Meghamalai Tour Packages from Coimbatore

What is Meghamalai and what is it known for?

Meghamalai, also written Megamalai, is a range in Theni district on the Western Ghats, at about 1,500 m. The Theni district site says locals call it Megamalai, the cloud mountain, because the peak is almost always covered in cloud. The British called it the High Wavy Mountain, which is where the name Highwavys comes from. The district page also gives the old name Paccha Kumachi, meaning green peak. Tea and cardamom estates cover much of the range, and six dams sit on the hill, including Manalar and High Wavys. The Vaigai river rises in this range.

The area is part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve, created on 11 April 2021 as Tamil Nadu's fifth tiger reserve. Expect forest checkposts on the climb, and expect fewer crowds than Ooty or Kodaikanal.

What are the best Meghamalai places to visit?

If you searched for Megamalai places to visit, the stops are the same, since the range is spelled both ways. The main stops are Highwavys Dam, Manalar Dam, the tea estate roads and the forest viewpoints. Maharaja Mettu is one of the viewpoints we use, subject to access on the day. Suruli Falls is on the way back down, about 56 km from Theni and 10 km from Cumbum. The Theni district page describes it as a two-stage cascade fed by the Suruli river, which rises in the Meghamalai range. Entry to the dams and estates depends on the forest department and the estates themselves. If a stop is closed, we swap in another nearby.

Meghamalai weather: what to expect

At 1,500 m, Meghamalai is cooler than the plains and clouds roll in fast, so views change within the hour. October to March is the most dependable season. The south-west monsoon, June to September, brings heavy rain on the Ghats, and Wikipedia advises against travel in June and July. Carry a light jacket and a rain cover in any month. Phone signal on the hill is patchy, so tell your family your plan before you leave.

How far is Meghamalai from Coimbatore and what is the road like?

Meghamalai is about 255 km from Coimbatore, a drive of about 5.5 hours. The road runs to Theni, and the Theni district site puts Meghamalai about 50 km from Theni. The climb goes through a forest checkpost, and checkpost timings can change, so we plan the climb in daylight. Stay options on the hill are limited. The hilltop has forest lodges and panchayat rest houses, so we book the best available cottage or guest house, named in your quote, rather than a 3-star hotel.

Is Meghamalai the right trip for you?

It is for people who want tea estates, cloud and quiet, not a busy hill station with markets. The Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve combines the Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary, and it is India's 51st tiger reserve. The Meghamalai (Suruli) Falls on the Suruli river drops in two stages. The estates are private, so access to some roads and dams depends on permission on the day. If you want shops, cafes and a lake to row on, Kodaikanal or Ooty is a better match.

What does a Meghamalai tour package cost?

Our Meghamalai 3 days tour package starts at ₹10,900 per person with two nights on the hill. Day 1 is the drive up and Highwavys, Day 2 is Manalar Dam and the viewpoints, and Day 3 is Suruli Falls and the drive home. One price covers the AC vehicle, driver, fuel, toll, parking and the stay. Meals, entry tickets and personal expenses are extra. It suits couples, small groups of friends and photographers who are fine with a simple stay.

Can you combine Meghamalai with Kodaikanal or Kerala?

Yes. Meghamalai is on the Theni side of the Ghats, so Kodaikanal, Madurai and Thekkady are all within reach. Our Kodaikanal 4 day package is a good second trip. Call or WhatsApp +91 86101 62373 to ask for a custom plan.