Things to do in Yelagiri on Your Weekend Getaway

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Distance from Bengaluru: 155 kilometres

A three-hour drive from Bengaluru, past hairpin bends and the green country side, leads you to the mini hill station of Yelagiri. Ideal for an easy-paced, relaxed weekend, Yelagiri is ideal for nature lovers or those looking to spend some tranquil moments with friends and family. There is also enough to keep the children busy and entertained. On your trip to Yelagiri, check out the things to do in this charming hamlet:

Things to do in Yelagiri

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1. Take a Nature Walk: The best way to enjoy the beauty of Yelagiri is by walking. There is a Nature Park spread across 12 acres with walkways on all sides. The manicured lawns and tall trees are perfect for a relaxed outing with kids and elders alike. There is also a musical fountain and fish aquarium here.

2. Go Boating at Punganur Lake: Boating in the man-made Punganur Lake is a major attraction in Yelagiri. There is a beautifully laid out garden with pathways along the lake, which makes boating a wonderful experience. Visitors aren’t allowed to picnic here and there is a fee to enter the park and lake.

3. Indulge in Adventure Sports: For tourists on the lookout for adventure, there is an option of paragliding and rock climbing. The hills are ideal for these sports and quite a few paragliding events and festivals happen here. The YASA (Yelagiri Association of Adventure Sports) also organizes regular classes.

4. Explore the Trekking Trails: Yelagiri has many beautiful trekking trails, though some require prior permission from the forest department. One of the popular trails is the Swamimalai trek. Around 6 kilometres (to and fro), the trek will take you across Mangalam village and through the fields where villagers grow beans and red grams. Swamimalai Hill is the highest point in Yelagiri from where travellers can enjoy stunning views of the region.

5. Visit the Observatory: About 25 kilometres from Yelagiri there is the Vainu Bappu Observatory in Kavalur. This houses the largest telescope in Asia. It is open to everyone on Saturdays between 4 pm and 6 pm. Athanavur is the City Centre in Yelagiri with shops and hotels. You can buy your items for everyday use and local products like honey and jackfruits from here.

Insider Tips

Where to Stay? Marigold Ridge, Hotel Landmark, Hotel Kumararraja Palace

Budget: Rs. 5,000 per person for a weekend (inclusive of stay and meals in a 3-star hotel)

Distance from Bengaluru: 150 kilometres (3 hours by road - NH-7)

Traveller Type: Families, couples, nature lovers