The pristine coasts and beautiful beaches of Tamil Nadu have made it a popular tourist destination in India. This gem of our country is known to have a thick forest cover and rich flora and fauna as well. After all, it’s the only state of our country that has a significant portion of both Western and Eastern Ghat ranges. All of this makes it an ideal place for indulging in some challenging trekking activities. Here’s a list of the best places to trek in Tamil Nadu, that’ll let you experience the untouched beauty of this place!
7 Best Places To Trek In Tamil Nadu
- Perumal Peak
- Siruvani Waterfalls
- Grass Hills
- Kolli Hills
- Yercaud
- Gingee Fort
- Yelagiri
1. Perumal Peak
This place is considered to be a haven for all trekking enthusiasts who are visiting Tamil Nadu. Perumal Peak seems to have it all – pleasant weather, breathtaking views, and the thrill that comes with the challenging trekking routes here. This serene trekking spot is situated very close to the Perumal Malai Village, near Kodaikanal. Both beginners and experienced trekkers can take up this challenge. That’s because the route for this trek has a moderate difficulty level. Only a few parts of this trekking route can be a little steep.
Your reward after completing the trek will be glorious views of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills. Sure, trekking here during the monsoon months can be fun! However, it can get risky because of the presence of leeches. So, make sure you have your trekking essentials, and, if possible, a reliable trekker along with you. You can enjoy camping with your buddies when you reach the top of this hill. Most trekkers prefer to enjoy the scenic views and head back to the starting point.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
Duration Of The Trek: 4 hours to climb.
Starting Point: Perumal Malai Village.
How To Get Here: If you’re traveling to Tamil Nadu by flight, the nearest airport is Madurai Airport, around 132 km away. There are several private taxis available near the airport that will take you to Kodaikanal, which is near the trekking spot. Travelers coming from other states via train can get off at Kodaikanal Railway Station. You can easily take a bus or a taxi from there to reach Perumal Malai Village which happens to be the starting point of this trek.
Best Time To Visit: January to May.
2. Siruvani Waterfalls
Want to go on a nature expedition during your stay in Tamil Nadu? Then you better head to Coimbatore to witness the most scenic waterfall here – Siruvani Falls. The main highlight of this waterfall is passing through the wild dense trees which is an experience like no other. This trek gives you panoramic views of the beautiful greenery that surrounds the waterfalls.
If you want to bathe in the tranquil waters of this fall, you’ll have to take a 1 km trek through the forest. Just keep in mind that trekking to the upper part of this cliff is quite risky. So, if you want to play in the waters here, you’ll have to go to the bottom of the falls. This is one of the best trekking destinations in Tamil Nadu because of its picturesque scenery and cool climate.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Duration Of The Trek: 4 hours.
Starting Point: The starting point of Siruvani Falls is the entrance to Sadivayal Checkpost. You’ll have to pay a fee of INR 50 to enter the gateway of this waterfall.
How To Get Here: The nearest airport to this waterfall is the Coimbatore International Airport, only 13 km away. You can avail of the private taxis outside the airport to reach here. If you’re traveling by train, the nearest stations are Coimbatore Junction and Palakkad Station. You can take any private or government buses from these stations to reach the starting point of this trek.
Best Time To Visit: June to October.
3. Grass Hills
Anyone looking for some adventure and thrill in Tamil Nadu should go for a trek to Grass Hills. To describe this trekking route, we have only one word to tell you – bliss! The hills here are situated amidst the Western Ghats with greenery all around. The stunning views from here are truly an unforgettable experience.
The Grass Hills reside at an elevation of around 2,400 m above sea level. They are a part of The Anamalai Tiger Reserve that shares borders with Eravikulam National Park. This is said to be one of the hidden trekking destinations of Tamil Nadu. The trek offers sights of landscapes, peaks, and plateaus that comprise the montane shola-grassland ecosystem. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Nilgiri Tahr or an endemic white goat from the top of the hill.
Difficulty Level: Difficult.
Duration Of The Trek: 1 ½ hours for the first route and 2 hours for the second route.
Starting Point: There are two starting points to this trek. One route is a 4 x 4 ride that takes an hour and a half on a bumpy track. The second route is through the gates of the Akkamalai Tea Estate.
How To Get Here: If you’re traveling by flight, the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, around 65 km away. Book a private taxi outside the airport to reach this trekking spot. The nearest station to this trekking point is Pollachi Railway Station, located almost 69 km away. From there you can take any private bus or car to reach your preferred starting point.
Best Time To Visit: January to May.
4. Kolli Hills
This hidden gem resides in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Kolli Hills are spread across an area of 280 sq km and at a whopping height of around 1,000 to 1,300 m. If you’re looking for an offbeat place to visit in Tamil Nadu, you should come here. These beautiful mountains are far from commercial tourism activities. This makes it one of the best trekking destinations in Tamil Nadu.
Your trek will turn into an unforgettable experience once you trek to the mesmerizing Agaya Gangai Waterfalls. There are two popular viewpoints here – Seekuparai and Selur Nadu. At Seeku Parai Viewpoint, there’s a pineapple research farm that’s maintained by the government. The currents of the river flowing nearby will simply enhance your trekking experience at Kolli Hills. Did we mention that this trekking point is also known for its rich wildlife? Don’t forget to carry your handy camera to get snaps of Indian pangolin, sloth bear, barking deer, and many other species.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult.
