Located in Tamil Nadu, near the village of Thenmathimangalam, this one day trek to Parvathamalai is one of the very few trails in the Eastern Ghats. Parvathamalai is 30 kms away from Thiruvannamalai district and is nestled inside the Parvathamalai Reserved Forest in the Pudupalayam range.
Rich in history and mythology, Parvathamalai sees a mix of devotees and trekkers making their way to the top for their own respective reasons. Legend has it that this hill was a part of the Sanjeevani mountain that Lord Hanuman carries in the mythological epic, Ramayana. Staying true to the legend, the hill is home to rare plants and herbs that have high medicinal value.
The trail offers sprawling views of the surrounding hills that form part of the Eastern Ghats but at a small price. The trek is not an easy one and the terrain can be challenging. But just as any trek, the best views come after a difficult climb and Parvathamalai is no exception!
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Parvathamalai trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Parvathamalai Trail
The trek can be completed via two routes, Thenmathimangalam or Kadaladi. The Kadaladi route is shorter but is also more challenging and can be tricky. It is advisable to take the route via Thenmathimangalam, particularly if you are not an experienced or professional trekker.
The trek starts from the village of Thenmathimangalam. You can get down at the Parvathamalai entrance point stop and walk to Sri Pachaiyamman temple. You can see Parvathamalai standing in all its might in front of you. Take the straight road ahead to reach the temple. Pachaiyamman temple can also be reached by your own vehicle or auto. The distance from the bus stop to the temple is 1.5 kms.
The walk to the temple is pleasant and gives you a glimpse into rural Tamil Nadu. The mango trees and fields are refreshing to walk past, particularly early in the morning. The hymns and chants from the temple and the mild morning mist make the path magical.
If you are reaching the temple by your own vehicle, you can park it at the parking lot near the temple.
From here you walk ahead to cross a forest check post and Sri Anjaneya temple after which the path gradually ascends through dense forest. Carry your government issued ID card to present at the check post if required. A number of rare birds such as Bar Headed Goose can be found in this part of the trail. The path is lush green in monsoon and small streams of water can be found flowing around.
Close to half an hour on this trail, you will reach the Veerabhadra temple. Free food and clean water is available here. You can also charge your phones by requesting the management here.
From here, the trail ascends. The path is well laid with more than 1200 stone steps that take you through thick forest cover that is home to rich flora and fauna. This section can be tiring so ensure you cover it at a steady pace and have enough water to keep yourself hydrated. At the end of the stairs begins a mud path through boulders. The trail is clearly demarcated with arrows, follow them as they lead you up the trail. A little through this mud path, you will come across a Lord Shiva temple built with stones. Walk to the front of the temple to see a spectacular view of mountains grouped together in front of you. You can get some rest here.
The trail continues into the forest with trees whose roots crawl everywhere around the ground. This trail takes you to the Kadaladi-Thenmathimangalam junction. It takes around 1 hour to reach the junction from the Veerabhadra temple. Once you reach the junction, get some rest and have some food to recharge for the most challenging bit of the trek.
The climb to the top of Parvathamalai starts with a steep ascent on uneven rocks and boulders. Take support from the metal railings wherever they are available. Upon climbing this section of the trail, you will reach the Kadaparai Hill. Take a moment to soak in the views of the Eastern Ghats before you continue moving up.
The Kadaparai Hill is inclined at a gradient of close to 70 degrees. Iron rods have been drilled into the rock to create a staircase of sorts to assist the climb. Although short, this climb is exciting to say the least. At the end of the climb is a flat surface and a short walk on this surface takes you to a set of vertical iron stairs. These stairs bridge the gap between two hills and can be slightly daunting if you are afraid of heights! A few more iron ladder crossings will come your way and then you arrive at the last part of the trail.
This part is called Idukku Paarai. The trail is basically stone cut steps through a narrow path with boulders on both sides. There is space for only one person at a time. Once you cross this section, you can see the Parvathamalai temple on the top. A set of man made steps take you to the top.
Spend some time here enjoying the panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats before making your way down. The way down is different and the trail from the top takes you down a steep flight of stairs and then another route will connect you to the common route taken to go up. You can ask around for assistance if you are confused at any point!
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Adventure Filled Trail
Although a day trek, the Parvathamalai trail is not an easy one and will test your endurance! The terrain is steep and filled with rocks and boulders, making it an adventure filled affair. For all you trekkers out there who are looking for an adrenaline rush in a one day trek, Parvathamalai is your go to choice of treks in South India.
2. Flora and Fauna
The forests of Parvathamalai are said to be home to a variety of rare plants and herbs. They are also said to have high medicinal value. A number of different flowers can also be found here. The region is also home to rare birds like Orange Breasted Green Pigeon and Bar Headed Goose.
3. Views of the Eastern Ghats
The views of the Eastern Ghats on this trail are unlike any other and it is almost magical to watch them from the top as they are shrouded in clouds. The trail offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below, captivating the trekkers with its beauty.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
1. Iron Stairs and Ladder Crossings
It can be tricky to navigate the sections with the iron stairs and ladders. It is important to take the slow and steady approach and cross these sections gradually to avoid any injuries or mishaps.
2. 1200+ Stairs
The trail after the Veerabhadra temple transforms into a long set of stairs. This section can be exhausting especially if you are not fit and unprepared for the trek. Sip on water and take breaks at regular intervals to avoid complete exhaustion and dehydration.
3. Descent Through the Steep Stairs
The descent from the top via the steep set of stairs can be challenging given that they are narrow and difficult to climb down. Ensure you place your foot in a comfortable spot before stepping forward.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Parvathamalai is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Parvathamalai Trek
The best time to do this trek is between September to February. The temperatures are moderate and it is more pleasant to trek through the forests during this time.
The monsoon months are slippery and make it difficult to climb the iron and rock sections. It is advisable to avoid trekking here when it is raining. Summer months can get really hot with soaring temperatures that will make the experience unpleasant and more difficult.
How to Reach the Base
Thenmathimangalam is a short distance away from Thiruvannamalai. Thiruvannamalai can be reached from Chennai either by a private vehicle or by public transport.
If you are taking public transport from Chennai, there are regular buses operated by TNSTC between Chennai and Thiruvannamalai. Thiruvannamalai is 195 kms away from Chennai and the TNSTC bus will take around 4-5 hours. The ticket price is around INR 200-300.
From Thiruvannamalai, you can take another local bus to reach Parvathamalai entrance point in Thenmathimangalam.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parvathamalai
1. Do I need any permits for the trail?
You do not need any permits to trek to the top of Parvathamalai. However, there is a forest check post at the beginning of the trail so it is advisable to carry your government issued ID cards. Camping is not allowed on Parvathamalai.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
You will get free food and water at the Veerabhadra temple. Beyond this point, you can find small stalls on the stairs section. There are no more stalls for food or water after this section. It is advisable to carry some snacks and sufficient water for the trail.
3. Is there cellular network connectivity on the trail?
Jio and Airtel subscribers have access to good signal on the trail. The network can be patchy at certain sections.
4. Stay options near Parvathamalai?
You can find a number of hotels to stay the night in Thiruvannamalai.
5. How long does the trek take?
The trek takes 7-8 hours to complete, that is to go up and return back to Pachaiyamman temple. It is advisable to start the trek early in the morning to avoid the heat from the sun.
6. Is this trek for beginners?
This is a moderate trek and can be challenging for beginners. If you are a beginner, make sure you adequately prepare for the trek before attempting it.
That’s all about the Parvathamalai trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to Parvathamalai, please feel free to reach out to our team.
