Periyamalai is a massive hill near the town of Krishnagiri, with a temple perched at its summit. The trek to the top is challenging but manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness. It offers a mix of rocky climbs, forest trails, and breathtaking views, making it a memorable adventure.
Starting the Journey
The day began with an unexpected drizzle as I left home. Given the dry weather over the past few days, this was a surprise. To be on the safe side, I picked up a raincoat before jumping into the car. On the way, I picked up Subbu, and by then, the rain had intensified. A quick glance at the weather forecast showed rain only for that day, which was frustrating. Still, we decided to proceed with our plan.
Reaching the base of the hill was straightforward. Google Maps accurately led us to Periyamalai Sri Perumalappan Temple, a well-known temple among locals and a frequent pilgrimage site. The area had ample parking.
The Trek: Four Phases of Adventure
The trek can be logically divided into four phases:
Phase 1: Walk on the Steps
The trek begins behind the temple with well-laid steps leading to another temple. This section is relatively easy and takes about 10-15 minutes with a continuous climb.
Phase 2: Climbing the Rocky Forest Path
After the temple, the steps end, giving way to a rocky trail through the forest. The drizzle continued, and clouds enveloped the hill, adding a mystical touch to the surroundings. There was a viewpoint along the way that offered a glimpse of the landscape below. By this point, we had gained about 500 feet of altitude. We also passed another temple with a natural spring.
Phase 3: A Scenic Walk with Grasslands and Valleys
This section was relatively flat, offering a brief respite before the toughest phase. Due to the rain, visibility was low, making the surroundings even more surreal. We met a couple on their way down, who warned us about the slippery rocks ahead but reassured us that railings were present for support. When the weather is clear, you can get views of grasslands, shepherd houses, and grazing sheep.
Phase 4: Steep Rocky Climb with Railings
The final phase was the most challenging, with a steep climb on rocks. The wet conditions made the ascent tricky, but the railings were a lifesaver. At times, we had to pull ourselves up using the railings, feeling (only slightly) like Everest climbers! We also spotted remnants of old fortifications, hinting that this hill might have once been a fortress. A ladder was placed at one section to help with the climb.
Reaching the Summit
After 1 hour and 45 minutes, we finally reached the top. A temple stood there, surrounded by mist and clouds. The view was breathtaking—we were above the clouds, and the sense of tranquility was overwhelming.
The temple was open despite no one being around. We spent a long time in its veranda, enjoying the peace, interrupted only by the sound of the wind. It was a perfect place to sit, relax, and soak in the moment.
The Descent
Climbing down was more challenging due to the slippery rocks. Fortunately, the rain had eased, making it slightly easier. Even so, we took about the same amount of time descending as we did climbing up.
By the time we reached the parking area, we were immensely satisfied. The unexpected weather had made the trek even more memorable. Experiences like these don’t happen every day!
Useful Information and Tips
- Duration: The trek takes about 2-3 hours to climb up and 1-2 hours to descend.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy trekking shoes, especially if there’s a chance of rain.
- Navigation: The path is clear, and there’s little chance of getting lost.
- Water: Carry enough water, particularly on hot days.
- Food: Basic snacks like churmuri are available at the base. For a proper meal, Krishnagiri town has good options.
- Leave No Trace: Keep the trail clean—carry back any trash and leave only your footprints!
Dinesh Chandra Tiwari
Interesting.