Ooty

   Udhagamandalam popularly known as Ooty and also as Udhagai is a hill station located on the Western Ghats in Tamilnadu. It is one of the famous hill stations in India. It is also called as "Queen of Hill Stations". It is situated at an altitude of 2240 m above sea level on the Nilgiris Mountain Range. Ooty is one of the municipalities and the capital of the Nilgiris District.

   It's scenic landscape and the pleasant weather wins the hearts of the visitors to come again and again. Abundant of lakes, grasslands and eucalyptus trees make Ooty a traveller's dream. Pollution free air and the enchanting tea gardens surrounded by hills soothes our mind feels much relaxed so as it is being the paradise of every nature lover. Toda, the tribal people of this region are the main population of the district.

   Ooty is bounded by Wayanad district, Kerala on the west, Coimbatore and Erode District, Tamilnadu on the east and Mysore District, Karnataka on the north. It is situated at a distance of 86 km north from Coimbatore and 128 km south from Mysore. All facilities are available in Ooty such as ATM, Fuel Station and Refreshment centers. All major destinations are well connected with Ooty.

Attractions in Ooty:

1. Nilgiris Mountain Rail
2. Nilgiris Toy Train 3. Botanical Garden 4. Ooty Lake & Boat house 5. Pykara falls 6. Doddabetta Peak 7. Mudhumalai Wild life Sanctuary 8. Rose Garden 9. Fernhill Palace 10. Shooting spot(6th Mile) 11. Shooting Medu(9th Mile) 12. Pine Forest 13. Elk Hill 14. St. Stephen's Church 15. Stone House 16. Ooty Golf Club 17. Kamaraj Sagar Lake 18. Tea Museum 19. Ketti Valley 20. Emerald Lake 21. Mukurthi National Park 22. Raj Bhavan 23. Avalanche Biosphere Reserve 24. Thunder World 25. Government Museum 26. Bison Valley 27. Wax World 28. Bellikkal Lake 29. Cairn Hill 30. Arranmore Palace 31. Upper Bhavani Lake 32. Glenmorgan 33. Marlimun Lake 34. Tiger Hill

Best Season to visit:

All over the year is the best time to visit.
March to June is much better and pleasant season to visit - Summer Season.
July to september is an ideal season for who wants to see the rain showers - Rainfall Season.
October to February is the dream season for couples as the temperature reaches its lowest - Winter Season.

Climate:

Avg Annual temperature : Min 15°C - Max 20°C
Avg Summer Season: Min 11°C - Max 23°C
Avg Winter Season: Min 5°C - Max 15°C

Cuisine:

There are abundant restaurants in Ooty. North Indian Foods are in minimum numbers only. But the South Indian Foods are in high numbers. Chinese/Indo-Chinese foods are also available in some restaurants in particular Wang's kitchen, Shinkows and Western food such as pizza and sandwiches from chains like Hot Breads. Shinkows is a bit costly. Never let it go without a try Ooty's famous buns, varkis, cakes, and other baked goods, as well as fruit and nut chocolates. Do go for Modern Stores and Kingstar Bakery.

• Hotel Shri Velmurugan (Hotel Velmurugan), Walsham Road, Green fields, Ooty (On the road connecting Alankar Theatre (in Ettines road) and the Commercial Road), ☎ 0423-2444968, 9944817139 (gokulkumar186@gmail.com). 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Enjoy delicious vegetarian & non-vegetarian food, tea, coffee and snacks. Moderate.  

• Earl's Secret, Kings Cliff.  

• C-Store, C/O Niligiri Petroleum Company, Charring Cross, Ooty (heart of ooty), ☎ 0423-2442447.  

• Modern Stores (www.moddys1951.com), Garden Road,Ooty, ☎ 04232442678,2447353. Best Home made chocolates in ooty since 1951.buy chocolates,tea,spices and ooty related products 

• Side Walk Cafe (restaurant). Italian cuisine. 

• Hotel Blue hills in Commercial Road. Over a decade they are serving biriyani and other dishes so far they still remain the best non-veg hotel in this region.
  
• Krishan. lower bazaar, near bus stand, ooty   

• Hotel Darsahan, Lake Road Near Boat House Ooty (In front of Boat House Ooty), ☎ 0423 2452288. 7.30am-10.00pm. Best Hotel To Stay and Dine Veg Foods in ooty

Stay:

Hotels and Lodging may vary according to the price. Budget level hotels are available vastly in ooty compare to other tourist places. Indian Famous Hotels and lodges are also available here.

• Hotel Darshan, near Lake Boat House, 0423 2452288,2443378,2443807, hoteldarshan@yahoo.co.in. About 1.25 km from the bus stand and railway station. 34 rooms overlooking the lake, restaurant, room service, 24 hrs hot & cold water, in-house laundry, carpeted rooms, cable tv, parking, camp fire, doctor on call, travel desk, group accommodation available for small and large groups. 900 and up.

• Hotel Mayura Sudarshan (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation),Fern Hill, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 0423-2443828,Contact: Mr.Suresh 8970650052,info@karnatakaholidays.net. Clean and large cottages. Location gives a very pleasant view in the morning with all the cloud and mist around. There is a garden with decorative plants for a good walk in evening or morning. Prices are Reasonable. Recently Ooty Horticulture department has established a large garden on fern-hill in front of this Hotel. Good for nature lovers and family.

• Sunshine Inn Mobile - 99433-33323 or 98942-96961 3 Star property with 70 rooms. Includes a restaurant, room service, in-house laundry, travel desk, and car parking is available inside the hotel premises. Season tariff starts from Rs.1800 + tax.

• Reflections Guest House. It comes with good views of the lake and hills. The location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to the boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay.

• Sherlock Hotel. A newly renovated colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces and cost between Rs. 1875 and Rs. 3000 depending on size and view. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. 

• Hotel Savoy from the Taj Group is one good option.Sitting firm on a rising hill, the Hotel sprawls over six acres of landscaped gardens, offering colonial style cottages that were built between 1834-1865. Colorful flowerbeds merge to form a multi-coloured quilt around the cottages, adding to their gentle refinement and old English Charm. A quiet retreat, the Savoy Hotel offers a little pocket of paradise.

• Hotel Sinclair, Gorishola Road, ☎ +91-0423-2444309 (ooty@sinclairshotels.com, fax: +91-0423-2444229). Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar.  from Rs. 2000 to 10000.  

• Hotel Maneck, Main Bazaar, ☎ 2443494. Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Both hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from INR 850 ( ~ 15 USD ) 

• Sullivan court, Near Rose Garden. 5 Star Luxury Hotel of Ooty. Most famous hotel, best rooms, part of ITC Hotels India.  

