Megamalai
Introduction
Meghamalai, popularly called High Wavy Mountains, is a cool and
misty mountain range situated in the Western Ghats in Theni
district, Tamilnadu, South
India. It is a place of natural beauty dotted with cardamom plantations and tea estates. The place is situated at an
elevation of 1,500 m above sea level and it is rich in flora and fauna. This
area, now mostly planted with tea, includes Cloudlands, Highwavys and Manalaar
estates, the access to which is now largely restricted. It still includes large
untouched remnants of evergreen forest.
As the name suggests, Meghamalai is
the kingdom where the clouds meet the mountains. It is arguably the most
beautiful hill station in South India, known to a selective few and seen by
even fewer people. This lovely place is bound to capture your imagination. Good
place to stay and enjoy a lovely surrounding. One can also watch the animals
roaming in the forests, which are close to Meghamalai.
Meghamalai a 6000 acre tea
plantation is located in Tamil Nadu about 43 kms off Chinnamanoor, on the
Madurai – Kumili Interstate Highway. Today Meghamalai has become the cynosure
of every tourist. The approach via Chinnamanoor is more scenic. Only forest
lodges and rest house are available at the hill top. Prior reservation and
permission is an absolute must. For reservation contact 9894055554
In Tamil it is known as" Paccha
Kumachi" meaning "Green Peaks" High Wavys'is locally referred to
as Meghamalai- meaning hills covered with clouds. The word 'High Wavys', used
since the late 1920's invariably has been derived to describe the high undulating
range of hills and mountains, steep and precipitous as seen from the
plains.
Situated about 120 km southwest from
the temple town of Madurai, the hill
station of Meghamalai is
known for its salubrious climate, natural beauty, evergreen forests, coffee and
tea plantations. The cool and foggy mountain range in Western Ghats is
popularly called High Wavy Mountains.
The Meghamalai hills forms the
catchment area for several rivers. River Suruli originates in the mountains.
The river with its twin waterfalls is very popular with tourists. Another
attraction is the Vellimalai or the silver mountain. Standing tall 1,650 metres
above sea level, Vellimalai is the starting point of Vaigai river. Meghamalai
hills are also home to several dams like the Manalar dam.
The Meghamalai mountain range shares
its border with Periyar National Park, which is renowned for its resident
wildlife population. It has been proposed to set up a wildlife sanctuary on 600
square km area of forest in Meghamalai.
Meghamalai forest has an assortment
of flora and fauna. Over a hundred species of birds have been identified in
these forests. Many rare birds and animals are found in the forests of
Meghamalai. Great Indian Hornbill, found only above 1500 ft above sea level,
Grizzled Giant Squirrel and Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat are some the species which
can be found here. Meghamalai is ideal place to watch the Slender Loris.
The vegetation in the High Wavy
Mountains ranges from plantations and estates to thick evergreen forest.
You can enjoy a walk, go trekking or
go for waterfall trekking (trekking through waterfalls and walking though
shallow pools of water). You can take a jeep ride to the reserve forest or
wander through the tea estates and plantations.
Cumbum Valley, known for its
vineyards, is situated about 41 km away from Meghamalai. Tourists visiting
Meghamalai often club include a visit to the vineyards of Cumbum as part of
their itineraries.
Highwavys is a view point that will
afford a wonderful view of the entire mountains range of Varusanadu Hills.
There few large private tea, spices and coffee plantations all around, notable
include The Highwavys Estates owned by The Woodbriar Group, Ananda Plantations,
Ponsiva Plantations and Feildmede Estate have the largest holdings of
plantations in Meghamalai, an artificial lake and plenty of scope for making
leisurely walks.
Six dams on the hill and originating
place of Suruli Theertham (Suruli falls near Cumbum town) are popular
attractions for tourists. From Manalaar dam, one can view the deep Cumbum
Valley and the villages of Theni district. The Department of Tourism has
planned to introduce boat or ferry service to enable tourists to enjoy the
pristine beauty of the hill. The places, Upper manalaru, Maharaja mettu and
Iravangalaru are fringed by forests with rich flora and fauna. Vellimalai
(Silver Mountain, 1,650 m) area is a heart of Meghamalai. Silver-lined clouds
seem to rest gently on green hilltops and nestled somewhere in this region is
the place where the river Vaigai originates. This lovely place will give an
opportunity to see wild animals and aesthetically and scientifically managed
tea gardens.
The High wavys were the last planting
district to be opened up. That explains why the tea estates are the highest yielding
in the worlds. Napier Ford was the pioneer who planted tea on Cloud Land
estate.
One of the exclusive preserve of a
group of plantations, Meghamalai today has become the exclusive destination for
the natural lover and visitors who look out for privacy in personally cared
plantation stays.
