Yelagiri hills, is an idyllic place for a short holiday. Green hills and picture post-card scenery greets you here. It is called the queen of hill stations and is the most pristine and unpolluted among the hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri Hills is a backward area with few glaring developments like cottages and farm houses, yet a place that has maitained its 'remote' label.
The government is trying to promote Yelagiri as a tourist place. But now, apart from the lake, there is not much for the regular tourist. But the view in and around the hills is captivating enough to last a lifetime. Jalagamparai water falls is a 5 km trek from Yelagiri downhill. Its a tough trek, but the view from the sides of the mountain, of the valley, is truly rewarding. The Javad range of hills run parallel to Yelagiri; the land is sandwiched between these two.
The towns in Yelagiri hills are Athnavur and Nilavur. Athnavur is the best place to stay and plan your trip. Some good quality cottages and hotels are available here. Also, this is the last stop with traces of modernisation. The next town (a settlement rather) is Nilavur. Here the place is full of agricultural land and vegetable and rose farms. It will be an interesting detour to visit these farms. The people here are friendly.
By Road: Buses ply from Tirupattur, which can be reached by bus from Chennai, Vellore, Jolarpettai.
Nearest Railhub:
Jolarpettai (one can alight at Jolarpet and take a cab or go to Tirupattur and then go to Yelagiri) Nearest Airport: Chennai
Notes: Summers tend to get crowded. Athnavur is the place to stay. There are no hotels elsewhere. Can be visited any time of the year.
At Yelagiri, you can do just about anything you want. For instance, you could trek up those rugged hillocks or go on long walks through narrow roads, explore the green surroundings of this rural retreat. Or perhaps you'd like to head towards the lake nearby for some leisure boating or just squat on a bench in the adjoining children's park and watch the kids play away to glory.
Yelagiri Hills encompasses a total area of just 30 sq kms and an altitude of approximately 3500 feet. Therefore, the climate is rather moderate, and an evening breeze that can get a bit chilly (especially after a few showers), considering that the hills have a fair amount of forest cover.
An advantage is that Yelagiri Hills isn't infested by touristy-types, who prefer hill stations with swanky shopping malls, plush restaurants and stuff like that. It's peaceful and quiet out here in these remote surroundings. Chances of bumping into your neighbour are perhaps one in a million.
What makes Yelagiri Hills an ideal weekend getaway is it's proximity from Bangalore or Chennai; just about 3-4 hours. So, an early morning start can get you to Yelagiri by about 10 in the morning and if you leave the next day just after lunch, your home by nightfall.
The main town of Yelagiri Hills is called Athanur - the nerve-centre of sorts - which is just one long, winding road through the hills, pocketed by isolated villages and thatched dwellings on either side. This is in fact, agriculture country. The tribal who live around these parts make their livelihood from the proceeds of agricultural products such as jackfruit and honey.
Tourism is a far cry presently; but there is evidence that Yelagiri Hills is getting popular. There's a flip-side too. So long as commercialization doesn't happen, Yelagiri Hills will remain a serene retreat for weekend getaways.
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