Pachamalai beckons trekkers

TRICHY: The forest department has revived two trekking routes in the Pachamalai hills in Trichy after almost five years as part of Pachamalai ecotourism project. Apart from the two routes spanning 3 km and 5 km, a village trail enabling visitors to explore a tribal village is also being introduced.
In recent years, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, trekking was prohibited in Pachamalai hills, the only hill station in the central region.On special occasions, college students were allowed to explore Pachamalai forest for educational purposes. Sensing the demand for adventure trips, the department recently revived the trekking routes. Based on availability, a group of 5-15 members per batch will be allowed to take part in the trekking, but only after providing fitness certificate at the district forest office near the district court.
The department will charge Rs 200 to Rs 350 per head for trekking based on the length of the route. Forest guards and local guides will accompany the visitors in batches. Inflammable materials, plastic bottles and other items detrimental to the natural habitat will not be allowed. The trekking includes a simple 3km nature walk through the forest and a moderate trekking through Mamarathu Solai area in Pachamalai for 5 km. The moderate trekking route has bird spotting options planned too.
“Prior booking is mandatory to take both trekking routes and the village trail in Puthur hamlet. Visitors will get to know the lifestyle and practices of the tribal village,” a forest official said. District forest officer (DFO) S Krithiga said the department will soon map and promote the trekking routes. Pachamalai has recorded around 135 butterfly species and is home to a few wild animals including spotted deer.

With IT and ITES companies launching their operations in the city, investors welcomed and termed the trekking proposal as essential for retaining their workforce in the city. “We need more such adventure and recreational avenues to engage our techies in stress-buster activities on a regular basis,” Rajesh Rajasekar, CEO of Saasgenie, a newly launched US-based tech firm in Trichy said. The forest department simultaneously promotes their tourist accommodation facilities in Pachamalai. Family cottage and tree top rooms for a brief stay in the hill station can also be booked to explore the hill station, officials added.
Trekking back at Pachamalai Hills
Route 1: Nature walk for 3 km
Route 2: Moderate trekking for 5 km
Village trail: Puthur tribal hamlet
Permitted people per batch: 5-15 members
Cost: Rs 200 to Rs 350 per head
Age restrictions: 10-50 years
Places to visit
Mamarathu Solai forest | Pachamalai Murugan temple | Mangalam waterfalls.
Accommodation in Pachamalai
Family cottage: Rs 6,000/night
Tree top rooms: Rs 2,500/night
Check in: 2 pm | Check out: 12 pm
Contact number: 80728-42270