This Blog gives vivid description about places of interest in Tamil Nadu to help the the tourists visiting this beautiful and enchanting State.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Yelagiri - Pics
Yelagiri Hotel Lists & Accomodations
Info Regarding Hotels
& Lodges:
There is a Y.M.C.A. in the
hills, offering dormitory accommodation. It is 5 km away from Athanavur. Contact
Number: 04179 - 245226
There are also a few homestays
though these are unlikely to be listed online. The rates for hotel
accommodation range from Rs.500/- to Rs.3000/- per room. Contact Details for Kattida
Maiyam – 04179 – 245428 & Forest Guest House – 04179 – 245222.
Please make sure you carry
enough money (in cash) for your expenses as most of the hotels here do not
accept credit cards.
The Grama yelagiri, Boat House
road (Right next to the boat house), ☎ 04179245290. checkin: 12 noon; checkout:
12 noon. The Grama Yelagiri is the perfect getaway destination for families and
corporate groups. This place has recently got a makeover by the new management
and is run by a young couple, giving you the feeling of a homestay as well as a
resort. contact at thegrama@gmail.com 600+ per person.
Zeenath taj, athanavur (Near
the bus stop), checkin: 24 hrs. Very
good resort in 11 acres with full of mango,custard apple trees and very good
food prepared in-house based on our order.
For Reservations please
contact:
Mr. Jai Varghesse (Joy)
General Manager
Hotel Landmark
Punganoor Lake Road
Athanavur, Yelagiri Hills – 635853
09884608071/ 09444990325
Tel: 04179 295410/ 295411
E-mail: landmark.yelagiri@yahoo.co.in
Email : hlmyelagiri@gmail.com
For additional clarification
and special offers contact marketing office in chennai :
Subiksha Housing Pvt Ltd
3/2, Lambeth Avenue,
Abiramapuram,
Chennai - 600018.
Phone : 044 - 42000064
Mobile : 9884608071
Website : www.subikshahousing.com
Hotel Hills
Hotel Hills,
Boat house road, Athanavur -
635 853
Yelagiri Hills,
Tiruppathur(Tk), Vellore(Dt).
Tel: +91 41 7924 5301 / 302 /
303
:
+91 95 6653 4555
Fax: +91 41 7924 5304
E-mail: hotelhills@orchidinngroup.com
Yelagiri Hills Country Club
Boat
House Road, Beside Lake, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu, India
For
Bookings, call - 04179-245290/ 04179-245457
Hotel Yelagiri Holiday Home
Near State
Bank of India,
Athanavoor,
Yelagiri Hills - 635 853
Vellore District
Phone: 04179 –
245387
Phone: 04179 - 245315
Mobile: +91 -
9442668991
Mobile: +91 - 9944367247
Website: http://splashurl.com/q3usyzq
Email: kbrm48@gmail.com
VSK Boarding and Lodging
Boat House Corner , Athanvoor
Yelagiri Hills,
Tamil Nadu - 635853
India
Mob.no: 9786958214
For Bookings, call -
04179-245372/ 04179-241272
Hotel 'O' Nila
O Nila Resort,
#273, Mangalam Road,
Yelagiri Hills -635853,
Vellore Dt., Tamil Nadu.India
CHIEF
EXECUTIVE
R.C Jai Varghesse (Joy)
Cell : +91 9443492969, +91
9751657368
OFFICE
Phone : 04179 – (245371,
245241)
Cell : +91 9442457970
E-mail : onilaresort@gmail.com
Ammu Anju Cottage and Hotel Archana
For Bookings, call -
04179-245317/ 04179-245417
Hotel Ashoka
3-92, AthanavoorBus Stop
Yelagiri Hills, Vellore Dist -
635 853
Phone : 04179
- 245211, 245331
Mobile : +91
9486335499, +91 9486081182
Mail : ashokvilla@rediffmail.com
Siddharth Holiday Resorts
For Bookings, call -
04179-245259
Sterling Resort - MariGold Ridge
Address: Nilavoor Main Road,
next to Murugan Temple, Yelagiri Hills,
Tirupattur Taluk,
Vellore District - 635853,
Tamil Nadu.
