Meghamalai is the mountain range located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu district in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the Western ghats at an elevation of 1500 m above sea level. It is also called as High Wavy mountains. The meaning of the Meghamalai is ‘hills covered with clouds’. It is the place, where the clouds meet the hills. This 6000 acre area is surrounded by dense forests. This place offers the gorgeous view of dense forests, green mountains and lakes. This beautiful place features numerous tea estates. It is rich in fauna and flora and it simply makes this a very beautiful place.

History

Meghamalai hill is less known part of the Madurai hills. Since 1920, this Meghamalai has been known as ‘High Wavy’, which means a high range of mountains and hills.

Environment

This place has tea and coffee estates and also the spice plantation, such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon. There are dense forests at the top of the Meghamalai hills. Rare species of flora and fauna available in the forests. There are a variety of butterflies, birds, mammal and reptiles seen in the forests. Other animals include tiger, wild boar, deer, porcupine, bear, flying squirrel and birds like Bulbul, barn swallow, spotted dove, fly catcher, kite seen there. Winter season is the best time to visit the place as the temperature is ideal and you can enjoy the nature. Meghamalai is the best place to visit and enjoy.

Tourism

Meghamalai is the most attractive place with amazing natural beauty in Tamil Nadu. It has various unpolluted tourist points such as forest, river and lakes. River Suruli originates from Meghamalai hills. The Manalar, Iravangalaru and Venniyar dams and the Suruli falls on the Meghamalai hills are the attraction points for the tourist. You can view Cumbum valley from the Manalar dam. Tourism department will soon start the boat or ferry service, so that tourist can enjoy the beauty of the hill. High Wavys offers a wonderful view of the mountain range of Varusanadu hills. Mahara Mettu point offers you a great view the valleys, and good view of towns and villages surrounding the mountain. One can enjoy watching the animals roaming in the forests near to the Meghamalai.

The Manalaar, Cloudlands and Highways are the largest tea estates. Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is developed in 600 Sq km of the forest. You can reach Meghamalai falls from Theni or from Andipatti. Theni and Andapatti are easily accessible by road. The Meghamalai hill is the 130 km from Madurai.

Protected Area

Rare species of birds and flora found here. The Meghamalai is rich in flora and fauna, that’s why government declared this place as a protected area.

Places to Visit

Meghamalai Falls

This Meghamalai falls originates from the Meghamalai hills. It occurs on Suruli river. Water flows through twin falls throughout the year. Wild animals such as spotted bear and elephants often visit the falls, which is like a treat for tourists. This is a well known spot for adventure lovers.

Vellimalai

It is a silver mountain at an elevation of 1650 m. It is heart of Meghamalai hills. The Vaigai river originates from this mountain. This place is near from the Periyar tiger reserve. You can view wild animals as well tea gardens from the mountain. You will feel that silver clouds have rested on the green hilltop.

Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Bird lovers and nature lovers enjoy the memorable experience at Wildlife Sanctuary. This place has green vegetation and dense forest lands.

Suruli Falls

It is 120 km from Madurai. It is a great spot for the tourists. This falls originates from the Meghamalai mountain and flows down in 2 steps. Numerous tourists visit this place to witness the true excellence of nature.