Destination Overview
Ø Meghamalai is a
remote tea plantation getaway set on the Tamilnadu side of Periyar reserve
Ø Entire Meghamalai
has very limited rooms to rent and therefore early reservation is a must
Ø Nearest Airport
-Madurai (125kms), Tuticorin (261kms)
Ø Nearest Railway
Station - Madurai(125kms), Tuticorin(261kms)
Best Time to Visit
Ø Best Season:
Winter; October to May
Ø Weather: Tropical
weather. Hot in summer and moderately cool in winter
Ø Altitude: 1500 m
General Information
Area
|
600 Sq. Km
|
Population
|
20,000
|
Altitude
|
1,600 m
|
Climate
|
Summer: Max. 25 ˚C, Winter:
Max.10 ˚C, Min. 0˚C
|
Rainfall
|
275 cms
|
Season
|
September to May
|
Languages
|
Tamil, Malayalam & English
|
Clothing
|
Heavy Woolen in winter, Light
Woolen in summer
|
Time
|
5.30 GMT
|
STD Code
|
4554
|
ISD Code
|
+91
|
Distance from major nearby locations
Thirunelveli
|
210 Kms
|
Madurai
|
123 Kms
|
Thekkady
|
85 Kms
|
Cochin
|
266 Kms
|
Coimbatore
|
284 Kms
|
Trichy
|
255 Kms
|
Munnar
|
109 Kms
|
Dindigul
|
118 Kms
|
Karur
|
196 Kms
|
Theni
|
46 Kms
|
Meghamalai Road Condition are very pathetic. Travels vehicle /Tour operator they may not travel. You will find gutters in every 2 meters of the road. It is always better to travel by an SUV.
Places of Interest
Vellimalai
Introduction
Vellimalai (Silver Mountain, 1,650
m) area is a heart of Meghamalai. Silver-lined clouds seem to rest gently on
green hilltops and nestled somewhere in this region is the place where the
river Vaigai originates. This lovely place will give an opportunity to see wild
animals and aesthetically and scientifically managed tea gardens.
A beautiful destination for visitors,
Vellimalai is a lovely attraction to visit which is considered as the heart of
Meghamalai. The site offers a pleasant and serene environment for tourists and
visitors can see scientifically managed tea gardens, wild animals here.
Vellimalai is a small hill station in
Meghamalai forest range. Vellimalai was well connected with Meghamalai and
Thekkady during the British Era. Vellimalai can be reached from Kodaikanal
through Poomparai, Top Station, Munnar, Thekkady and Meghamalai. Entire route
was developed to transport Tea. Vellimalai is fully covered under
"Reserved Forest" and designated as "Wild Life Reserve".
Make sure you reach the Kandamanur Forest Range office and get permission to
enter the check post near Ghat Road. Range Officer will check for the real
reason of your visit and permit you to enter the Ghat roads. There are four tea
estates in Vellimalai developed during British Era.
At an altitude of 1650 m,
Vellimalai forms the heart of Meghamalai. Silver-lined clouds gently resting on
green hilltops is a common sight here. This region is also the abode of river
Vaigai. The hill range also provides a wonderful view of the entire range of
Varusanadu Hills. With tea and coffee estates, houses of plantation workers and
an artificial lake, there is plenty of scope for enjoying the natural beauty.
Experience:
There are some places you think are
beautiful, some much more than others and some that leave you feeling all
comparisons are insane. Meghamalai & Highwayvs will make all comparisons insane
and leave you stupefied by its sheer beauty. The Views are breathtaking, the
climate perfect. The serene lake and the beckoning mountains ranges are perhaps
the best `real' description of paradise. Amidst the natural beauty, it is also
about wildlife sightings, treks, and picturesque walks, camping out on a
mountain cliff or bathing in a waterfall.
To wake up to the call of a distant
elephant trumpet, to walk beside the lake for miles across undulating hills, to
walk past an elephant skull to a private waterfall or to simply sit atop a
grassy cliff and be in communion with mountain peaks all around, are some other
things that will become forever locked within your memory for a long, long
time.
Abundant wild life makes a good
destination for good photographers interested in wild life photography in Theni
District. Entire area is less or not polluted by human habitation. Perfect good
eco destination for travelers. Take your kids with you and enjoy the ride till
the Tea estate and return back. Would suggest starting from Chinna Suruli waterfalls
before 2 pm and cross the Poaching Prevention Shed Check post before 4 pm.
Return back on time so that you cross the Poaching Prevention Shed before 5.30
pm and drive slowly to look for wild life.
Accommodation is available with
Forest Department on demand and approval basis. Please check with Range office
for availability and approval. Tea estates have good guest houses available on
Estate Managers approval only.
Accommodation facility is available
in Vellimalai Poaching prevention check post and is purely a forest department
guest house with no or very limited facilities. Guest houses are also available
in Tea estates at Vellimalai. Try to stay in Theni and travel from Theni to the
above places.
To reach Vellimalai:
Theni - Kana Vilakku - Kandamanur -
Kadamalaikundu - Meghamalai Range office - Kumanan Thozhu - Aranmanai Pudur -
Koraiothu - Manjanuthu Forest Check post - Arasadi (Around 85 kms) tribal
hamlet (a WILL phone is available in this Tribal hamlet)
Meghamalai/Clouds Land Falls/Chinna Suruli
Falls
Meghamalai Falls is another famous
attraction of Meghamalai which is also known as Clouds land fall. This fall is
very popular for its rapidly falling water which flows down 190 ft via twin
falls throughout the year.
