Yelagiri, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Tips & Information for the tourists

  • Yelagiri boasts of quite a few good hotels that offer plenty of kidfriendly activities.
  • Yelagiri does not have petrol pumps. Be sure to fill your tank before proceeding up the hill.
  • Yelagiri town, even small shops are scarce. So keep stocks of bottled water, medicines, snacks etc.
  • Due to the rains, the nights are generally chilly, so do take blankets or sleeping bags.
  • Rain wear (during this time of the year ie early September) would be a good idea.
  • Wikitravel also mentions that there are no fuel stations in Yelagiri, so full your fuel tanks before driving up.
  • Jackfruit is a popular seasonal fruit available in the summer months.
  • May and June each year is the time for a Summer festival at Yelagiri Hills.
  • The temperature varies from the early thirties in summer (that’s from April to June) to around 1011 C during winter (November – February).
  • There are many hotels and guesthouses in Yelagiri. Hotels and resorts apart, the YMCA also offers dormitory accommodation in Yelagiri.
  • They charge Rs. 80100 per head one way and that's a lot better than breaking your head haggling with the cabbie.
  • Cell phone services are not available on the hill. That's precisely why you can have a relaxed holiday at Yelagiri. STD/Local/ISD calls can be made from land lines.
  • There are no liquor shops here so carry your own alcohol.
  • The best season to visit is from November to February.
  • Keep a firstaid kit handy with all the essential medicines and remedies. There are no medical stores or doctors in Yelagiri except a government primary health centre.
  • There is no public transport available here, except for a few autorickshaws. So, you have to arrange for your commuting if you want to get around the place.
  • Like in many hillstations, 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 outnumbered. 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.
  • Credit cards are not accepted anywhere at Yelagiri; by and large most hotels/ lodging places expect payment by cash only or a Demand Draft for advance bookings. Check the mode of payment at the place you stay when you book or before you checkin. Since there are no ATMs out there, better to carry cash.