• Hotel Tamilnadu, Its a very reasonable rate govt. hotel with a value for money. Good south indian food is available , but if you want other variety of food better go for other restaurants. Standards rooms cost 1000/- per night. Online booking facilities are available also. Go to ttdc page for online booking

• Colonial Heritage Bungalow amidst picturesque gardens and lawns right near the heart of Ooty. All the rooms have wooden flooring and panelling, Victorian furniture and bay windows overlooking the lawn. The bathrooms are large with modern fittings. All the rooms have have a TV with cable connection. The garden surrounding the bungalow is large enough for families to enjoy some outdoor games or to also relax under the garden umbrellas. The garden has walnut, tomato, peach and passion fruit trees and two quaint waterfalls crafted from springs. Local sightseeing, trekking, pick-up from nearest railway/ bus station or airport can be arranged on prior request. The bungalow is located barely a 10 min walk from the Ooty town centre. This homestay is a 100 year old Colonial bungalow on one acre of land, only a km away from Ooty town. The owners live on the premises on the upstairs portion of the bungalow. This homestay is ideal for families with children or for groups of friends.  

• A simple & quiet place in the residential parts of Ooty. This Guest House has four double rooms, a kitchen, dining and a large terrace. The cottage is rented out as a whole and not individual rooms, so that our guest can enjoy their privacy. The common living room has a TV and there is a large well maintained front lawn lined with a flower bed where you can enjoy both your morning tea and your evenings. There is enough space on the property to park two cars. Extra cars can be parked outside. The caretaker speaks Kannada, Tamil and Hindi. A cook  can be arranged for the duration of your stay at approximately Rs.500 a day and a Tourist Guide for about Rs.400 per day.  

• Fully furnished three bedroom heritage bungalow in Ooty each with its own fireplace. Built  in the early 1900's, this property in Ooty is a fully furnished colonial building with three bedrooms, each with its own fire place, a living and dining area and a well manicured garden, perfect for a bonfire or a barbecue.The entire bungalow is laid out with antique teak and rose wood furniture. There is a fully functional kitchen with an in house chef. Usage of the kitchen is charged for at Rs.100 per day and food can be paid for at actuals directly at the accommodation. The accommodation is located about 10 min away from Ooty station and is just off the main town.  

• This Apartment - styled homestay is located close to many sight-seeing places in Ooty. This Homestay is close to the famous Rose Gardens, Charring Cross, Botanical gardens, shopping centers and the bus stand in Ooty. There are 5 rooms in total, 2 of which are Deluxe rooms situated on the ground floor and three of them are Luxury rooms located on the first floor. Both the floors are independent of each other with a spacious hall and dining area. The rooms at this Homestay are spacious, tastefully furnished, clean with en-suite bathrooms and western toilets.

• A six-bed room Heritage House built in 1856, Ooty. This Heritage House has been refurbished to retain its authentic and unique character but with the conveniences of today. It is set among set among two and a half acres of sprawling lawns and English flower gardens. With  it colonial decor and old world charm, it embodies all things that make Ooty the perfect getaway. At night, why not gaze at the stars from the lawns and then have a great sleep in our comfortable beds, with linen, towels and essential toiletries provided for your stay and have your fire place lit in the bedroom for the extra warmth. Conveniently located to allow its guests to enjoy all the attractions that Ooty offers, from the rolling hills of the Gymkhana golf course and the landmark Ooty Club, home of the game of Snooker to the shopping areas and restaurants, it is the perfect home stay accommodation to relax and unwind and an idyllic get away from the hustle and bustle of city living.  

• LifeIsOutside:  Apart from the above listed places to stay, LifeIsOutside has a handpicked selection of luxury resorts and plantation homestays around the region..☎ +91 88800 36677.

• Sterling Ooty Elk Hill (A Sterling Hoiday Resort), No 25, Ramakrishna Mutt Road, R.K.Puram, ☎ 0423 2452634. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 10:00. Amid lofty Nilgiri peaks and low passing clouds, the sloping roofs and terracotta tiles of Sterling Holidays Elk Hill Resort emerge and vanish. As you look out on Ooty valley from your room’s balcony or sit-out, time seems to stand still. 3000 to 4000.  

• Funstay, ☎ 9902860849. Funstay cottages, Resorts and Tents are the best experitential stays in and around Ooty with attached washrooms, party space, Room services, Food service, car parking, In house laundry and Hot running water. These homestays in Ooty are just 3 to 4 km away from Ooty bus stop and railway station. Starts from 1550 to 6500 per person per night.

How to reach:

By Road: Ooty Bus station connects popular towns around Tamilnadu and other states such as Kerala and Karnataka. 

By Train: Nilgiris Toy Train connects Ooty only with Mettupalayam through NMR metre gauge. Nearest Railway Stations are Coimbatore and Tirupur where abundant trains available to all major destinations.

By Air: Coimbatore and Salem are the nearest Airports to connect Ooty with other cities through the Air.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

Coonoor, Kotagiri, Kodanad, Masinagudi, Gudalur, Wayanad, Mysore, Coimbatore.

Sirumalai

Sirumalai (Tamil: சிறுமலை) is a region of 60,000 acres (200 km²) situated 25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul and 90 km (56 mi) from Madurai,Tamil Nadu, India. There are many high hills in the area. Hillock International School is located in Sirumalai. Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends. On the 18th bend is a church and a view point of Dindigul city and the "Dindigul Rock Fort". The hill contains a small waterfall as well. The famous Sirumalai banana is slowly disappearing from disease, which scientists have been unable to prevent.

Man-made fires on the hills have destroyed medicinal plants and threatened the fauna habitat. Fires are often set to promote vegetation growth used for animal fodder, clear land for cultivation, or improve access to timber.

Tourist Attractions in Sirumalai:

In sirumalai agasthiyarpuram there is an aasram situated as the name of agatthiyar Siva sakhi sitthar beedam ....there is a famous sivakthi temple was created in aasram and also they are offering food for all peoples at 24hour service.....and they are also giving siddha treatment for all peoples........

Mathamalai Annai Veilankanni Church is situated on top of one of the hills. Residents observe the festival for "Our Lady Of Good Health" annually in September, with a flag hoisted prior to the festival.

Sirumalai Lake contains a small lake that was artificially created in the year 2010.



In the region of sirumalai the Agasthiarpuram is a holy place where siddas (monks) have lived since ancient days. The area is surrounded with medicinal herbs and plants. In the tip of the hill there is historic Shiva Lingam, which dates back at least 500 years.

The famous Lord Murugan temple (Vellimalai Murugan Temple) is located in the mountain which is away from 45 minutes climbing over the valley.