Phone: +91 9655167374
Hotel Nigress Boarding and Lodging
(Deluxe)
Hotel Nigress
Boarding and Lodging
Kottaiyur (Po)
Yelagiri Hills - 635 853
Admin : admin@hotelnigress.com
Info : info@hotelnigress.com
Email : hotelnigress@rediffmail.com
Office : 04179-245264
Mobile: 9159416400
Mobile: 8098761407
Mobile: 9786667968
Zeenath Taj Gardens - An Exclusive Resort
Kottayur Village
Yelagiri Hills
Tamil Nadu - 635855
India
For Bookings, call -
04179-245231/ 04179-245445/ 08423-245231
Madhura Resort
(Opp Tamilnadu Tourism
Information Centre)
164, Athanavur Main Road
Yelagiri Hills - 635 853
Vellore District
Tel :
+91-4179-295451
Mob :
09840544894, 09444041062, 09444655903
Website : www.madhuraresort.com
Email : ginrc@sify.com
Hotel Surabi
Athanavoor
Main Road,
Yelagiri
Hills - 635 853
Yelagiri
For Instant Booking Call: 095973
88811
Hotel Aruvi
No.
100 white gate
Athanavoor
Yelagiri
Hills
Vellore
District
Pin
code – 635240
Phone :
04179 – 245240
Mobile :
9486939746, 9626192474
Email : hotelaruvi@gmail.com
Website : www.hotelaruvi.com
Hotel Golden Nest
Athanavur
Village,
Yelagiri
Hills,
Tirupattur
Taluk,
Vellore
Dt. 635853,
Tamilnadu,
India.
Email: info@hotelgoldennestyelagiri.com,
Mobile
Number: +91
9487267027 / +91 9442669025
Hotel Yatrinivas
Yelagiri
Hills
Jolarpettai
Vellore
Dist
Tamil
Nadu
Phone:
04179295100
Mobile:9442357722
Rhythm Lake View Resorts
Murugan
Koil Road,
Near
Boat House,
Athanavur,
Yelagiri Hills - 635 853
Vellore District
Phone :
04179 – 295099/245284
Mobile
Number: +91
9486677461 / +91 9443259690
Hotel Kings residency
166,
KottaiyurYelagiri Hills, Vellore Dist.Tamil Nadu - 635853India
Yelagiri - Places of Interest
Places of Interest
An
artificial Lake situated in the center of the Yelagiri Hills having 56.70
Sq.mt. areas is called Punganoor Lake. The Yelagiri Hill development and
Tourism Promotion Society maintains the Park and Boating facility in the lake.
Fountain in the center of the lake is an added attraction. Inside the Garden
Children Play materials are installed to recreate the kids.
The Elagiri Hills Development and
Tourism Promotion Society runs the Boat Club, with pedaling and rowing boats.
There is a newly laid flori cultural garden with a pathway along the bund with
a panoramic view of the lake on one side and the garden on the other. A
connecting bridge leads the pathway around the lake. The pathway around the
lake is particularly good for birding. There is also a small watch tower
constructed next to a tree which can be climbed.
Near
the Punganoor Lake, a herbal farm, is maintained by the forest Department With
rare herbals used in the Sidda and Ayurvedic medical treatments.
Rose
farms provide an interesting detour
A
Good Park is being formed at Kodai Vizha Thidal to enterain Tourists.
A
well laid out park on a 6 acre land adjacent to the lake, is established with
varieties of children's play areas installed within the park. There is also a
small zoo. But no animals could be seen there in January 2006.
There
is a "KODAI VIZHA ground" which is a lovely ground with beautiful
paths for walking. This is now be updated [May 08] to the Nature park. A lovely
10 acre campus with an artificial fall, an aquarium, musical fountain in the
evenings and amazing landscaping. This is a must see for all!
This
is now complete and has 2 shows in musical fountain 7PM and 8PM. Very nice with
gallery like setup and playing some 4 songs each in Hindi & Tamil.
