The highest point of the Yelagiri plateau. A three-hour round trip through scrub forest to a small shrine and views over the Jolarpettai plains. The best first trek for beginners from Bengaluru or Chennai.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Swamimalai, Yelagiri, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Swamimalai, Yelagiri: the trek
- TravelBase: Mangalam village, Yelagiri
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailEasy trek to 1,320 mFree
₹49 once, 4 pages. Secure payment by Razorpay, instant download. Already bought? Get your download
The route
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On the map
Swamimalai, Yelagiri · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Walk or take an auto to Mangalam village on the Yelagiri plateau. The forest trail begins behind the village.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Mangalam village is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Swamimalai, Yelagiri trek?
Easy grade. It takes Half day and climbs to about 1,320 m. The highest point of the Yelagiri plateau. A three-hour round trip through scrub forest to a small shrine and views over the Jolarpettai plains. The best first trek for beginners from Bengaluru or Chennai.
Do I need a permit for Swamimalai, Yelagiri?
None. A local guide from the village is optional but helpful for the route.
How do I reach the Swamimalai, Yelagiri trek?
Walk or take an auto to Mangalam village on the Yelagiri plateau. The forest trail begins behind the village. Base: Mangalam village, Yelagiri.
What is the best season for Swamimalai, Yelagiri?
Oct–Mar.
How much does the Swamimalai, Yelagiri trek cost?
There is no entry fee or permit charge; budget only for local transport and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Trainers, water, sunscreen.
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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Mohan Babu V · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Arul Prasad on Flickr · CC BY 2.0 · source · Photo: Ashwin Kumar · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