Flora and fauna

Much of the Sirumalai is covered by deciduous forests - the lower slopes by dry deciduous and the higher slopes and riverine valleys by moist and wet deciduous forests. Trees such as Terminalia , Shorea , Magnolia champaca are dominant in these hills. Other rare plants such as Lianas and Orchids also occur in the higher elevation evergreen tracts. Coffee estates form a major portion of present-day landscape. These Reserve Forests are protected under Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

A rich animal life including threatened animals such as Slender loris, Gaur, Sambar deer, Sloth bear, Asian palm civet, Indian hare, Jungle cat and Indian pangolin are to be seen in the wild. Birds such as Indian peafowl, Asian koel, Indian grey hornbill and even the endemic Blue-winged parakeet are found in these forests. Threatened reptiles such as the Python molurus, Indian star tortoise, and venomous snakes such as Indian cobra, Russell's viper, Common krait and the endemic Bamboo pit viper and the little-known striped coral snake Calliophis nigrescens are found here. Lizards such as the Bengal monitor, the Indian chameleon, the flying lizard or Draco dussumieri, Calotes calotes, Ophisops minor and Cnemaspis geckoes are to be seen here. Special mention must be made of the only endemic reptile of the hill - the Sirumalai Shieldtail Snake Uropeltis dindigalensis, that is reportedly not found anywhere else. Rare and endemic amphibians such as Hylarana, Indirana, Zakerana brevipalmata and the direct-developing bush frog Pseudophilautus wynaadensis occur here. A myriad forms of lesser-known Insects and Moths etc. are present.

Things To Do:

Agathya Puram

Located in Sirumalai is Agathya Puram. Named after the prominent Agathya Siddhar. Located in Agathya Puram is Silver Hill, this is the tallest hill in Sirumalai. It is said that the peak of the Silver hill was made up of Silver but to avoid man's destruective actions during the Kali Yuga the hill was transformed via Alchemy in to stone by Agathya Siddhar, hence it got the name silver hill. The hills silver glitter can be still seen in the sun light. In the peak of this Silver hill is a 500-year-old Shiva Lingam, walk to top of the hill is about 30 – 45 minutes.The view from the silver Hill is breathtaking.

Agatthiyar SivaSakthi Sitthar Beedam

Agatthiyar SivaSakthi Sitthar Beedam is an ashram located at the silver hill in Agathya Puram. Food is served daily (Annadanam), lodging is available at the ashram.The ashram aims to promote various voluntary campaigns such as cleaning of the hills.

Cuisine:

The hotels are average. There is a CGS restaurant which looks like a road side restaurant but has very tasty and traditional food

Stay:

JMA Garden Resort -

+91 95850 18598 , +91 89407 66407
0451 -2558228

jmagardenresorts@gmail.com

How To Reach:

There is the straight Buses (Mini) from Diddigul about 45 Minutes Travel to reach Sirumalai.

Other nearby tourist places:

Kutladampatti Falls

Meghamalai

Meghamalai popularly called Highwavys Mountains, is a mountain range situated in the Western Ghats in Theni district, Tamil Nadu. It is dotted with cardamom plantations and tea estates. The place is situated at an elevation of 1,500 m above sea level and it is rich in flora and fauna. This area, now mostly planted with tea, includes Cloudlands, Highwavys, Venniar and Manalar estates, the access to which is now largely restricted. It still includes large untouched remnants of evergreen forest.

Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary:

There is a long-pending proposal with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to establish the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary on 600 km² of forest in the division. Priority tasks in the sanctuary should be the control of poaching and the use of pesticides, the elimination of ganja (Cannabis sativa) and the cultivation and scientific management of watersheds. The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary can be an excellent buffer to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and can immensely strengthen conservation in the southern Western Ghats, the range of hills south of the Palakkad Gap.
 
Wildlife includes: Oriental honey buzzard, great pied hornbill, Indian brown mongoose, Jerdon's palm civet, white-bellied short-wing, black-naped monarch, pied thrush, gaur, tiger, leopard, Asian elephant, mouse deer, Ghatixalus asterops, Raorchestes beddomii, Raorchestes ponmudi, Nyctibatrachus sp., Ramanella triangularis, Ramanella montana, Calotes grandisquamis, Hemidactylus anamallensis, Salea anamallayana, Kaestlea travancorica, Kaestlea laterimaculata, Uropeltis madurensis, Uropeltis liura, Calliophis nigrescens, large-scaled pit viper and the enigmatic Hutton's pit viper.

Flora:

Vegetation ranges from scrub forests at the foothills, up to ubiquitous expanses of tea and coffee estates, to spice (pepper, helllcardamom, cinnamon) plantations and finally to the dense evergreen forests at the top.

Fauna:

Meghamalai forest area hosts a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common. Other animals sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri tahr, gaur, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, bonnet macaque, sloth bear, grey junglefowl, smooth-coated otter and flying squirrel. Bird like red-whiskered bulbul, common iora, white-browed wagtail, grey wagtail, pied bush chat, Blyth's reed warbler, barn swallow, spotted dove, Asian paradise flycatcher, brahminy kite, long-tailed shrike and over 100 species of birds have been identified.

Great Indian hornbills

Rare great Indian hornbills are found here. The great Indian hornbill is one of the largest hornbills and these are found from sea level up to 5,000 feet (1,500 m). Great Indian hornbills like to eat various types of berries. Hornbills swallow most of their food whole instead of breaking it down first. Hornbills are famous for their nesting ritual. They are becoming rare, mainly due to their hunting for their meat and destruction of their habitat. Protection and restoration of destroyed forest areas will aid the conservation of hornbills in the region.

Grizzled giant squirrel

The sanctuary is also home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macrora. The home range of an individual is between 1,970 and 6,110 m². This greyish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg and is the size of a small cat. It measures about 735 mm from nose to tail with the tail being 360 – 400 mm long. They construct nets at forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when threatened. It makes two nets. One it uses as a nursery and the other for resting. This confuses predators like birds and snakes.

Salim Ali's fruit bat

One of the rarest fruit bats of the world, Salim Ali's fruit bat, Latidens salimali, (named after Indian ornithologist Salim Ali) is only found in this mountain range. Salim Ali's fruit bat is the only species in the genus Latidens. It is a medium-sized fruit bat, which lacks an external tail. The head is covered in blackish-brown fur which is paler at the base, the wing membrane and the long fur are light brown in colour, and the underparts are light grey-brown. The species was first collected in 1948 by a British naturalist called Angus Hutton, who misidentified the specimen as the common short-nosed fruit bat. The specimen was re-examined later by Kitti Thonglongya who recognised it as a new species. Very little is known of the ecology of this species, however all fruit bats play an extremely important role as pollinators and seed dispersal agents within their rainforest habitat. This species is entered in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1993 as one of the rarest bats of the world.

