Kurangani Hills is an emerging place for trekking in the beautiful area of Tamil Nadu, India. Kurangani Hills with lovely-looking landscapes, affluent animal life, and the majestic mountains of Tamil Nadu is perfect for an escape into the wilderness. From easy to moderate-level trekking, Kurangani Hills provides a package full of sightseeing and many more. Here, you will find all that you want to know about starting on the famous Kurangani Hills trekking experience.
Location
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Kurangani Hills is in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu and has much forest area, Tea gardens and a small hill. It is well known as a trekking spot and; it offers a quiet trekking experience amid nature away from the actual world. Located about 100 km away from Munnar, or 200 km away from Coimbatore, the hills fall within the Western Ghats, and numerous trekking options are available. Kurangani Hills provides beautiful green territory with a lot of variety, therefore, it is one of the famous trekking places of Tamil Nadu.
How To Reach Kurangani Hills
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By Road: Theni is easily accessible by road, closest to Madurai Coimbatore and what have you and Chennai. On the way from Theni, the Kurangani Hills are roughly about 20 km drive away. The base for the trekking is at Kurangani village and you can take a hired taxi or a local transport of buses.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at a distance of about 15 km from the town which is at Bodinayakanur. Another station is Madurai Junction 80 km from Theni. After reaching the station, taxis or local buses can easily be hired to take one to the village.
By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport the distance is about ninety kilometres from Kurangani Hills. Cabs as well as buses are available from Madurai and Kurangani village is an isolated village which can be reached by cabs or buses.
Famous Spots For Kurangani Hills Trekking
1. Top Station Trek
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Top Station Trek is considered one of the most famous trekking in Kurangani Hills trails authored with ease along with moderately demanding routes. It flows by tea gardens, cardamom large plantation belts, and also by thick forests. The trek from Kurangani village to Top Station is approximately 12 km and takes 4-5 hrs of time. On arrival at the summit, tourists can perceive vistas of the area of Western Ghats and the neighbouring valleys.
Distance: 12 km from Kurangani village
Activities: Trekking, scenic photography, nature walks
2. Central Station Trail
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This is an easy 10km trail through the green valleys of Meesapulama and the thick forests and into the solitude of nature. This allows participants to deal with comparatively more difficult terrain to sweeten the experience with the opportunities to photograph the unmatched natural scenery, as well as observe birds up close. This trail is very serene and has great views which makes it ideal for a trail for adventure and at the same time no noise.
Distance: 10 km from Kurangani village
Activities: Hiking, bird watching, forest exploration
3. Kolukkumalai Trek
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The Kolukkumalai Trek is a must-do for everyone visiting the Kurangani Hills as this is one of the most famous treks in Kurangani Hills. Offering challenging steep hikes, this 7 km trail goes through rocky landscape to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate claimed to be the highest in the world. The trek takes approximately 3-4hrs giving the climbers the best view of sunrise on the summit in case one has the energy to climb. This trek guarantees a tremendous view and an interesting adventure.
Distance: 7 km from Kurangani village
Activities: Trekking, tea estate exploration, sunrise viewing
Things To Do On Kurangani Hills Trekking Adventure
1. Explore Scenic Trails
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Kurangani Hills trek is purposely famous for the great nature trails covering tea estates, forests and grasslands. For the most part, these are relatively unmarked, allowing the hiker to become one with nature as well as marvel at the wonders of the Hills. These trails are especially suited for trekkers offering a closer look at the untouched beauty of Kurangani.
2. Wildlife Spotting
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The local flora of Kurangani Hills trek consists of many natural wildlife habitats and fauna such as bison, wild boars, langurs and many kinds of birds that reside around the forest of Kurangani Hills. Walking on the tracks gently in these terrains raises the probability of viewing wildlife, which is an extra advantage for lovers of nature and the camera.
3. Capture Panoramic Views
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The area has breathtaking views at every corner one can take, especially when at Kurangani Hills. The trekkers will be able to get the best view of terrains such as tea gardens, forests and high mountain ranges from the trek. Two attractions are vital to setting foot on the Kurangani Hills circuit and capturing the flora fauna and beauty: the Top Station viewpoint and the Kolukkumalai Peak.
Where To Stay
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Tentatively there are many accommodation facilities for tourists in Kurangani Hills catering for different classes. Accommodation is available in the village with the Kurangani Homestay, Theni Eco Farm where visitors are placed in comfortable rooms and fed local foods. There are many choices for luxury accommodations in Theni especially the Western Ghats Villas for the luxury comfort in the middle of nature.
Where To Eat
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Hence, for the Kurangani Hills trek, there are several restaurants obtainable in Theni and the nearby towns. Any local food joint or small restaurant will boast of South Indian delicacies such as dosas, idlis and biryanas. You can also get your fresh cup of tea at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. In the area of accommodations that provide overnight accommodation, meals for guests are provided at Western Ghats Villas and Kurangani Homestay among others.
Best Time For Trekking In Kurangani Hills
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The Best time for trekking in Kurangani Hills is during the cool themes from October to March. It is during this month that the temperature is low and fluctuates between 15°C and 25°C; perfect conditions for hiking, for example. This is the best time and best weather to trek the Kurangani hills.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost: For transportation, entry fees, food, and guide charges, a one-day trip may cost between INR 500 to INR 1500 per head for Kurangani Hills. Possible costs are related to the means of transportation used and whether a guide has been hired or not.
Cash Payment: The visitor needs to know that hard cash is well welcomed in Kurangani Hills especially in the village and in local small restaurants or local stores along the trek. Credit and debit cards may not be accepted by most vendors, it would therefore be wise if adequate cash is carried.
Essential Trekking Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Carry at least 2-3 litres of water as the is usually strenuous, especially during the trek.
- Wear Sturdy Shoes: At times the ground can be rough, so finding a suitable pair of trekking shoes will not be a bad idea.
- Pack Light: Take things such as a small medical kit, insect repellent and a compass or map.
- Respect Nature: Do not throw anything anywhere and make sure the trails are left as they were found.
- Check the Weather: Always check the weather since mountain weather can sometimes be unpredictable.
Trekking in Kurangani Hills is always amazing and memorable. It involves breathtaking sceneries and real adventure trips where people have to avoid the roads and seek natural beauty. For children, casual strolls, and first.btnCancel␣(I) for adults, advanced hikers, and experienced trail runners. The Kurangani mountains do not pose a challenge to even first-time trekkers and the general ambience of the place feels extremely riveting to travel enthusiasts. However, both inexperienced and expert hikers, pack your bags, tighten your boots and let’s go trekking in the fascinating Kurangani Hills!
Cover Photo: pandeeswaran / Wikimedia Commons