Duration Of The Trek: 2.5 hours.
Starting Point: Puliancholai Village.
How To Get Here: NH32 is the closest National Highway to this trekking spot. If you’re traveling by flight, the closest airport is Madurai Airport, around 244 km away. You can hire a private cab to reach this trekking spot. Salem Railway Station is the nearest station to Kolli Hills, around 85 km away. There are state-run buses that will drop you off at Kolli Hills. You can also choose to hire a private taxi from the station to reach here.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
5. Yercaud
Yercaud is a picturesque hill station located around 4,970 feet above sea level. This place has pleasant weather throughout the year and offers beautiful views of coffee plantations. This hill station is nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats of the Shevaroy Hills. One of the many reasons why it’s a popular trekking destination in Tamil Nadu.
If you’re seeking some solitude amidst the wonders of nature, the Yercaud Valley trek will offer you just that! Wildlife enthusiasts will have an amazing time trekking in this valley as there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities. Two of the most scenic sites on this trek are Lady Seat and Pagoda Point. A trek to these sites will satiate your thirst for adventure and offer a life-changing experience to you!
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Duration Of The Trek: 2 hours.
Starting Point: Mcleodganj.
How To Get Here: Both Salem Junction and Salem Airport are only 38 km away from Yercaud. You can take any bus or a private taxi to reach this trekking site. There are daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata to Salem Airport. Taxi services are steadily available from the airport to reach here.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
6. Gingee Fort
Gingee Fort is a historic site nestled in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. The trek to the fort is worth the time and hassle. But you have to be prepared to climb almost 400 steps! It’s said to be one of India’s oldest surviving forts. If you’re a history buff, then a trek to this place should be a part of your travel itinerary. After you cross the rocky hill path that comprises several steps, you get to witness mesmerizing views from the fort.
The remnants of this fort and its surrounding setting make it a worthwhile destination for trekkers. After completing your trek, you’ll certainly have tons of pictures and a rich perception of the history of this place. Currently, this fort is preserved by the Archeological Survey of India, so you’ll have to pay a fee of INR 5 if you’re an Indian and INR 100 if you’re a foreigner to visit this place.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Duration Of The Trek: 1-2 hours.
Starting Point: Base of the Gingee Fort.
How To Get Here: The Kodai Railway Station is the closest station to this fort, around 46 km away. If you’re traveling to Tamil Nadu by flight, the Madurai Airport is 120 km away from this site. You can take a bus or book a cab from the station or airport to reach the Villupuram district. From there you’ll find many local buses that’ll drop you off at Gingee Fort.
Best Time To Visit: November to February.
7. Yelagiri
To promote adventure activities in the state, the government of Tamil Nadu recently started the Yelagiri Association of Adventure Sports (YASA). All tourists and visitors who come here to engage in thrilling activities can make the most of this camp. Apart from trekking, you can try out hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, and paragliding.
The Swamimalai Hills trek is the most popular trekking spot here. It’s at a whopping height of 4,438 feet and is also said to be the highest point of Yelagiri. During your trek, keep an eye out for the many different bird species you get to see. You’ll also get to witness many abandoned forts during your journey. We advise you to avoid planning your trek here during monsoon months as the hills here become quite slippery.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
Duration Of The Trek: 2-2.5 hours
Starting Point: Mangalam Village.
How To Get Here: If you’re traveling by flight, the Salem Airport is the closest to this trekking spot. You can hire a taxi outside the airport to get here. The Jolarpettai Junction is located just 21 km away from Yelagiri. You can reach here easily from Athanavur Bus Stop, which is just 7 km away from here.
Best Time To Visit: November to January.
Summing Up
There, you have it, these were some of the best trekking destinations in Tamil Nadu. This state is bestowed with an abundance of natural wealth. Right from picturesque forests and cascading waterfalls, to majestic valleys, there are tons of places to explore here. The above-mentioned trekking getaways will let you enjoy traversing new places on foot!
FAQs
Which Place Is Best For Trekking In Tamil Nadu?
Perumal Peak, Siruvani Waterfalls, Grass Hills, and Kolli Hills are some of the best trekking destinations in Tamil Nadu.
Which State Is Very Popular For Trekking?
In India, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular states for trekking and various other adventurous sports.
Which Is The Toughest Trek In South India?
Kumara Parvatha is said to be one of the toughest treks in South India. It’s located in the Coorg district of Karnataka.
Which Is The Coolest Hill Station In Tamil Nadu?
Ooty, Coimbatore, and Madurai are some of the coolest hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
Which Month Is Best For Trekking?
Winter months can be considered the best months for trekking. The weather is pleasant during these months and you don’t have to worry about the scorching heat of the sun.
Which Is The Coolest Hill Station In South India?
Coorg is one of the coolest hill stations in South India.
Which Place Is Queen Of Hills In Tamil Nadu?
Ooty in Tamil Nadu is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’.
