Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek
Explore the wonders of Amirthi Wildlife Sanctuary
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
2 days
AGE LIMIT
7 to 70 years
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.
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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.
Day 1
Drive from Vellore and arrive at Amirthi Zoological Park. Head to Nekini Village. Trek down towards and Camping at Keelkollai village.
Drive Distance from Vellore: 65 km | Duration: 3 hours | Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 25 mins | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Katpadi Railway Station at 11 am
We will pick you up at 11 AM from the Katpadi Railway Station. Have lunch on the way and reach Amirthi Zoological Park. After a short briefing, drive to Nekini village either in a shared cab/Auto. A short walk from Nekini to Keelkollai village and camping for the night.
Note: The cost of transport for the entire duration of the trek is Rs xxx and has to be divided equally amongst all trekkers.
Day 2
Descend from Keelkollai village through the forest section. Visit the waterfalls and end the trek at Amirthi. Drive to Vellore.
Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Drive Distance: 40 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Descending through a mud/gravel route and then connecting towards the forest trail. Trek through the forest all the way to reach the waterfalls first, and then head to the Forest Rest House/Amirthi Zoo. Start your drive by 4 pm towards Vellore.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo id along with the mandatory Disclaimer form.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying in tents for the trek. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Vellore on Day 0 or after the trek.
Day 1
Drive from Vellore and arrive at Amirthi Zoological Park. Head to Nekini Village. Trek down towards and Camping at Keelkollai village.
Drive Distance from Vellore: 65 km | Duration: 3 hours | Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 25 mins | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Katpadi Railway Station at 11 am
We will pick you up at 11 AM from the Katpadi Railway Station. Have lunch on the way and reach Amirthi Zoological Park. After a short briefing, drive to Nekini village either in a shared cab/Auto. A short walk from Nekini to Keelkollai village and camping for the night.
Note: The cost of transport for the entire duration of the trek is Rs xxx and has to be divided equally amongst all trekkers.
Day 2
Descend from Keelkollai village through the forest section. Visit the waterfalls and end the trek at Amirthi. Drive to Vellore.
Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Drive Distance: 40 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Descending through a mud/gravel route and then connecting towards the forest trail. Trek through the forest all the way to reach the waterfalls first, and then head to the Forest Rest House/Amirthi Zoo. Start your drive by 4 pm towards Vellore.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo id along with the mandatory Disclaimer form.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying in tents for the trek. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Vellore on Day 0 or after the trek.
Day 1: Drive from Vellore and arrive at Amirthi Zoological Park. Head to Nekini Village. Trek down and camp at Keelkollai village.
Drive Distance from Vellore: 56 km | Drive Duration: 3 hours Trek distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 25 mins
Arrive at Katpadi Railway Station on your own. The first day is kept for the drive to Amirthi and then further heading to Keelkoalli via Nekini village. This drive will take about 3 hours, with one stop at Amirthi.
The drive initially takes you beside the walls of Vellore Fort. If you arrive a day earlier or plan to stay at Vellore after the trek, do give this a visit.
Once you have crossed the city of Vellore, the roads become smaller. You are now navigating your way through the lanes of different villages. Paddy fields and other farmlands are now visible during the drive. Across the fields, you have a few ranges of hillocks standing tall.
You will soon reach the Amirthi Zoological Checkpoint. From here, you might have to shift to another smaller vehicle, such as an auto or a shared Jeep. Do a little stretching after getting down, and then head to Nekini village, which is another 40 minutes of driving.
The roads from Amirthi to Nekini are not very smooth. Expect many potholes and vehicles taking mud trails in between.
You reach the junction in Nekini village. The trail towards the east goes to a few other villages, like Thaniyamarthur or Koranur. Do not take that road. Trek north for 2 km on the mud road to reach Keelkollai.
The small walk or trek from Nekini to Keelkollai is through a charming section. You see cute compact houses made with mud, a big stack of hay stored for cattle, people working on the fields, and other village life activities happening.
When you are near the jackfruit tree, you see the entire beautiful village of Keelkollai. This tree and the setting seem to be the place for village gatherings, or like a Panchayat meeting place that we usually watch in the movies.
Trek down further towards the camping location at Keelkollai. You will be setting up your tents here along with the team. Do not miss taking a walk during sunset time around this region, and take some time for yourself at this location where the forests and hillocks are visible.
Arrive at Katpadi Railway Station on your own. The first day is kept for the drive to Amirthi and then further heading to Keelkoalli via Nekini village. This drive will take about 3 hours, with one stop at Amirthi.