At
the entrance of the Ghats Road a telescope has been installed to enable the
tourists to view the deep slope, green valley and Jolarpet plains.
You
come across this when you're driving up the Hills. It's supposed to be open on
weekends, but one has always seen a huge padlock at all times. They say there's
a telescope housed inside and from where one can get a good view of places in
the distance. But from the naked-eye one can easily get a view of Thirupathur
Town or Jolarpet down below; no need for telescopes, really. Besides, it's a
waste of time and petrol to drive 2 kilometers to find a padlock at the gates.
One
of the largest solar observatories, it is situated in Kavalur, located 35 km
from Thiruppathur, near Yelagiri. Prior permission is required to visit this
observatory
Lord
Murugan Temple, situated is one of the highest peaks of the Yelagiri Hills
offers panoramic view of the entire hill area. Kadothkajan is standing posture
in front of this temple is a note attraction for the tourists. Velavan temple
festival during the month of July is being celebrated in a grand manner every
year. Local People and devotees gather here in god so.
If
perchance the need arises to seek divine intervention drop by at the Murugan
temple to offer prayers and invoke blessings from the deity. For whatever its
worth, a trip or even a trek to the holy spot is bound to invigorate energy,
health and peace of mind.
The
River Attaaru, runs through the valleys of Yelagiri Hills, and at the village
of Jadaiyanoor, flows over to form the waterfall. It's perhaps the only distant
spot from the main town (over 30 kilometres) and fairly frequented by visitors
to the Hills. Larger groups picnic out here, but because of its isolation don't
expect too many facilities. Jalagamparai Waterfalls is also an ideal place to
go on a day long trek and if you do decide to go there, just make sure you're
well-stocked with water and food.
The
river 'Attaru' in the Yelagiri hill flows down at Jadayanur after height of 30
mts. Bathing in this Waterfalls cure many diseases because it passes through
various herbal plants in the hills. One can reach this waterfall by a trek route
Km. from Nilavur in the hills.
A
word of caution: the waterfalls are dependent on the river being full and the river
is dependent on substantial rainfall. Yelagiri Hills hasn't any monsoon season
of its own; rainfall here is mainly a 'spill-over' of rainfall in nearby
Bangalore or Chennai regions. Unless there is rain here, Yelagiri Hills can
largely be dry
A
temple in the shape of Shivalinga with the deity of Lord Muruga is situated
near the waterfalls. From this falls one can reach Tirupathur by Bus.
Swami
Malai, (not to be confused with the town of Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam) the
highest peak, soaring to 4,338 ft from Mangalam, a hamlet at its base, takes the
cake. Its an easy climb of about an hour with infrequent breaks (about a 1000
foot climb). Smaller peaks like Javadi Hills, Palamathi Hills and others are an
easier climb. Start early though and be back before 9AM, for once the sun
climbs up it can get rather uncomfortable.
Possibly
the highest peak around and the best place to go on a lovely trek is
Swamimalai. It's an easy trek along a muddy path starting from the eastern side
of the lake, which is about 3 kilometres long and pretty scenic too. Most
visitors to Yelagiri Hills, who have trekking in mind, often climb up
Swamimalai.
Make
sure you have enough water and light snacks before you set-off up the hillock.
May
and June each year is the time for a Summer festival at Yelagiri Hills. Main
attendees are local village folk and like-minded people from nearby areas of
Vellore District. The government-sponsored event aims to showcase the customs,
culture and traditions of the tribal belonging to the areas that fall under
Yelagiri Hills. Invitees include state ministers, government officials, members
of various panchayat unions and local headmen.
What
actually happens is that there are a lot of cultural programmes, music blaring
out of loud speakers all across town and a general destruction of peace and
quiet. Many welfare measures are announced amidst all the merry-making, but
like its everywhere else, nothings ever achieved.
If
you travel the winding Ghat road that has 14 hairpin bends you can reach the
Yelagiri hilltop. The hairpin bends offer panoramic, breath taking views
of the hills and its surroundings.
