Yelagiri is one of the well-known places for trekkers in India. The hill station is located at a height of 1,700,20 meters above sea level. It comprises 14 hamlets and numerous temples spread over miscellaneous hills.The early 1950s Yelagiri was taken under the government as it was the property of Yelagiri zamindar family. Yelagiri is also most famous for its summer festival which is celebrated at the end of the month of May and the festival will be conducted by the Tamil Nadu tourism development board. The people from Yelagiri are from the warring warriors of Tippu Sultan’s army in the seventeenth century. These people are called ‘Vellala Gounder’. If you are planning to explore it this year then this list of the best places to visit in Yelagiri will help you plan a better holiday.
Best Time To Visit Yelagiri
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As Yelagiri is a hill station with a salubrious climate prevailing whole year. People can visit throughout the year but the most visiting period of travellers is from November to mid-February. Coming to the weather conditions, Yelagiri has much rainfall in summer than winter. To enjoy the beauty of the hill station, it is better to prefer winter months. Predominantly, the temperature of Yelagiri will be 18°C – 30°C and the main factor of Yelagiri is it never gets too hot in summer, so preferring any month of the year can be great to enjoy this place.
Top 12 Places To Visit In Yelagiri
Yelagiri is not only famous for adventures and camping but also for beautiful sightseeing and visiting a few temples. Let’s take a look at the famous places to visit in Yelagiri. These places have something for everyone and anyone – from nature lovers to peace seekers.
- Jalagamparai Waterfalls – For Magical Experience
- Punganoor Lake – For Nature Escape
- Telescope Observatory – For Witnessing Celestial Bodies
- Swamimalai Hills – For Thrill Seekers
- Jalagandeeswarar Temple – For Devotees Of Lord Shiva
- Nature Park – For Nature Lovers
- Velavan Temple – For Devotees Of Lord Murugan
- Government Herbal Farm – For Ayurvedic Herbs
- Nilavoor Lake – For Boating
- Amirthi Zoological Waterfalls – For Picturesque Views
- Moksha Vimochana Temple – For Peace
- Perumal Temple – For Devotees Of Lord Vishnu
1. Jalagamparai Waterfalls – For Magical Experience
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These beautiful and appealing waterfalls is one of the top tourist attractions of Yelagiri. The waterfall is located on the other side of the hill area which is 5 kilometers away from Yelagiri downhill. This destination is mostly known for its adorable waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The best time to visit waterfalls is from November to January.
Location: Nagalathu Extension R.F., Tamil Nadu 635853
Timing: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: Free
Must Read: 10 Best Resorts In Yelagiri For A Refreshing Stay Amid Nature
2. Punganoor Lake Park – For Nature Escape
The Punganoor lake is the top places to visit in Yelagiri which is the park of greenery lush with an adorable lake view. People most often come here to have a pleasant time. This lake is located in the midst of hills and it is the most beautiful man made lake. The main thing about visiting the lake is to beware of monkeys.
Location: Yelagiri Hills | Near Mughal Garden, Vellore.
Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 3 per head ( INR 75 for boating)
3. Telescope Observatory – For Witnessing Celestial Bodies
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The Telescope Observatory is also known as The Vainu Bappu observatory. This is spot is one of the best places to visit in Yelagiri. It is located in Kavalar near Yelagiri. This observatory shows tourists a stunning insight into the tendency of our solar system’s celestial bodies. The VBO is one of the best operating observatories in Asia. We can also interact with the officials about the telescope and other information.
Location: Javadi Hills, Alangayam, Kavalur, Tamil Nadu 635701
Timings: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Entry fee: free
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4. Swamimalai Hills – For Thrill Seekers
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This is the highest point and one of the best places to visit in Yelagiri hills. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the hill station. The place remains crowded almost throughout the year except during the monsoons. If you love nature, then this is the perfect spot for you. The specialty of the place is that the hills are shaped as a cake. This is one of the favorite spots of trekking for both locals and visitors. The trekking path is not a difficult one and starts from a muddy point. It is guaranteed that you will be left awestruck by the beauty of the place.
