The best views come after the hardest climb !!
The state of Tamil Nadu is well known for its temples, beaches, and vibrant festivals. Its state-level appeal as a hiking destination is one of its lesser-known facts. There are some of the greatest hiking routes in the world, which are home to the captivating Nilgiri mountain ranges. The Nilgiri hills and canyons may be seen in all their splendour from the hiking routes in this place, which are also home to several imposing waterfalls, exquisitely terraced tea plantations, and other natural wonders. It’s heaven for adventure seekers since there are several activities like a slingshot, trampoline, bridge walking, zip-lining, and even archery along these routes. Some of these treks also contain various eco-friendly campsites. This state is one of the greatest places to go hiking if you need a vacation from your hectic city life.
- Kolli Hills Trek
In Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district, about 50 km from Namakkal, 87 km from Salem, 135 km from Trichy, and 395 km from Chennai, is a tiny mountain range known as Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai. It is one of the most well-liked vacation spots close to Trichy.
One of the most challenging hiking tracks is in these Hills, which will take your adventure and adrenaline to the next level. However, because of its difficult terrain, it is advised that only experienced and professional trekkers attempt it. The walk is intriguing and gives beautiful views of the environs. The jaw-dropping vista of Agaya Gangai Waterfalls at the end of the second day is worth everything, despite the trek being one of the hardest and most taxing in the Chennai area and taking a couple of days to accomplish.
- Kotagiri trek
Peace seekers might find refuge at Kotagiri, which is only about 30 miles from the congested streets of Ooty. It is a hill town in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris area that has wintry air to it. The town is the third-largest and oldest hill station in the Nilgiris. With tea plantations, bungalows, and tea factories in the city constructed in a European design, British influence is just too impossible to deny.
A fantastic way to discover these beautiful mountain ranges, tea plantations, and the welcoming environment is to go on the Kotagiri hike. The journey takes you through plantations, forests, streams, and meadows on horseback. The scent of eucalyptus will occasionally attempt to enter; breathe it all in; the advantages are too numerous.
- Kodaikanal Trek
Kodaikanal is blessed with several beautiful locations that provide chances for trekking to both novices and experienced hikers, making the city a true trekker’s paradise. The city’s name in Tamil is “Gift of the Forest,” and it is also referred to as “Princess of Hill Stations.” So, whether it’s about the Princess of Hill Stations or the gift of the forest, trekking aficionados are provided with wonderful landscapes to walk across with lovely variations.
While trekking in Kodaikanal, hikers will pass through grasslands, eucalyptus trees, terrace gardens, calm waterfalls, verdant meadows, flowerbeds, deep valleys, peaceful streams, falling slopes, and Shola woods. The fact that guides organize trekking in the area contributes to Kodaikanal’s uniqueness as a destination for hiking.
- Swamimalai Hills
The tallest mountain in Yelagiri may be reached by climbing it. Mangalam hamlet near Yelagiri is the starting point for Swamimalai Hill. Since it is where the walk begins, the Mariamman temple in the village’s centre serves as a notable landmark. There is a Shiva temple that worshippers can visit all year long, except when it rains, up in the cake-shaped Hills. Yelagiri’s settlements may be seen from the summit in one expansive panorama.
A dangling snack ball-like sensation is created by the morning mist. Each vista is breathtaking, and as you ascend, you will experience the opposite of gasping for air. For a comprehensive perspective of the valley, climb the rock boulder that is located on the peak using the steel ladder.
- Perumal Peak Trek
Perumal Peak, a trekker’s delight located adjacent to Perumalmalai village along Palani street, is a fair way off of about 18 km from Kodaikanal and 55 km from Palani. Perumal Peak, also known as Perumal Malai Peak, is a tall peak in Tamil Nadu’s Perumalmalai slopes, part of the more notable Western Ghat mountain range. It is located in Kodaikanal. It is a well-known location for trekking in Kodaikanal and one of the best sights to include in Kodaikanal package tours.
In Perumal Malai Village, about 11 km from Kodaikanal, at the base of the peak, the walk begins. The distance of the hike is around 7 km, and the trip lasts about 3 to 4 hours. While a few portions of the hiking length are just mildly difficult, the rest of it is. While a big part of hikers visit the peak and make money that day, medium-term outdoor activities are also possible there.
- Gingee Fort Trek
This Gingee Fort or Senji Fort, which is near Chennai, is another interesting location worth seeing via a hike and is regarded as one of India’s most impregnable fortifications. This fort provides verifiably and structurally rich things to see, such as Kalyana Mahal and Queen Fort, and is located in the Villupuram neighbourhood near Pondicherry. Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg are the three hills you may hike to. It was constructed by the Chola Dynasty in the ninth century, and the Vijayanagar Empire modified it in the thirteenth century. a fantastic location for a hike and fascinating photographs of the fortress layout.
- Doddabetta Peak Trek
Trekking up Doddabetta Peak is among the most exhilarating activities in the area. At a height of around 2637 m, the peak may be found in the Nilgiris. The path is heavily covered in alien vegetation, especially Shola vegetation. Several stunning vistas may be seen while you are on this journey. In Tamil Nadu, one of the most well-liked hiking locations is Doddabetta Peak.
In addition to the lovely floral vegetation and the verdant meadows, there is a telescope house at the peak from which you can take in panoramic views of the area’s natural splendour, including the towering mountain peaks, vast emerald meadows, colourful shrubberies, steep valleys, and meandering rivers. Before starting your descent, you might take some time to rest at the summit.
- Thalaiyar Falls Trek
The tallest waterfall in Tamil Nadu is the Thalaiyar Falls, popularly referred to as Rat Tail Falls. Dindigul District’s Thalaiyar Falls, around 40 km from Kodaikanal, falls down the sides of the lush Palani Hills. Additionally, the entire valley may be used to view this captivating cascade. From a distance, Thalaiyar Falls seems like a narrow silver strip of water tumbling freely against a picturesque background of lush green mountains and black rocks.
The falls also resemble a rat’s long, thin tail when seen from above, according to some observers. It extends for about 13 km along the Batlagundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road to Kodaikanal, making it not only the highest but also one of the widest waterfalls in the vicinity. On a trip to Thalaiyar Falls, there are several activities one may engage in, including trekking, hiking, and photography.
