Planning a weekend trip to Yelagiri? LBB's got you covered. Yelagiri is situated in the North Arcot district of Tamil Nadu and is at an elevation of 3,500 feet within the Eastern Ghats. This captivating hill station is nestled approximately 228 kilometres away from Chennai. The journey itself is a treat, featuring landscapes and mountains on either side along a straight road ahead. While travelling, you'll encounter Yelagiri's famous winding ghat road and 14 hairpin curves that offer an exhilarating experience. For those seeking a retreat to nature, Yelagiri has much to offer. You can take up activities such as boating, trekking, and birdwatching while you're there or just back in the serene nature. Here's our curated list for a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of your two-day trip at Yelagiri.
The Perfect Guide To A Memorable Weekend In Yelagiri Hills
Day 1 - Early Morning/ Pre Check-In
Upon your arrival, complete the check-in process at your chosen accommodation. If you desire a peaceful and secluded ambience, consider reserving an Airbnb for your stay, offering a range of options like tree houses, homestays, and farm stays. Alternatively, if proximity to local attractions is your preference, consider booking a hotel room at establishments such as Sterling Yelagiri, Hotel Landmark, Kumararraja Palace Yelagiri, and others. We'll advise you to opt for private transportation for better convenience. You can inquire about available transportation options either at the hotel's reservation desk or by consulting with the host of your Airbnb.
Late Morning/ Post Check-In
Explore Punganoor Lake, a prime attraction in Yelagiri that captivates visitors year-round. Nestled in lush greenery, the lake and the park surrounding it provide a serene setting. You can make the most out of it by boating in the lake. There's a nominal entry fee, and you can opt for rowing or pedalling boats for a minimal charge, allowing up to three hours of boating in Punganoor Lake. Note that picnicking is prohibited here to ensure the park's cleanliness and maintenance. Beware of the monkeys here and refrain from interacting with them.
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: INR 10 for entry, INR 75 for a rowing boat and INR 50 for a pedalling boat
Post Lunch
Explore your afternoon at Jalagamparai Waterfalls, a stunning natural wonder. Located a short distance from the main Yelagiri area, this waterfall is situated on the opposite side of the main hill station. The renowned Attaru River flows through the Yelagiri Hills, descending from a significant height to create a captivating waterfall, making it a popular tourist attraction. The cascades are approximately a 5 km walk from Yelagiri downhill, and many visitors prefer walking or trekking to reach the falls. Despite the direct pathway, it is often closed for safety reasons. The waterfall exhibits its peak beauty from early November to mid-February when the water flow is abundant compared to other months of the year.
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
Go for a Trek
The Swamimalai Hills stand as the highest point in the Yelagiri region, showcasing some of the most picturesque views in this tourist destination. These hills attract visitors year-round, excluding the monsoon season when it's unsafe due to landslides and heavy rainfall. A prominent highlight is trekking, facilitated by the hills' altitude. The trek to Swamimalai is generally moderate, beginning with a muddy path, and the view from the hilltop justifies the climb. As you ascend, the captivating landscape unfolds, surrounded by greenery and mountains, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere near the clouds.
Finally, return to your accommodation to conclude the day with a satisfying dinner accompanied by some drinks perfect for the weather.
Timings: 7 AM to 3 PM
Day 2- Post Breakfast
Discover Fundera Park, renowned for its stunning garden and scenic view, it is known for safeguarding over 300 exotic non-Indian birds. Unlike conventional zoos where birds are confined to cages, Fundera Park presents a distinctive experience – the birds roam freely in expansive aviaries. Visitors can step inside, observe them up close, engage in feeding, and even play with the birds. With patience and luck, they may perch on your hands, head, or shoulders, creating an interactive and memorable experience. The dedicated staff actively encourage these interactions as well. Additionally, fish spas, pony rides, and the presence of giant ostrich birds add an extra layer of excitement, particularly for children.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: Between INR 300 and 500, depending on the combo and activities you choose
Vainu Bappu Observatory
If you are passionate about celestial bodies, the solar system and the universe beyond Earth, then you have to visit Vainu Bappu Observatory. A key attraction near Yealgiri, the observatory provides interesting insights into the celestial movements of the solar system. You will be awestruck by the views of the night sky, best observed on a clear Saturday night. Aside from observing the Vainu Bappu Telescope, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area through the Visitor Telescope. This observatory is maintained by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore and has Asia's largest telescope.
Timings: Every Saturday, 2 PM to 10 PM. The sky watch takes place between 7 AM and 10 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50 per person. Free entry for children under the age of 12
P.S. The sky watch is not available during monsoons due to cloudy skies.
Post Lunch
A perfect spot for plant enthusiasts, the Government Herbal Farm on Mangalam Road is heaven for plant lovers. The farm is managed by the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu and is a treasure trove of diverse herb and ayurvedic plant species. It boasts some of the rarest plants cultivated for medicinal benefits, which are distributed nationwide. Conveniently located near Puganoor Lake, a visit to this herbal farm can be seamlessly combined for a more enjoyable experience. You can take a nice stroll through these vibrant gardens and feel one with nature.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: INR 20 per person
Yelagiri Adventure Camp
For those seeking excitement on their vacation, Yelagiri Adventure Camp offers a perfect blend of fun and adventure. Recently initiated by the Tamil Nadu Government, this camp enhances the experiences of visitors to the Yelagiri hill station. Amidst picturesque landscapes and a refreshing atmosphere, the adventure camp provides a variety of adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities for those who want to go beyond regular sightseeing at this marvel. From trekking and mountain climbing to paragliding, Bungee trampoline, parallel zip lines, shooting, archery, ATV rides, and more, the camp ensures ample activities for audacious individuals. Additional attractions at the camp include stargazing, campfires, musical nights, environmental talks and debates, and real-life adventure stories.
P.S. Timings and fees here depend on the available activities and the package you take.
