Best Conditions
Description
Yelagiri Hills, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned as one of the top paragliding destinations in South India. This small hill station offers a salubrious climate year-round and is easily accessible from Chennai and Bangalore. The journey includes a scenic drive with 14 hairpin bends, offering panoramic views of the Javadi hills and stunning sunsets over the hills of Andhra Pradesh.
The primary launch site at Yelagiri is situated at an elevation of 1111 meters, with a take-off point 500 meters above ground level. The ridge extends for 8 kilometers, providing ample opportunities for soaring. The site supports launches in NW, SW, and SE wind directions.
Flying Season:
- **March/April:** Light winds from the E/SE, light midday thermals. Overdevelopment and thundershowers start mid-April.
- **May/June:** Medium to strong winds from the S/SW/W, not flyable during south winds. Thermals are medium to strong, with a high chance of overdevelopment and thundershowers.
- **July/August:** Medium to strong winds from the SW/W/WNW, with medium to strong thermals. Overdevelopment and scattered thundershowers are common.
- **September:** Light to medium winds from the W/SW, with medium thermals. Scattered thundershowers.
- **October:** Pleasant weather with W/SW winds, flyable until the start of the North East monsoon around October 15th. Scattered thundershowers.
- **November/December:** Monsoon rains with winds from the N/NE, no flying.
- **January/February:** NE winds, no flying.
Landing:
Official landing sites are yet to be established, so landing in any bare field is acceptable. Avoid cultivated fields. To return to the launch site, head to the village of Pooneri at the base of Yelagiri on the west side and catch a bus to Attanavoor. For landings on the E/SE side, head to Tirupattur, then to Pooneri or Attanavoor directly.
Important:
Pilots must register with the Yelagiri Paragliding Club (YPC) at the tourist office near Attanavoor before flying. A minimum P3 level flying experience is required. For more information on flying sites, YPC, and YASA, visit the office or contact ypc.birds@gmail.com for membership renewal.
Accommodation:
Yelagiri offers a range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Government-run Yatri Nivas caters to budget travelers, while various private resorts offer different comfort levels and tariffs.
Weather Hazards:
Avoid flying during the SW (June, July, August) and NE (December, January) monsoon seasons.
Flight Regulation:
Follow the rules set by YASA (YPC). Contact the Yelagiri Paragliding Club for more information before flying. Mr. Sudhakar can be reached at +91 4179245333 (Landline) or +91 9786958374 (Mobile).
Paragliding Events:
Yelagiri hosts paragliding festivals, attracting pilots from around the world. The local community is enthusiastic about paragliding, and the area has been identified for other adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
How to Get to Yelagiri:
- **By Road:** From Chennai, take NH 4 towards Bangalore, switch to NH 46 before Vellore, and follow signs to Yelagiri. From Bangalore, take NH 7 to Krishnagiri, then NH 46 towards Chennai, and follow signs to Yelagiri. From Salem, take NH 7 to Dharmapuri, continue towards Chennai, and follow signs to Yelagiri.
- **By Rail:** Take a train to Jolarpettai, then a local bus or taxi for a 45-minute ride to Attanavoor.
- **By Air:** The nearest airports are in Chennai and Bangalore, followed by a train or car journey.
For more information, visit [YASA](http://www.yasa.co.in) and [Yelagiri Trips](http://www.yelagiritrips.com/yelagiriparagliding2010.html).
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