The Meghamalai ranges are also the
birth place of the Meghamalai fall. This fall descends from a stream
originating from the hills. It is also known as the Clouds Land Falls and
serves as the rendezvous of many wild animals. Meghamalai falls are
round-the-year falls that do not run dry. The originating place of Suruli
Theertham (Suruli falls near Cumbum town) are popular attractions for
tourists.
The special feature of the falls is
that water is flowing down 190 feet through twin falls round the year. Frequent
visits by elephants, spotted deer, gaur and other wild animals at dawn and dusk
are a feast to the eyes. Forest Department officials have plans to assist
tourists to view those wild animals.
Chinna Suruli falls is located in the
Varusanadu village. A google search will make you think that Chinna Suruli and
Suruli are same. Many blogs and websites including Wikipedia have this
misinformation that both falls are one and the same. The confusion reigns not
only because of their names, (co)incidentally both are located quite near to
Theni (50 plus kms). Suruli is the more famous and commercial falls that is
near to Cumbum with other attractions like Kailasanathar temple cave and other
caves surrounding it. Chinna Suruli is a more remote and isolated falls. It’s
also called as Cloud land falls or Meghamalai falls. The route from Theni to
Chinna Suruli was dotted with amazing picturesque greenery. To add to the
beauty were the windmills lined up eternally.
Chinna Suruli is a mid size waterfall
located near Kumana Thozhu in Theni District. You have to take the right 3 KM
before Mailadumparai and head towards the Kadamalaikundu Forest range. Chinna
Suruli is a good destination for nature lovers and eco travelers. Chinna Suruli
can be clubbed with Vellimalai and can be done in one single day.
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
Tamil Nadu Forest Department is
established the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in an area of 600 sq
km of the forest in the division. The Sanctuary will serve as an excellent
buffer to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and will also help in strengthening the
conservation efforts in the Tea estates and dams.
Priority tasks in the sanctuary
should be the control of poaching and the use of pesticides, the elimination of
ganja (Cannabis sativa) and the cultivation and scientific management of
watersheds. The Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary can be an excellent buffer to
the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and can immensely strengthen
conservation in the southern Western Ghats, the range of hills south of
the Palakkad Gap.
Flora
Vegetation ranges from scrub forests
at the foothills, up to ubiquitous expanses of tea and coffee estates, to spice
(pepper, cardamom, cinnamon) plantations and
finally to the dense evergreen forests at the top.
Fauna
Meghamalai forest area hosts a
variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common. Other animals sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri
tahr, gaur, spotted
deer, barking
deer, Sambar
deer, wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri
langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, bonnet
macaque, sloth
bear, Grey Jungle
fowl, Smooth-coated Otter and flying squirrel. Bird like Red-whiskered Bulbul, Common Iora, White-browed Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Pied
Bush Chat, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Barn Swallow, Spotted Dove, Asian Paradise
Flycatcher, Brahminy
Kite, Long-tailed shrike and over 100 species of birds have been identified.
Great Indian Hornbills
The rare Great Indian Hornbills are found here. The Great Indian Hornbills are one of the
largest hornbills and these are found on sea level up
to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) above ground. Great Indian Hornbills like to eat
various types of berries. Hornbills swallow most of their food whole instead of
breaking it down first. Hornbills are famous for their nesting ritual. Now
these beautiful hornbills are becoming rare, mainly due to their large hunting
for their meat and destruction of their natural habitat. Protection and
restoration of destructed forest areas food-tree resources, will aid the
conservation of hornbills in the region.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel
The sanctuary is also home to the
endangered, arboreal Grizzled Giant Squirrel Ratufa macrora. The home range of an individual is between 1,970
and 6,110 m². This greyish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg and is the size of a small cat. It
measures about 735 mm from nose to tail with the tail being 360 –
400 mm long. They construct nets at forked branches where the crowns of neighboring
trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping
from tree to tree when threatened. It makes two nets. One it uses as a nursery
and the other for resting. This confuses predators like birds and snakes.
Salim Ali's Fruit Bat
One of the rarest fruit
bats of the world, Salim Ali's Fruit Bat, Latidens salimali, (named after Indian ornithologist Salim
Ali) is only found in this mountain range. Salim Ali's fruit bat is
the only species in the genus Latidens. It is a medium-sized fruit bat,
which lacks an external tail. The head is covered in blackish-brown fur which
is paler at the base, the wing membrane and the long fur are light brown in
colour, and the underparts are light grey-brown. The species was first
collected in 1948 by a British naturalist called Angus Hutton, who
misidentified the specimen as the common short-nosed fruit bat. The specimen
was re-examined later by Kitti
Thonglongya who recognised it
as a new species. Very little is known of the ecology of this species, however
all fruit bats play an extremely important role as pollinators and seed
dispersal agents within their rainforest habitat. This species is entered in
the Guinness Book of World Records in 1993 as one of the rarest bats of the
world.