The
seventh bend is significant, since it offer the view of the slopes of the
mountain and the green forests that carpet the hill.
There
are 14 hair pin bends named with Tamil Poets(Pari Valivu, Ori Valivu, Kamban
Valivu etc...) those leads to Yellagiri Hills. There is a sort of an observatory,
after 12th bend with a telescope pointing towards the plains. It is difficult
to park a car here owing to the narrow roads. Bikes should be fine.
On
the way to the hills, you can see lots of small animals like monkeys, ox,
goats, etc. Do not feed these animals as they can be dangerous. Don't forget to
carry binoculars with you.
The
latest addition is the Nilavoor Lake - more of a pond, with a few boats. Don’t
miss the ancient hero stones featured in the ancient temple - each of an archer
pointing towards the 4 directions.
More
to come - A botanical garden over 10 acres in Pallakaniyur 0 about 4 km from
the bus stand. Also , a 50 acre golf course is on the cards , waiting to know
when this will see the light of day.
And
the latest of additions. PARAGLIDING! Visit the Yelagiri tourist information
centre on Tandem Flughts - also visit the YASA yelagiri adventure sports
association website for more info : www.yasa.co.in
Labels:
Hill Stations,
Vellore
Ilamurugan, Pondicherry
Mail us: ila_murugan2003@yahoo.co.in
Yelagiri History, Useful Info & Connectivity
Yelagiri History & Useful Info
Yelagiri hill is one of the popular hill
stations of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst four mountains well known for its
salubrious climate prevail throughout the year. Tribal people live in
villages in these hills.
If you travel the winding Ghat
road that has 14 hairpin bends you can reach the Yelagiri hilltop. The
hairpin bends offer panoramic, breath taking views of the hills and its
surroundings.
The seventh bend is
significant, since it offer the view of the slopes of the mountain and the green
forests that carpet the hill.
Yelagiri comprises 14 small
villages. The tribal people who live here are engaged in agriculture,
horticulture, forestry, etc.
Their customs, habits, and the
structure if their houses are very unique and attract tourists
Yelagiri (also spelled Elagiri
on some signboards) is a town in Tamil Nadu, a state in the south of India.
Yelagiri, at a height of 920
meters above sea level, stands majestically amidst four mountains. This is a
hill station with a salubrious climate prevailing throughout the year so that
winters do not keep visitors away. The main inhabitants of the area are the
tribes who live in the 14 small villages which comprise Yelagiri. These tribes
are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. - all the occupations
of rural hill folk. Their customs and habits, and especially the structure of
their houses is unique and attracts a number of tourists to this hill station.
Area : 29.2 Square Km.
Population : 3755 (As per 2001 Census)
Altitude : 1048.5 m.
Climate:
Summer: 34°C
Climate:
Summer: 34°C
Winter: 11°C
Season to Visit : Throughout the Year
Language Spoken : Tamil
Rain fall (Annual) : 900mm (average)
Language Spoken : Tamil
Rain fall (Annual) : 900mm (average)
Festivals:
Summer
festival during the month of May – June. (2 to 3 days yearly)
Nachiyamman
temple Nilavur (Once every five Years).
Murugan
temple Festival (Once in aYear)
Useful Info:
Department
of Forest: Govt of Tamil Nadu. Ph: 2220857
Yelagiri
Hill Development Authority & Tourism Promotion Society: 0416 - 2242726
Tourist
Information Centre, Vellore: 0416 - 2217974
For
Guide and for Information Tourist Information Centre, Yelagiri: Ph 04179 -
295101, Cell: 94863 28778.
Block
Development Officer Jolarpet: 04179 - 220015
District
Collector Vellore: 0416 - 0052718, 2253177
Road: It is Well connected by Road Ponneri to
Yelagiri (14 Km)
buses are available. Tirupathur to Yelagiri (27 Km)
Rail: Nearest Railway Station Jolarpettai. (Jolarpettai to Yelagiri21 Km)
Air: Nearest Airport Chennai and Bangalore.
Chennai to Yelagiri-233 k.m.
