Chinna Suruli – Thenpalani

Grade

Moderate

Distance

12 km one way

Walking time

6 hours

Altitude

914 m

Best months

Sep – Feb

Start point

Chinna Suruli (Kombaithozhu)

District

Theni

Nearest station

Bodinayakanur (nearest); Madurai Junction for more trains

Nearest airport

Madurai

About this trail

Chinna Suruli, also called Cloud Land Falls, is the starting point for this route along the base of the Meghamalai hills. From the falls you follow forest paths and stream banks through green slopes, crossing small farms before arriving at Thenpalani. The height gain is modest, at around 900 metres above sea level, but the distance adds up across the day.

Allow six hours for the 12 km. Anyone with basic fitness who is happy to walk most of the day will manage. Go after the monsoon or in winter, when the streams are flowing and the air is cooler. Packed food and plenty of water are a must.

Highlights

• Starts at Chinna Suruli (Cloud Land Falls)
• Stream-side forest paths
• Farm and village country at the foot of Meghamalai
• Best when streams are full after the rains
• Ends at a different place from the start

How the day goes

1. MorningGather at Chinna Suruli, register and meet the guide.
2. FallsSpend a few minutes at the falls before setting off.
3. Forest stretchWalk the stream-side paths through the foothill forest.
4. Lunch breakStop in the shade for your packed meal.
5. ThenpalaniFinish in the Thenpalani valley and take arranged transport back.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Bodinayakanur (nearest); Madurai Junction for more trains
• By air: Madurai
• Stay: Lodges in Theni, Bodinayakanur and Chinnamanur.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Packed lunch
• 3 litres of water
• Quick-dry clothes
• Shoes that can get wet
• Cap
• Insect repellent

Good to know

These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.

More trails in Theni