Hutton's pitviper
The Hutton's pitviper Tropidolaemus huttoni (Smith, 1949) is an enigmatic species of
venomous snake described from the High Wavy Mountains in 1949. It was described
from two juveniles collected by Angus F. Hutton from beneath the leaves of the
palm Ochlandra
travancorica, locally called "eata". The species has not been
recorded since its original description and no adults have yet been found. The
most intriguing fact about this pitviper is that it belongs to a genus whose
other members, the closest living relatives of the Hutton's pitviper, are
distributed in the Malayan Peninsula only. This poses serious biogeographical
questions.
Arnetta vindhiana
Arnetta
vindhiana, commonly known as the Vindhyan Bob, is a butterfly belonging to the
family Hesperiidae. It is native to
India.
Slender Loris
Common Names: vangu, Malabar gray
slender loris; Genus: Loris; Species: L. lydekkerianus malabaricus.
The vangu or Malabar gray slender
loris (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus) is a subspecies of Gray slender loris that is only found in the Meghamalai region of India. A member
of the genus Loris, commonly known as the slender
lorises, it is a small, nocturnal primate that is able to live in wet and dry forests, as well as lowland
and highland forests. They prefer thick, thorny vegetation wherein they can
easily escape predators and find the large assortment of insects that is the
mainstay of their diet. The greatest concentrations of these slender lorises
are found in the southeastern Ghats of India, a narrow strip of rainforest that runs down the length of western
India.
The slender loris is about the size
of a chipmunk, with long, pencil-thin arms and legs. It is between 6–10 inches
(15–25 cm) long and has a small, vestigial tail. It weighs about 10.5–12
ounces (300–340 g). The slender loris' round head is dominated by two
large, closely set, saucer-like brown eyes. They flank a long nose which ends
in a heart-shaped knob. The eyes are surrounded by dark-brown to black circles
of fur, while the bridge of the nose is white. It has a small, narrow lower
jaw. The ears are large and round. Its coat is light red-brown or gray-brown on
its back and dirty white on its chest and belly. The fur on its forearms, hands
and feet is short. The slender loris has small finger nails on its digits. The
second digit on the hand and foot are very short. They move on the same plane
as the thumb, which helps them grasp branches and twigs.
The slender loris is an arboreal animal, spending most of its life in
trees. Their movements are slow and precise. They like to travel along the top
of branches. For the most part they hunt by themselves or in pairs at night,
although they will come together and share a food supply. They live alone or
with a mate and an infant. By day, they will sleep with up to seven other
lorises in a hollow tree or sitting up in the angles of branches. They are very
social at dusk and dawn, playing, wrestling and grooming each other.
Encroachment threat
Massive encroachments in the reserved
forests of almost all divisions in the district have been posing a grave threat
to the eco-system of Meghamalai hills. Of the total
806.86 km², about 400.77 km² was degraded forest area. A total of
292.81 km² falls under dense forest areas, of which only 22.43 km²
was tree bearing. About 220 out of total 430 km² in the Kandamanur forest
range under the Madurai Forest Division had been encroached for the past four
decades. Large areas of Ulloothu Kavu, Anjaraipuli, Elamalaipoodu, Arasaradi,
Bommarasapuram and neighboring villages were also under encroachment. With an
increase in population and their demands, vast stretches of land were either
degraded or converted into unicrop areas, causing damage to the environment.
The people settled in the hill tracts were solely dependent on the forests for
livelihood. Conservation of natural forest in any form will help preserve biodiversity.
Highwavys Dam
Highwavys Dam is situated on 1,500
metres above sea-level on Pachaikoomachi Hill; the hill station has large
prairies, vast slopes of tea plantations, deep valleys and high mountains. Due
to the immense potential of this place, the dam is promoted as major tourist
attraction in Meghamalai. Introduction of boat service is awaiting
approval. Watching of wild animals at dawn and dusk would be an added
attraction to the tourists and nature lovers.
Highwavys view point
Nestled between tea plantations,
Highwavys view point, 35 km away from Chinnamanoor is the ideal place for
tourists to view and enjoy Highwavys and Manalaar lake view.
Highwavys is a view point that will
afford a wonderful view of the entire mountains range of Varusanadu Hills.
Highwavys
Tea Estates
The largest plantation, the Highwavys
Group, is a tea plantation owned previously by Hindustan Lever under the name
Tea Estates India Ltd and today run successfully by the Woodbriar group.
Flanked on one side by the Periyar Tiger Reserve and on the other by the
proposed Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
The estate is a 6000-acre tea
plantation of Highwavys group of Estates which lie ensconced in a geographic
depression shaped like a bowl, bordered by rising mountain ranges on all sides
with a 7 Sq.Km lake winding across itself Meghamalai is also home to rare
species of birds, flora and mammal life. Wild Gaurs and Elephants are commonly sighted
across the few plantations but more so within the Highwavys Group of
Estates.
