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Auden's Col

Kheerganga Buni Buni Pass

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 14 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:
1. Your chances of getting a confirmation are high, but not certain. 
2. You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.
3. We close the movement of WL 15-20 days before the start of the trek.

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are pioneers of treks in India

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow. 

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

We are looking to enrich this  documentation with more photos. Pictures  go a long way in explaining the trail, more than words ever can. If you  have done this trek, can you share your photos with us? We will  include   them on this page, with due credit to you. Click here to contribute.

Can You Help Us With Photographs Of This Trek?

Located near Thenmathimangalam village, 30 km from the Tiruvannamalai district in Tamilnadu, the Parvathamalai Trek is one of the most sacred and exciting treks in southern India. It is an Eastern ghats trail that falls inside the Parvathamalai reserved forest, within the Kanchi section of the Pudupalayam range. 

The trek is known for its rough and challenging terrain that gives trekkers an adrenaline rush. Trekkers also love the expansive and serene views of the Eastern ghats they get to experience as they make their way to the top.

It is also popular amongst devotees who take the challenging journey to pay their respects to a Shiva temple that has existed in some form or the other for the last 2000 odd years.

The region is rich in history, one that can be traced back to the Sangam period. Malaipadukadam, part of the Pattupattu (Ten Idylls) anthology, a poetic work that is more than 2000 years old describes the Jawadhu hill range as an extension of the eastern ghats comprising the modern Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu. It refers to the region as Palkunrakkuttam or ‘the land surrounded by hillocks’. 

It is believed that the hill is a piece of the Sanjeevani Mountain that Lord Hanuman carried to revive Lord Laxman. Learned saints, therefore, decided that a temple be built at the top of the hill for meditation. The hill contains powerful and rare herbs that can be found only in this region.

Palkunrakkuttam was ruled by King Nannan who would visit the temple frequently to worship Lord Shiva & the goddess. 

The Parvathamalai Trek is rated as a moderate difficulty trek. It is a vertical mountain over 4500 feet in height. You will have to trek over rocks and climb steep sections to reach the top. 

The trek can be done by fit beginners. It will test your endurance, even if you are an experienced trekker.

Just like you, we love trekking! And this is a trek we’ve documented in great detail to help you do it on your own. Drop in your comments at the end of the page if you need any help!  You will get all the information required to do the Parvathamalai Trek on your own.

To navigate through the documentation easily, use the Table of Contents section:

The climb at ‘Kadaparai Pathai’ is considered to be the toughest part of the trek. At the same time, it is the most adventurous part of the trek. You will have the challenge of climbing a very steep section of the mountain with the help of iron rods and chains – definitely an experience you will remember for a long time!

The steep climb at Kadaparai pathai makes for a memorable experience. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

2. The spectacular view of Eastern ghat mountains covered with clouds

Standing at a height of over 4,500 feet, the path leading to the top and the peak offer plenty of opportunities to take in the panoramic views of Tiruvannamalai hills and Jawadhu hills.

View of the Eastern Ghats from the summit of the Parvathamalai trek. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

3. The chance to immerse yourself in the region’s incredible biodiversity

The Parvathamalai forest is an undisturbed portion of the eastern ghats. There are about 152 rare plant species recorded here. During many portions of the trek, you will have the chance to spot colourful flowers. Apart from this, you will often be accompanied by the mild fragrance of a variety of flora and herbs.

Spot a variety of flowers throughout the year though the highest concentration will be during the spring months. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

Trail Map of Parvathamalai Trek. Screenshot on Google Earth Pro

There are two trails through which you can do the  Parvathamalai trek – the ‘Thenmathimangalam’ route and the ‘Kadaladi’ route.

The Kadaladi route is a shorter and more adventurous one, but we recommend taking the more popular Thenmathimangalam trail. There are three reasons for this – 

1. The Thenmathimangalam route is marked well and has a steady footfall so there is little chance of losing your way

2. Trekkers can avail themselves of free food (Annadhanam) and clean water at any time of the day at the Veerabhadrar Temple

3. This trail takes you through serene mango farms during the first part of the trek

Do note that both Thenmathimangalam and Kadaladi routes meet at a common junction and from there it is a single route leading to the summit of the hill.

Parvathamalai Trek can be divided into four sections. 

If you are taking your vehicle or an auto from the Thenmathimangalam Parvathamalai entrance point you can exclude the first section until the Shri Pachaiyamman Kovil. 

The next three sections will be valid for you.  

1. Walk from Parvathamalai entrance point to Shri Pachaiyamman Temple

2. Trek from Sri Pachaiyamman Temple to the Veerabhadrar Temple

3. A steep walk from Veerabhadrar Temple to the Kadaladi-Thenmathimangalam Junction

4. Hard Climb from Kadaladi-Thenmathimangalam Junction to the peak of Parvathamalai Top

Click here to go back to the Table of Contents.

Section I: Parvathamalai Entrance Point to Shri Pachaiyamman Temple 

Trek Distance: 1.6 km
Trek Duration: 30 minutes
GPS coordinates of Parvathamalai entrance point:  12°25’59.63″N 79° 0’46.70″E
GPS coordinates of Shri Pachaiyamman Temple:  12°26’15.0″N 79°00’05.0″E

The Parvathamalai trek starts from the small yet beautiful village of Thenmathimangalam. 

