The Velliangiri Hills, famously known as the “Seven Hills” of the Western Ghats, is a mesmerizing mountain range situated in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. This scenic destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and trekking adventures.
Trekking Routes and Distance:
There are several trekking routes in the Velliangiri Hills, each varying in terms of difficulty and duration. The most well-known trek is to the Velliangiri Andavar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an elevation of approximately 1,110 meters above sea level. The trek can be categorized into different sections:
Isha Yoga Center to Poondi Temple: The trek usually starts at the Isha Yoga Center, which is located at the foothills. From there, trekkers head to the Poondi Temple, covering a distance of about 3 kilometers.
Poondi Temple to Velliangiri Andavar Temple: The second leg of the trek is from the Poondi Temple to the Velliangiri Andavar Temple. This is a more challenging section, covering around 8 kilometers. Trekkers pass through dense forests, rocky terrain, and steep inclines.
Velliangiri Andavar Temple to Siva Temple: After visiting the Velliangiri Andavar Temple, some trekkers opt to continue to the Siva Temple, which is situated at a higher altitude. This extended trek offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Duration to reach Velliangiri Hills:
The duration of the trek depends on the route and the trekker’s pace. The complete trek from the Isha Yoga Center to the Velliangiri Andavar Temple and back can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, including rest stops and time spent at the temples.
Difficulty level to climb Velliangiri Hills :
Trekking in the Velliangiri Hills presents a moderately challenging adventure, especially when ascending towards the Velliangiri Andavar Temple. The terrain often features steep and uneven paths, and trekkers must be ready to face changing weather conditions, which may include rain. It is strongly recommended that trekkers are in good physical shape and equipped with appropriate trekking gear for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Scenic Grandeur of Velliangiri:
The Velliangiri Hills are renowned for their majestic natural beauty. The trek provides awe-inspiring vistas of dense forests, distinctive rock formations, and the serene ambiance of the Western Ghats. Many trekkers discover solace amidst this pristine landscape, embracing the hills’ tranquil serenity.
Spiritual Significance:
The Velliangiri Hills hold a special place in the hearts of many, transcending their role as a mere trekking destination. The Velliangiri Andavar Temple serves as a revered pilgrimage site, drawing devout visitors seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The spiritual aura that envelops the hills bestows an added dimension of meaning to the trek.
Velliangiri Hills Guided Treks:
It’s advisable for first-time trekkers to consider guided treks. Many local organizations and tour operators offer guided treks with experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain, making the trek safer and more informative.
Velliangiri Hills Trekking Visiting Hours:
The Velliangiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, India, do not have a specific opening or closing time since they are a natural destination and not a facility or attraction with fixed operating hours. However, trekking and visiting the Velliangiri Hills are typically allowed throughout the year, but it’s essential to consider the weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rains can make trekking difficult or unsafe.
Additionally, some treks may require permission or coordination with local authorities or organizations like the Isha Yoga Center if you plan to start your trek from there. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or the Isha Yoga Center for the most up-to-date information regarding access to the Velliangiri Hills before planning your trip.
Epilogue:
Trekking in the Velliangiri Hills is an adventure that combines natural beauty, physical activity, and spiritual significance. It provides trekkers with an opportunity to connect with nature, find inner peace, and appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats.
Check out our essential trekking gear checklist for a safe adventure.
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Anamalai Tiger Reserve was originally called the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (established in the year 1976) and later on renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. It is located near Pollachi at an altitude of 1,400 metres at the Top Slip, covering an area of 958 sq. kms.
A 30 kilometres wide gap in the Western Ghats mountain range, called the Palghat Gap, between the Nilgiri Hills to the north and the Anamalai Hills to the South forms a major communication route between the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. The Reserve is carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of The Anamalais. The administration of the Reserve falls under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
Image Attribution : Jaseem Hamza
Things to do & see in Anamalai Tiger Reserve
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- The deep forest is a habitat of varieties of exotic and endemic fauna – Elephant, Panther, Tiger, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Thar are some of the animals that can be spotted.
- Explore the natural bounties through an amazing trekking experience. Check out our essential trekking gear guide for a safe trekking experience.
- The Sanctuary is an abode of over 800 species of flora and around 250 species of birds.