Bangalore to Yelagiri-145 K.m
buses are available. Tirupathur to Yelagiri (27 Km)
Rail: Nearest Railway Station Jolarpettai. (Jolarpettai to Yelagiri21 Km)
Air: Nearest Airport Chennai and Bangalore.
Chennai to Yelagiri-233 k.m.
Bangalore to Yelagiri-145 K.m
By car
From Bangalore
Yelagiri is about 150
km from Bangalore and 250 km from Chennai (Madras), good for a four hour bike
ride with breaks along the way. Take the NH7 out of Bangalore towards Hosur,
turn towards Chennai (onto NH46) at Krishnagiri and continue until you get just
before Vaniyambadi. You can see the Hills from quite a distance (on your
right). From a break in the highway that comes approx 2 km after the toll gate,
turn right into the underpass road that takes you to Tirupathur. Continue some
5 km and at Ponneri Junction take a left to Yelagiri Hills. The routes are all
marked with signboards in English.
From Chennai
Yelagiri is about 258
km from Chennai-Tambaram. Take the Poonamalee High Road
out of the city to Ponamalee Town. From Poonamalee, take the Bangalore highway
towards Vellore. The distance to Vellore is about 135 km and the route passes
through Sriperumbudur, Walajapet and Katpadi. Vellore would be a good
place to plan a break, there are a lot of eating places right on the highway.
From Vellore continue on to Ambur and then towards Vaniyambadi. On the highway
about 45 km from the 3 toll station, watch out for a signboard for
"Elagiri - 22 kms". Take a left at this exit. Its easy to miss this
left and if you overshoot this you would reach the Vaniyambadi toll station in
about 1km. Continue on this road (SH18) till you reach Ponneri junction which
has Thirupathur straight and Yelagiri on the left. Watch out for this one as it
is easy to miss. (On the left, you'll see a big sign board 'Tamilnadu Tourism
Department Welcomes You'. Turn left at this junction, there's a sign board
pointing towards Yelagiri.)
The roads are well
punctuated with signboards in English, and the roads especially the Chennai-Vaniyambadi
stretch are excellent (in 2007). It is fairly safe, watch out for the
occasional truck that changes lanes abruptly. The last petrol pump is after you
turn left at Ponneri, a little before you start on the ghat section. There are
no petrol pumps on the hills.
There are 14 hairpin
bends on the ghat road from Ponneri to Yelagiri and the road is pretty narrow
so you can't actually park a car to enjoy the view except at some of the wider
hairpin bends. Bikes won't have this problem though.
If you are coming by
train from Bangalore,
Chennai
or Coimbatore
you have to get down at Jolarpettai Junction.
If you prefer to take
public transport, buses come from Thirupattur and Jolarpet. You can take a taxi
also from these places. You can negotiate for about 350 INR (2005) to drop you in
Yelagiri Hills from Jolarpettai Junction.
Please note there are
no petrol stations in Yelagiri, thus you have to fillup the tank at the last
available petrol station in the plains (however, try to avoid HP petrol bunk in
Poneri because they don't give pure petrol). Except for a few tire changers
there are no vehicle repair shops in the hills.
Also, please take
your first-aid kit along with your regular medicines, if any, with you. There
is a government primary health centre, and a private clinic (in which the
doctor is from CMC vellore). The nearest health centre is in Tirupattur.
As for getting around
you may have to make your own arrangements for commuting in the hills. There
are auto-rickshaws and a few taxis for hire, but it is a great place for trekkers.
Each village has a
Murugar Temple, small and big. At Nilavoor there is a devi temple for
Kadavu-Nachiyar, which opens for puja only on Fridays between 11AM and 12PM in
the morning. The villagers around believe this Goddess is very powerful and throng
the place in good numbers on Fridays.
You can get buses
from Chennai, Salem, Hosur, Bangalore but a bus journey will eat into a major
part of your day. Driving or taking the train is advisable.
