning of the year. The packages have in their itinerary activities like zorbing, paintball, zipline, and shooting. This is a quiet place to spend some solitary time either with yourself or your family.
Location:Yelagiri Forest Hill, Outskirts of Chennai, India
Price:INR 3,500
Timing:2 days
3. Yelagiri Nature Park
Yelagiri Nature Park offers one of the best Yelagiri Trekking scenes. The park is acquainted with several trees, gardens, and a musical fountain. It has an artificial waterfall that runs throughout the year. Locals and tourists alike, visit this park to escape the chaos of city life and spend some quality time with their family. The trek to this park is easy, so children can also have a splendid day out at this park. You can even visit the aquarium built inside the park.
Location:Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu, India
Price:Free entry
Timings:6:00 AM – 7:00 PM -
What is the best time to trek in Yelagiri?
During winters (November – February)
Winters are hands down, the best time for treks in Yelagiri. The temperature varies between 12 – 25 degrees Celsius and the climate is salubrious.
During summers (March – June)
The temperature during summers ranges from 22 – 32 degrees Celsius, making it a little difficult to trek. However, if you are going, then carry sunscreen, water bottle, and sunglasses to avoid the glare of the sun.
During the monsoon (July – September)
Monsoon in Yelagiri is accompanied by constant rainfall. Being a hill station, it receives comparatively more rains, making it dangerous and difficult to trek on the steep, slippery slopes. -
Where is Yelagiri located? How can I reach there?
Yelagiri is a hill station located in Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India.
By train: The nearest railway station to Yelagiri Hills is Jolarpettai, about 21 km away. One can take a taxi from this station to Yelagiri.
By bus: There are several buses that commute between Yelagiri and Jolarpet, Hosur, Salem, and Tirupattur.
By flight: Yelagiri does not have its own airport, and the nearest airport to the hill station is located in Bangalore or Chennai. One can then commute either via buses, trains, or hire a taxi to arrive for trekking in Yelagiri.