Once you get down from the bus at the stop of the Thenmathimangalam Parvathamalai entrance point you will see the impressive Parvathamalai in front of you. Take the straight road to reach the Shri Pachaiyamman temple.

It will take about 30 minutes for you to reach the Pachaiyamman temple.

Vibrantly coloured statues stand guard at the Shri Pachaiyamman Temple. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

This path allows you to get a glimpse into the customs and culture of rural Tamilnadu. The warm smiles of the residents, the soothing views of mango farms, and the refreshing green of agricultural farms are just some of the sights you will get to witness on the way to Shri Pachaiyamman temple.

Seven massive and colourful Muneeswarar statues welcome you to the Shri Pachiyamman Temple. If you want, you can go inside the temple to pray to the Muneeswarar and the Pachaiyamman idols.

If you are traveling by your vehicle, you can park your vehicle at the Parking Zone near the Shri Pachaiyamman temple. 

For two-wheelers, the parking price is Rs 10 and for the four-wheelers, the parking price is Rs 20.

| Tip: If you want to freshen up before the trek, you can use the public bathing and toilet near the Parking Zone. The price for using the bathroom and toilet is Rs.10 and Rs.5 respectively. However, we recommend you refresh before the Thenmathimangalam village since the toilets here are not maintained well.

PROTIP:  If you are not confident of your fitness and want to skip this first section, you have the option to do so. Take an auto from the Thenmathimangalam Parvathamalai entrance point to the Shri Pachaiyamman Temple. 

An auto will cost you Rs.30 on sharing basis and Rs.130 for non-sharing.

Section 2: Shri Pachaiyamman Temple to Veerabhadrar Temple

Trek Distance: 1.5 km
Trek Duration: 25 minutes
GPS coordinates of Shri Pachaiyamman Temple: 12°26’15.0″N 79°00’05.0″E
GPS coordinates of Veerabhadrar Temple: 12°26’20.5″N 78°59’16.4″ E

The trek from the Shri Pachaiyamman temple to Veerabhadrar temple starts with crossing a small forest check post and the Shri Anjaneya Temple at its entrance.

After crossing the Shri Anjaneya Temple, you will see the path gradually ascending with dense forest surrounding it. 

A thicket of trees lines the path to Veerabhadrar Temple - an immersive experience. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

This is your chance to spot a variety of blooms. You can also try to follow the calls of different bird species. If you are lucky, you might even get to spot rare bird species like the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon and Bar Headed Goose.

Colourful flowers, butterflies, and birds keep you company throughout the trek. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

If you are visiting in monsoon season, you can find a small stream of water flowing on this path.

It takes about 25 minutes to reach the Veerabhadrar temple. You get free food and clean water here.

If you want to charge your phone for emergency purposes, the trust management allows charging, since this is the last source of electricity.

Fill up your water bottles, pack some food and charge your phone, if necessary, at the Veerabhadrar Temple. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

| Tip: A small forest check post is located at the entrance of the Shri Pachaiyamman temple. It is recommended to carry a valid government ID proof.

The forest department instruction board details the dos and don'ts on the trek. Trekkers are forbidden from littering the trail. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

| Tip: We highly recommend you fill your water bottles here as you cannot find any free water source during the rest of the trek.

Protip: Veerabhadrar Temple Trust provides 24 hours free food for all every day.

Free food &amp; water is available to all at the Veerabhadrar temple. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

Protip: The forest department has recorded 152 rare plant species in the Parvathamalai forest area. This includes Anisomeles malabarica, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus reticulatus amongst other plant varieties. As far as fauna is concerned, there are about 128 species of animals out of which there are 17 species of mammals, 22 species of reptiles, and 89 species of birds. And the best part? You get opportunities to spot this incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna throughout the trail.

Section 3: Veerabhadrar Temple to the Kadaladi-Thenmathimangalam Junction

Trek Distance: 2.5 km
Trek Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
GPS coordinates of Veerabhadrar Temple: 12°26’20.5″N 78°59’16.4″ E
GPS coordinates for the Kadaladi-Thenmathimangalam Junction: 12°26’04.1″N 78°58’15.7″ E

After crossing the Veerabhadrar temple, the trail becomes a long flight of steps. You will have to ascend 1200+ steps, all the while surrounded by dense forest. 

The steps have a moderate amount of ascent which can make you tired and dehydrated. Keep taking sips of water as you walk up the steps.

A dense forest cover on either side almost makes you forget that you have to climb up 1000+ steps. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

You will find small snack shops run by the locals on this section. You can buy bottled water and packaged food items here. However, it’s best to carry water in reusable bottles and healthy snacks. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

| Tip: Start your trek early in the morning to avoid dehydration

Green Tip: If you run out of water and food by this point, you can find small shops here where you can buy bottled water and snacks. Do note that the price is a bit higher than usual. We, however, strongly recommend that trekkers carry their own snacks or package-free food with them. Just a little planning will go a long way in reducing the waste on the trail.

Once you climb up these steps, a mud trail with big rocks opens up. Check to see if your shoes are tied snugly so as to avoid any missteps.

Be sure of your footing as you cross over this path. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

This is the only guide you will ever need to plan a trek to Parvathamalai!

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