Location: Swamimalai Trekking Rte, Mangalam, Mangalam R.F., Tamil Nadu 635853
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5. Jalagandeeswarar Temple – For Devotees Of Lord Shiva
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The Jalagandeeswarar Temple is also one of the best places to see in Yelagiri,Tamil Nadu. This temple has a very interesting history and mythological background. Temple is constructed with stone and has very good architecture and sculpture which is immense to visit. The temple was installed with an idol lord shiva long ago. There is an earthen lamp which is said to rotate when some people place their hands on it. The revolving is said to indicate that their wishes have been granted.
Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004
Timings: 6:30 am to 8:30 pm (temple is closed in the afternoon session 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm)
Entry fee: free
Suggested Read: 11 Mystical Temples In Coimbatore: A Must-Visit On Your Trip To Tamil Nadu
6. Nature Park – For Nature Lovers
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If you are looking for a peaceful place in Yelagiri then you must head to the Nature Park. Nestled in the lap of nature, this park is listed to be one of the best places to visit. It is located close to Punganoor Lake. With 12 acres of land, this park is home to various species of plants. The main highlight of the park is the artificial cascade of the waterfall. People come here to spend some peaceful time with their partners or family. The park allows you to take a bath in the water. You will also find a musical fountain in the park which is meant for the entertainment for children.
Location: Panganoor, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu 635853
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 15 for adults and Rs 5 for children
7. Velavan Temple – For Devotees Of Lord Murugan
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This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and happens to be one of the main attractions in Yelagiri. People visit the temple to enjoy the spectacular views. The temple is surrounded by lush green trees which leaves a calming effect on your mind. The ringing bells in the temples symbolise the movement of life.
Location: National Highway 46 Pallikonda Tamil Nadu 635809
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fees
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8. Government Herbal Farm – For Ayurvedic Herbs
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Sitting in the proximity of the serene Punganoor Lake, the Government Herbal Farm is one of the most beautiful places to see in Yelagiri. This Farm is home to an extensive number of lush green and rare herbs that possess medicinal properties. The farm is managed by the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu and the plants grown in this herbal farm are used in various Ayurvedic medicines. This is a must visit place for all those who seek Ayurvedic treatments.
Location: Mangalam Road, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu 635853
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs 100 per person
9. Nilavoor Lake – For Boating
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One of the most tranquil and scenic places to visit in Yelagiri in 2 days, Nilavoor Lake is a man made marvel that has plenty to offer. Giving travelers a chance to take a boat ride, this river offers a perfect spot to escape from the bustling city life. One gets an opportunity to choose between pedal and motorboat rides. The surrounding hilly terrain, calm blue waters, pleasant weather, and the striking colors of sunrise and sunsets makes this spot appealing to all the nature lovers out there.
Location: Nilavoor village, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24 hours
Entry fee: Rs 50 per person
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10. Amirthi Zoological Waterfalls – For Picturesque Views
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Reeking of magic from each and every corner, Amirthi Zoological Waterfalls are one of the most spellbinding tourist places in Yelagiri. The waterfalls are situated in the heart of the Zoological Park and one can witness clear and refreshing water gushing down. The lush green forest, surrounding forest-clad hills, and the panoramic landscapes make this spot perfect. One has to trek around 1.5 kilometers but it is totally worth it. The exotic flora and fauna never fail to leave one in awe of nature.
Location: Yelagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry fee: No entry fee
11. Moksha Vimochana Temple – For Peace
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Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of the most peaceful tourist places in Yelagiri. Moksha Vimochana Temple is located in the proximity of the Nilavoor Lake and has many religious stories latched to itself. It is believed that if a devotee prays in this temple for 42 days straight, he can get rid of all his troubles. The calm and soothing surroundings of this temple makes it one of the most appealing and popular among tourists.