Hutton's pitviper

The Hutton's pitviper Tropidolaemus huttoni (Smith, 1949) is an enigmatic species of venomous snake described from the High Wavy Mountains in 1949. It was described from two juveniles collected by Angus F. Hutton from beneath the leaves of the palm Ochlandra travancorica, locally called "eata". The species has not been recorded since its original description and no adults have yet been found. The most intriguing fact about this piviper is that it belongs to a genus whose other members, the closest living relatives of the Hutton's pitviper, are distributed in the Malayan Peninsula only. This poses serious biogeographical questions.

Arnetta vindhiana

Arnetta vindhiana, commonly known as the Vindhyan bob, is a butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae. It is native to India.

Slender loris

The vangu or Malabar gray slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus) is a subspecies of gray slender loris that is only found in the Meghamalai region of India. A member of the genus Loris, commonly known as the slender lorises, it is a small, nocturnal primate that is able to live in wet and dry forests, as well as lowland and highland forests. They prefer thick, thorny vegetation wherein they can easily escape predators and find the large assortment of insects that is the mainstay of their diet. The greatest concentrations of these slender lorises are found in the southeastern Ghats of India, a narrow strip of rainforest that runs down the length of western India.

The slender loris is about the size of a chipmunk, with long, pencil-thin arms and legs. It is between 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long and has a small, vestigial tail. It weighs about 10.5–12 ounces (300–340 g). The slender loris' round head is dominated by two large, closely set, saucer-like brown eyes. They flank a long nose which ends in a heart-shaped knob. The eyes are surrounded by dark-brown to black circles of fur, while the bridge of the nose is white. It has a small, narrow lower jaw. The ears are large and round. Its coat is light red-brown or gray-brown on its back and dirty white on its chest and belly. The fur on its forearms, hands and feet is short. The slender loris has small finger nails on its digits. The second digit on the hand and foot are very short. They move on the same plane as the thumb, which helps them grasp branches and twigs.

The slender loris is an arboreal animal, spending most of its life in trees. Their movements are slow and precise. They like to travel along the top of branches. For the most part they hunt by themselves or in pairs at night, although they will come together and share a food supply. They live alone or with a mate and an infant. By day, they will sleep with up to seven other lorises in a hollow tree or sitting up in the angles of branches. They are very social at dusk and dawn, playing, wrestling and grooming each other.

Tourist Attractions in Meghamalai:

Tea estates and dams

Highwavys is a view point that will afford a wonderful view of the entire mountains range of Varusanadu Hills. There few large private tea, spices and coffee plantations all around, notable include The Highwavys Estates owned by The Woodbriar Group, Ananda Plantations, Ponsiva Plantations and Fieldmede Estate have the largest holdings of plantations in Meghamalai, an artificial lake and plenty of scope for making leisurely walks. Kardana Coffee Estate is situated in the High Wavy Mountains at 9°42′N 77°24′E.

Six dams on the hill and originating place of Suruli Theertham (Suruli falls near Cumbum town) are popular attractions for tourists. From Manalar dam, one can view the deep Cumbum Valley and the villages of Theni district. The Department of Tourism has planned to introduce a boat or ferry service to enable tourists to access the area.

Vellimalai

Vellimalai (Silver Mountain, 1,650 m) area is a heart of Meghamalai. Silver-lined clouds seem to rest gently on green hilltops and nestled somewhere in this region is the place where the river Vaigai originates. This lovely place will give an opportunity to see wild animals and aesthetically and scientifically managed tea gardens. this is near periyar tiger reserve

Wildlife of Vellimalai:

• Spotted deer
• Spotted dove
• Barking deer
• Sambar deer
• Mousedeer
• Grizzled giant squirrel
• Indian flying fox
• Indian giant squirrel
• Indian giant flying squirrel
• Pied thrush
• Black bulbul
• RedEye
• Black baza
• White-bellied woodpecker
• White-bellied drongo
• Drongo cuckoo
• Black-naped oriole
• Black-naped monarch
• Black-naped hare
• Tiger
• Dhole
• Great pied hornbill
• Malabar pied hornbill
• Oriental honey-buzzard
• Dusky palm squirrel
• Bison

Falls:

The Meghamalai Falls (called as Clouds land fall) occurs on Suruli River originating in the Meghamalai Hills. The special feature of the falls is that water is flowing down 190 feet through twin falls round the year. Frequent visits by elephants, spotted deer, gaur and other wild animals at dawn and dusk are a feast to the eyes. Forest Department officials have plans to assist tourists to view those wild animals.

Climate:

Avg Temperature : Min 19°C to 28°C
Winter Season Temperature : Min 15°C to 21°C

Best Season:

Winter Season - October to May.

The website for Mehamalai has a warning against travelling there in June and July

Stay:

• Cloud Mountain Bungalow.
• Manallar Cottage
• Meghamalai Tourism Resort
• Briar Tea Bungalows
• Sand River Cottages

How To Reach:

Meghamalai mountain range can be approached two ways—from Theni via Chinnamanur and from Andipatti via Kandamanayakkanur. Both Theni and Andipatti can be accessed by road from Madurai and Dindigul. Theni, which is 76 km from Madurai. The approach via Chinnamannur is more scenic. Only forest lodges and panchayath rest house are available at the hill top. Day-trippers may stay in a number of hotels in Theni, Chinnamanur and Andipatti. Distance from Madurai 130 km.

How to reach Meghamalai by Air

The nearest Domestic Airport is Madurai Airport, roughly three and a half hour drive from Meghamalai. Madurai Airport is well connected to major cities like Chennai, Colombo, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai via Air India, Jet Airways and Spice Jet etc.

How to reach Meghamalai by Rail

The nearest Railway Station is Madurai Railway Station, roughly is 119 Kms from Meghamalai. It is well connected to major cities of India.

How to reach Meghamalai by Road

Meghamalai is 49 Kms from Theni, 51 Kms from Bodinayakanur, 63 Kms from Periyakulam, 112 Kms from Munnar, 118 Kms from Madurai, 124 Kms from Dindigul, 201 Kms from Karur, 222 Kms from Tenkasi, 244 Kms from Tirunelveli and is linked through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) and some private travel services.

Kolli hills

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (Tamil: கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district of India. The mountains rise to 1300m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². They are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountain is a site of pilgrimage, because of the Arapaleeswarar temple, but the area is also popular with hikers and nature lovers.

The Mountain is named Kolli Malai after the name of Goddess Ettukkai Amman temple. (KolliPaavai).

You climb 70 hairpin bends and reach Kolli Hills, 1,300 meters above sea level.

