Yelagiri

如何抵達

By car There are no petrol stations in Yelagiri, thus you have to fill up 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, 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.

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 140 km and the route passes through Sriperumbudur, Walajapet. 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 third(counting from Chennai) toll station, watch out for a signboard for "Elagiri - 22 km". Take a left at this exit. It's 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

當地交通

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 noon. The villagers around believe this Goddess is very powerful and throng the place in good numbers on Fridays.

必看景點

There are 14 hairpin bends named after Tamil poets (Pari Valaivu, Ori Valaivu, Kamban Valaivu, etc.); they lead to the Yelagiri 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, oxen, goats, etc. Do not feed these animals as they can be dangerous. Don't forget to carry binoculars with you.

Don Bosco Centre. Yellagiri Hills. Fr. Guezou, who is the founder of this Don Bosco Center has come from France and has been helping the poor people for many years. This center helps the poor and illterate youth to identify their future by providing IT education. They have the IGNOU Study center, IT Training Center and Software Development Center.

體驗活動

Trekking 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. It's an easy climb of about an hour with infrequent breaks (about a 1000-foot climb). Smaller peaks like Javadu 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. Jalagamparai Waterfalls - a 5-km trek from Yelagiri downhill. It's a tough trek, but the view from the sides of the mountain, of the valley, is truly rewarding. Winter and April-May are probably not good times to visit the falls, as there may be no water this time of the year. The tourist taxi operator may give you false information that there has been rain in this area and there may be water in the falls. His objective is to get money for the number of kilometres 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 10AM to 12:30PM 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. Uphill for 4 km can be fun when in groups. Don’t forget to carry water, you will not find a drop of water to drink once you reach the hilltop. You can see the clouds touching the lush green hills in early morning- an amazing sight. Make sure you wear sneakers as the trek can be a treacherous climb. You can hire locals from the village to help you as guide on your trek for around ₹300. It takes 2-3 hr to climb the top of the hill, depending on your speed and agility. It is suggested to take frequent pit stops and enjoy the greenery. You can follow a radio tower beyond the Samaritan School on the hill top as you ascend- you can also follow the pathway laid by locals to guide your w

購物

Home made honey and jack fruit (on season) are available in Yellagiri Hills. The Home made Honey can be bought from YMCA with good quality and taste. You can trust it to be original. Otherwise you have to check whether its original. There is a small house near YMCA, where you can get pure malai thein (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.

ATMs There is an ATM near the State Bank of India branch in Athanavur village.

美食

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 trekking spot where the locals will surprise you by giving you more than what you expect. A few food joints serve authentic Tandoori/Chinese/Indian food

Tandoori Hut on Boat House Road (Next to Boat House Main Entrance) The Hotel Hills on the main Rd

飲品與夜生活

There is a TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlet just opposite the entrance to the lake. So have no fears and you do not have to carry your liquor unless and until you are travelling from Bangalore where you have the option of more varieties and you