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Friday Shandy: Farm Fresh
The humble weekly markets at Yelagiri offer a peek into the local culture. Honey, chocolates, spices and nuts – there is a lot to hold a visitor in awe of the local produce.
Shandy, short for Sandhai, is Tamil for market. The Friday Shandy is a weekly market that attracts local farmers and vendors from all over Yelagiri. The more popular Friday Shandy is in Pallavaram – 23 km away from Chennai and 216 km away from Yelagiri.
The Friday Shandy at Pallavaram has a 177-year-old history dating back to the Mughal era. While it was originally a cattle market, today the Friday Shandy sells everything from fresh fruits and vegetable to used home appliances.
The weekly market at Yelagiri is less crowded than the one at Pallavaram. It also has fewer stalls. Nonetheless, it's a weekly event that jostles the town out of its slumber. The young and old alike crowd the streets and there is a carnival-like feel in the atmosphere.
Those visiting the weekly market should buy the local honey of Yelagiri. The town is famous for its honey hunters who collect natural honey from wild beehives and sell it cheap at the weekly markets. Other items to purchase include fresh fruits and vegetables, oils, spices and chocolates.
Other Attractions
Swamimalai - Panoramic View of a Hillside
3hrsSwamimalai Hill is the highest viewing point in Yelagiri. A trek to the top leaves one breathless, by the beauty that unfolds in a panoramic view.
Nature Park And Punganoor Lake: Recipes For A Lazy Afternoon
3hrsYelagiri Nature Park consists of a nursery, a rock garden and an aquarium. It also has lovely picnic spots. Across the road is the Punganoor lake with serene boat rides and is a great spot for bird watching and photography.