The Kolli hills became taluk and forms a part of Namakkal district. Semmedu is the headquarters for the Kolli hills and Semmedu is connected by road to Namakkal and Salem. Nowadays the Bus service is provided up to Arappulishwarar Temple. BSNL (earlier DOT) established the first Telecommunication networks (LDPCO) in 1977 and afterwards the Telecom facilities are continuously expanded depending upon the requirements at Kolli hills. 

Attractions in Kolli Hills:

• Akaashaganga (Waterfalls). The main attraction of Kolli Hills. One has to climb down (an back) 1302 steps to reach the falls. The steps are steep and can get very tiring. It takes approximately 30 min to climb-down to the falls and 1 hr to climb-up back. 

• Arapaleeswarar Temple. This temple, who main deity is Lord Shiva, is opposite the Akash Ganga falls. The temple is quite old with some history attached to it. 

• Botanical Gardens. This place is an ideal spot for loitering around with kids. These is a view point at the top of this Botanical Garden. 

• Ettukkai Amman Temple. This temple, who main deity is Amman. This is a very small temple. The goddess is considered to be very powerful among the locals. Try the Kuzhi Panigaram near the temple. 

• Masila Falls (Waterfalls). This is again a small waterfall. This is not as big as the Akash Ganga falls, but good enough for taking bath. 

• Mini Falls (Waterfalls). This is a small waterfalls situated close to the Arapaleeswarar temple. Not fit for any purpose other than viewing and photography 

• Pineappale Research Farm (Government facility).

• Sikku Parai. This is a view point. This is a very small place. One can get a very beautiful view of the valley from this spot. This spot is also called the "suicide point" by the locals. 

• Sozhakaadu. This place is right at the entry point of Kolli Hills. This place offers a telescopic view of the valley. One might need a special permission to visit this place.

Things to do:

Angling. There are many medium sized rivers at Kolli. There aren't any restrictions on fishing. 

Cuisine:

Fresh fruits are the main attraction. You can get fresh pineapple, tapioca, jack fruit.
There is one decent non-veg hotel and numerous veg hotels. Naatu Kozhi Varuval (Country Chicken Roast) is a local favorite.

Stay:

Good lodgings and resorts are scarce. Nallathambi Resorts should be preferred for a family stay. There are other small lodgings and mansions, available at a low rate. But service and cleanliness is not commendable. When planning for a weekend stay, make sure you book early.  

Local Transport to get around:

The place is very underdeveloped in terms of traveller's convenience. Very few lodging options, eat-outs and very few places to see. The climate is the best factor. You can relax, lay back and enjoy the nature.

How To Reach:

Buses are available only upto arapaleshwar temple . Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (Tamil: கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district of India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.

Yelagiri

Yelagiri formally Known as Vellore Yelagiri is a hill station in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India, situated off the Vaniyambadi-Tirupattur road. Located at an altitude of 1,110.6 metres above Mean Sea Level and spread across 30 km², the Yelagiri village (also spelled Elagiri at times) is surrounded by orchards, rose-gardens, and green valleys.


The Yelagiri hill station is not as developed as other hill stations in Tamil Nadu like Ooty or Kodaikanal. However, the district administration has now taken up the task of developing Yelagiri Hills into a tourist destination by promoting adventure sports such as paragliding and rock climbing. The road to Yelagiri is well constructed and punctuated with the milestones and signboards. Petrol pumps are sufficient, making travel convenient and easy.

Yelagiri is one of the famous places for trekkers in India. The hill station is located at a height of 1410.6 meters above sea level. Yelagiri comprises 14 hamlets and a number of temples spread over several hills.

The highest point in Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft; Swamimalai is a destination and viewpoint for trekkers. The hill provides a number of trekking trails through thick reserved forests. Mangalam, a small village, is at the base of this hill. There are other trekking options that include smaller peaks like Javadi Hills and Palamathi Hills.
Yelagiri Hills is home to hundreds of snakes.

Yelagiri, at a height of 920 meters above sea level, stands majestically amidst four mountains. This is a hill station with a salubrious climate prevailing throughout the year so that winters do not keep visitors away. The main inhabitants of the area are the tribals who live in the 14 small villages which comprise Yelagiri. These tribals are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. - all the occupations of rural hill folk. Their customs and habits, and especially the structure of their houses is unique and attracts a number of tourists to this hill station. 

Attractions in Yelagiri:

Nature Park: A Park was established in the year 2008. It consists of an aquarium, rose garden, an artificial water fall, and a musical fountain.

Punganoor Lake Park : It is one of the most popular landmark in Yelagiri Hills. It is an artificial lake 25 feet deep with an adjoining park.

Jalagamparai Waterfalls: A short distance away, on the other side of the hill, is Jalagamparai falls,Situated at a distance of 14 km from Tirupattur. The murmuring Attaru river flows through the Yelagiri Hills, and plummets down to form a highly captivating waterfall. It's an hour, 5 km, walk from Yelagiri downhill. Though there is a direct route from Yelagiri to the falls, it is often closed. One has to go all the way down the hill, take the plains, and then climb the hill on the other side. It's an hour's journey.

Swami Malai Hills: Swami malai hills are the hills in the shape of cake with a strong base at the bottom and a high peak. Trekking is an attraction at Swami Malai hills. This trek leads one to a small peak from where the entire valley is visible.

Telescope observatory: A telescope observatory near Yelagiri hill was also of attraction to visitors. It has now been shut down.

Sri Sathya Ashram - THE KEY FOR YOU : Open only on Pournami and Amavasya days...Only the destined can set their foot into this Ashram...In the Nilavoor Road.

There are 14 hair pin bends named with Tamil Poets(Pari Valivu, Ori Valivu, Kamban Valivu etc...) those leads to Yellagiri 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, ox, 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.

Things to do:

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. Its 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 - Jalagamparai waterfalls are 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 10AM to 12:30AM 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 4km 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 hrs 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 way up. Once you reach the top, you will see a small temple near the radio tower. Legend claims that the god in the temple saves people from being attacked by bears and evil spirits. You can climb a huge rock near the tower with the help of an iron ladder to take a breathtaking view of the valley beneath, nestled between the lush green forest and mountains- a true nature lover's paradise. You can find a few shortcuts routes downhill-- true trekkers can try out these.

Boating on Punganur Lake

• This is an artificial lake, excavated in an area of 57 sq meters. The Elagiri Hills Development and Tourism Promotion Society runs the Boat Club, with pedaling and rowing boats. There is a newly laid flori cultural garden with a pathway along the bund with a panoramic view of the lake on one side and the garden on the other. A connecting bridge leads the pathway around the lake. The pathway around the lake is particularly good for birding. There is also a small watch tower constructed next to a tree which can be climbed. Even though the water is not clear, the lake is pretty clean.

