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Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

A Trek to Yelagiri's Highest Peak, Swamimalai, with an Adventure Camp at our Forest Campus

TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

TREK DURATION

2 days

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CLOSEST AIRPORT

Bengaluru/Chennai

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

4 km

BASECAMP

The Tamarai, Yelagiri

ACCOMODATION TYPE

Tents

REGION

Tamil Nadu

PICKUP DETAILS

Jolarpet Railway Station, Tamil Nadu | 10 AM

DROPOFF DETAILS

Jolarpet Railway Station, Tamil Nadu | 6 PM

CLOAKROOM

Available

OFFLOADING

Not Available

A Trek to Yelagiri's Highest Peak, Swamimalai, with an Adventure Camp at our Forest Campus

For a long time, we have been scouting for a space that is away from city life to help us delve deep into nature, yet not so far away that just getting there is a hassle. Finally, we've found the perfect place for that, a lovely Forest Campus in Yelagiri.

Among all the spaces we have seen, this is a Campus we have fallen in love with. It was not built to be a resort or a home stay, but to be a space for experiential learning in the outdoors.

So within the campus, you'll see strong elements of wilderness. There is a camping area in a mango grove, natural bouldering zones, and lovely trails that foray into the eucalyptus forests around. Jackfruit, bamboo, and banyan trees thrive in the sprawling campus. The space feels raw and alive. Frankly, you don't need to head off campus at all.

Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek - Complete Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Day 1: Drive from Jolarpet Railway Station to Indiahikes Yelagiri Campus.

Drive Distance: 23 km | Drive Duration: 45 mins

Pick up Time: 10 am | Pick Up Point: Jolarpet Railway Station

You reach campus in the first half of the day. Freshen up, have lunch and gear up for exploring this sprawling 10-acre campus. Head out and walk around.

It’s a gently sloping gradient with beautiful green grass. Notice the dwarf mango trees and the tall jackfruit trees. There’s a boulder area as well, left in its natural state. Your program is designed to use these natural elements as learning touchpoints. Activities are tailored to help you interact with these features and build meaningful experiences around them.

Later in the afternoon, you pitch your tents and get a hands-on understanding of camping outdoors, giving you a sense of what it means to live with just the essentials. The campus also includes spaces like an amphitheatre and quiet outdoor zones meant for group reflections.

Even the night lighting is planned to blend into the surroundings, supporting the overall experience without distraction.

Throughout the day, everything you do is connected to the environment around you and aligned with the goals of your outdoor education program.

Day 2

Day 2: Trek to Swami Malai early in the morning. After the trek, have lunch at the base and drive back to Jolarpet Railway Station.

Drop off Time: 7 pm | Drop off Point: Jolarpet Railway Station

Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4 hrs| Trek Difficulty: Easy

Drive Distance: 23 km | Drive Duration: 45 mins

Swamimalai Hill starts from Mangalam village in Yelagiri. There is a Mariamman temple at the centre of the village, which is a major landmark as it is the starting point of the trek. The initial trail passes through the villagers’ paddy fields.

If you are visiting just after the monsoon, you can also see small streams passing through these fields.

You can see the Swami Malai hill in front of you until you reach the forest office. This is the last stretch where you can spot your destination.

If you are visiting just after the monsoon, you can also see small streams passing through these fields.

You can see the Swami Malai hill in front of you until you reach the forest office. This is the last stretch where you can spot your destination.

The initial trail from the forest office has man-made steps. If you are trekking immediately after the monsoon, you need to be very careful as they can be slippery.

The trail gradually starts climbing up. It is very unlikely to get lost on this trek.

After an hour of trekking, you reach the temple. It is a Shiva temple that is worshipped by villagers.

The best view is hidden. There is a huge rock next to the temple. An iron ladder is kept to climb up. The ladder does not have any support, so be careful while climbing up.

