Megamalai is a serene hill station in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, beautiful landscape in addition to a peaceful ambience. It is filled with natural wonders, wildlife, and tea plantations making it ideal for nature lovers. Several places to visit in Megamalai include misty mountains and tranquil lakes away from the chaos of city life. It should always be on your list of top places. No matter if you plan your trip alone or with family this place will surely leave you with memories to remember. In this guide, we will cover the best places to visit in Megamalai.
Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit In Megamalai
Some of the most common places to visit in Megamalai mainly include:
1. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
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Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is near Megamalai in Tamil Nadu, precisely 3 km from the Megamalai Bus Station. It attracts a large number of tourists to Megamalai and is undoubtedly one of the most famous wildlife locations in Tamil Nadu. Megamalai Sanctuary is spread over a vast area of more than 63000 hectares and is one of the most exciting tourist attractions for bird watching and adventurous treasure. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal buffer zone to the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala since it is located at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Top Tourist Attractions: Elephant sightings, Bird watching
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (42 km)
Entry Fee: N/A
2. High Wavys Dam
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Set in misty hills and tea plantations, High Wavys Dam is a must-visit for those who love the scenery as it offers breathtaking views of the Megamalai from the dam. It is a great spot for visiting, ease of walking along the dam allows for a stroll and a serene view of the Megamalai hills for nature photographers. The dam is set amidst green verdant complete with the ideal spot for picnics and relaxation. It also provides support to the agricultural irrigation system. Due to this, it is one of the best tourist attractions in Megamalai.
Top Tourist Attractions: Scenic views, Picnicking
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (48 km)
3. Suruli Falls
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Situated in the foothills of Megamalai, Suruli Falls is a magnificent two-tiered waterfall that tumbles over 150 feet. Suruli Falls is one of the most attractive tourist places in Megamalai which attracts nature lovers from all over India. The place welcomes visitors to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the fall or to follow a path through the dense forest around the area. The herbal properties of the water in the falls are also rumoured to heal. Suruli Falls is particularly popular during the monsoon season. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Megamalai.
Top Tourist Attractions: Waterfall Bathing, Scenic Hike
Nearest Airport: Madurai (130 km)
4. Manalar Dam
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The Manalar Dam is quite remote, located among tea gardens and is a wonderful place to go for a completely secluded nature trip. The Manalar Dam constructed in 1978 CE closed off the use of the river called Suruli River locally known as the Manalar River. It has 13.5 million m3 of water storage capacity. There are two primary attractions in Megamalai – the calm and beautiful lake and the picturesque mountain ranges. This spot should be placed on the top of the Megamalai tourist places list.
Top Tourist Attractions: Tea Plantations, Photography
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (50 km)
5. Vellimalai
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Vellimalai or Silver Mountain is a peak that gives one a view of the range of Megamalai tourist places and the area around. This place is very important and considered as the centre point of Megamalai. Vellimalai is more serene and calm to watch the wildlife and the scientifically developed tea plantation areas. The never-ending tea hills which extend far and wide into the evergreen forest and various types of animals that start making noise only make the experience even more beautiful that is in store for you. You can relax there without having to worry about anything.
Top Experiences: Trekking, Photography
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (48 km)
Entry Fee: N/A
6. Iravangalar Dam
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Iravangalar Dam is located in Meghamalai hills, nestled between quite a place away from the chaotic urban life. The dam is tucked away in some lush tea estates and forested hills and makes for a very peaceful place for nature lovers to stay. It is also a great place for photography as the tranquil water from the Iravangalar Dam reflects greenery. Considering this, Megamalai is a great place to visit for a quiet day in nature and it is a must-visit place in any Megamalai tourist places list.
Top Tourist Attractions: Scenic Views, Fishing
Nearest Airport: Madurai (140 km)
7. Tea Estates
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Amongst the most iconic and peaceful places to visit in Megamalai are the vast tea estates of Megamalai. These misty hills are home to these expansive plantations making for an idyllic and picture-perfect view. There are guided tours of the tea plantations where visitors are told what the tea plants are, and how they are grown and produced. To feel it, visitors engage in tea-tasting sessions and wander around on foot through the lavish surroundings. Tea estates make for great leisurely walks, photography, and beautiful fresh mountain air.
Top Experiences: Tea Tasting, Plantation Tours
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (44 km)
Entry Fee: N/A
8. Chinna Suruli Falls
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Chinna Suruli Falls is the hidden tourist attraction in Megamalai far from the tourist places. The waterfall seems to cascade in different tiers that submerge in dense forest and is a serene unspoiled sight. For those looking for something a little different, an off-the-beaten-track adventure is what it is! During the monsoon (i.e., the season with the largest valley water flow) the falls are at their best. Visitors can have a peaceful day by the waterfall to soak in the natural beauty or hike around the surrounding forest trails.
Top Tourist Attractions: Waterfall, Nature Trails
Nearest Airport: Madurai (120 km)
9. Venniar Tea Estate
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For tea lovers and nature enthusiasts, one of the places that are not to be missed is Venniar Tea Estate. It has lush green fields across hills and is a beautiful place to watch that from. On the guided tours, visitors can walk through the tea plantations and learn about how the tea gets produced from plucking to packaging. Educational and sensory delight — a walk through the estate is a must as tea leaves loom freshly in the air. Photography is a popular thing to do at the estate at sunrise and sunset. You can choose these places for a Megamalai trip to something exciting.
Top Experiences: Plantation Walks, Photography
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (42 km)
10. Megamalai Viewpoint
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The Megamalai Viewpoint is one of the most picturesque Megamalai tourist places in Tamil Nadu, just 11 km away from Megamalai Bus Station. It is surrounded by blissful nature and covered with lush greenery all over the place. If you have a knack for adventurous activities, this is the right place. You can also engage in various activities such as campfires or having a relaxing night. To reach the highest point you need to do a short trek. Also, while trekking keep in mind that there are no shops in the vicinity so you need to carry your water bottle, a small pack of snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Top Tourist Attractions: Panoramic Views, Photography
Nearest Railway Station: Theni (45 km)
Entry Fee: N/A
All these places to visit in Megamalai, its staggering flora and fauna, serene tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and the hillside cities, each destination has something special to offer. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, with a serene atmosphere and breathtaking views. Plan your trip with TripXL and enjoy a seamless experience all the while exploring the best of Megamalai.
Cover Photo: Shanmugam. M / Wikimedia Commons