Kurangani
Kurangani is a hill station atop the Western Ghats accessed from Bodinayakanur in Theni district,Tamil Nadu. It has estates growing coconut, mangos, all spices and coffee. There is a mountain rivulet that passes between Kurangani Mountains in the east and Kolukkumalai in the west. Kurangani Hills has multiple trekking trails to the famous destination such as Kolukkumalai, Meeshapulimala, and Top Station and Rhodo Valley.
Kurangani Hills is suitable for trekking and nature walks. It is a 12 km walk from Kurangani village to Top Station through Central village. Those who visit Munnar in Kerala can also enter the trekking route here by walking down the dense woods and plain grasslands. By reaching Top Station, border of Theni district, from Munnar after 35 km travel, one can start trekking down the hills.
Although, Kurangani Hills is near the famous Munnar Hills and Kolukkumalai Hills—the highest hills for tea plantation in the world at an altitude close to 8,000 feet—the place is still not known in the tourism circuit. However, several foreign tourists do come here. Some nature lovers within the state also frequently visit Kurangani Hills. Films Alagar Samiyin Kuthurai, Myna and Kumki were shot on the Hills. The best months to explore the Hills are from August to December.
The hills are characterized by
frequently-changing weather, low-hanging clouds, chilly atmosphere and strong
winds, and are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It takes four to five
hours to complete the trek from Kurangani village, which is at the foothill,
to reach Top station, whereas two-and-a-half hours are enough for the return
trip. Trekkers can find Samabalaru falls, the source of Kottakudi River which
serves the drinking water needs of Bodinayakanur town, while wading through
here. Central Village, with a population of 200 people and 50 houses, is four
more kilometers from the Falls. A couple of cottages can provide accommodation
for visitors. Foreigners, who come prepared with tents, prefer to stay under
the open sky. There are guides for the thick woods.
The villagers say that the tourists frequently spot Indian gaurs, barking deer, langurs and wild cats.Also there is a warning about the presence of leopards and tigers in this hill.
Kurangani is a small Village/hamlet in Bodinayakanur Taluk in Theni
District. It comes under Kottagudi Panchayath. It is
located 16 KM towards west from District head quarters Theni. 542 KM from State
capital Chennai.
Kurangani Pin code is 625582 and postal head office is Subburajnagar. Kurangani
is surrounded by Theni Taluk towards East, Chinnamanur Taluk towards South, Uthamapalayam
Taluk towards South, Periyakulam Taluk towards East. Theni Allinagaram, Uthamapalayam,
Periyakulam, Usilampatti are the nearby Cities to Kurangani.
Tourists will be delighted to have a look at the breathtaking mountain
scenery. The region is a haven for wildlife, especially avifauna and
pollinators endemic to the Western Ghats. The beautiful mountain meadow and
marsh land while trekking beckons the soul, and stirs the imagination of tourists.
Memories will be etched forever like the majestic misty peaks that surround us
near the Top Station.
Trekking
Paths
Trekking trails are available from Kurangani to Top Station (16 Kms) via
Central Station and Muthuvakkudi. Tourists can find an opportunity to discover
Mother Nature’s enchanting beauty. Soaring mountain peaks en route Top
Station is a quintessence of the Forces of Nature. Kurangani region is a sea of
ridges and mountain peaks separated by valleys filled with virgin forests of
silver oak and eucalyptus and various plantations like tea, coffee and
cardamom.
Home
Stay Facilities
Tourists can avail home stay facilities in Kurangani, Central Station and
Top Station. The facilities are privately owned and reasonable charges
are collected from tourists. Tourists can taste local cuisine if
necessary in the home stay facilities. These facilities are located in ideal
surrounding turns out to be a perfect outing in the serene environment.
Tourists can ask tents for camping and rest.
Connectivity
By
Air:
Nearest
airport is at Madurai, 101 km from Kurangani.
By
Road:
From
Madurai or any other close by town or city, taxi and bus services are available
for Kurangani. The 16-km uphill drive from Bodinayakanur to Kurangani.
By
Train:
- Bodinayakanur
is the nearest station, 16 km from Kurangani (not operational).
- 15 km
road connecting Kurangani and Bodinayakanur
- Buses, jeeps
and autos available from Bodinayakanur
- 12 km—trekking
distance between Kurangani village and Top Station
- Central
village is the half-way point between Kurangani village and Top Station
- The best time
to visit is between August and December
- Lodging is
available in Top Station, Bodinayakanur and Munnar. Only two cottages
available in Central Village.
Other tourist places
Munnar, Kerala
|
(33 Kms from Top Station)
|
Thekkadi
|
(82 Kms from Kurangani)
|
Suruli Falls
|
(56 Kms from Kurangani)
|
Kodaikanal
|
(55 Kms from Top Station)
|
Anakkara
|
(123 Kms from Top Station)
|
Vaigai Dam
|
(50 Kms from Kurangani)
|
Madurai
|
(101 Kms from Kurangani)
|