The drive initially takes you beside the walls of Vellore Fort. If you arrive a day earlier or plan to stay at Vellore after the trek, do give this a visit.
Once you have crossed the city of Vellore, the roads become smaller. You are now navigating your way through the lanes of different villages. Paddy fields and other farmlands are now visible during the drive. Across the fields, you have a few ranges of hillocks standing tall.
You will soon reach the Amirthi Zoological Checkpoint. From here, you might have to shift to another smaller vehicle, such as an auto or a shared Jeep. Do a little stretching after getting down, and then head to Nekini village, which is another 40 minutes of driving.
The roads from Amirthi to Nekini are not very smooth. Expect many potholes and vehicles taking mud trails in between.
You reach the junction in Nekini village. The trail towards the east goes to a few other villages, like Thaniyamarthur or Koranur. Do not take that road. Trek north for 2 km on the mud road to reach Keelkollai.
The small walk or trek from Nekini to Keelkollai is through a charming section. You see cute compact houses made with mud, a big stack of hay stored for cattle, people working on the fields, and other village life activities happening.
When you are near the jackfruit tree, you see the entire beautiful village of Keelkollai. This tree and the setting seem to be the place for village gatherings, or like a Panchayat meeting place that we usually watch in the movies.
Trek down further towards the camping location at Keelkollai. You will be setting up your tents here along with the team. Do not miss taking a walk during sunset time around this region, and take some time for yourself at this location where the forests and hillocks are visible.
Day 2: Descend from Keelkollai village through the forest section. Visit the waterfalls and end the trek at Amirthi. Drive to Vellore
Trek distance: 5 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Drive Distance: 56 km | Duration: 1.5 hrs
Trek gradient: Moderate. Descending through a mud/gravel route and then connecting towards the forest trail. Trek through the forest all the way to reach the waterfalls first, and then head to the Forest Rest House/Amirthi Zoo. Start your drive by 4 pm towards Vellore.
Start your day early in the morning. Unpitch your tents and finish your breakfast. Once you are done with it, you can start your trek.
The trek takes you parallel to the small houses of Keelkollai, to begin with. You then head to a very enchanting gate that reminds you of the setting of a Hobbit-holes from the Lord of the Rings movie, the South Indian version of it.
You take a gentle descent through the trail, the size of a motorable jeep. It is a combination of stones and mud. There are a few points with overhangs to view the forest. About 900 meters from the start point, you come across a local shrine/diety where villagers have tied up pieces of cloth.
From this point, you need to trek down a series of crisscross trails. At around 1.4 km, you reach your rest point at the village of Poosanavalasai. Spend some time exploring the village, jumping on the trees of Tamarind. Pick a few and savour the natural ones right from the tree. The entire forest is filled with tamarind trees.
The trail from this village of Poosanavalasai now takes a flat walk. A simple, straightforward trek with a couple of stream crossings in between.
The trek is a pleasurable experience, with the sounds of the stream constantly flowing on your left. Take some time during this section to go towards the stream and dip your feet in the cool water, or spend some time next to the flowing water.
About halfway through the trail, you come across a few natural boulders and rocks that have piled up to form cairns. This opening gives a good break through the thick forest cover.
Continue forward on the trail, making your way towards Amirthi Waterfall. The guide will take you through a shortcut in the forest through some faint trails and bushes. Even though the waterfall is not a huge one, it feels nice to sit on the smooth rock surface and look at the small cascading waterfall flowing right beside you. Spend some time reflecting on the experiences you have had since yesterday.
The trek is now about to end. There is a paved pathway from the waterfall to the roadhead. It is about 1 km towards Amirthi Mini Zoo. You can think about visiting the mini zoo if you are interested and travelling all the way. However, the experience is not a great one, with only very small animals being housed.
The drive from Amirthi Zoo to Vellore will take about an hour and a half.
Start your day early in the morning. Unpitch your tents and finish your breakfast. Once you are done with it, you can start your trek.
The trek takes you parallel to the small houses of Keelkollai, to begin with. You then head to a very enchanting gate that reminds you of the setting of a Hobbit-holes from the Lord of the Rings movie, the South Indian version of it.
You take a gentle descent through the trail, the size of a motorable jeep. It is a combination of stones and mud. There are a few points with overhangs to view the forest. About 900 meters from the start point, you come across a local shrine/diety where villagers have tied up pieces of cloth.