Science / Educational

• Vainu Bappu Solar Observatory (Elagiri): One of the largest solar observatories, it is situated in Kavalur, located 35 km from Thiruppathur, near Yelagiri. Prior permission is required to visit this observatory.thht
• Farm visits: Rose farms provide an interesting detour.

For Kids:

• A well laid out park on a 6 acre land adjacent to the lake, is established with varieties of children's play areas installed within the park. There is also a small zoo. But no animals could be seen there in January 2006.

For Everyone:

• There is a "KODAI VIZHA ground" which is a lovely ground with beautiful paths for walking. This is now be updated [May 08] to the Nature park . A lovely 10 acre campus with an artificial fall, an aquarium, musical fountain in the evenings and amazing landscaping. It has 2 shows in musical fountain 7PM and 8PM. Very nice with gallery like setup and playing some 4 songs each in Hindi & Tamil. The latest addition is the Nilavoor lake - more of a pond, with a few boats. Don't miss the ancient hero stines featured in the ancient temple - each of an archer pointing towards the 4 directions.

  

The Yelagiri Summer Festival:

The famous Yelagiri Summer festival celebrated in May end is organised by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Board. Stalls from different departments, Flowers show, Boat house various cultural programs and Dog Show with a variety of dog breeds are conducted every year. People from all over the State and other parts of the country participate in this annual festival.

Climate:

Yelagiri's climate is very very Cool in Monsoon Season .pleasant Weather daily Occurs in This Hill Station. classified as tropical. In winter, there is much less rainfall than in summer. This climate is considered to be Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. 

Climate data for Yelagiri
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	25.2 (77.4)	28.0 (82.4)	30.2 (86.4)	31.1 (88)	32.6 (90.7)	30.8 (87.4)	28.4 (83.1)	28.4 (83.1)	28.3 (82.9)	27.0 (80.6)	25.5 (77.9)	24.4 (75.9)	28.3 (83)
Average low °C (°F)	14.0 (57.2)	15.0 (59)	17.1 (62.8)	19.9 (67.8)	20.6 (69.1)	20.9 (69.6)	19.7 (67.5)	19.5 (67.1)	19.0 (66.2)	18.4 (65.1)	16.4 (61.5)	14.6 (58.3)	17.9 (64.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	8 (0.31)	7 (0.28)	11 (0.43)	38 (1.5)	79 (3.11)	61 (2.4)	106 (4.17)	132 (5.2)	150 (5.91)	193 (7.6)	104 (4.09)	66 (2.6)	955 (37.6)

Cuisine:

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 treking 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

Stay:

Finding a place to stay without advance booking during weekends is difficult. It is advisable to enquire at a number of hotels beforehand and book in advance. The best time to visit is during weekdays when most hotels are practically empty and hence offer huge discounts. A number of hotels big and small are available on the hill.

There are also a few homestays though these are unlikely to be listed online. The rates for hotel accommodation range from ₹500/- to ₹3000/- per room. Make sure you carry enough money (in cash) for your expenses, as the hotels here do not accept credit cards.

• The Grama Yelagiri, Boat House road (Right next to the boat house), ☎ +91 4179 245290, e-mail: thegrama@gmail.com. Check-in: 12 noon, check-out: 12 noon. ₹600. 

• LeAuroville Resort, ☎ +91 4179 295030. located in lush forest 2 km from the lake, this place offers weekend packages (₹2500/- for Saturday morning check-in and Sunday evening checkout) but the food price offered by the resort is very much high (₹200/- per head per meal irrespective of kid or not). Moreover, its located 2 km uphill from the nearest local village so even if you are going down for food, you would need a vehicle. 

• Silent Waters, Athanavur (3 km from the main market place, a few buses from Vellore and Tirupattur go here), ☎ +91 4179-245364, +91 9840054300 (mobile), e-mail: bookings@silentwaters.in. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 24 hours. The property has around 16 rooms, each different from the other, a shuttle court, camp fire and music at night. A conference hall with indoor games facility is also under construction. And lots and lots of greenery. The hospitality more than makes up for the lack of even 2 star facilities. ₹1500 for a deluxe room. 

• YMCA Dormitories (Camp Yelagiri), Thayalur (about 5km's from Athanavur, a few buses from Vellore and Tirupattur go here), ☎ +91 4179-245226, +91 4179 295144, +91 4179 220030, +91 9486723499 (mobile), +91 9751841025 (mobile), e-mail: prince_yellagiri@yahoo.com. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 24 hours. The Hostel has about 36 fully furnished double-bed rooms. The YMCA also runs a Camp Center on about 40 acres of green land is a suitable place for all kinds of holiday/business activities. The Center is having a Meeting Hall and a mini meeting Hall for conducting seminars, conferences, or holiday camps.. ₹80/- per head (dormitory) and ₹600/₹650 for a deluxe room. 

• Zeenath Taj, Athanavur (Near the bus stop), ☎ +91 4179-245231. Check-in: 24 hrs. Nice resort over 11 acres full of mango, custard apple trees and very good food. It's the only place in town which accepts credit cards 

• Sterling Holiday Resorts, opposite to Tourist Information Centre Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179-245356, +91 4179245320, e-mail: sterlingyelagiri@gmail.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10AM. A beautiful place to stay with excellent food. The staffs are well mannered with star class hospitality. The rooms are well maintained with a greenery view around. Foods are served to the rooms. Includes the Ayurvedic Therapy Centre with a blend of Indian and Chinese therapies, it is a well organized messages centre with authentic Kerala tradition and professionalism, very neat and hygienic. 
• Nature's Nest Holidays. Nature's Nest Holidays in Yelagiri functions like a Home Stay. Its spacious and provides breath taking scenic views. Pick up from and to railway station is also provided. 
• Chariot Valley Hotel, Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179245301.
• Kumara Raja Palace, Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179245325.
• Emerald Dove, Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179245264.
• Madhura Resort, yelagiri, ☎ +91 9840544894.
• PWD Inspection Bungalow, Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179245222.
• Oh Nila Hotel, Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179245371.
• Taj Gardens, Yelagiri, ☎ +91 4179245231.

Network Connectivity:

BSNL, Vodafone, Aircel and Airtel have connectivity in Yelagiri.

Local Transport to get around:

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 12PM in the morning. The villagers around believe this Goddess is very powerful and throng the place in good numbers on fridays.

How To Reach:

By car

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. Its 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 out for this one as it is easy to miss. (On the left, you'll see a big sign board 'Tamilnadu Tourism Department Welcomes You'. Turn left at this junction, there's a sign board pointing towards Yelagiri.)
The roads are well punctuated with signboards in English, and the roads especially the Chennai-Vaniyambadi stretch are excellent (in 2007). It is fairly safe, watch out for the occasional truck that changes lanes abruptly. The last petrol pump is after you turn left at Ponneri, a little before you start on the ghat section. There are no petrol pumps on the hills.
There are 14 hairpin bends on the ghat road from Ponneri to Yelagiri and the road is pretty narrow so you can't actually park a car to enjoy the view except at some of the wider hairpin bends. Bikes won't have this problem though.

