- Grade
- Moderate
- Distance
- 10 km there and back
- Walking time
- 5 hours
- Altitude
- 519 m
- Best months
- Oct – Mar
- Start point
- Shenbagathoppu Forest Range Office
- District
- Virudhunagar
- Nearest station
- Srivilliputhur, ~12 km
- Nearest airport
- Madurai, ~85 km
About this trail
Shenbagathoppu, just outside Srivilliputhur, is famous for the grizzled giant squirrel, a rare species that has its best stronghold here. This trail heads into the Srivilliputhur–Meghamalai Tiger Reserve and runs through riverine forest, dry deciduous woods, seasonal streams and clearings on the way to W. Pudhupatti. Gaur, elephants, spotted deer and many birds share the area.
The round trip is 10 km and takes about five hours. Reporting is at 6:30 AM, and a packed breakfast and trail snacks are provided. The pace is steady with short climbs, making it a moderate outing. Wear dull colours and keep noise low to improve your chances of seeing wildlife.
Highlights
- Home of the grizzled giant squirrel
- Riverine and dry forest
- Seasonal streams and clearings
- Gaur, elephants and deer in the area
- Packed breakfast provided
How the day goes
- 6:30 AMReport at Shenbagathoppu forest range office.
- StartBegin the trek through the forest.
- Forest walkWalk through riverine forest and clearings.
- W. PudhupattiRest at the turnaround with snacks.
- ReturnWalk back to the range office.
Getting there and staying over
- By train: Srivilliputhur, ~12 km
- By air: Madurai, ~85 km
- Stay: Day trek; hotels in Srivilliputhur.
What to carry
- Photo ID
- 2 litres of water
- Walking shoes
- Binoculars
- 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.
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Send us your date and group size. We will confirm the slot with the forest team and share the reporting time, car and total cost.