Total distance: 258
Km
Journey Duration: 4
1/2- 5 hours
The Route From
Chennai:
Chennai
City--->Poonnamale Byepass---> Sriperamabadur By pass---->Toll
Gate---> Kanchipuram By pass Flyover--->Walajapet Toll
gate--->Katpadi----> Ranipet Bypass----> Palar Bridge-> Arcot
Bypass---> Vellore Bypass (6 or 7flyovers ---->Pallikonda Toll Gate
----> Pachakuppam(bypass bridge)---> Ambur Town--->Vaniyambadi By
pass( has two Bridges)--->Vaniyambadi Toll gate --->Ponneri--->Yelagiri
hills
Tips
- If
you start from Chennai city your first destination is the Poonamalee town.
This can be reached by taking the Poonamalee High Road.
- From
Poonnamalee you have to take right turn on to the Bypass road towards the
Bangalore Chennai Highway or NH4 (National Highway #4). This highway is
part of Golden Quadrilateral (GQ)
- Your
next destination on NH4 is Sriperamabadur via Thandal and the Hyundai
factory. Drive carefully as there can be some heavy traffic movements on
week days owing to a lot of factories here. Sriperamabadur would be 1 hour
from Chennai.
- Carry
on on NH4 for another 1 hour or so you will see the directions for
reaching Kanchipuram.
- Your
next destination is Vellore some 140 kms away.
- Continue
your journey on NH4 past Sivathangal, Kevripak, Katpadi and Walajepet to
reach Ranipet or Ranippettai.
- From
Ranipet you have to take a left onto National Higway 46 (NH46) and move
towards Vellore via Kanipettal
- Assuming
you have started from Chennai early in the morning then by the time you
are on the outskirts of Vellore it’s high time to have the breakfast.
- From
Vellore continue your journey on to Ambur past Pallikonda.
- Your
next destination is Vaniyambadi
- After
crossing Vanyambadi, just after 2-5 km you need to take a left turn on the
the Tirpathur highway
- You
will reach Ponnari at approximately 7 kms from Vanyambadi. Continue your
journey till you find a HP fuel station on the right.
- After
crossing the HP petrol pump go till you reach a junction. From that
junction you need to take another left turn towards Yelagiri Hills.
- Be
careful not to miss the junction. On the left, you`ll find a big sign
board that says `Tamilnadu Tourism Department Welcomes You” and after
turning left you will find a sign board that points to Yelagiri.
- This
is the Ghat Road. From Ponneri the hills of Yelagiri is 14 kms away that
passes through 14 Hair pin bends named after famous Tamil language poets
and reach the top at Athanur town.
How to get out of Chennai City
From Chennai city to
go to Poonamalle there are three ways.
Chetpet--->Amejikarai--->Arumbakkam--->Koyambedu
junction--->Maduravoyil--->Poonamalle bypass ---> GQ (NH4)
Vadapalani NSK
Road--->Valsarvakam--->Porur junction (take a right turn
here)--->Poonamalle---> GQ
Mount
Road-->Guindy Kathipaara Junction---->Porur road (it’s just next to the
airport road on the right)--->MIOT(Madras Institute of Orthopedics and
Traumatology)-->Porur junction->Ramachandra Hospital->Poonamallee.
Total Distance: 165
km
Total Time: 3 ½ hours
Bangalore City--->
Electronic City---> Atibele---> Hosur
flyover--->Soolagiri--->Krishnagiri Byepass--->Krishnagiri toll
gate--->Krishnagiri Flyover (first)---> Bargur---> Natrampalli--->
Ponneri---> Yelagiri Hills
Tips
- From
Bangalore take the NH4. NH4 is part of GQ. The road is silken smooth.
- After
leaving Bangalore your first destination is Krishnagiri that is some 95 km
away via Hosur, Kamandoddi and Melumalai
- After
crossing Krishnagiri Toll gate there would be two Flyovers. Cross the
first one. As you approach the next flyover do not go over the flyover.
Instead take the side road. You will find a junction here. Turn left here.
- You
are now on NH 46 towards Chennai.
