VELLORE & YELAGIRI (FROM CHENNAI)

About Balamurugan Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Vellore, the Balamurugan Temple, commonly referred to as the Ratnagiri Murugan Temple, is an ancient Hindu shrine perched on a hillock in Ratnagiri, within the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu. Positioned along the Vellore-Chennai Highway, it is one of the important pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, and among the must-visit places as part of Vellore packages. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the 14th-century poet Arunagirinathar has composed verses celebrating this sacred place, highlighting that Murugan, the deity of the Devas, resides in Ratnagiri.

History of Balamurugan Temple

The Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple was initially constructed as a modest sand edifice in the 14th century. It underwent a significant transformation into a grand stone sanctuary in 1980, thanks to the efforts of Bala Muruganadimai .....

About Vellore Fort

At a distance of 1.5 Km from Vellore Town Railway Station, the Vellore Fort is a 16th-century fort situated in the heart of the Vellore city in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the famous heritage sites near Chennai, and among the must include places in Vellore tour packages. The fort is distinguished by its impressive ramparts, expansive moat, and sturdy masonry. Vellore Fort stands as a prime example of military architecture in South India and is one of the unique constructions in the country. Additionally, the fort represents secularism, as it houses a temple, a mosque, and a church within its premises.

The fort exemplifies the Dravidian architectural style. Spanning an area of 133 acres within a rugged mountain range, it is encircled by a deep moat that once teemed with approximately 10,000 crocodiles, serving as an additional defense mechanism against potential invasions. The structure features .....

At a distance of 5.4 km from Punganoor Lake and 4.5 km from Athanavur Bus Stop, Nilavoor Lake is one of the popular Yelagiri tourist places and is frequented by boating enthusiasts.

Nilavoor Lake is an artificial lake located in Nilavoor village. It is a small lake more like a pond, with a garden on its banks. The lake is indeed a tranquil and peaceful place to relax in the deep serenity away from the hassles of busy life. One can take a short walk along the lake side and also enjoy a boat ride. The lake offers pedal and motor boat rides.

This small lake offers captivating views of the nearby surroundings and hilly terrains while enjoying boating in the calm water. There is also a Devi Temple belonging to Kadavu Nachiya close to the region around the lake. Recently, the Thambiran Lotus Pond has been constructed at the Nilavoor Lake.

Moksha Vimochana Temple is also located near the Nilavoor .....

At a distance of 400 m from Punganoor Lake and 1.3 km from Athanavur Bus Stop, the Velavan Temple is a famous temple and is located on one of the highest peaks of the Yelagiri Hills. It is among popular Yelagiri tourist places.

The Velavan Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. This beautiful temple was constructed in 1964. The temple is located atop of a hillock and it also serves as a viewing point. From the temple complex one can see the panoramic view of the green valleys of Yelagiri.

At the temple, one can find a huge statue of the mythological character Ghatothgajan in a standing posture. Highlight of the temple is the statue of Lord Murugan and Valli in the form of Kuravan and Kurathi. Lord Ganesha has a separate shrine within the Velavan temple. At the top of the mountain, temple bells are placed.

The yearly festival of this .....

At a distance of 1 km from Athanavur Bus Stop, Punganoor Lake is a man-made lake located in the center of the Yelagiri Hills. It is one of the most famous artificial lakes in Tamil Nadu, and among the popular tourist places in Yelagiri Hills.

Punganoor Lake covers nearly 60 sq. m of land. There is also a fountain in the middle and boating facilities are available. There is a garden named the 'Mughal Garden' right next to the lake. The Punganur lake is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature as part of Yelagiri tour packages.

The boat club here offers pedal and motorboat rides. The waters of the lake are calm and serene. There's a walking track around the lake circumference, a children's park, a small tree top viewpoint, and few shops. One can take a short walk along the lakeside. Children can enjoy the swings and slides .....

At a distance of 1 km from Punganoor Lake and 750 m from Athanavur Bus Stop, The Nature Park is one of the best tourist places to visit in Yelagiri.

Nature Park is located adjacent to Punganoor Lake, spread over an area of 12 acres. Several species of plants suited to the rocky terrain of the region have been planted in the park. The park also has an artificial waterfall. There is bathing facility available in this cascade. The nature park is very well maintained and it is studded with plenty of varieties of trees, well laid out walk ways, beautifully lighted fountain and so on.

The nature park contains a children's park, a musical fountain, an aquarium, a seasonal garden, a bamboo house, a poly house to name a few attractions. It is a perfect place for both kids and elders. The musical fountain has the water dancing to popular songs. The musical fountains show is there at 7 PM every day. .....

At a distance of 13 km from Thirupattur, 37 km from Yelagiri, & 37 from Athanavur, Jalagamparai Waterfall is a magnificent waterfall situated at Jadayanur near Yelagiri Hills. It is one of the must include places in Yelagiri Hills holiday packages.

The stunning Jalagamparai Waterfall is created by the River Attaaru running through the valleys of Yelagiri Hills. It cascades down from a height of 15 meters and is one of the popular Yelagiri tourist places among lovebirds. It is believed that bathing in this waterfall cures diseases because it passes through various herbal plants in the hills. Adjacent to the Jalagamparai falls, there is a Murugan temple located within a building constructed in the shape of a Lingam.

The waterfall has a trek route and also a motorable road. The falls can be reached after one and half hour trek from Nilavoor .....