7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Yelagiri in June 2023

1. Day 1: Punganur Lake
   5 minutes (1.1 km) from Yelagiri Town

   Start your trip off with a relaxing morning walk around Punganur Lake. Take a paddleboat or a rowboat to explore the serene lake. In the afternoon, go on a trek to Swamimalai Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the valley. End the day with a campfire and stargazing at your campsite.

2. Day 2: Jalagamparai Waterfalls
   20 minutes (8.2 km) from Punganur Lake

   Head to Jalagamparai Waterfalls, a peaceful and scenic spot, early in the morning. Take a dip in the cool water and enjoy the sound of the cascading falls. After lunch, visit the Yelagiri Adventure Camp and try out various adventure activities such as zip-lining, Burma bridge, and rope walking. End the day with dinner at a local eatery.

3. Day 3: Velavan Temple
   15 minutes (3.6 km) from Jalagamparai Waterfalls

   Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Velavan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan. After that, head to the Nature Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens. In the evening, visit the Yelagiri Forest Hill Station and enjoy the scenic views.

4. Day 4: Government Herbal Farm
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Velavan Temple

   Spend your morning exploring the Government Herbal Farm and learn about various medicinal plants and herbs. In the afternoon, visit the Telescope Observatory and observe the stars and planets. End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

5. Day 5: Amirthi Zoological Park
   25 minutes (11.4 km) from the Government Herbal Farm

   Start your day with a visit to Amirthi Zoological Park, which houses various species of animals and birds. In the afternoon, visit the Yelagiri Hills Science Park and learn about various scientific concepts through interactive exhibits. Finish the day with a visit to the Yelagiri Lake and watch the sunset.

6. Day 6: Nilavoor Lake
   20 minutes (10.5 km) from Amirthi Zoological Park

   Take a trip to Nilavoor Lake, a serene spot surrounded by lush green hills. Go on a nature walk and observe the various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the Yelagiri Art Gallery and admire the works of local artists. End the day with dinner at a local eatery.

7. Day 7: End of the Trip
   Yelagiri Town

   On your last day, enjoy a leisurely morning in Yelagiri Town. Visit the local market and pick up some souvenirs. After that, head to the Yelagiri Adventure Sports Association and try out rock climbing and rappelling. End the trip with a hearty lunch at a local restaurant and head to the airport or railway station for your journey back home.

Recommendations

If you're interested in history, visit the Velavan Fort, which dates back to the 17th century. For a side trip, head to the nearby town of Jolarpettai and visit the Sri Lakshmi Ammal Engineering College, which has a beautiful campus. To make the most of your trip, try to wake up early and catch the sunrise from one of the many viewpoints in Yelagiri.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Paddleboating at Punganur Lake (1 hour, INR 200)
• Trekking at Swamimalai Hill (2 hours, free)
• Campfire and stargazing (3 hours, INR 500)
• Visit to Jalagamparai Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50)
• Adventure activities at Yelagiri Adventure Camp (2 hours, INR 500)
• Visit to Velavan Temple (1 hour, free)
• Stroll through Nature Park (1 hour, INR 50)
• Visit to Yelagiri Forest Hill Station (2 hours, free)
• Exploring Government Herbal Farm (2 hours, INR 50)
• Observing stars at Telescope Observatory (1 hour, INR 100)
• Visit to Amirthi Zoological Park (2 hours, INR 50)
• Exploring Yelagiri Hills Science Park (2 hours, INR 100)
• Nature walk at Nilavoor Lake (2 hours, INR 50)
• Visit to Yelagiri Art Gallery (1 hour, free)
• Rock climbing and rappelling at Yelagiri Adventure Sports Association (2 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,200