The Highwavys Estates owned by The
Woodbriar Group, Ananda Plantations, Ponsiva Plantations and Feildmede Estate
have the largest holdings of plantations in Meghamalai, an artificial lake and
plenty of scope for making leisurely walks.
Cumbum
Valley
Cumbum Valley, also called Kambam Valley, is a valley in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu state in India near the Kerala state border. This is the most fertile valley in south India,
The valley includes lands between Thekkady Hills, Varusanadu Hills, and Kodaikanal Hills.
It is one of the few places in Tamil
Nadu producing grapes. Cumbum valley produces about 90,000 tones of Muscat grapes and 10,000 tones of thomson seedless grapes every year.
Vattaparai
Vattaparai, six km away from
Highwavys and Eco point, opposite to Venniyaru dam, 10 km away from town, are
ideal place to spot wild animals.
Iravalangaru Dam
Pristine beauty of Kerala can be seen
from this spot. Iravangalaru dam has water throughout the year. Elephants and
Indian Gaur and other animals come to Iravalangaru dam to drink water at dawn
and dusk.
Thoovanam dam
It was recently build and neatly
maintained, more over it is build in a very beautiful place surrounded by
tea estates and Thoovanam Dam. Try a long walk along the dam which you
never forget in your life. Dam is tucked between the tea estates.
The dam was a class place and the other side was the end of a hill. This Dam provides the water to Suruli waterfalls.
Venniyaaru dam
Venniyaru dam has water throughout
the year. Wildlife’s will frequent this dam in search of water from dawn to
dusk. This place is ideal to watch the Virgin beauty of nature. Ideal place to
be with the loved ones.
Manalaar dam
Manalaar Dam is one of the important
tourist attractions in Meghamalai. The Dam with lush forest and tea estate
embarking it makes it an ideal place for picnic. From Manalaar dam, one can
view the deep Cumbum Valley and the villages of Theni district. The Department
of Tourism has planned to introduce boat or ferry service to enable tourists to
enjoy the pristine beauty of the hill.
Venniyar Tea Estate
Venniyar Tea Estate is a lush green
stretch of tea estates which has a breathtaking view. It is a paradise for
nature lovers.
Palani Lord Murugan Temple
It is located at the foothills of Meghamalai.
Then Palani Lord Murugan Temple, 13 km away from Chinnamanoor blesses tourists
when they start their journey to the hill station.
Maharaja Mettu
It is one of the points is Meghamalai
from where one can see bird’s eye view of Theni District. Also the importance
of this place is that one can view Magarajothi Hill of Sri Ayyappan Temple from
here. Tamilnadu Tourism has plans to install a watch tower at this location.
Thekkady View point
It is a view point from where one can
have a clear view of Thekkady Mountains and valley.
Chinnamanoor
Chinnamanoor is located on the foot
hills of Maharaja Mettu. Climate is excellent throughout the year. Chinnamanoor
is one of the most important Agricultural based town in Cumbum Valley of Tamil
Nadu, located in the Theni District.
Chinnamanoor is located 23 km
south of Theni and 20 Km south east of Bodinayakkanur and 16 Km north of Cumbum
and 6 Km west of OdaipattyTown Panchayat. The town is geographically
between 9.30" and 10.00" north Latitude, between 77.00" and
77.30" east Longitude.
This was formerly known as
“Harikesarinallur” which was formed by the King Harikesa Pandiyan and it is
mentioned in “Tholkappium" and "Chinnamanoor Cheppedugal". This
town is a Pilgrimage centre. Arulmigu Poolanandeeswarar with Sivakamiamman
temple is at Chinnamanoor. The Famous Kutchanur Sanibakavan temple is nearby 5
Km from Chinnamanoor and Veerapandi Gowmariamman temple is nearby 15 Km
in Periyakulam-Kumuli Road. Thekkady is nearby 48Km from Chinnamanoor.
The Mullai-Periyar River is flowing in west side of the Town.
Transportation Linkages
The town is well connected, by the
N.H.220, (Kottayam –Madurai, and a Major District road with Periyakulam,
Bodinakayanur and Cumbum town.
Temperature
The average maximum and minimum
temperature are of 41.6°c and 25.0°c.
Rain fall
The town gets major rainfall during
the south west monsoon period. The average annual rainfall being received in
the town is 67.5 cm
Some Other Important Attractions in
Meghamalai
Ø Elephant Corridor
-amazing point
Ø Pothai pull medu
Ø Megamalai rain
forest
Ø Manalaar Water
falls
Ø Thoovanam
Ø Game set Block no
27 – amazing point
Other Leisure Activities
Long Mountain walks
You can travel to nearby forest in
the morning (ideally by 6.00 am) and roam around, and another area is view
point. It's the right place where you can see Cumbum town in Tamilnadu and
water reservoir in Thekkady. It is not exposed/exploited (not sure which is
correct, but both ways it is correct) hill station with less tourists, you will
not find much tourists over there, it's mainly because of inadequate travel
facility and condition of the road.