The view from the top of the rock is spectacular. Sit on the rock for some time and enjoy the lush green valley in front of you. You can see the mountain ranges up to the horizon.

A cool breeze with an amazing view is all you need at the end of any trek!

After the trek, have lunch at the base. Then drive back to the Jolarpet Railway Station.

Day 1

Easy

Suitable for Beginners

You will cover a total of around 4 km in one trekking day. This day will include gradual ascents and descents. This trek is ideal for families with young children, seniors and for first-time trekkers who want to start trekking.

The Terrain:

There are no difficult sections on this trek. However, the final ladder climb to the huge rock can be tricky. There is no proper support for this ladder. Hence, you need to be very careful while climbing this.

Please note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as microspikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc., wherever required.

Weather:

If you are trekking immediately after the monsoon, there will be moss formation on the steps. It can be slippery which makes it more difficult to climb.
Tip: Wear proper trekking shoes and carry a pair of trekking poles. These two trekking gears will help you while climbing.

Please Note:

The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.
The Indiahikes team is equipped with medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any emergencies.

Emergency Exits:

Tracing back to the base of the trek is the only exit point on this trek. It is well connected by tar roads.
In case of an emergency, our off-road vehicles can reach the base of the hill and bring you safely back to the base.

The Indiahikes team will ensure your safety throughout the journey. However, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We need your active participation and attention to safety protocols to ensure a safe and successful trek.

Please inform your Trek Leader about any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. This will enable us to take necessary precautions and ensure your safety throughout the trek.

Closest Hospital to the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek:

In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospital is in Yelagiri, which has basic medical facilities.

For better facilities, head to Tirpathur, which is 32 km away from the base of the trek.

Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters, and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while traveling.

Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you:

A 30L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice.
2 dri-fit T-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek
1 Quick-dry trek pant
An extra pair of trousers – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are thorns along all the trails.
Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip
One jacket or fleece sweater
Rain Jacket/Poncho (mandatory) (Available for rent)
Headlamp
Trek Pole (Available for rent)
Sun cap
Sunglasses
2 pairs of socks (for the trek) + 1 extra pair
A light towel
Two 1-litre bottles (reusable)
Your lunch box, mug, and spoon (Available for rent)
A small toilet kit (only essentials)
Insect repellant

Note: Trek pole, poncho, tiffin box and mug are all available for rent. Please visit our Crosstrek Rental Website to rent the required gear.

PRO TIPS

As the trail is exposed, with very little tree cover, make sure you cover yourself well while trekking. Carry a full-sleeve t-shirt/shirt and full trekking pants for this trek.
Keep a pair of sandals to walk around the campsite.

Disposable cutlery, plates, glasses, etc
Packaged foods and snacks
Wet wipes

Important Note: Along with this, smoking, drinking, and taking drugs are strictly prohibited.

Original and two photocopies of a government identity card, which can be a driver's license, Aadhar Card, or passport.
Personal Medical Form and Disclaimer Certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there. However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate
A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate

Please note: Trekkers above the age of 58 need to submit both the certificates mentioned under points 2 and 3

We recommend walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.

It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.

Fitness Target

To do the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 50 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.

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Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.

To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:

Cardiovascular endurance
Muscle strength

If you are not currently active, follow the schedule below to get trek fit in 6 weeks!

A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek Fitness Plan

Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.

| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.

Strength Training Schedule:

Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek Strength Training

Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.

Note:

Alternatives to 10 Standard Pushups = (2 x 10 = 20 knee pushups) = (2 x 20 = 40 wall pushups)
Alternative to 20 full squats = (2 x 20 = 40 half squats)
If you are not able to complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example: If you are not able to complete 30 seconds of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 15 seconds each.
After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.

Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.

Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.

What happens if you are not fit:

You do not enjoy the trek
You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designed for you.

The good part is that it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your trek begins.

We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow, and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.

Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.

Yes, you can do the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek on your own. You can take permits from the Trek Tamil Nadu website.