Location: Moksha Vimochana Temple, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Suggested Read: 8 Famous Temples In Kodaikanal For A Divine Getaway To Tamil Nadu
12. Perumal Temple – For Devotees Of Lord Vishnu
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A temple that is flooded with devotees, no matter what time of the year, Perumal Temple has found itself in the list of all the biggest temples of Yelagiri. The temple is actually carved between rocks in the hill that offer some amusing and impressive landscapes to travelers. This temple is always clean and is home to the local artistry paved throughout the gateway. This impeccable temple is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Yelagiri. One can witness the carved ‘Rangoli’ by the local artists everywhere in this temple, making it look more stunning.
Location: Perumal Temple, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu 635853
Timings: 6 am to 12 pm; 4 pm to 9:30 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
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How To Reach Yelagiri
Reaching by train: The nearest railway station is in Jolarpettai which is about 21 kilometres away from Yelagiri. Train to Yelagiri is easily accessible at Jolarpettai. People can reach Jollarpettai by other Indian cities effortlessly through the train.
Reaching by bus: As the KSRTC lets a lot of busses from several cities people can reach easily. Mostly buses will be available in Jolarpettai, Hosur and Salem to Yelagiri. There is a direct visit to Yelagirifrom Bangalore, Chennai and Krishnagiri.
Reaching by car/cab: Choosing a car from your city is great only if you are comfortable. But renting a car from the nearest cities to Yelagiri will grateful to wander around.
Further Read: 10 Hotels In Coonoor Amid The Lush Valleys Of Tamil Nadu
You will be surprised to see how beautiful Yelagiri is. You will be experiencing some of the best activities to indulge with like sightseeing, pilgrimage and lots of shopping. The weather is not only lovely, but the greenery in this place is simply mind-boggling. Thus, you can always plan a trip to Tamil Nadu to have a good time with your friends or family. Make sure that you explore all these places to visit in Yelagiri.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Yelagiri
What is the best time to visit Yelagiri?
People visit here throughout the year but mostly November to January is the best time to visit and to avoid the rain. You can explore all the attractions without any hassle if you visit during these months.
Where to stay in Yelagiri?
Throughout Yelagiri, you will find a tent camp to villas. The accommodation will be preferable in hotels and resorts which are affordable. To enjoy a night under the sky tent camp will be delightful.
Which are the places to visit in Yelagiri at night?
The places that you can visit in Yelagiri at night are Yelagiri Forest Hill where you can spend a night camping, Yelagiri Nature Park where you can enjoy a relaxing evening and Vainu Bappu Observatory where you can watch the celestial bodies of the solar system.
Is it safe to visit Yelagiri during covid times?
As the tourism industry is slowly reopening, you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if travelling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere, that is not overly crowded at the moment or has few reported cases.
What to eat in Yelagiri?
Yelagiri is a perfect place for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. You can find good and affordable restaurants around the visiting places. Make sure to try out the appetizing cuisines at various popular restaurants.
How to reach Yelagiri from Bangalore/Chennai?
We can reach Yelagiri by bus or train from Bangalore/Chennai. From Bangalore and Chennai, they provide direct buses to Yelagiri. If you choose the train, you will reach the nearest railway station Jollarpettai. From the station, you will find bus services to the destination.
What are the best things to do in Yelagiri?
You can go hiking in Swamimalai Hills. You can also visit the famous Jalagamparai Waterfalls. In the evening, you can simply sit and marvel at the sunset at Yelagiri Lake. you can also indulge in various intriguing adventures during your tour.
What are the best places to visit in Yelagiri?
Some of the best places to visit are Punganoor Lake Park, Nature Park, and Jalagamparai Waterfalls. Yelagiri Lake and other places offer some unparalleled scenic beauty in the whole of South India.
What is famous in Yelagiri?
There are some of the best places that are famous in Yelagiri. You can go to Jalagandeeswarar Temple and Swamimalai Hills. There is a Telescope Observatory there too. You can visit various national parks and enjoy the serene environment.
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