|
Yelagiri
hills, is an idyllic place for a short holiday. Green hills
and picture post-card scenery greets you here. It is called the
queen of hill stations and is the most pristine and unpolluted among
the hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri Hills is a backward area
with few glaring developments like cottages and farm houses, yet
a place that has maitained its 'remote' label.
The government is trying to promote Yelagiri as a tourist place.
But now, apart from the lake, there is not much for the regular
tourist. But the view in and around the hills is captivating enough
to last a lifetime. 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. The Javad
range of hills run parallel to Yelagiri; the land is sandwiched
between these two.
The
towns in Yelagiri hills are Athnavur and Nilavur. Athnavur
is the best place to stay and plan your trip. Some good quality
cottages and hotels are available here. Also, this is the last stop
with traces of modernisation. The next town (a settlement rather)
is Nilavur. Here the place is full of agricultural land and vegetable
and rose farms. It will be an interesting detour to visit these
farms. The people here are friendly.
By Road: Buses ply from Tirupattur, which can be reached
by bus from Chennai, Vellore, Jolarpettai.
Nearest Railhub: Jolarpettai (one can alight at Jolarpet
and take a cab or go to Tirupattur and then go to Yelagiri)
Nearest Airport: Chennai
Note: Summers tend to get crowded. Athnavur is the place
to stay. There are no hotels elsewhere. Can be visited any time
of the year.
| Text and Pics - Leslee Lazar |
|