5 Best Adventure & Trekking Places near Madurai

At a distance of 18 km from Kodaikanal & 55 km from Palani, Perumal Peak is a trekker's delight situated near Perumalmalai village close to Palani road. Perumal Peak or Perumal Malai Peak is a high peak at kodaikanal in the Perumalmalai hills, which are part of the greater Western Ghat mountain range in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places for trekking in Kodaikanal and also one of the top attractions you must include in Kodaikanal packages.

The trek begins from the foot of the Peak near Perumal Malai Village which is 11 km from Kodaikanal. The trek distance is about 7 km one way and takes about 3-4 hours one way. Most of the trekking stretch is of moderate difficulty while few parts are little steep. Overnight camping is also possible on the peak while most of the trekkers visit the peak and return on the same day.

Perumal Malai Village can be reached from Palani or Kodaikanal by bus or private vehicles.

Distance from Madurai: 114 Kms

At a distance 50 km from Namakkal, 87 km from Salem, 135 km from Trichy & 395 km from Chennai, Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a small mountain range located in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit near Trichy.

These hills are situated at an elevation of 1000 to 1300 m and cover an area of approximately 280 sq km. The Kolli Hills has 70 hairpin bends to reach the top of the hills from the Namakkal side. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty. It can be visited as a day trip as part of Tiruchirappalli tour packages.

The mountain is named Kolli Malai after the Goddess Ettukkai Amman (Kolli Paavai). According to legend, the sages chose Kolli hills when they were looking for a peaceful place to do their penance. However, the demons invaded the hills to disrupt the penance when the sages began their rituals. The sages prayed to Kollipavai, who according to the myth, chased away the demons.

Trekking at Kolli Hills is a popular activity. Trekking to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls is a wonderful experience. There are two viewpoints - one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu. There is a pineapple research farm maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu at Seekuparai Viewpoint. Kundur Nadu, Puliancholai, and Ariyur Solai are the three main reserved forests ...

Distance from Madurai: 208 Kms

At a distance of 48 km from Trivandrum and 33 km from Ponmudi Bus Station, Varayadu Motta is a mountain ridge located in Ponmudi, Kerala. It is one of the popular places of trekking in Ponmudi.

Situated at a height of 1100 m, Varayadumotta is the highest peak in the Ponmudi ranges. Also known as Varayadumudi and Varayattumutti, the place derived its name from Nilgiri tahr / Varayadu, as this place is a favorable home for mountain goats (Nilgiri Tahr) in acute population. Varying elevation and peculiar shape of this hill is unique in the world. It is a protected mountain ridge situated in between Ponmudi hills, Palode (Brimore) hills, and Kallar valley. It includes 13 peaks and the second peak is the highest in Varayadumotta.

Varayudu Motta is the third adventurous trekking in South India after Meesapulimala and Agastyarkoodam. The trekking level can be from moderate to tough. Tough for first-timers, but they will never forget the experience for a long time. The ridge is a protected site under the Palode reserve forest and prior permission is required for the trekking. The permission can be obtained from the ecotourism units of Mankayam or Ponmudi by paying a fee for the trekking team. A forest guide will accompany the trekking team. Usually, trekkers climb the mountain and return to either Mankayam or Ponmudi. It is also possible to cross the entire ridge and reach the Kallar valley along the Ponmudi main road. However, this is a much tougher trek trail.


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Distance from Madurai: 261 Kms

At a distance of 44 km from Ponmudi and 62 km from Trivandrum, Agasthyakoodam is a mountain peak situated near Ponmudi. It is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats and among the popular places of trekking in Kerala.

Perched at an altitude of 6201 feet, Agasthyarkoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala after Anamudi near Munnar (8842 feet), and among the best Ponmudi places to visit. The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva. There is a small shrine on the mountain top with an idol of Agasthya rishi and during the Agasthyarkoodam trekking season, people perform pujas here. The hill range is now declared as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park covering an area of 23 sq. km. Also, it is the source of River Kallar.

Apart from being a popular pilgrimage site, Agasthyakoodam is a paradise for ardent trekkers. It is a 20 km long trek which can be completed in 2-3 days. The trekking expedition starts from Bonocaud, a place situated around 30 km away from Ponumudi. The forest area of this trek is known for its remarkable flora and fauna, especially certain rare medicinal herbs which have been discovered here. Over 2000 species including lichens, orchids, mosses, and ferns have been recorded in the area. ...

Distance from Madurai: 269 Kms

At a distance of 10 km from Marmala Waterfalls, 30 km from Vagamon, and 57 km from Kottayam, Illikkal Kallu is a monolith located on top of the Illickal Mala near Meladukkam village in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is one of the scenic viewpoints in the Western Ghats, and among the top places to visit during Vagamon tour.

Situated at an altitude of 3400 feet, Illikkal Kallu is a major tourist attraction in Moonnilavu and Thalanadu village of Meenachil taluk. Illikkal Kallu is one of the three hills comprising of Illikkal Mala, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resembles a mushroom, which is why it is known as Kuda Kallu (umbrella-shaped rock). The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kallu (hunch back rock). There are two bridges connecting the hills, known as Naragapalam (Hell bridge) and Swargavathil (Entrance to Heaven). A new rope-way is proposed connecting Illikal Kallu and the nearby hill Ilaveezha Poonchira, as a part of Kerala Tourism.

The beauty and the landscape of Illikkal Kallu are similar to that of the Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal. Only one-half of the original rock remains, as the other half of the rock has fallen off. The view from Illikal Kallu is mesmerizing with numerous hills rising to the clouds and the deep valleys. From the hilltop, the Arabian Sea can be seen on the far ...

Distance from Madurai: 214 Kms