Trek
Swamimalai, beginner-friendly hiking, forest trails and the Perumadu Falls walk.
Camping & Trekking
Explore Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri HillsAdventure Begins Here.
Discover the beauty of Yelagiri Hills — from scenic mountain drives and beginner-friendly trekking trails to camping, adventure parks, peaceful lakes and unforgettable stargazing nights.
14Villages
12Hairpin Bends
1,400 mHighest Altitude
SwamimalaiHighest Peak
The Hill Station
Discover Yelagiri Hills
A peaceful hill station in the Eastern Ghats.
Plateau Size
About 30 sq. km
Swamimalai Peak
Around 1,400 m
About Yelagiri
Yelagiri (also spelled Elagiri) is a plateau of 14 small hamlets in the Eastern Ghats, about 30 sq. km in size, at roughly 1,100 m above sea level.
Swamimalai, its highest peak, rises to around 1,400 m (about 4,300–4,600 ft, depending on the source).
Orchards, rose gardens and green valleys surround the villages.
The Drive Up
The ghat road has 12 hairpin bends. The 10th bend is a popular viewpoint. Drive slowly and use a low gear on the way down.
The People
Yelagiri is home to the Malayali hill community, who have farmed these slopes for generations. Families grow paddy, beans, tomatoes, cabbage, mangoes, guavas, bananas and jackfruit, and tend rose gardens.
Support local families by buying fruit, vegetables and honey from local sellers.
Weekend Escape
Why Yelagiri Is Perfect for a Weekend Escape
Stargaze
Bortle Class 4 skies at around 1,110 m, with January to May as the peak season.
Stargazing Nights
Things to Do
Things to Do in Yelagiri
Adventure Parks
Lake Zone Adventure Park
Near the Boat House, with zorbing, ATV, bungee, trampoline and archery. Entry is free and activities are charged individually.
Deuce Go Kart
Go-karting for a fast, fun break during your Yelagiri trip.
Thrill Valley
Ziplines, ATV, archery, rope course, human slingshot, zorbing, wall climbing, Burma bridge and mini golf.
Mountain View Adventure Park
ATVs, archery, zipline, paintball, zorbing, bungy ejection, giant swing and high rope course.
Birds & Animals
Cuckoo Birds Park
Claims over 100 bird species, with feeding and guided walks.
Fundera Park
Exotic birds and animals, bird feeding and interaction.
Selfie Panda
A photo and chocolate stop for families.
Skyra
A stop to add to your Yelagiri day out.
Lakes & Gardens
Boat House (Punganoor Lake)
Boating, a Mughal-style garden, walking track and small tree-top viewpoint.
Nature Park
12 acres beside Punganoor Lake, with a children's park, aquarium and bamboo house.
Government Herbal Farm
Run by the Forest Department, with medicinal herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Nilavoor Lake
A lake in Nilavoor with green hills around it and a Devi temple close by.
Temples
Velavan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, on a hilltop.
Kalyana Venkataramana Perumal Temple
One of Yelagiri's main temples.
Shiva Temples
The shrine at Swamimalai summit and Jalagandeeswarar Temple.
Nilavoor Amman Temple
An Amman temple in Nilavoor, near Nilavoor Lake with green hills around it.
Sunrise & Sunset Points
Nilavoor Cliff Viewpoint
360-degree views from raised shelters. Approach road can be steep and muddy in rain.
Swamimalai Summit
Highest point in Yelagiri with panoramic valley views and a small shrine.
Yelagiri Hills Viewpoint
Arrival stop at the 10th hairpin bend.
Moonrise at Stream Side
Watch the moon rise over the hills from Stream Side, a calm way to end your evening in Yelagiri.
Opening hours, prices and entry rules change, so check before you go.
Travel Guide
Plan Your Yelagiri Trip
Best Time to Visit
Every season at Stream Side offers a different magic.
Summer for StarsSummer
Feb – May
Stargazing
Outdoor Games
Open Theater
Feel
Clear skiesDry airLong Evenings
Pros
- Excellent telescope visibility
- Night sky photography
- Longer outdoor time
Cons
- Heat
- Dry Fields
Best For
StargazersFriendsGroups
Stay Connected with Stream Side Stargazing
Follow our channel for astronomy updates, meteor showers, telescope experiences and special night sky events.
Best Time for Stargazing
January to May
Peak season, with stable dry air, low haze and minimal dew. October to December brings deep blue, dust-free post-monsoon skies. Time your stay within 4 days of the New Moon.
Vainu Bappu Observatory
Approximately 54 km away. Requires special entry permits and is not open to casual visitors.
Explore Stargazing NightsHow to Reach Yelagiri
From Bangalore
Approximately 150–195 km
Roughly 3.5–4.5 hours
From Chennai
Approximately 230–260 km
Roughly 4.5–5 hours
Nearest Railway Station
Jolarpettai
About 20 km
Nearest Airport
Bengaluru
About 145 km
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yelagiri is approximately 150–195 km from Bangalore, roughly 3.5–4.5 hours away, and approximately 230–260 km from Chennai, roughly 4.5–5 hours away.
Every season offers something different. February to May is summer, with clear skies and excellent telescope visibility, best for stargazers, friends and groups. June to September is monsoon, with lush hills and a cool breeze, though expect regular rain and slippery paths. October to January is winter, with waterfalls, campfires, misty mornings and cozy nights, best for families and photography.
January to May is the peak season, with stable dry air, low haze and minimal dew. October to December brings deep blue, dust-free post-monsoon skies. Time your stay within 4 days of the New Moon for the darkest skies.
Yes. Yelagiri has beginner-friendly trekking trails, and the Swamimalai trek is described as beginner-friendly at approximately 6 km round trip and around 3 hours. Camping is also part of the Yelagiri experience, and you can explore it on the Stream Side Camping & Trekking page.
The ghat road has 12 hairpin bends, and the 10th bend is a popular viewpoint. Drive slowly and use a low gear on the way down.
Jolarpettai is the nearest railway station, about 20 km away.
A weekend works well. Two days give you time for the scenic hill drive, Yelagiri viewpoint, a lake and garden visit and a sunset point, along with morning trekking, local sightseeing and adventure park activities.