- Shola trees, grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs add beauty to Anamalai Hills.
- Photograph the wildness of the forest in all its glory.
- Enjoy purchasing souvenirs at the Eco-Shop in Top Slip.
- Tourists have accommodation option inside the park at Top Slip. Alternately, there are also several forest guest houses available at Amaravathi, Sethumadai and Varagaliar near to Anamalai.
- The Reserve Park timings are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The park is open on all days. The checkpost timings are 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. The entry fees at check post to be paid by private vehicles are as follows:
| Entree Fee | Ticket Cost(INR) |
|---|---|
| Per head | Rs. 30 |
| Per Child (5 to 10 yrs of age) | Rs. 10 |
| Still Camera | Rs. 80 |
| Video Camera | Rs. 300 |
| Light Motor Vehicles | Rs. 100 |
| Heavy Motor Vehicles | Rs. 200 |
| Van | Rs. 150 |
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- The Safari ride at the Reserve Forest is a major attraction. Forest Department vans and four wheelers are available for the ride. Elephant Safari at Top Slip is a favourite among tourists for a pleasant jungle ride, details of which are as follows:
| Safari Timings | Entry Fee(INR) | Safari Duration | Ticket Cost(INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. | Rs.30 per head | 45 mins | Rs. 800 per ride |
Ideal time to visit Anamalai Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit Anamalai Tiger Reserve would be between the months of December to April.
How to reach Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Direct buses are available to Anamalai Tiger Reserve from Coimbatore and Pollachi. The nearest railway station is at Pollachi (35 kilometres) and nearest Airport is Coimbatore International Airport (75 kilometres).
Valparai Hill Station – The seventh heaven
Valparai is a hill station located in Coimbatore District, above 3,500 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. Valparai is close to Pollachi and stands majestically with mesmerizing green spread mountains, waterfalls, dams and secluded valleys. It has vast areas of tea and coffee plantations amidst thick woodlands. It is a perfect destination for a pollution-free and peaceful ambience.
Valparai is located at about 100 km from Coimbatore and is situated 3,914 feet above the sea level. The route from Aliyar to Valparai has got 40 Hairpin bends in 40kms stretch. The route from Athirapally to Aliyar is full of wild animals and wild elephants are a common scene in this route. Bear, Deers and sometimes even Leopards appear in Malakkappara – Valpara route. Malakkappara & Valparai has got full of Tea estate. It has got some of the largest tea estate in India. You have budget home stays to estate bungalows available in Valparai.
Image Attribute : Jaseem Hamza
Tourist Attractions in Valparai
Nirar Dam
Nilar Dam is located 15 kilometres from Valparai. The dam is a part of hydroelectric power project and is plays a crucial role in irrigation and supplying water to places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There is a waterfall near the dam which is very similar to the Silver Cascade waterfalls in Kodaikanal.
Sholayar Dam
The dam is located 20 kilometres from Valparai. It is the second deepest dam in the whole of Asia and is a part of Tamil Nadu’s hydroelectric power project. The dam can be visited only under special permission. It is worth a sight owing to its peaceful surroundings and majesty.
Valparai Viewpoints
Valparai Hill Station has a number of notable viewpoints providing some of the best views of the hills and valleys. Found at the 9th hairpin bend (on the road to Valparai from Pollachi) is the Loam’s viewpoint. It offers an exquisite view of the Aliyar Dam. Other viewpoints in and around Valparai are Nallamudi Poonjolai, Kadampari Dam and Number Parai.
Grass hills view from Akkamalai
Grass Hills, located 15 kilometres from Valparai, is a part of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected region, which can be visited only with permission from Wildlife Department. It is a natural habitat for many animals.
Valparai Balaji Temple
This temple is at a distance of 10 kilometres from Valparai. It is situated amidst tea estates and is owned and managed by Peria Kalamalai Tea Industries. The main deity worshipped here is Lord Balaji and poojas are performed like that of Tirupati Balaji Temple.
Chinnakallar Falls
It is located 26 kilometres east of Valparai. Chinakkalar is the second highest rainfall area in the country and so is known as the Cherrapunji of South India. A hanging bridge has been constructed over the falls which makes the experience even more adventurous.