But it offers an excellent view of
the tea, plantations. The rolling hills, the cool mountain and the
breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Wild animals / Sightings
Wild Gaurs and Elephants are commonly
sighted across the few plantations but more so within the Highwavys Group of
Estates. Being very close to the forest, a number of wild animals can be seen
roaming here.
The most commonly seen animals
are Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer,
Sambar, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Common Langur,
Pea fowls, Barking deer, Indian Gaurs, Jungle fowl, Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Bonnet Macaque, Sloth Bear, Grey Jungle Fowl, Smooth-Coated Otter and Flying
Squirrel.
Resident and migratory elephants can
also be seen wandering in groups here.
Bird watching
Megamalai is also host to a wide
variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. It is also an
ideal place for bird watching. In the forests over 100 species of
birds have been identified.
Useful Tips
Ø Ensure that you
choose the right season and the right time to visit Megamalai. Although its
pleasant throughout the year, its best between October and January
Ø Although the entire
place is referred to as "Megamalai", the real beauty actually lies in
the areas beyond the Megamalai. They are Highwavys, Lower Manalaar, Upper Manalaar,
Vattaparai, Maharajamettu, Iravangalar dam, Thoovanam dam, Vanniar dam,
Thekkady dam etc.
Ø Entry is not
permitted to any of the dam, courtesy the strict security. However it seems a
cordial talk or a tip might get you the access to enter. Try it at your own
risk
Ø The entire
Megamalai hills were under private control till 2009. It was during 2009 that
the place was declared as a Wildlife sanctuary after which it was opened up for
public access. It’s probably owing to this long defiance of public access,
ill-maintained roads and not being in the radar of tourism, that Megamalai
manages to retain its pristine beauty. The Govt. has plans of promoting this
place for tourism. Roads being repaired, boat services in the lake etc. Hence before
it becomes one more commercial pot boiler like an Ooty or Kodai and gets
spoilt, ensure you make it to this place.
Ø The roads leading
from the foothills till the upper manalaru, all the way is completely ravaged.
Do not take a chance with your family car. It requires a SUV or a 4X4 drive.
Bike might be an option if you are willing to bear the back-breaking bumpy
ride. However considering the remoteness of the place, it’s better not to find
yourself caught in the middle of nowhere with tyres punctured. Public buses do
ply every 3 hrs from Theni. But it won't let you have the fun of stopping at
your own leisure and enjoy the surroundings. Hence its ideal to book a cab. It
not only gives you the flexibility of visiting places of your choice, it will
also save you from a grueling drive behind the wheels.
Ø In most places you
will not receive mobile signal except for BSNL users. So people, who are fussy
about it, better carry a BSNL SIM. Others, who like me, prefer to stay
disconnected to the world back home and get connected to the nature here enjoy
the detachment!!
Ø People who are keen
on animal watching can opt for a early morning walk at 6 am towards the
Vattaparai or Maharajamettu. If you are lucky enough, One can sight the odd
wild animals or the elephants visiting the lake for a drink
Ø The place is
infested with leeches. A few seconds of landing your feet on damp grass and the
next moment you will have half a dozen uninvited visitors creeping up your
legs. Better to wear a 3/4th and sandals so that it will help you notice that
these blood suckers are on their way up. Carry bottles of concentrated salt
water to remove them off your body incase they stick to you.
Ø The route via
Chinnamanoor is worth taking for its scenery
Ø Some of the options
before (or after) visiting Megamalai are Chinna Suruli falls in Varusanadu,
Suruli falls near cumbam, Kumbakkarai & Sothuparai falls in Periyakulam.
All these are less than a couple of hours drive from Theni
Ø Incase going by
car, I advise you to avail a vehicle that has a high platform, power steering
and good braking system so that it would be safe and smooth for both you and
your vehicle.
Ø There are also Govt
and Private Buses to Meghamalai from Chinnamanoor, Cumbam & Theni.
Ø The permission to
enter Meghamalai would be given only after 6 AM (at the Check-Post) and you
could not quit Meghamalai after 6 PM.
Ø Dindigul - Theni -
2 Lane State Highway - Road widening in progress - Some sections are re-laid
already, But if you are on a car - expect delays in week days / peak
hours
Ø Theni - Chinnamanoor
(Take Left) - Vellayammalpuram Village - Decent single lane roads
Ø Vellayammalpuram to
Meghamalai to Highwavys - Broken roads with some patchy tarmac here & there
- Caution: The roads are tough and challenging - Most of the places, the roads
are steep with no tarmac / only boulders to evade through.
Ø Stay Options
available are: Cloud Mountain Bungalow / Sand River Cottage - Costly resort
sort accommodation and Panchayat Guest House / Government IB are cheaper
versions of the same.
Ø There are only two
places to get food in the whole 30-40 kilometer radius - To get food or book
accommodations - contact: Murugan (Who owns the Murugan tea Shop) -
+91-94427-81748
Ø Best time to visit
the place is after the monsoons (obvious) - August to January
Ø Accommodations are
normally booked well in advance (before a month at least)
Ø There are two main
ways to approach Meghamalai – one from Theni that goes through Chinnamanoor and
another via Andipatti through Kandamanayakkanur.
