Yelagiri, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Trekking

A hilly terrain offers ample scope for this activity. Besides the deep, dark woods wait to be explored, the trails await a new pair of feet to walk past and Mother Nature looks forward to display her pictureperfect self to new visitors day after day. One of the popular trekking routes is the one from the hills to the Jalagamparai waterfall. The trek to Swamimalai and back is also quite famous.

Swamimalai is an ideal place to trek because of its height (approximately 4,338 feet). Trekkers can reach the top of the hill in about an hour with infrequent breaks. Other smaller peaks like Javadi Hills and Palamathi Hills are also open for trekking.

Jalagamparai Waterfalls Jalagamparai water falls is a 5 km trek from Yelagiri downhill. Its a tough trek, but the view from the sides of the mountain, of the valley, is truly rewarding. April probably is not a good time to visit the falls, as there is no water this time of the year. Recently (May 2007) there was no water in the falls. A tea shop owner said that there has been no water in this falls for the past 5 years. The tourist taxi operator may give you false information that recently there were some rain in this area and there may be water in the falls. His objective is to get money for the number of kilometers he runs the vehicle and not tourists' interest and pleasure. Just check this with somebody before you make a trip to this place. Otherwise it is a wasted trip. Especially if you go in the hot sun between 1000 a.m. to 1230 a.m. you will get headache. At the same time if one is interested in seeing the villages and the green pastures it may be fine. Next to the falls there is a temple at the top.

Boating

Be it rowing or paddle boating, the lake at Yelagiri offers ample scope for setting off into the tranquil waters and having the time of your life.

Other Activities This region is a base for floriculture and there are many rose gardens on the way, where you could stop and explore. The honey sold at the markets is natural and pure, and is a mustbuy.

There are avenues for orgainsing adventure tourism activities like trekking, mountaineering, rockclimbing and hang gilding on the hill slopes. There is a trek route to Jalagamparai water falls from the top of the hills. Trek routes are Yelagiri (Athanavur) VillageMangalam VillageJalagambarai; AthanavurY.M.C.A. Campu'sSamimalai and back. Forest department at Tiruppathur may be approached for assistance andguides to trek through Yelagiri hill.

Yhai at Chennai arranges regular trek programmes to Yelagiri. Ph4890976