Swamimalai Temple Yelagiri Hills

Yelagiri Hills' most famous landmark is the Swamimalai Temple. While there are plenty of other temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Swamimalai Temple is the most famous of them all. If you are coming here via a vehicle, you can park it in the Mangalam village which is at the base. In fact, visit the Mangalam temple too. At the outset let me inform you that going up the hill to the Swamimalai Temple is not as easy a climb as many think!

Steps leading up to the temple

There are a number of steps which you have to tackle & probably you will need to rest from time to time as you make your way up.

So wear sensible footwear & do carry lots of drinking water. You can also carry a few biscuit packets or fruits, but avoid carrying heavy sling bags or backpacks. Keep it light. More important: Please don't litter the place! It is also advisable to climb in the early hours of the morning if you are going in the summer season. During winter, take extra care as there is a lot of fog. There are many who visit really early, well before 6a.m., just to see the sunrise.


The climb can be tiring, but is worth it to see the unusual temple location. The unusual factor is that there is a huge - and I mean really huge - boulder right atop it.

Swamimalai Temple

Large boulders are everywhere!

The view is said to be stunning from the top, but when we went we found nothing great. Just the usual view you would see from atop any high point when going on an upward trek just about anywhere. We were told that the view is much better when the flowers are in bloom & then there is also the chance to spot some birds, mainly bulbuls.

View of the village below

The hills and clouds meeting

Another view

The highest point here is a rectangular area barricaded by railings. You have to go up a rickety ladder to this area (see photo below) to get the best views of the surrounding region.

The iron ladder which you have to carefully climb for highest view

Climbing back down to the base is not as tiring. It takes less time too. Back on the road, you can then proceed to other places in Yelagiri, such as the Punganur Lake where you can enjoy boat rides. While Jalagamparai water falls maybe a popular tourist spot, actually most of the time there is no proper waterfall at all so if you are on a really brief trip to Yelagiri there is really no point in visiting there.

You can stay at the Aura Valley Resort on your visit to Yelagiri.