Tamil Nadu is very popular for its mesmerizing hill stations, breathtaking greenery and coastal locations. Among them, picture-perfect destinations such as Kodaikanal and Ooty have exquisite trekking trails dotted with enchanting waterfalls, terraced tea gardens, and breathtaking views of canyons and ranges and these are some of the most prominent trekking places in Tamil Nadu.
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Trekking Places In Tamil Nadu For Adventure Junkies
Some treks are made more interesting by eco-friendly campsites and a variety of activities such as trampoline, slingshot, bridge walking, archery, and zip lining. Discover the wilderness of the mountains and undiscovered villages that are a world away from city life.
Here are the top 10 best trekking places in Tamil Nadu:
Ooty is the starting point for a number of exciting treks suitable for both amateurs and professionals of varying difficulty levels. These treks will take you through picturesque scenery, meandering streams, gushing waterfalls, and lush green dense forests.
You can also see the charming Mudumalai Sanctuary against the magnificent hills and valleys. So the first 3 treks will be starting from Ooty.
Doddabetta Peak Trek
One of the most thrilling treks in the region is to Doddabetta Peak. The peak is located in the Nilgiris at a height of 2637 metres. The route is densely forested with exotic flora and fauna, particularly Shola vegetation. While on this trek, you will be treated to a number of breathtaking views.
Doddabetta Peak is one of the most popular trekking places in Tamil Nadu. Aside from the lovely floral vegetation and lush green meadows, there is also a Telescope House at the peak from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding beauty—mighty mountain peaks, sprawling emerald meadows, vibrant shrubberies, steep valleys, and crisscrossing rivers.
You can rest for a while at the top before beginning your descent.
- Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (8 km)
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (99.5 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Doddabetta View Point, Amble with Anne, Upper Bhavani Lake, Tea Museum, Government Botanical Garden
Parsons Dam Trek
The well-known Parsons Trek begins at Sholur Junction, 11 kilometres ahead of Ooty. When you’re ready, begin walking up through thickets of Eucalyptus trees until you reach the magnificent dam.
Stop for a moment at the dam to admire the abundant nature and take in the scenery. It is one of the best places for trekking in Tamil Nadu.
Enjoy the pristine Parson Valley, which is known for its serenity and charm. Begin climbing again, passing through the Toda Tribal Village and ascending to the Thirthor Bett, which stands at 2450 metres above sea level. Beautiful views of the blue Nilgiris can be had from here.
- Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (8 km)
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (95.5 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Doddabetta View Point, Amble with Anne, Upper Bhavani Lake, Tea Museum, Government Botanical Garden
Suggested reads: Best Trekking Trips For Students
Glenmorgan Trek
A small village called Kokkal Kota is located 16 kilometres from Ooty, surrounded by sprawling lush green tea estates. The trek begins in this base village and continues up until you reach the ghost village of Pathar.
From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views and enchanting panoramic vistas. The mesmerising Bokkapuram, Masinagudi, and Mudumalai Sanctuary are also nearby. When you feel a little more relaxed and rested, restart your trek by taking a walk in the adjoining foresty areas and resuming your trek.
The trail ends at Pykara Junction and is lined with Eucalyptus trees. From the top, you can see an incredible view of the Nilgiris, among other things.
- Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station (8 km)
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (95.5 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Doddabetta View Point, Amble with Anne, Upper Bhavani Lake, Tea Museum, Government Botanical Garden
Yercaud Trek
Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats that is nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu. This region, known colloquially as ‘Ooty of the Poor,’ has a history dating back to the time of the British. Yercaud, located at an elevation of 4970 feet, is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and pleasant weather.
The main attraction of the area is Yercaud Lake. The summer festival, which takes place in May, is one of the many highlights. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges, and provides visitors with a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. It is the best trekking site near Salem city and one of the most popular trekking places in Tamil Nadu
- Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction (38 km)
- Nearest Airport: Salem Airport (38 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Yercaud Lake, Loop Road, Pagoda Point, Bears Cave, Pagoda Point , Silk Farm, Rose Garden, Kottachedu Teak Forest, Kiliyur Waterfall
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Kodaikanal Trek
Trekking in Kodaikanal is truly a trekker’s delight as the city is blessed by several exquisite locales that offer trekking opportunities to both beginners and professionals. Also known as Princess of Hill Stations, the city’s name in Tamil means ‘Gift of the Forest’.
So whether it is about the Princess of Hill stations or the gift of the forest, trekking enthusiasts are presented with amazing landscapes to trek with lovely variety.
Trekking places in Kodaikanal take trekkers through grasslands, eucalyptus trees, terrace gardens, gentle waterfalls, green meadows, flower beds, deep valleys, soothing streams, tumbling hillsides, and Shola forests. The distinctiveness of Kodaikanal trekking spots stems from the fact that trekking in the region is organized by guides.