Things to do in Valparai
While in Valparai, one could engage in trekking, bird watching, photography, river bathing and cycling. Check out our essential trekking gear checklist for a safe trekking. Lush evergreen plantations and wilderness found abound is sure to make your trip to Valparai a memorable one.
Ideal Time to Visit Valparai
The best time to visit Valparai Hill Station would be between the month of September and March when the climate is pleasant and cool.
How to reach Valparai
Bus route connections are available from Valparai to Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Udumalaipettai and Palani. Valparai in connected to Athirapalli Waterfalls in Chalakudi (around 64 kilometres). Pollachi and Coimbatore are the nearest railway stations from Valparai. Coimbatore is the nearest Airport.
Aliyar Reservoir is a 6.48 km2 reservoir located in the Aliyar village near Pollachi in Coimbatore. It is about 65 kilometers from Coimbatore. Aliyar dam is one of the famous dam in Coimbatore district.
Aliyar Dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats.
The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, garden, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Corporation. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir.
If you are en route to Valparai, spend some time to visit this dam. This is a very beautiful place with a scenic view of the mountains in the backdrop.
A great place to hang out with family and kids, fish fry at government-owned outlet was good. It was fresh dam fish. We can take a bath in the river nearby was awesome. Kids can enjoy a lot.
The dam visit would easily take max 2 hours time. There is good parking space and roadside food stalls near the entrance.
Image Attribution : @shah_hameed_24 from instagram
Aliyar Dam Boating
- Boating on the Aliyar Dam is good, to enjoy.
- Boating service time is 9am to 5.30pm daily.
- Boating fees for adult is Rs. 40 and children are Rs.30.
Aliyar Dam Park
Entry fees for Alyar Dam Park is Rs.5
Topslip is located near Pollachi in the state of Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a part of the protected Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Image Attribution : Niraksharan
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
From the check post to top slip takes around 45 min. There is a forest office that manages the safari into the forest. You have to pay Rs. 200 per head for a Three-hours safari in a back-breaking, rundown vehicle. We should wait for safari pickup. There are a canteen and eco shop which are useful during the waiting time.
Private vehicles are allowed inside with prior approval from the forest department and you can see few elephants, bison, deer, wild boars, monkeys etc.
This place is more greenish and best for Natural Sightseeing. but not able to spot more animals. To enjoy climate and nature we can visit Topslip Tiger Forest.
Tigers are not seen here as they are very rare. You can take your binoculars along for a good view of animals from a distance.
For more details please check following website:
https://www.parambikulam.org/
Velliangiri Hills temple is located 40kms away from Coimbatore and is a whopping height of 6000ft. This hill temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Since, mythologically, Shiva roamed around the hills and hence it is called as Kailash mountain on earth. It is believed that Lord Shiva could not come on time to marry Goddess Parvathi because of the trick played by the people of the mountains.
So, Parvati was angry and stood as it is and now she is known as Kanyakumari. Lord Shiva can be seen on the top of the hill. A very popular spot at Kovai.
Make sure you visit the place when you are in Coimbatore. Trekking is not easy here. You have a proper plan and timing for trekking.
Well, this is a totally new mall that was inaugurated on July 21, 2017.
Prozone mall is located on the Sathyamangalam road near Saravamppatti.
It assures international standards and is promoted by UK – based Intu Properties and designed by Bentel Architects, South Africa combined with Prozone Intu Properties.
It occupies a total area of 12 acres and houses about 100 brands both national and international that includes flowers, clothing, apparels, etc.
The most interesting thing is that, this building is horizontally designed and is a great place to be at. It is open from 10 AM and 11 PM.
Fun Republic Mall – Peelamedu
The Fun Republic Mall is situated on Avinashi Road, Peelamedu, Coimbatore.
Inaugurated in the year 2012, this shopping mall occupies an area of around 3.5 acres and is managed by E-city ventures, a part of the Essel Group.
The main outlet here is Mc. Donald’s which are pretty huge other than the food court present in the shopping mall.
Totally 6 levels with 5 multiplex screens of Fun Cinemas can be witnessed here. Main clothing outlet here happens to be Shoppers stop which is quite good for making your choice of clothing.
On the whole, this has also been a great place to pass your time.
