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Yelagiri is located in the North Arcot district of Tamil Nadu and spans 72 square kilometres at 3,500 feet in the Eastern Ghats. With a twisting ghat road and 14 hairpin curves, the journey to Yelagiri is an experience. There's much to do here. Swami Malai Hills, Yelagiri's tallest peak, is a must-see. You can spend the day on the Nilavoor or Punganoor Lakes boats, savouring the Forest Hills sunsets. Fundera Park is home to 300 different bird species. Visit Jalagandeeswarar Temple and Moksha Vimochana Temple, but don't forget to see the Vainu Bappu Observatory. It houses a telescope for viewing celestial bodies and admiring the night sky. The observatory once housed Asia's largest telescope.
Trek To Waterfalls
The cascading waters of Jalagamparai Waterfalls, nestled among the picturesque hills, are considered one of the best places to visit in Yelagiri. A visit here will captivate you, especially during the monsoon season when they are in full flow. The journey to the falls is a fascinating trek via twisting trails and thick forests, making it a fantastic experience for all nature lovers. The waterfall is only accessible via hiking trails.
Go Boating On A Lake
Consider spending the day lounging by the shimmering Punganoor Lake, surrounded by beautiful flora. This is one of the best spots to visit in Yelagiri for a relaxing day. You can go on a walk along the lake and watch the sunset. Or rent a boat and paddle through calm waters. Or just sit beside the lake with a book. A walking path encircles the lake, and a children's park has swings, slides, and other activities. It is one of the best-known man-made lakes in Tamil Nadu.
Nilavoor Lake, located 5.4 kilometres from Punganoor Lake and 4.5 kilometres from Athanavur Bus Stop, is a prominent Yelagiri tourism destination that boating enthusiasts frequent. There is also a garden on the banks of the artificial lake in Nilavoor village. Pedal and motorboat trips are available on the lake. Close to the lake is a Devi Temple you can visit. Near the lake sits a brightly coloured idol. These guardian deities, Aiyanars, are revered as the village protectors.
Trek To The Highest Point
Perhaps the most strenuous activity over the weekend would be a trek up the Swamimalai, at 4,338ft, the highest point in Yelagiri. Shaped like a cake, it offers panoramic views of villages in Yelagiri. The area is inhabited by indigenous people who make a living through agriculture and has a rich diversity of vegetation and wildlife. Swamimalai Hills are particularly well-known for their numerous temples and shrines, which add to the spiritual significance that draws people. Paragliding is also offered, allowing tourists to obtain the best view of the area and the 14 hamlets that contribute to the area's unequalled beauty. A popular trekking site and viewpoint, this hill offers some excellent hiking trails through lush reserve forests. Treks to Swamimalai are amazing from November to January when the weather is chilly. There are a multitude of hiking trails through densely forested areas. Mangalam, a small settlement, is situated at the foot of this hill.
Go Stargazing At An Observatory
An hour's drive will take you to Kavanur village, where you can sign up for stargazing sessions at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO). Established in the 1970s, VBO has a 1m Carl Zeiss Telescope, a 1.3m J.C. Bhattacharya Telescope (JCBT), and a 2.3m Vainu Bappu Telescope (VBT). One of India's most prominent observatories, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area from here. Look through telescopes to see the stars, planets, and galaxies up close. Or better yet, join a stargazing event on your visit and allow the wonders of the cosmos to astound you. On bright moonless nights, the observatory offers breathtaking night sky views. Note that the observatory is only open to those with special entry permits from the authorities. And since it is one of the most famous tourist places around Yelagiri, it is advised to book a session beforehand.
A Temple Trail
The Velavan Temple, flanked in front by a massive statue of Ghatotkacha, is an exciting place of devotion in Yelagiri and provides visitors with an excellent vantage point. This magnificent temple honours Lord Murugan and is known for its beautiful architecture. The Moksha Vimochana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located near Nilavoor Lake. Moksha Vimochana means "achievement of moksha" or "nirvana." It is thought that if a person consistently prays at the temple for 42 days, they will be cleansed of all past sins.
The Information
How to Reach The nearest airport is Chennai (224 km), and the nearest railhead is Tirupathur (30 km). Yelagiri is connected with major cities in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Best Time To Visit October to March are the best time to visit Yelagiri. Solitudinarians usually flock to Yelagiri from November to February due to the winter night views, uncongested places, and low tariff rates. July to September is the best time for monsoon lovers to visit Yelagiri because the place looks vibrant and exuberant with the season's constant downpours. Just the same, Yelagiri weather never gets too hot in the summer either, so any time of year is the best time of the year to visit Yelagiri.
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