‘Meghamalai’: The hidden gem of Tamil Nadu.

Meghamalai is popularly known as the ‘high wavy mountain’, and it’s located in the western ghats of Tamil Nadu. This mountain is about 1500 meters in elevation. And the mountain is a beautiful place to visit during summer, as it’s a hilly area and a perfect place for tourists. The mountain range is rich in its flora and fauna and has cardamom and tea plantations all around. In addition to the dense forests, Meghamalai is a hidden gem of the Tamil Nadu mountains.

The high wavy mountain.

Meghamalai is the offbeat hill station of South India, located near Madurai, very few people are aware of this mountain range in Tamil Nadu. It’s a little unexplored paradise, also known as the ‘Highway mountains’. Also, the Meghamalai mountain range is situated in the Theni district. And it’s open for tourists throughout the year It’s a must-visit place due to six different dams located nearby and all dams add to the beauty of the whole place.

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit Meghamalai is during the winter season. The month of October to May is best to visit due to the pleasant cold climate.
Rainfall can be observed from July to September.

Nearby places to visit, Meghamalai

Meghamalai is located between the dense forests and as a result it is home to much beautiful wildlife and hundreds of bird species. However, the place has a lot to view around, to name a few are:

Suruli falls – These falls are located at the base of Meghamalai, at a height of 150 feet and a depth of 40 feet. This waterfall is best to visit from June- to October and is a tourist attraction throughout the year.

Periyar wildlife

The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is the oldest sanctuary having a grand kingdom of about 777sq km. It’s gifted with a habitat of numerous flora and fauna and is known for its ‘Tiger reserve’. The sanctuary is also a tourist attraction for boating in the scenic lake and the best sight for viewing elephant herds, deer herds, birds in the trees, etc. If you’re lucky enough, you can spot tigers as well.

The tea, cardamom estates – There are various varieties of tea, and cardamom plantations around to explore and experience. The fresh aroma from estates attracts a lot of tourists to visit the place.

Murugan and Mangladevi temple- Both the temples are very holy and pristine, where the devotees come to seek blessings. The Murugan temple is situated at the hilltop of Meghamalai, whereas the Mangla Devi temple is about 14 km away from Meghamalai. Both the temples are famous tourists attractions and are worth a visit.

How to reach Meghamalai

📍By Air – The nearest airport connecting to Meghamalai is Madurai airport. All cars, tourist cabs, buses, and taxis are well connected to reach the airport. It’s about 118 km away from Meghamalai.

📍By Train – The nearest railway station connecting to Meghamalai is the Madurai railway station and tourist cabs and taxis are available to reach the station.

📍By Bus- The state transport buses of Tamil Nadu are connected to Meghamalai. The nearest town is Theni, about 49 km, and all major cities are well connected to Meghamalai throughout Tamil Nadu. The buses are available at regular intervals.

Things to do at Meghamalai

Trekking

The Meghamalai mountains are covered with dense forests which are perfect for treks. Tourists can explore the flora and fauna, the beauty of the wavy mountains, etc. The trekking activity is best to take up during the visit.

A walk through the plantations

The lush green plantations of tea, coffee, cinnamon, and cardamom give the happiness to connect with nature and have a look at it, from a step closer. The fresh produce and its cultivation, the process of product packaging, is a happy- fun activity for the tourists. Moreover, these endless fields can offer some wholesome best and fresh quality products to take home.

Bird watching

There are hundreds of bird species in the dense forests. Many migratory birds and rare bird species are also available to view at Meghamalai. The dams, waterfall, and dense forests are the best place for birds as well, where they can rest, halt and connect with nature. It’s an enchanting place away from the hustle-bustle of city life.

Thus, Meghamalai is the most beautiful tourist destination for nature lovers and a place of solace because of the flora and fauna. The high wavy mountains, lush green estates, nearby dams, and falls are the perfect nature lover hill station sight for tourists who wish to connect with peace and beauty. Moreover, the listicles of things to do around Meghamalai, and the nearby tourist attractions invite many people from all around the world to view the Tamil Nadu mountains. The plantations offer some fresh produce to take home for visitors and guests. Thus Meghamalai is indeed a hidden gem of wavy mountains amongst the Mountains in India.

Follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by Manasi S.