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