- After
traveling 17 km further you would reach Bargur
- From
Bargur Travel tillNatrampalli on NH 46
- After
a few Km There is another toll gate. Past the toll gate, follow the road
signage carefully. You will come across a school called “Vanni
Matriculation Higher Secondary School”. You can see the sign board that
reads ‘Elagiri 36kms’. The sign board asks you to take an U turn for
Yelagiri.. Take the U turn and continue your journey under a bridge. Be
careful not to miss it
- You
are now into SH 18 that leads to Thirupathur. As you travel continue
looking at sign boards on your left. After approximately 7 kms you will
find one that reads‘Ponneri 13 kms’
- Drive
a few yards ahead till you reach a crossing. Here you can also spot a
board that is put by Tamilnadu Tourism Department. From this crossing you
need to take a left turn towards Ponneri and subsequently to Elagiri
Hills.
- Drive
your up through the magnificent Ghat Roads and 14 hair pin bends to reach
the top at Athanur Town.
Fuel Stations
You can refuel your car
at Hosur, Krishnagiri and Vaniyambadi.
Alternate Route from Bangalore to Yelagiri
There is another
route that is a favorite with bikers. The total distance would be bit longer at
around 215 km.
The route is
Bangalore->Hoskote-> Malur->Bangarapet-> Betmangala->
Venkatagirikota (vkota)->Pernambaut->Ambur
Road->Vaniyambadi->Yelagiri
Tips:
Though the distance
is more in this route but a ride down the Pernambaut ghats is considered very
scenic and the route passes mainly through village roads. The road from Malur
to Bangarpet which is around 30KMs is not in very good condition. The stretch
between Venkatagirikota (vkota) to Pernambaut is good. Though be careful of the
hair pin bends as they are full of sands. On this route petrol pumps are
available at Malur, Pernamba, Ambur, Vaniyambadi.
Shopping:
Home made honey and jack
fruit (on season) are available in Yelagiri Hills. Even the Home made Honey can
be get from YMCA with Good Quality and taste, You can believe that it is
original. Otherwise you have to check whether its original. There is a small
house near YMCA, where you can get pure malai then (mountain honey). The weekly
market (Sandhai) assembles in Athanavoor on Fridays. Again you will find the
usual modern cheap plastic wares from the plains are sold, along with a few
agricultural products from the hills.
A
SBI ATM has been newly constructed near YMCA as of August 2009.
Food is not a problem
in Yelagiri, except if you are trekking. Otherwise there are a number of
eateries offering south/north Indian food at reasonable rates. Branded soft
drinks and water bottles are available. Look out for jackfruit - this area has
plenty of it available especially in the summer months, and the fruit here is
considered very good. Also, there are lots of fruits available each season like
guava, custard apple, etc. Try to bargain as much as possible as the locals are
very keen. On the contrary, you will also get some fruits near Swamimalai
treking spot where the locals will surprise you by giving you more than what
you expect.
Drinks:
Carry your own beer
case as its difficult to get these locally. Some restaurants sell beer. But
that maynot be the original brands If you are a guy looking for branded.
Vodafone now has a
tower in the hills with good reception throughout the area. BSNL is the other
provider - but has frequent network congestion problems. Aircel and Airtel also
has excellent connectivity.
Useful Tips
Like in many
hill-stations, you'll come across an army of monkeys on the winding, ghat road.
Pull aside to take pictures if you like, or slow down so that the kids can get
a closer look at these lovely animals. But, don't get too close and don't
provoke them, because they can get very, very nasty. Ensure (a) the windows are
rolled up; and (b) ensure no food items are on the dash board, especially
bananas. If they see a banana, you'll have a battle on your hands. Remember,
out there you are pretty much out-numbered. It might also be interesting for
you to know that a monkey bite can be pretty much fatal.
Whatever level of
adventurous streak you have in you, don't overdo it by trying to crawl through
bushes or thick shrubs. Yelagiri Hills is home to hundreds of snakes and some
pretty venomous ones at that.
Travelers from
Chennai and Bangalore generally prefer to take their own vehicles to go to
Yelagiri. If you are adventurous enough there is nothing like a bike ride. The
journey offers enough thrills in the form of U Bends and S Bends to keep you
absorbed
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