If doing nothing in complete peace and quite in cool climes is your idea of a perfect weekend Yelagiri would fit the bill perfectly. It’s a half – horse town dignified by one main road which has three teashops, five liquor shop and a couple of fancy stores. That’s it there’s presious little to “do” and therein lies Yelagiri’s charm. 

Yelagiri is actually a cluster of small villages spread over a couple of hills. There’s little or no sightseeing no shopping no touts and no souvenir hunting. And no sign of the hordes of tourist who have managed to ruin hill station like Ooty. Of course there are the typical things, some of dubious value which the government has put in place for tourist. 

The lake is beautiful enough, and the desultory boating fits right in with the mood. The so-called garden around the lake is neither mughal in splendour nor cosily charming its simply there. And yes there’s the mandatory children’s park. 

Tourism in typist. Yelagiri revolves around this smallish artificial lake. You can take a serene ride on the lake by rowboat or pedal boat, mercifully noisy, polluting motor boat have not yet caught on. Having done that you could stroll across to the other side of the lake, 

Punganoor lake

Tourism in typist. Yelagiri revolves around this smallish artificial lake. You can take a serene ride on the lake by rowboat or pedal boat, mercifully noisy, polluting motor boat have not yet caught on. Having done that you could stroll across to the other side of the lake, where there’s a hanging view point a platform on top of a tree, from where you get a bird’s eye view of the lake and its surrounding. There’s the garden around the lake with slides and other games for the smaller kids.

Velavan Temple

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan atop the hillock with a gigantic statue of Gadothgajan in front. Local festivals are conducted here during the Tamil month of adi ( July – August ). Incidentally the temple is also a handy viewing point for impressive vistas of the typist.Yelagiri Hills.

Government Silk Farm

It involves a longish walk along mulberry plantation and might involve climbing over a couple of fences. But if you manage to get a friendly official to show you around the sericulture tour is very interesting. To get to the silk farm. Located at Mangalam head to yelagiri’s bus stand at Athanavur. From here it’s straight road ( 5 km ) to Mangalam.

Swamimalai Hill

Perhaps the most strenuous activity over the weekend would be a trek up the Swamimalai at 4,338 ft the highest point in yelagiri. It could be a goodish two hour’s climb interspersed with breaks to catch your breath. The climb may be taxing but its worth it because you get a breathtaking view of the valley. From the top. This hill has some good trekking routs through dense reserved forests. These though are pretty busy on weekend. The best time for treks to Swamimalai is November to January when its deliciously cool.

Where To Stay And Eat

Hotel Hills
Phone No : 04179 – 245301 / 03. Tariff – 600 – 1500.

Taj Garden Resort
Phone No – 04179 – 245231 / 445. Tariff – 700 – 1500. 

Hotel yelagiri
Phone No – 04179 – 245236. Tariff – 350 – 550.

Hotel Nigress.
Phone No – 04179 – 245264, Tariff – 500 – 750.