Sathuragiri Hills – Connectivity
Sathuragiri
is situated in Virudhunagar district in Tamilnadu, India. Sathuragiri falls
under the Western Ghat ranges. To reach Sathuragiri, pilgrims will have to
reach Thaanipaarai via Vathirairuppu. Thaanipaarai is situated at the foothill
of the mountains that leads to Sathuragiri hills. Vathirairuppu is Thaanipaarai's
closest town and located at about 8 -10 kms.
Pilgrims
coming from north of Madurai can either reach Srivilliputhur or Krishnan Kovil
Bus Stop before Srivilliputhur (via Madurai -> Thirumangalam ->
Srivilliputhur). Pilgrims coming from Chennai direction has to come to Madurai
and get down at Krishnan Koil Bus Stop on the way to Srivilliputhur. Pilgrims
travelling from south of Madurai can reach Srivilliputhur (via Nagercoil ->
Tirunelveli -> Rajapalayam -> Srivilliputhur). From Srivilliputhur or Krishnan
Koil travel to Vathirairuppu.
Lots of
buses are available at Srivilliputhur / Krishnan Koil to Vathirairuppu. From Vathirairuppu
proceed to Thaanipaarai. Couple of passenger mini buses are available in the
morning and evening. Auto Rickshaws are available 24/7. From Thaanipaarai
pilgrims will have to walk their way up to Sathuragiri hills. Normally first
timers take 6 to 8 hours to reach the top and experienced climbers can reach
the top within 4 to 5 hours. Elderly and physically disabled can hire Dolis
(human carriers) to carry them to Sathuragiri.
Pilgrims
can also come to Sathuragiri Hills from Theni and other towns situated around
the Hills. If you are not experienced in any of these routes or not led by an
experienced guide, you are requested to avoid these routes. Because it is quite
easy to get lost as not many people use these routes. So pilgrims are advised
to stick to the Thaanipaarai route as it is quite easy (compared to others) and
even on lean days, the path is used often by the Adivasis to carry goods. So it
would be easy to find humans using the path quite often say every 10-20
minutes.
The
nearest Railway Station is located at Srivilliputhur. Madurai and Tenkasi are
the other railway stations located close to Sathuragiri. The nearest Airport is
Madurai (72 km) and there are plenty of Local Taxi Operators are operating the
taxis to Madurai Airport for Pickup and Drop facility.