There are numerous trekking trails in Kodaikanal, ranging from easy to difficult. The majority of Kodaikanal trekking destinations take trekkers deep into the jungles. Several scenic but steep treks introduce visitors to beautiful waterfalls as well as aromatic tea estates.
Kodaikanal Lake, Devil’s Kitchen in Pillar Rocks, Silent Valley National Park, Bison Wells, and Perumal Peak are among the other trekking destinations in Kodaikanal. Dolphin Nose Kodaikanal trekking is also popular among avid hikers.
One of the most difficult Kodaikanal trekking routes is from Periyakulam Adukkam to Kodaikanal, which takes 7 hours to complete. The route from Kodaikanal to Berijam is suitable for those who prefer an easy walk. All these make Koadikanal one of the most loved trekking places in Tamil Nadu.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Railway Station (46 km)
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (120 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Dolphins Nose, Green Valley View, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Thalaiyar Falls, Berijam Lake, Canopy Hill, Pambar Falls, Coakers Walk
Yelagiri Trek
Trekking in Yelagiri city can be one of the most rewarding experiences because it is home to some of the most breathtaking trails. Because the difficulty level of the treks ranges from easy to moderate, it is an excellent place for beginners to experience the adrenaline rush of trekking uphill.
There are several trekking tours in Yelagiri that will take you through the various terrains and breathtaking sights, making it an ideal adventure for those looking to unwind and escape from their mundane routines.
Those who are captivated by the allure of hill stations frequently come here for trekking. Over 300 species of birds can be seen while trekking, making it a birder’s paradise. Culture enthusiasts can go on a trek to explore the hills and abandoned forts that were built a long time ago.
However, keep in mind that most trekking tours are closed during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September, because the hills become more slippery, making trekking dangerous.
- Nearest Railway Station: Jolarpettai Junction (21 km)
- Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport (160 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Punganoor Lake Park, Nature Park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Telescope Observatory, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Swamimalai Hills, Velavan Temple, Government Herbal Farm, Yelagiri Adventure Camp
Grass Hills Trek
Grass Hills is a protected area in Valparai, Tamil Nadu, located 16 kilometres from Valparai Bus Station. It is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Valparai. Grass Hills, located at an elevation of 2400 metres, is part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, which shares a border with the Eravikulam National Park in neighbouring Kerala. It is one of the most popular hidden trekking places in Tamil Nadu.
The landscape consists of peaks and high plateaus with a montane shola-grassland eco-system that is unique to the higher ranges of Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. This cool location, surrounded by tall green grasses on mountain slopes, is an incredible place to watch and explore.
Viewing the beautiful sunset over the hills from here is an unforgettable experience. Grass Hills offers visitors the beauty and ambience of a pristine green ecosystem, as well as breathtaking views of the hill and forest entwined as one.
The Nilgiri Tahr, an endemic wild goat, lives in the Valparai range. These mountain goats live in the high ranges, preferring open terrain cliffs and green-covered hills, and are mostly restricted to altitudes ranging from 1200 to 2700 m in the Western Ghats.
- Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi Railway Station (69 km)
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (107 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Solaiyar Dam, Tea Estate Garden, Wild Woods Cottages, Nirar Dam, Monkey Falls, Vellamalai Tunnel River, Birala Waterfalls, Chinna Kallar Falls, Balaji Temple and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Siruvani Waterfall Trek
Siruvani Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located in the Siruvani Hills of Tamil Nadu, 36 kilometres from Coimbatore and 50 kilometres from Palakkad. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Tamil Nadu and a must-see during your visit to Coimbatore. The Siruvani Fall, also known as Kovai Kutralam Falls, is formed by the Siruvani river.
The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala government with funds raised by the Tamil Nadu government to meet the city of Coimbatore’s drinking water needs. The Dam’s water is famous for its sweetness, and it is commonly regarded as the world’s second-sweetest lake water. It is a popular tourist destination in Coimbatore.
Because the falls are located in the heart of a dense forest, visitors are not permitted to view them after 5 p.m. The Siruvani dam is extremely beautiful and breathtaking, with an outstanding panoramic view.
Tourists cannot visit this waterfall at any time because there are only a few buses available to take them there. The cool and green environment makes it one of the most popular trekking places in Tamil Nadu among nature enthusiasts.
- Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad Railway Station (16 km)
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (36 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Codissia Trade Fair Complex, ISKCON Coimbatore, Doddabetta View Point, Amble with Anne, Upper Bhavani Lake, Tea Museum, Government Botanical Garden
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Perumal Peak Trek
Perumal Peak, at an elevation of 2,440 metres, is the highest peak in the Perumalai Hills. It is a part of the majestic Western Ghats and is worth seeing while on a Kodaikanal tour. The peak is visited by both nature lovers and adventure seekers because it is endowed with the best of nature.
This peak, located about 18 kilometres from Kodaikanal, is every trekker’s dream destination. Perumal Peak also provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills. The months of December to April or May are ideal for climbing the Perumal Peak. The trek may be a little risky during the monsoon season.
