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Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Explore the wonders of Amirthi Wildlife Sanctuary

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TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

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TREK DURATION

2 days

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AGE LIMIT

7 to 70 years

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PICK UP POINT

Katpadi Railway Station

Experiencing Vellore’s Hidden Secret

Not many people know that there are treks in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. 

The Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek takes you through the middle of the Amirthi Wildlife Sanctuary. Connecting the most tribal villages in the region, this trek has been designed in collaboration with the Forest Department. 

You camp in the remote village of Keelkollai, untouched by the modern world. Here, we have the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in their culture and traditions, learning firsthand about their way of life. 

During the evening, you can explore the village and just sit down on one of the big boulders to witness a magical sunset happening across the horizon. Watch the sky change its colour with a setting equivalent to the Himalayan villages.

Amirthi has the biggest forest in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary is bounded by the Tellai Range Forest towards the north, while the South-Eastern side, is covered by the Puthur Range Forest. 

This trek is in official partnership with the Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experiences Corporation (TNWEC)

When you wake up in this forest setting, a melodious dawn chorus of birds blossoms up the forest. As the sun rises and the rays of light pass through the trees, you descend to engulf the setting of Amirthi Forest. 

Hidden inside the sanctuary, you also visit the Amirthi waterfalls. The small yet charming waterfall is a nice place to take a break and listen to the water trickling down, tumbling serenely. 

Along with this, trekkers get the opportunity to camp in the remote village of Keelkollai. The setting of the village, with the farmlands, a big valley, and green hillocks, is a sight to experience and witness. The straw huts, hay for cattle, and wooden fences take you to a land that we have often forgotten to observe and experience. 

This trek is designed considering all age groups in mind. From energetic youngsters to seasoned trekkers, the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek welcomes all ages (7-70) for a memorable weekend adventure near Chennai or Bangalore.

Not many people know that there are treks in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. 

The Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek takes you through the middle of the Amirthi Wildlife Sanctuary. Connecting the most tribal villages in the region, this trek has been designed in collaboration with the Forest Department. 

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek - Complete Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on any trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a surface level experience.

Use this section to learn about the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into putting down this content for you. Don’t miss the ‘Frequently Asked Questions' section.

Expert Speak

Suhas Saya

Head, DIY Team

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Suhas Saya

Head, DIY Team

Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 8 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 14 Himalayan treks. Along with that, he has done explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. And it was he who explored the grand Phulara Ridge trek. Suhas was also involved in the exploration of other treks like Ranthank Kharak, Pir Panjal Lakes, the Goa Netravali Forest Trek and the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek.

Highlights of the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

low-preview-49c79025 631a 4bc7 93bb 9f4a05dd6ca5 indiahikes suhas saya49c79025 631a 4bc7 93bb 9f4a05dd6ca5 indiahikes suhas saya

Suhas Saya

Head, DIY Team

Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 8 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 14 Himalayan treks. Along with that, he has done explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. And it was he who explored the grand Phulara Ridge trek. Suhas was also involved in the exploration of other treks like Ranthank Kharak, Pir Panjal Lakes, the Goa Netravali Forest Trek and the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek.

1. The Forest Walk in the Heart of Netravali Sanctuary

A big opportunity for trekkers is to walk through the heart of the Amirthi Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is situated under the Javadu Hills and close to the Sandavasil ranges.

Amirthi has the biggest forest in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary is bounded by the Tellai Range Forest towards the north, while the South-Eastern side, is covered by the Puthur Range Forest. 

The next day, when you wake up in this forest setting, a melodious dawn chorus of birds blossoms up the forest. As the sun rises and the rays of light pass through the trees, you now descend to engulf the setting of Amirthi Forest. 

Hidden inside the sanctuary, you visit the Amirthi waterfalls. The small yet charming waterfall is a nice place to take a break and listen to the water trickling down, tumbling serenely.

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Trekking in the forests of Amirthi is a calming experience. Picture by Akshay Kevin

2. Trekking through remote tribal villages

The trek through Vellore Amirthi Forest takes you through some of the most quaint villages, like Nekini, Keelkollai, and Poosanavalasai, which are nestled inside the forest sanctuary.

The straw huts, hay for cattle, and wooden fences take you to a land that we have often forgotten to observe and experience.

Here, you get to trek and travel to the remotest hamlets, where the basics are enough for people to survive.

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Your trek cuts through the heart of the forest sanctuary, leading you to hidden tribal villages. Picture by Akshay Kevin

3. Camping at Keelkollai with a grand view

Another exciting experience for trekkers will be camping at the village of Keelkollai. You get to see the entire expanse of forest cover while setting up your tents! 

During the evening, you can explore the village and just sit down on one of the big boulders to witness a magical sunset happening across the horizon. Watch the sky change its colour with a setting equivalent to the Himalayan villages.

If you are lucky and the villagers are growing some flowering plants or mustard, then the entire land will be covered with a bright golden yellow similar to marigolds.

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The calming experience of camping on the beach. Picture by Suhas Saya

FAQs