Yes, you get a network at the base as well as the trek (On the trail, it may be a little weak). Airtel and Jio are the strongest networks here.

The Indiahikes Yelagiri Campus has common bathrooms and toilets that you can use. Please take a bath only if you really feel the need to. It is important to conserve water in dryer months. Especially because you will be trekking in group sizes of 20-25 people.

Yes, there are chances of you spotting a snake on this trek. However, they tend to stay away from human presence. But always wear a shoe whenever you are walking outside your room.

You will find the nearest ATM at Atanur, which is 6-7 km away from the base.

Yes, there will be mosquitoes on the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek. It is strongly recommended to wear full sleeves at all times. Along with it, carry a tube of Odomos or any other similar mosquito repellent.

You might find leeches when it rains. Indiahikes will provide leech-proof socks if the trek leader feels the need to. (We have not made it mandatory since hiking in these socks is not very comfortable.)

We will organise transport from Jolarpet Railway Station to our Yellagiri Campus at 10 AM. From Jolarpet Railway Station, it is a 45-min drive to our campus.

How to Reach Jolarpet Railway Station by Train:

Jolarpet is very well connected to both Bangalore and Chennai by rail network
Almost every train going from Bangalore to Chennai stops at the Jolarpet Railway Station

Almost every train running between Chennai and Coimbatore also crosses the Jolarpet Railway Station

Alternatively, you can drive directly to our Yellagiri Campus. There is ample parking space at our Campus to accommodate vehicles of all sizes.

Distance from Bangalore: 180 km (4 hrs drive)
Distance from Chennai: 230 Km (5 hrs drive)

Read our No-Compromise Sustainability Promise

Read our No-Compromise Safety Promise

The Indiahikes Spirit of Trekking

We're always ready for adventure

Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.

We embrace low-noise trekking

We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.

We protect the environment

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We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.

We are self-sufficient

We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.

We support each other

Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.

We are fit and prepared

We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.

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Mon to Fri - 9.30 AM to 7.30 PM
Sat and Sun - 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM

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139, Defence Colony Road, Defence Layout, Sahakar Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560092

Dehradun Office

Mohabbewala, Titan Road, Near Titan Factory, Chandramani Khalsa Dehradun - 248002

Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

CLOSEST AIRPORT

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

BASECAMP

ACCOMODATION TYPE

REGION

PICKUP DETAILS

DROPOFF DETAILS

CLOAKROOM

OFFLOADING

A Trek to Yelagiri's Highest Peak, Swamimalai, with an Adventure Camp at our Forest Campus

Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek - Complete Information

Quick Itinerary

Day 1

Drive from Jolarpet Railway Station to Indiahikes Yelagiri Campus.

Day 2

Trek to Swami Malai early in the morning. After the trek, have lunch at the base and drive back to Jolarpet Railway Station

How Does Each Day Look

Day 1: Drive from Jolarpet Railway Station to Indiahikes Yelagiri Campus.

Day 2: Trek to Swami Malai early in the morning. After the trek, have lunch at the base and drive back to Jolarpet Railway Station.

How Difficult is the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

Easy

Best Time to do the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

How to Reach the Base Camp

What to Pack for Your Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

How to Get Fit for the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

Fitness Target

A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek

Strength Training Schedule:

Note:

What happens if you are not fit:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek on my own?

Do we get a network at the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek?

Can I take a bath on the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek?

Will I encounter snakes on the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek?

What is the nearest ATM that I can find?

Are there mosquitoes on the Yelagiri Nature Camp & Trek?

Are there leeches on the trail?

How to reach the Yelagiri base camp?

The Indiahikes Spirit of Trekking

Photo Gallery

Treks by Categories

Treks by Month

Treks by Difficulty

Treks by Experience

Treks by Season

Treks by Duration

Treks by Region

Quick Links

Follow Us On

Contact Us

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office