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Sirumalai Hills

A dense forest region spread out in an area of 60,000 acres, Sirumalai Hills are a welcome break from the bustling city life of Madurai which is located 40 Km short of the area. The journey is truly enthralling as you have to encounter over 18 bends some of which provide enchanting view of Dindigul city. The region is popular among trekkers and nature lovers who find exquisite flora and fauna of the region special and unique.

The region which was known till late for the famed Sirumalai bananas now has a substantial growth of Silver Oak which has been grown in large number by the farming community in the region. The hill range is also home to large number of medicinal herbal flora and is around 1600 metres above mean sea level.

History

References to Sirumalai are found in old Ayurveda research journals. In ancient times, Sirumalai was a place of keen interest for researchers and ayurveda practitioners as medicinal plants which were used in ayurveda and Siddha were found here in significant numbers. Sirumalai finds mention in Silappadhikaram and it is widely believed that Kannagi rested here while on the way to Madurai. Historical references also indicate that Lord Hanuman while on his way back to Sir Lanka with Sanjivini dropped some of it at Sirumalai. 

Geography

Sirumalai Hills are located on the eastern edge of Dindigul district. The hills lie between 10’ 07’’ -10’18’’ Northern latitude to 77’55” to 78’ 12” Eastern longitude. The annual rainfall in the region is around 2,500 mm and the temperature varies in the region from a minimum of 15 degrees to a maximum of 35 degree. The average elevation in the area varies from 1500 to 1700 metres. 

Environment

Sirumalai Hills are home to a diverse range of flora. The vegetation in the region varies from tropical thorny forests to mixed deciduous forests. You will also find forests belonging to moist deciduous, semi evergreen and dry evergreen categories in these hills. The entire stretch comes under reserve forest area and permission from forest division office is needed to visit the place. The region has a luxurious growth of oak and rosewood. Nellikai and Katakai trees also grow in the Sirumalai Hills. Faunal species like bear, bisons, birds, panthers, loris and barking dear are found in the region. Private plantations growing coffee, cardamom, banana, lemon and black pepper are common in Sirumalai.

The region is considered to be a haven for avid bird watchers and hiking and trekking is undertaken in the area on regular basis.

Protected Areas

Though Sirumalai Hills does not come under the preview of protected area in the state of Tamil Nadu, the area falls under a proposed wildlife sanctuary circuit. The proposed sanctuary comes under the preview of Karandamalai- Sirumalai sanctuary which when fully operational will cover an area of 30 square km. Sirumalai Hills are in the process of being declared as a reserve forest soon and stringent permission will have to be taken from government authorities for venturing into the region soon.

Tourism

Sirumalai Hills are a trekker’s paradise. 18 hairpin bends are a specialty of these hills as each of the turns offer a panoramic view of the surroundings. You can choose to trek and move around the small villages which will offer you a true glimpse of the cultural richness of these hills. Those with religious devotion will find the place truly aesthetic as it is home to a Shiva temple and a Pandian era temple at Thenmalai, enroute to the Sirumalai hills.

Places to See

Annai Velankanni Church

The famous church is located on one of the hairpin bends on way to the Sirumalai Hills. A festival by the name of ‘Our Lady of Good Health’ is held here every September and attracts devotees from far and wide.

Vellimalai Temple

People visiting Sirumalai hills do not forget to pay obedience at Vellimalai temple which is located in one of the villages on the way to Sirumalai.

Sanjivini Hill

Sanjivini hill is a hillock in these hill ranges and is visited in large numbers by tourists. It is believed that this hillock is a part of a wider hill which Lord Hanuman was carrying on his way back to Sri Lanka with the famed Sanjivini buti for Lord Laxman.

Khandige Estate

An old estate, Khandige is located amidst dense forests. Those with interest in exploring the faunal life of Sirumalai region can think about halting here as wild animals frequent the area during night hours. Three rivers flow in this region and two of these are perennial making it a great place for adventure and fun seekers.

Kottai Mariamman Temple

Mariamman is the presiding deity in Kottai Mariamman temple which is over 200 years old. Located in the vicinity of Kottai Mariamman temple are other smaller temple dedicated to Lord Vinakaya, Durga and Muneeswaran. A festival is held here every year during the month of February and attracts visitors in large numbers from all over the region.

Sirumalai Hills are also popular for its numerous coffee estates and you can visit any of these with prior permission from estate managers. Boating can also be tried at Sirumalai Lake before you head back to the plains.

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