By train

If you are coming by train from Bangalore, Chennai or Coimbatore you have to get down at Jolarpettai Junction.

Public transport

If you prefer to take public transport, buses come from Thirupattur and Jolarpet. You can take a taxi also from these places. You can negotiate for about ₹1200 (2011) to drop you in Yelagiri Hills from Jolarpettai Junction.

Other Tourist places near Yelagiri:

Yercaud, Javvadhu Hills, Hogenakkal, Mettur Dam, Vellore Golden Temple.

Yercaud

Yercaud is a well known hill station on the Shevaroys Range situated in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a small hill station located in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1515 m (4970 ft) above sea level. Shervarayan Temple is the top most point in this hill, at an elevation 1623 m (5,326 ft). Yercaud is a town municipality and also a Taluk in Salem District. The name "Yercaud" (Lake Forest) came for the lake surrounded by the forest.

The total area, which Yercaud covered is 382.67 km², including reserve forest. There is 20 hair pin bends on the ghat road to reach Yercaud. The pleasant climate and scenic beauty of Yercaud admires every visitor came here.

In the month of May, Tamilnadu Government celebrates 7 day exhibition of Summer Festival every year. Yercaud is also famous for its stone age implementation

There is lot of theological schools and convents where brothers and sisters of various religious are going for training. The Montfort School and Sacred Heart Convent are popularly known schools in India. Every Sunday in Yercuad Big Market is held and a Small Market on Wednesdays, where native produced vegetables and fruits to be sold.

Attractions in Yercaud:

• Anna Park. It is located adjacent to the Lake. Every year, Flower Show is arranged here in the month of May. There is a park called The “Japanese Park” inside Anna Park. The entrance ticket for adult is ₹2/- and ₹10 /- for Camera. The minimum time can be spent : 30 min for laymen.

• Arthur Seat. The Big Lake, Yercaud Town and the Shevaroyan Peak can be viewed as a bird's eye from this vantage point. A steep road takes us from the heart of the town towards north to this place, which is nearly 1 km from town. 

• Bears Cave. This is an Old European Bungalow. A famous criminal lawyer Norton had owned this once ago. As for as a private property, no one can access this without permission. Besides the bungalow, there is a cave which goes deep into the hill.

• Bears Hill. (2 km from Yercaud Town) The South Eastern side of Yercaud, it is lied diagonally parallel to the Montfort and the East of Sacred Heart Convent. This hill has a landscape of Seminaries and Schools in Yercaud.

• Bell Rock. This is a rock which makes bell sound when hitting it with a stone. It is located in the BSI campus. The only way to go here by climbing the rock. The entrance ticket for adult is ₹3/- and ₹10 /- for Camera. On Sundays and National holidays it is closed.

• The Emerald Lake Or Big Lake (also referred to as Yercaud Lake). The only natural lake among all hill stations in the South, Which welcomes you with its amazing shallow water and the beautiful hills surrounded by. There is a scenic garden on one of its banks. Boating are also available for visitors. There is a floating fountain at the center of the lake which is established by MALCO. A “Deer Park”, a “ leisure park” and “Tamil Nadu Hotel” are located around the lake. The fare for Boating ₹75 /- for 2 seats and ₹95 /- for 4 seats. The duration of Self Pedaling is 15 min and Rowing boats is 30 min.

• Deer Park. A photogenic bridge located in the Lake. There is a kids playground. It is available on all days except Tuesdays.

• Fairholme Bungalow. On Tipperary road it is located which maintained to this day. It is one of the many colonial bungalows which completely furnished with old furniture that takes us back to the old days when tea parties and hunting were held. Now it is shown to the visitors as a heritage hotel.

• The Grange. One of the oldest buildings in Yercaud is The Grange, which is established by MD Cockburn, the then collector in the 1820's who planted commercial plantation in this area such as Coffee, Oranges, Apples and other fruit trees brought from South Africa. At vantage points, 3 Canons were mounted during the Sepoy Mutiny. A landscaped Resort alongside the Grange where Coffee and Orange plantations and Silver Oak Trees are planted, is delightful to watch. 

• Heaven's Ledge. It is a cliff that is being faced towards west, which is in Gowri Estate on the loop road, has a scenic views of the sunset. It has been converted into a campsite to progress the tourism.

• Horticulture Farm. “Rose Garden” and “Children Seat” are located into this farm. The Rose Garden has diverse of Roses from Button Rose to Very Big Rose where there is a “Green Rose” plant along with other rose plants. Saplings are available to buy at our budget. The entrance ticket for adult is ₹2/- and ₹10 /- for Camera.

• Kiliyur Falls. It is located in the Kiliiyur Valley which is 3 km from the Yercaud Lake. It is an amazing eye fetched falls which can be very delightful to visit after the South West or North East Monsoon. Opulence of Water from the Yercaud Lake and other sources of water from the Shevaroys hills make the falls fall down into the valley in a breath taking 300 feet fall. By trekking downhill towards the valley, is the only way to reach the falls. In summer season, one should certainly be disappointed as there will be no fall of water.

• Kottachedu Teak Forest. It is located 11 km from Yercaud Town. These forest were farmed by the tribes of this region  After the break of plague, these lands were given up. Later it were used by Govt and planted Teak Plants. This forest is passed through Vaniar River towards the Vaniar Dam. Visitors can often watch Bisons in this forest.

• Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat. About 2 km from Town There is a natural cluster of Rocks located on the South West of the Yercaud facing towards the ghat road and Salem City on the south. It seems like a seat where a white English Lady used to spend his time here to view this panoramic landscape a long years ago. Mettur Dam can be viewed through viewing tower with Telescopes from this spot. It is the steep point of a private estate in a 200 feet drop valley, to view the plains. The night view of Salem with flashes of lights is spectacular to watch from this spot. Sterling Resorts, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat are located at the right of Lady's Seat. If you want to go for a picnic, there is a breathtaking park in this spot.

• Montfort School. An Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School was founded in 1917 by St.Louis Marie Grignoin de Montfort. Enchanting complex, playgrounds, swimming pool and gardens make the school to remain top of all schools in Tamilnadu.

• Orchidarium-Botanical Survey of India. One of two orchidariums in India where the Botanical survey of India is located. There is abundant of native orchids. The rare Ladies Slipper, an insect eating Orchid can be seen here. In this farm, there is a another rare tree called "Shevaroys Bombax". Plant lovers are never miss those. All days are open except saturdays, sundays and national holidays.