If you’re looking for adventure, Perumal Peak is the place to go in Kodaikanal. One of the most popular activities at Perumal Peak is hiking. Mountain biking is another popular and exciting activity in this area. A wide variety of restaurants are also nearby.
It is an ideal place for trekkers, with interesting treks beginning at the peak’s foothill near the Perumalmalai village. The trek is approximately 7 kilometres one way and takes approximately 4 hours or more to reach the peak’s summit. Trekkers can camp on the peak for the night; however, many trekkers return on the same day. The view from the peak is breathtaking. Perumal Peak is one of the best trekking hills in Tamil Nadu.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (22 km)
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (120 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Dolphins Nose, Green Valley View, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Thalaiyar Falls, Berijam Lake, Canopy Hill, Pambar Falls, Coakers Walk
Kolli Hills Trek
Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a small mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, 50 kilometres from Namakkal, 87 kilometres from Salem, 135 kilometres from Trichy, and 395 kilometres from Chennai. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Trichy.
These hills are located at elevations ranging from 1000 to 1300 metres and cover an area of approximately 280 square kilometres. To reach the top of the Kolli Hills from the Namakkal side, there are 70 hairpin bends. The mountains have remained relatively untouched by commercial tourism, preserving their natural beauty. This makes it one of the best hidden trekking places in Tamil Nadu. It can be visited as part of Tiruchirappalli tour packages as a day trip.
Trekking is a popular activity at Kolli Hills. Trekking to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls is an unforgettable adventure. There are two lookout points: one in Seekuparai and one in Selur Nadu. The Government of Tamil Nadu maintains a pineapple research farm at Seekuparai Viewpoint. The region’s three main protected forests are Kundur Nadu, Puliancholai, and Ariyur Solai.
The region’s popular attractions include Arapaleeswarar Temple, Siddhar Caves, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Botanical Garden, Masila Falls, and Selur View Point. The Tamil Nadu government has established a Boat House in the region, which attracts tourists. The state government organises an annual tourism festival at the pineapple research farm in August. In the region, the Ori Festival is also celebrated in grand style. It is one of the best trekking places near Salem.
- Nearest Railway Station: Salem Railway Station (85 km)
- Nearest Airport: Trichy Domestic Airport (90 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arapaleeswarar temple, Siddhar Caves, Tamil Nadu Medical Plant Farms & Herbal Medicine Corporation Limited (TAMPCOL)
Thalaiyar Falls Trek
The Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls, is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu. Thalaiyar Falls, located around 40 kilometres from Kodaikanal, cascades down the slopes of the verdant Palani Hills in Dindigul District.
Furthermore, this enthralling waterfall can be seen from all over the valley. Thalaiyar Falls can be seen from afar as a thin silver strip of water freefalling against a scenic backdrop of lush green mountains and dark rocks.
Furthermore, when viewed from above, the falls appear to be the long and thin tail of a rat. It is not only the highest waterfall in the area, but it is also one of the widest, stretching for 13 kilometres along the Batlagundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road to Kodaikanal. There is a lot one can do on a visit to Thalaiyar Falls, from trekking and hiking to photography.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Railway Station (24 km)
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (110 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Bison Wells, Palani Hill Temple, Ayakudi, Bear Shola Falls
Mamallapuram Lighthouse Trek
The Mamallapuram Lighthouse and Temple complex is a remarkable historical site as well as one of the most interesting trekking destinations in Chennai. The complex includes an ancient temple and India’s oldest tower, built around 640 AD by Pallava king Mahendra Pallava, as well as a new lighthouse tower that is over a century old.
Since 1984, this lighthouse/temple has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The new circular masonry tower is made of natural stones and necessitates a steep stair climb. Although the trek is easy to moderate, climbing is not recommended for children or the elderly.
The views from the top are well worth the effort, and the trekkers are left speechless by the mesmerizing beauty of the seacoast and surroundings. It is the best trekking place in Chennai.
- Nearest Railway Station: Chengalpattu Junction (29 km)
- Nearest Airport: Chennai Airport (58 km)
- Nearby Places to Visit: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Krishna’s Butterball, Varaha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Thirukadalmallai, Krishna Mandapam, India seashell museum, Mahishasuramardini Mandapa
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And there you have it. Best trekking places in Tamil Nadu. Make sure to like and share this article and also don’t forget to share your experience at these places down in the comment section.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ooty, Yelagiri, Kodaikana, Yercaud are some of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu for trekking and camping.
Ooty provides numerous opportunities for thrill seekers. Trekking is a popular activity in this area. There are few places more ideal for a perfect trek than Ooty, which is surrounded by mountains and covered in lush greenery.
Ooty is about 86 kms from Coimbatore. You can easily travel between via train and buses.
Yes, camping is allowed in Ooty. There are numerous locations, including Nilgiri and Masinagudi, that provide the ideal setting for camping in the wilderness.
