8 Incredibly Beautiful Places To Visit In Yelagiri (2024)

Yelagiri is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. Located 1410 meters above sea level, Yelagiri is known for the famous Yelagiri Hill (also known as Elagiri sometimes). The entire hill station is surrounded by rose gardens, lush green valleys, and orchard fields. But is Yelagiri worth visiting? Yes, a visit to Yelagiri will be well worth your time. It is indeed a breathtaking sight when you take it all in, especially if it is your first visit to the place.

Even though Yelagiri is not as popular a tourist destination as Ooty or Kodaikanal, it is fast growing in popularity. It is known for offering various adventure sports like rock climbing and paragliding. It is also one of the most famous trekking destinations in India. So what is famous about Yelagiri? Here are some of the must-visit places to visit in Yelagiri.

8 Incredibly Beautiful Places To Visit In Yelagiri

1. Jalagamparai Falls

One of the main attractions of Yelagiri is the Jalagamparai Falls. This waterfall is formed by the Attaru River, which flows through this quaint little hill station. It breaks into this mesmerizing fall from the mountainous rocks.

The area surrounding Jalagamparai Falls is known for its misty weather, and as you take in the views, you will be captivated by the majestic Yelagiri Hills and the beautiful waterfall cascading down from the great height. The waterfall is located just a short distance from the main Yelagiri town center and about 14 kilometers from Tirupattur.

The trek through the waterfall is a five-kilometer route that is an intense trek, but it is well worth the effort once you reach the top. The water of the Attaru River is believed to have medicinal and healing properties as the water goes through many areas where indigenous herbs are grown.

The Jalagamparai Falls dries up in the summer, so it is best if you visit the waterfall in the months of November and December. There are local tour guides available who will show you around the rest of Yelagiri as well.

2. Punganoor Lake Park

Located just one kilometer from the Athanavur Bus Stop, the Punganoor Lake Park is a man-made lake that is spread over 60 sq. meters of land. With a fountain in the middle and boating facilities available, the lake is a popular getaway for the locals. This is also a popular destination for morning and evening walks and a great photography spot in Yelagiri.

This lake and park destination is easy to find, as it is a favorite amongst visitors. The serene surroundings of the lake surrounded by lush greenery, attract people from all age groups.

You can pay Rs. 75 to rent a rowing boat, while the cost of renting a pedal boat is Rs. 50. You can visit the lake anytime between 8:00 am to 7:00 pm every day. It takes around two to three hours to see the lake cum park.

3. Yelagiri Adventure Camp

Started recently by the Tamil Nadu government, the Yelagiri adventure camp has boosted the tourism in Yelagiri. This adventure camp includes activities like mountain climbing, trekking, paragliding, and hiking. The camp operates by following top-class security and safety measures to ensure that Yelagiri becomes a popular adventure camp destination.

4. Nature Park

The Nature Park in Yelagiri is another beautiful and serene spot to visit. Nestled in the lap of nature, this park offers some of the best views of the surrounding beauty. This Nature park is conveniently located next to the Punganoor Lake so that you can cover two beautiful destinations on the same day itself.

The park is spread over 12 acres and houses many unique plant species that are known to thrive in this rocky terrain of the Yelagiri Hills.

The most special feature of this park is the artificial waterfall inside the park. Tourists can also take a bath in the water. There is also a musical fountain and a children’s corner inside the park. Multi-colored lighting throughout the park adds to the beauty of this park.

5. Telescope Observatory

The Telescope Observatory, or the Vainu Bappu Observatory, is another major tourist attraction in Yelagiri. The observatory allows you the opportunity to get an up-close look into the movement of the solar system’s celestial bodies.

Located in Kavala, the observatory can only be entered with prior permission. Maintained and managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore, the observatory is also home to Asia’s largest telescope.

Constructed by Dr. Vaini Bappu, the telescope housed here is 93 inches in diameter, and visitors get to witness the telescope working as well. Apart from seeing the telescope working, it is also a wonderful and scenic view you take in from the Visitor Telescope area. You can get one of the most breathtaking views of the night sky from this observatory.

The Telescope Observatory is located in Javadi Hills in Kavalur.

6. Swamimalai Hills

The Swamimalai Hills is the highest point of Yelagiri. This beautiful tourist spot will offer you the best scenic view of the entire hill station. Hundreds of tourists flock to the Swamimalai Hills throughout the year, barring the monsoon season.

The Swamimalai Hills are quite fascinating because they are formed in the shape of a cake. Starting with a strong base at the bottom of the hill to a high peak, which provides majestic views of the surrounding valley. Trekking is a hugely popular activity in these hills, and many trekkers prefer to take the long trekking route to Swamimalai since it is a pretty straightforward trek. However, it does begin with a muddy path, so make sure to gear up accordingly.

7. Jalagandeeswarar Temple

If you want to check out some of the religious or spiritual points of attraction in Yelagiri, the most famous temple in the town is the Jalagandeeswarar Temple. The Jalagandeeswarar Temple is located inside the Vellore Fort, which is another popular tourist spot in Yelagiri.

The temple is said to have a rich history and a fascinating legend behind it, which attracts tourists from all over the state. One of the major highlights of this temple is the intricate carvings made from stone that beautifully depicts the spirit of god. The temple has been painfully crafted to perfection by the local artisans.

Each sculpture at the Jalagandeeswarar Temple has been termed a visual masterpiece and is well-maintained by the temple team. The temple has a beautiful open ground in the front, which is used by devotees for carrying out holy rituals, meditation, and praying. Sometimes, marriage ceremonies also take place here.

8. Velavan (Murugan) Temple

The Velavan or Murugan Temple in Yelagiri is a famous local temple dedicated to Lord Murugan and is located on the tip of the Yelagiri Hills. This temple provides some of the best views of the entire hill station, making it one of the best places to visit in Yelagiri. You can get a breathtaking view of the widespread and picturesque plains from atop the hills.

At certain points of time during the day, the temple bells that are rung spread throughout the mountain range, spreading the sounds of culture and spirituality throughout the hills. The temple has a rich historical past, and there is a massive statue of the Gadothgajan, a mythological character inside the temple in a standing posture. Many other beautiful sculpted structures adorn the temple.

What is the best time to visit Yelagiri to see this Murugan Temple? The best time to visit the Velavan (Murugan) Temple is when the local Aadi festival is celebrated with great zeal and gusto during the month of July. During this festival, hundreds of devotees from all across the plains make a pilgrimage to the temple to offer their prayers.

The trek to the Velavan (Murugan) Temple will prove to be a highly spiritual experience, and the serene surroundings offer great peace of mind.

The hill station of Yelagiri is a beautiful and must-visit place when you are in Tamil Nadu. This tranquil place is not much crowded, unlike the more popular hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal. From boating to trekking, Yelagiri offers something for everyone to enjoy. In fact, Yelagiri is one of the most popular places for adventure lovers. Rock climbing, paragliding, trekking, and many such fun-filled activities draw tourists to Yelagiri.