I am sure, people will have different opinions about this place. I just went out for the weekend break from bangalore to Yelagiri.
I am not trying to generalise anything, better to decide on your own, but every place is not for everyone.
If you are a long drive entusiastic and looking for a break from emails/projects without spending much, you can think of it.
This place is for relaxing, not for tourists.
Nice greenery. It’s not a hill station, but rather a high point. pretty hot during summer afternoons. temperature drops a bit in winters. Evenings/night are at per with Bangalore climate in summer.
Road is superb, from Bangalore. You can well maintain 100-120 avg, throughout. Journey time is 3 hrs. A couple of A1 plaza on the way.
main purpose of the visit should be to stay in a decent (landmark/auroville/sterling) place and enjoy the beer. No bars available in entire Yelagiri.
I liked the fish fries(alias kebab).
Not much chaos/pollution. Though on weekends, the only attraction of the lake is spoiled by big crowds, (most of them does not have manners).
Keep in mind, most hotels does not know what hospitality/food quality means.
Do not waste time in travelling to the falls in summer. You have to hear, "Water illa".
I would suggest visiting that place once, atleast in the monsoon (for the falls) or in winter.
For people with a decent group size(6-9), try the "Ajay lodge"’s 3 bhk room at 500 rs just opposite to SBI branch. Room is big and clean. But it’s for stay only (no servicee), for economic travellers. rest of the bunch can move to the abovementioned resorts.
--Surajit