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Periyamalai is a hill in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, 1040 m above sea level. It is also known as Kaganagiri or Gaganagarh. Locals in the region frequently visit the temple located at the top. Periyamalai is perfect for both nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. This blog lists all the details you need about Periyamalai, including the hike details, network connectivity, and items to carry.

Periyamalai Hiking Guide, Krishnagiri

How To Reach Periyamalai?

By Air

Salem domestic airport (IATA code: SXV, 90 km) is the closest airport to Periyamalai. You’ll have to travel by road from there.

By Train

Samalpatti (station code: SLY, 31 Km), Dasampatti (station code: DST, 33 Km), and Rayakottai (station code: RYC, 42 Km) railway stations are located nearby. Direct buses are not available from the railway station. You’ll have to change a couple of buses to reach Periyamalai temple.

By Road

This is the best and most convenient option for reaching the base of Periyamalai. Reach the Krishnagiri bus station and hop on a local bus to reach the hike starting point. The buses are time-bound and infrequent. You can hop on a tuk-tuk or an auto rickshaw from the bus station. You can travel directly to the Periyamalai base temple if you own a vehicle.

Note: Ola and Uber taxi services are not available in the region.

Network Availability

Airtel and Jio offered only intermittent reception along the trail. Jio’s reception was better than Airtel’s. BSNL performed better in this region.

ATM Availability

No ATMs are available in this region. The nearest ATMs are located at least 10 km away. Although cash is not required for this hike, it is important to carry at least some money with you. UPI payments are accepted in the region.

Languages Spoken

The regional language of Tamil is the only language spoken by the people in this region.

Parking Availability

A huge free parking space is available at the starting point.

Restroom Facilities

Restrooms are available at the base of the hike. No restrooms are found en route or at the summit. Come prepared, as you might need to answer nature’s call in the nature.

Best Time to Visit Periyamalai

Periyamalai can be visited throughout the year, except for the peak rainy season in September and October. The best time to visit the Periyamalai hike is during early morning when the weather is pleasant.

Since the rocky terrain has a very steep incline, we do not recommend hiking the Periyamalai during the monsoon.

Restaurants near Periyamalai

At the base of the Periyamalai hike, the base temple is where a family makes Paddu for as low as INR 10. It was a good treat after the hike. 

Shops are located at least a Km away. Bottled drinking water is not found in the vicinity, even at the base. But drinking water is served at the Paddu shop. We recommend you carry at least 2L of water per person for the Periyamalai hike.

Accommodations near Periyamalai?

Most people take up the Periyamalai hike as a day trip from Chennai, Coimbatore, or Bangalore. We did it as a day hike from Bangalore. If you want to rest for a day, you can stay at Krishnagiri or Hosur. Here are a few recommendations.

• Victory Grand Attibele ($)
• Grand Continent Hosur Sarovar Portico ($)
• Visthara Inn – Comfort stay ($$)
• Nagas Inn by Unicorn ($$)
• Vijay Inn by Unicorn ($$)

Periyamalai Hiking Details

Distance

110 Km from Bangalore, 260 Km from Chennai, and 274 Km from Coimbatore.

Entry Fee

Free

Registration

No registration or pre-online booking is required. 

Timings

There are no restrictions with respect to opening and closing timings. We recommend you hike from 5 AM to 6 PM.

Duration

2-3 hours for the ascend and 1-2 hours to descend.

Summit Height

1040 m above sea level

Periyamalai Hike Distance

2.95 Km one way

Difficulty Level

Moderate – highly subjected to your fitness level.

Hiking Terrain

Grasslands, cement steps, stones, and boulders.

Hiking Route

The hike starts from the Periyamalai Sri Perumalappan Temple at the base. Towards the side, the cemented steps are lined up.

The 108 steps mark the first few steps of the hike. Then you’ll reach another temple. Keep walking up the stairs trail until you find a small pond midway.

The same trail continues until you gain at least 200 m elevation. Be careful, as the steps are uneven. The trail then changes to a flat and straight walk. Keep walking for 10 minutes until you reach the first viewpoint on the huge boulders overlooking a pond and lush grasslands. There are livestock grazing along these plains.

If you ascend a few meters, you’ll find the railings in steep sections. With its help, continue climbing on the huge boulders. Rest along the way as and when needed.

The trail continues as a mix of boulders for the most part and small stone steps here and there. Watch out for direction boards or names on the stones as you proceed. You will pass through some fort ramparts en route. Keep climbing up and follow the well-marked trail until you reach the top of the hill.

At The Periyamalai Summit

Shri Ramaswamy Temple at the top marks the summit of the hike. From here, you can see 315° breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, vegetation, colorful settlements, nearby hills, and distant mountains. You can also go behind the temple and onto the single boulder point.

The return route is the same way down. Relax at the top and descend carefully.

Important Things to Remember

• A guide is not mandatory when hiking the Periyamalai. The route is well-marked with railings and steps until the summit. Many pilgrims visit the temple, and the path is highly patronized. It is virtually impossible to get lost on this trail. You can do the hike on your own. 
• The use of plastics and smoking are strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is important to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back waste and dispose of it in proper, dedicated bins.
• The trail is full of centipedes and millipedes, and we also saw many butterflies.
• Pooja is performed to the deity at the top during Puratasi Saturdays, which falls from mid-September to mid-October. If you want to do a special pooja, you should request the pandit by arriving at least a day before or calling him. He also hikes up with you to perform the Pooja.

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 2L of water per person.
• Take sufficient snacks and energy bars, as there are no shops nearby.
• A torchlight if you’re starting early in the morning.
• Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
• Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
• Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.

If you find this blog helpful in planning your trip to the Periyamalai hike, comment below. For more extensive hiking guides and travel tips, stick with us, the traveling twins. 

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