Vellingiri hills - The southern kailash

Vellingiri hills is situated some 40 kilometers west of coimbatore city. The siruvani dam is situated near the hill and kovai kutralam also is near the vellingiri mountain. The place is called souther kailash owing to its serene and holy nature.

The hill is most sacred for Hindu as lord Vellingiri nadhar is situated here. On the summit peak is the revered lord shiva. Hiking the rugged mountain is ordeous and only a few people could make it. During chitra pournami the hill attracts people from all over Tamilnadu. People who make pilgrimges regularly should visit this place. Usually the hike is started in the night as it is difficult in the day time as the path is hot due to croching sun.

We started our trip on 21st April, 2009 and at about 11.30 pm we started climbing. Bharathi, Venkatachalan, kumar, ponnusamy and me took part. We reached the temple at peak at about 6.15 am a few moments past the beautiful sunrise. We didn't miss and just witnessed the sunrise.

Eco tourism is the recent attraction in tourism industry. Green and lushy forests, mountains and water falls attract people than ever before. It gives relaxation from the tensions of city life.
Natures beauty and pride is known at mountains and forests. One the best place in coimbatore to see the nature at its best is paralikkadu near pillur dam at western ghats.
Tamilnadu Forest department arrange tour to this spot to impart awareness to public about natural forests and its importance. This guided tour is conducted on saturdays and sundays. The tour starts at 10 am. You will be taken boating on 'parical' or bamboo boats, you will be give life jackets. After two hours of boating you will be taken to the mountain peoples residence. You will understand their culture, food, arts, history and their heritage. Then self help group of mountain people will offer lunch with veg and non veg items. Then you will be taken to high mountain with guidance of forest personnel. You can enjoy the beautiful views of forest, athikadavu dam, kundha river and parts of kerala. After this short trekking / hiking you can take bath at water falls. In deep forests you can see the wild animals and birds.
To join the tour you have to book with the coimbatore forest ranger office at phone number" 0422 23002925, and paralikkadu forester at his mobile : 9994470005
You have to pay a charge of ruppes 300. This includes the afternoon lunch and boating charge and guided tour fees. This amount is used for the welfare of mountain people.
Adventure lovers and nature lovers in coimbatore, mettupalayam areas should visit the spot.Have a happy sunday!