Ø The road via Chinnamanoor
is better and offers panoramic views.
Ø TASMAC Outlet is
available there.
Must Haves
Ø Sweater / Jerkin
Jacket
Ø Bed Sheet
Ø Torch Light
Ø Gum Shoes
Ø Binocular
Ø Camera
Ø Candle / Lighter /
Match Box
Connectivity
Meghamalai mountain range can be
approached two ways—from Theni via Chinnamanoor and from Andipatti via Kandamanayakkanur. Both Theni and
Andipatti can be easily accessed by road from Madurai and Dindigul. Theni, which is 76 km from Madurai. The
approach via Chinnamanoor is more scenic.
By Air
Nearest
Airport – Madurai, Tamilnadu is 130 kilometers, Trichy 190 kms and Coimbatore
290 Kms
By Train
Many
trains pass through Dindigul, kodairoad, and Madurai, which is nearly 130-140
kilometers to Megamalai
By Road
Highwavys
is connected by Road with Chinnamanoor, Theni & all nearby important towns.
Regular bus services are available from Theni to Madurai, Palani, Dindigul,
Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai.
Megamalai Road Condition is very
pathetic. Travels vehicle /Tour operator they may not travel. You will find
gutters in every 2 meters of the road. It is always better to travel by an SUV.
To rent vehicle contact MEGAMALAI TOURISM @ 94 878 50508, 98 940 55554.
Routes:
Madurai –
Theni – Chinnamanoor – Megamalai/ Distance 130 Kms (Travel time – 4
hours)
Coimbatore
– Pollachi – Periyakulam – Theni – Chinnamanoor – Megamalai Distance: 294 Kms
Travel Duration : 8 Hrs
Chennai –
Trichy – Dindigul – Theni – Chinnamanoor – Megamalai / Distance (Travel time –
12 hours)
Bangalore - Salem - Dindigul - Theni
- Chinnamanoor - Megmalai / Distance (Travel time - 10 hours)
To reach Vellimalai
Theni –
Kana Vilakku – Kandamanur – Kadamalaikundu – Megamalai Range office – Kumanan
Thozhu – Aranmanai Pudur – Koraiothu – Manjanuthu Forest Check post – Arasadi
(Around 85 kms) tribal hamlet (a WILL phone is available in this Tribal hamlet)
To reach Maharaja Mettu
Theni - Chinnamanoor - Then pazhanji
check post- Megamalai - Highwavys - Manalaar - Venniyar - Iravangalar - Maharajamettu
(Around 70 kms) a Airtel ,BSNL network is available in this region
Tours & Travels:
Megamalai Tourism
Phone no: 94878 50508 / 98943
02181
Events/Festivals
Meghamalai hosts a number of
festivals. Many Hindu festivals in Meghamalai are celebrated
with grandeur.
Pongal
One of the most awaited events
in Meghamalai and all over the state, Pongal is celebrated with great
passion and vigor. The term Pongal signifies sweet dish of rice which is eaten
on the Pongal festival day. Jaggery, Cardamom and cashew nuts are also included
in this dish for the celebration. The local people dedicate this dish to God
Surya, also known as The Sun God. It is one of the most imperative and well
known festivals held in the month of mid January every year.
Saraswathy Pooja
This festival is held in the last
three days of the Navaratri festival and the last three days are especially
meant for Goddess Saraswathy. The preparations of Krishnanattam, Kathakali, and
Kalaripayattu etc. usually begin on this day.
Ekadasi Festival
Ekadasi Festival is one of the most
important festivals of the town and is celebrated on the eleventh day of every
lunar fortnight. The Vrishchika Ekadasi has a special importance in
the Meghamalai. A highlight of this festival is the memorial honour for
Gajarajan Kesavan.
SHOPPING
You can buy tea and cardamom packets
from the plantations. For diabetics, the leaves of Insulin plant which is
widely available in Meghamalai, is an ideal buy. Leaves of the plant helps
reduce sugar levels in blood stream.
Accommodation
There are some deluxe medium to
budget accommodation options near Meghamalai. Raja Andhuvan (Megamalai),
Cloud Mountain Bungalow (Meghamalai), Sand River Cottage (Manalaar Estate) and Manalaar
Bungalows (Meghamalai) are the famous deluxe hotels of the city. Some of
the medium to budget accommodation options include Western Gatz (NRT Main
Road), ABM Grande (Theni Kumuli NH Road), New Everest Hotel (New Everest
Hotel), Hotel Theni International (Near Bus Stand) and Adhitya Hotel (Near Bus
Stand) etc.
Only forest lodges and Panchayat rest
house are available at the hill top. Prior reservation and permission is an
absolute must. If looking for a night stay here, you can make room reservation
from the forest check-post located 3 KM from Chinnamanoor on way to Meghamalai.
