India’s landscape is laced with huge mountain ranges that spread out their enormity and accommodate different species of flora and fauna. During the British rule in India, many of these scenic locations became a favorite destination for the foreign invaders who developed some of these mountainous areas as hill stations. Providing a welcoming respite to the Indian heat, hill stations are the most sought after among travel destinations.

Yelagiri is a hill station located in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu in South India. Though not as popular as some other Indian Hill Stations, Yelagiri attracts its visitors to drink deep in its natural beauty adorned with lofty hills.

An adventurous drive from the town of Jolarpettai spinning through 14 hair pin bends ends in charming Yelagiri. Not too tall, this hill station is 1410 m above sea level and consists of 14 villages. Tribal dwellers here depend on farming operations for their livelihood. The climate is cool and pleasant and not too chilly like other hill stations.

The prominent color that catches the eye is green, largely due to the trees, plants and shrubbery that spans across the entire region. Fruit bearing trees are found in plenty, attracting families of monkeys. A calm aura prevails and fresh air greets every breath in Yelagiri Hills.

The mountain peaks in Yelagiri are just right for trekking. Drinking deep in nature’s best and walking through the undergrowth and vegetation is a special treat tourists should not miss out on. The hills are fairly safe and there is no fear of wild animals.

Another interesting thing to do while in Yelagiri is to visit the Punganoor lake. This is an artificial lake with boating facilities for visitors. There is a recreation area for children to play here as well.

The Jakalamparai waterfall flows through Yeagiri Hills and well worth a visit. Popular belief states that a bath in the waterfalls is a cure for several diseases as the water here flows over several medicinal plants that grow in these mountains.

The YMCA Camp Center in Yelagiri is a divine spot to stay during a trip to Yelagiri. The center offers comfortable accommodation at reasonable cost and is surrounded by hill tops. Home-made honey is available for sale at the camp center and is a worthy purchase to remember the goodness of nature.

YMCA Camp Center, Yelagiri

Yelagiri Hill Station is the perfect spot to unwind and kick off the pressures of city life. A fabulous spot to visit alone or with family.

Here are two books to read more

Buy SEE INDIA: HILL STATIONS OF SOUTH INDIA from Amazon.com

Buy The Magic Mountains: Hill Stations and the British Raj from Amazon.com