• Pagoda Point. Also referred to as Pyramid point, about 5 km from town, it is located on the east of Yercaud.  It is known for  its shape of a Pyramid or Pagoda which was created by the tribes with four piles of random stones. It was considered to denote some event. In between the Pagodas, a Rama Temple is built. From here, Attur and Ayothiapattinam can be viewed delightfully. 

• Retreat. A Religious Society established by the Saint, St.Don Bosco. The Retreat is run as a Novitiate school where students stay and study in religious order. 

• Shevarayan Temple. It is the highest point of the Shevaroys hills.  It lies on top of the mountain with a plateau. It looks like a map between the far and near hills surrounded by. The wonderful views around it make the visitors as a spectator.  One can view the Yercaud town and Nagalur from this spot. A narrow and dark cave deeply lies on this temple. There are God Shervarayan and Goddess Kaveri lied inside the sanctum of the temple. The tribes take part in the annual festival in the month of May. 

• Silk Farm & Rose Garden. This is the place where the cultivation of Mulberries, the growing of silk worms and the method of spinning silk take place. It is located about 2 km from town and just far away from the Lady's Seat. The Breeding season comes during monsoons. In the Rose Garden, there is a vast collection of Roses and they are out for sale.

• Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple. The Goddess of all Gods in the Hindu Religious order is surronded by plenty of Gods here. This temple was established by Tirukovilur Thapovanam Srila Sri Gnanananda Giri Swamigals Parampara Disciple HH Swami Poornananda Giri in the year 1983 and late it was run by his son V Sri. 

• Tipperary View Point. It is located at a distance of 2 km on the southern most of Yercaud in the Tipperary Road. Elephant Tooth Rocks can be visible clearly, which known as a meteorite fell to earth. Compared to the other Black Granite rocks in this hills, It remains purely white in colour. The Tipperary Estate is very close to this view point. The mesmerising view of Salem with lights at night is truly delightful. 

• White Elephant Tooth. It is located about 9 km from town. There are two rocks lied on this hills. On the Southern Spur of the Shevaroys underneath the Guntur village is the larger one and on the Ghat road which is facing the east above the 60' bridge is the smaller one. The larger one has two rocks of pure white quartz and is about 120' high. Climbing up to this rock is easy but climbing down is a bit hard as the crust of the rock is soft and makes you fumble down beneath your feet. The Smaller one is the shortest route to the 60' bridge from Tipperary Estate where Gold Mining Activity takes place. 

Things To Do in Yercaud:

Dirt Biking. Very close to the Grange Resorts, Dirt Biking takes place which is around 4 km from the lake. From Anna park to pagoda point, adjacent to the T junction, take the road on the right to visit here. Different tracks are available for an adventurous experience. Each track is available at a different rate. The fare for the basic ride is ₹100 and the detailed one is ₹400. There is a section for kids also available here.

Village visit to Sampakam. It is located about 10 km from town. Here you can view the Horticultural Station, Sholay Forest, Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Chakra Maha Meru Temple, Priya Plantations, Big Banana Trees.

Best Season to visit:

October to June is the best season to visit Yercaud.

Climate:

Avg Annual Temperature : Min 15°C - Max 28°C

Avg Temperature in Summer :  Min 19°C - Max 27°C

Avg Temperature in Monsoon Season :  Min 14°C - Max 20°C

Avg Temperature in Winter :  Min 10°C - Max 25°C

Cuisine:

• Eggetarian Restaurant, Near the Lake. On Kamaraj Street

• Karuppiah's Chettinad Mess, Near the lake.. Tasty chappathis @ ₹18 each. 

• Waterfront Restaurant, Opp. Lake..

Stay:

• Glenrock Estate, http://glenrock.in, ☎ +91 4281 223264, +91 98865-82263. An eco friendly camp with tree houses.

• The Greenberryresort, Pakoda Point Road, ☎ +91 4281-223333.

• Happy Nest, Jarinakadu, ☎ +91 9943655222.

• Hilton Hill Resorts, Opp. Bus Stand.. Cottages with view.

• Hotel Shevaroys, ☎ +91 4281 222288, e-mail: shevaroyshotel@yahoo.co.in.

• The Last Shola, ☎ +91 4281- 226737.

• Pon Kailash Holiday Home, Five Roads Junction, Near Montefort School, ☎ +91 4281 222555. Mr. Abdul Quayyoom, very friendly manager. 1300 for room. 350 for dormitory.

• Rahm's House (500 m from Montfort School), ☎ +91 -99427-32644. Owned by Brothers of Holy Cross

• Rams Inn, Ondikadai Junction, ☎ +91 4281 222620. ₹2,000.

• Regent Hill Side Resort, ☎ +91-94437 00000, e-mail: vishukaliappa@gmail.com. 

• Shobha Lodge (Near bus stand). ₹800. 

• Star Holidays, ☎ +91-4281-223337, +91 9443553618 (molibe). Next to lake. 

• Sterling Resort, Near Lady's Seat, ☎ +91 4281 222700. 

• Tamil Nadu Hotel, Near the Lake, ☎ +91 4281 223334, e-mail: htnycd2008@yahoo.com. Youth hostel provided for a minimum of 20 occupants. ₹1,100. 

• Uma Lodge, State Bank building, ☎ +91 4281222562. Old and cute rooms. ₹600.

Local Transport To get around:

Auto rickshaws are available for ₹350 to get around to all the major spots such as Pagoda Point, two temples, ladies, gents and children seat, Rose Garden and Botanical Garden.

For more convenient, Cars are also available for ₹450 to get around.
Fares may be charged high during the peak season.

How To Reach:

Salem is the nearest city at a distance of 32 km for all the three connectivities. TNSTC - Salem connects all major destinations with Yercaud. Dharmapuri is also the nearest one alternate to Salem.  Salem Airport and Railway Station both are accessible at a distance of 38 km. 22 km uphill from Salem towards Yercaud. Buses are available frequently from Salem central bus stand.

By Air:

The nearest airports are at Salem (38km), Trichy (163 km), Bangalore (230 km), Coimbatore (190 km) and Chennai (340 km).

By Train:

The nearest Railway Station is Salem Junction (35 km)

By Road:

Buses are available from Salem Central Bus stand.

By car, The roads are connecting Yercaud with various places towards South via Salem. It is 358 km from Chennai (via. Tindivanam) 222 km from Bangalore (via. Hosur - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Salem - Yercaud), 190 km from Coimbatore (via. Avinashi) 163 km from Trichy (via. Namakkal) 271 km from Madurai (via. Karur) 80 km from Mettur (via. Toppur).

Other Tourist Places near Yercaud:

Kolli Hills, Ooty, Hogenakkal, Mettur Dam, Bhavani sagar Dam, Yelagiri Hills, Javvadhu Hills.