Must reach the check-post at least before 5 PM, if you are looking for a night
stay in Meghamalai. Day-trippers may stay in a number of moderately priced
hotels in Theni, Chinnamanoor and Andipatti.
Of late guest houses and coffee estate home-stays are available in Meghamalai
and can be booked on the internet.
There are only 4 accommodation
options available in Megamalai as of now. Two tea estate cottages owned by the
Woodbriar groups (Sand river and Cloud Mountain), one Panchayat guest house and
one Inspection Bungalow. The details of the facilities offered in each of
these, the price and the photos of the rooms are given below in detail
Sand River Cottage
A cottage situated in Upper Manalaar
right amongst the tea estate, this belongs to the Woodbriar groups. A private
road takes you to this place. The entire cottage can easily accommodate 10
adults (excluding the floor space)
Facilities: Two bedrooms
with double cot, two attached rooms alongside each bedroom with a single cot,
two big bathrooms with heater + western toilet , one dining room, hall,
kitchen, car shed and ample space out in the garden, a small swing in the garden
for kids, campfire on request. No TV, internet or telephone
Price: Rs. 6325 for
4 adults (i.e. the entire cottage can be rented). This covers three meals a day
and a complimentary Tea factory visit. Every additional adult will be charged
extra Rs. 1000. These are season rates. During off-season it costs marginally
less.
Food: Customized as
per the guest request. Both veg and non-veg. However prior intimation on the
menu is a must since the ingredients needs to be brought from far off.
For bookings: Mr.
Shivakumar @ +919894055554 or +919487850508. An end to end package of cab,
accommodation, food, sightseeing, bonfire etc all can be arranged through him
Cloud Mountain Bungalow
A posh, luxurious cottage right in
the vicinity of the vast lake. This also belongs to the Woodbriar groups. The
entire cottage can easily accommodate more than dozen adults (excluding the
floor space)
Facilities: Two master bedrooms with double cot, one bedroom with triple cot, attached bathrooms with bathtub and heater, western toilet , one dining room, library cum hall, kitchen, car shed and ample space out in the garden, a small swing in the garden for kids, campfire on request, TV and telephone
Facilities: Two master bedrooms with double cot, one bedroom with triple cot, attached bathrooms with bathtub and heater, western toilet , one dining room, library cum hall, kitchen, car shed and ample space out in the garden, a small swing in the garden for kids, campfire on request, TV and telephone
Price: Rs. 7400 for
2 adults. This covers three meals a day and a complimentary Tea factory visit.
Every additional adult will be charged extra Rs. 1500. However, the entire
cottage can be rented for 20K if it’s a ten member team. These are season
rates. During off-season it costs marginally less.
Food: Customized as per the guest request. Both veg and non-veg. However prior intimation on the menu is a must since the ingredients needs to be brought from far off
Food: Customized as per the guest request. Both veg and non-veg. However prior intimation on the menu is a must since the ingredients needs to be brought from far off
For bookings: Mr.
Shivakumar @ +919894055554 or +919487850508. An end to end package of cab,
accommodation, food, sightseeing, bonfire etc all can be arranged through him
Govt. Inspection Bungalow
Located overlooking the Highwavys
dam, the sprawling campus has rooms rented @ Rs1000 per day. A double cot
bedroom with attached bathroom that has western toilet and heater, a dining
room is what you get for 1000 per day. No in-house food facility.
For Reservation
Contact them at +91 - 98943 02181
Panchayat guest house
Located right on the banks of the
Highwavys Lake, this is the cheapest accommodation available in Megamalai. A
single room with just a double cot and no other furniture costs Rs. 750 a day.
An attached bathroom with Indian toilet. I don't think there is a heater
facility. Not sure. Other than the scenic location the place does not have
anything to boast about. Bachelors who do not mind the dinghyness can consider
this place. Rest can conveniently stay away.
For bookings: Panchayat
guest house @ 04554232389 or 04554232225. Most probably you might be asked to
arrange a DD in their favor
Contact Details:
Highwavys Town Panchayat Office (for
booking accommodation)
The Executive Officer
Highwavys Town Panchayat
Theni District - 625519
Phone: 04554 - 232225 , 232211,
232389
Email: highwavys@gmail.com
Travelers Bungalow
For
Bookings Contact them at +91 - 98943 02181
For General Enquiry:
Mr. Murugan - +91 - 9442781748
Megamalai Wildlife & Highwavys Tourism:
For Reservation call 9894055554/9489031550.
Its' about activities and beauty , one within the other, a perfect blend, a
place to thank Mother Nature, to be grateful for the sheer beauty of the world
around.
Forest Jeep Safaris - Drive across
the plantation to see animals -Rs.1000 for 2 pax
Tea Estate Tour - Drive across the
plantation - Rs.1000 for 2 pax
Picnic at Grass Hills - Rs.1000 for 2
pax
Cycling - Rs.50 per Hour
Trekking - Rs.1000 per Trip
Tour Guide Service - Rs.250 per Day.
Contact Details:
Megamalai Tourism
No1, HMS Colony,
Andalpuram, TPK Road,
Madurai – 625003