Megamalai

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)

Ø    Meghamalai is an ex-Madurai Getaway

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

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

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

H/p: 94 878 50508

Email: megamalaitourism@gmail.com