Weekend hikes are always a good way to take a break from city life. When my family suggested going on a short trek, I started looking at a few nearby places and soon zeroed in on Musattu Malai, a hill near Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu. The place looked interesting, less crowded, and perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Early Morning Start
We started a little earlier than usual, knowing that the weather in this region can become quite hot during the day. The drive from Bengaluru was smooth and uneventful. We took the Hosur–Krishnagiri highway, and with most of the bridge construction work completed now, the drive has become much better compared to before.
We stopped for breakfast at Shri Krishna Inn and then continued towards the Kuppam side after Krishnagiri.
Through Villages and Farms
The final stretch of about two kilometres was through village roads lined with farms and coconut plantations. It was a beautiful drive and gave a nice rural feel to the journey. We parked the car at the end of the road after a local villager suggested it was a safe place to leave the vehicle. He also gave us directions to the hill and warned us about the trail deviations along the route. From the village, Musattu Malai was clearly visible.
We started walking, and within a few minutes we reached a small whitewashed temple.
Choosing the Trail
Soon we reached a small tank where the trail split into two paths.
The trail on the right was shorter but much steeper, involving a bit of rock scrambling. The trail on the left was longer and went around the hill through the forest before gradually climbing towards the summit.
Since we had first-time trekkers in our group, we chose the forest route. It turned out to be the right decision.
Walk Through the Forest
The path through the forest was very clear and easy to follow. Even though the heat had already started building up, the shade from the trees made the walk comfortable. Recent rains had also brought some greenery to the landscape, making the trail look fresh and pleasant.
After walking for around thirty minutes, we reached the rocky section of the hill. From here onward, the trail was exposed to the sun. Steps had been constructed in a few steep sections, making the climb easier.
As we climbed higher, the scenery slowly started opening up. The views of the surrounding countryside and forests were beautiful.
Reaching the Summit
We climbed slowly, taking breaks whenever we found patches of shade. After some time, we finally spotted the temple at the summit, which gave everyone renewed energy for the final stretch.
It took us around one hour from the village to reach the top.
The summit was surprisingly peaceful. There was a small Vishnu temple at the top, and slightly below it was a tiny pond surrounded by flowering trees. The place looked absolutely beautiful and felt very calm.
We spent some time exploring the summit area and later rested near the pond under the shade of the trees. After the hot climb, that quiet moment felt incredibly refreshing.
Village Hospitality
The descent was straightforward and uneventful. Back in the village, we experienced the warm hospitality of a local family. I have generally found people in the Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri regions to be very helpful, and this experience once again reminded me of that.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Musattu Malai turned out to be a wonderful short hike. It is a great option for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a peaceful trekking experience away from crowded tourist spots. The combination of forest trail, rocky climb, summit views, and village atmosphere makes it a memorable outing.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Carry enough water, especially during summer, as the area becomes very hot.
- Avoid trekking alone since the place sees very few visitors.
- The left trail through the forest is easier and suitable for beginners.
- The right trail is steeper, involves some scrambling, and the route is not always clearly visible.
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