Nalumukku, Manjolai Hills
Nalumukku
is only a short distance away from Manjolai estate. The approach to Nalumukku
is very adventurous. The roads are small and through dense vegetation. There
are sudden sharp turns leading through dense vegetation straight in to the
forest. This road leads on to a wooden bridge under which there is a steady
stream. The place looks like a picture right out of an adventure story.
The
climate is cool and pleasant because of the altitude and the dense cover of the
forest. Nalumukku can be visited throughout the year. In summer, it is
sweltering hot during the day and sweaters are needed in the night as it will
be very cold in the night. In April there is a festival at the local temple and
worth a visit. It is difficult to find accommodation in Nalumukku and the
nearest place will be at the base of Manjolai Tea Estate.
There is
a small tea shop where food is available but has to be ordered in advance.
Accommodation is also available in the Government Guest House at Kuthiravetti
but has to be booked earlier. The ground behind the Guest house is a good
location to view Sambar deer, wild boars, and bears. Permission from the Forest
Officer is required to go to Manjolai Estate and further and all places being
visited, that is, Nalumukku, Kodayar and beyond should be specifically
mentioned on the order.
To visit
Kodayar Dam, permission is required from the officials of the Tamil Nadu
Electricity Board. To visit local places, it is advisable to hire a local taxi
as they will handle the permits and passes that are required. Nalumukku is
located at about 600 meters from Manjolai Tea Estate, 6 Kms from Kuthiravetti,
14 Kms from Manjolai and 36 Kms from Manimuthar.