From this point, you need to trek down a series of crisscross trails. At around 1.4 km, you reach your rest point at the village of Poosanavalasai. Spend some time exploring the village, jumping on the trees of Tamarind. Pick a few and savour the natural ones right from the tree. The entire forest is filled with tamarind trees.
The trail from this village of Poosanavalasai now takes a flat walk. A simple, straightforward trek with a couple of stream crossings in between.
The trek is a pleasurable experience, with the sounds of the stream constantly flowing on your left. Take some time during this section to go towards the stream and dip your feet in the cool water, or spend some time next to the flowing water.
About halfway through the trail, you come across a few natural boulders and rocks that have piled up to form cairns. This opening gives a good break through the thick forest cover.
Continue forward on the trail, making your way towards Amirthi Waterfall. The guide will take you through a shortcut in the forest through some faint trails and bushes. Even though the waterfall is not a huge one, it feels nice to sit on the smooth rock surface and look at the small cascading waterfall flowing right beside you. Spend some time reflecting on the experiences you have had since yesterday.
The trek is now about to end. There is a paved pathway from the waterfall to the roadhead. It is about 1 km towards Amirthi Mini Zoo. You can think about visiting the mini zoo if you are interested and travelling all the way. However, the experience is not a great one, with only very small animals being housed.
The drive from Amirthi Zoo to Vellore will take about an hour and a half.
Easy
The Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek is rated as 'Easy' with the second day taking about 6 hours for trekking
An easy rating refers to a trek that can be done by any age group. Even though the trek is rated as easy, this is still a trek and involves a long day of trekking (Descending the forest section of Amirthi from Keelkollai or towards the waterfall). You still need to be an active person who follows some sort of fitness in their daily lives.
The trek also has easy exits and there are less technical sections. Therefore, Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek is rated as 'Easy'.
Apart from this, be careful during the ascent and descent during the rainy season. Wearing good quality trekking shoes with a great grip really helps here. (For details read: How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoes In India)
During the monsoon season, the streams and waterfalls will be in full force. Also, you will have leeches on the trek. Watch this video to understand how to handle leeches on a trek.
Medical emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.
On the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek, your best bet is to exit towards Vellore for any emergencies where major hospitals are available.
There is a small PHC at Kathayampattu village, which is 7 km away. However, for any serious medical attention, you will get better facilities at Vellore.
The best time to do the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek is from September to February. These months are worth it if you are going for the trek.
Post monsoon, the forests are vibrant. You have greenery all around, and its lush everywhere you look. This is one of the best times to go on the trek of Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek.
The weather remains pleasant and cool until January and February.
Early March is when the summer starts to kick in, and the exposed regions will be very warm. You can expect temperatures to go up to 33-34 degrees during the afternoons.
The peak of the summer season at the end of March is closed for trekking. There are chances of forest fires because of the heat, and the forest department does not allow trekking.
During the monsoon season, the difficulty level and the challenges will rise one level higher.
Day time temperature: Between 21° C and 28° C | Night time temperature: Between 18° C and 24° C
A Quick Guide to Plan Your Travel
It is great to see you going on the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek, one of the most beautiful treks in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. While it is a great trek to do, you need to get your travel plan worked out perfectly.
Indiahikes pick-up is arranged from the Katpadi Railway Station at 11 am. So, if you are choosing our pick-up, then you will have to reach Vellore on your own.
If you miss our Indiahikes pickup or are planning to come on your own, then you have two options.
- Drive in your vehicle or take a taxi to reach the Amirthi Zoological Park
- There are 4 buses in a span of 2 hours between Vellore and Amirthi. It usually starts at 5 am in the morning and goes until 7 pm in the evening time. The return bus also follows a similar timing from Amirthi to Vellore.
Note: The same buses which start from Vellore will travel back from Amirthi. There are no separate buses plying between these places.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. ID cards of either Aadhar card or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
Please carry the above document with you. The document needs to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
Essentials:
Trekking Shoes:
Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek requires trekking shoes that are sturdy, have good grip, have ankle support. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: There really isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models for this particular trek. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
And learn the difference between a trekking shoe and a sports shoe here.
Backpack:
For a trek like Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek, you need a 30-40 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
Clothes
On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.
- One layer of warm cloth: Carry one fleece sweater/jacket. The evening at Amirthi Forest or while camping at the beach can get chilly.
- Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One trek pant while trekking and an another pant inside the backpack. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
- Three t-shirts: You will wear one t-shirt while trekking and the rest two t-shirt inside your backpack. Carry light, full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day.
Crocs/Sandals/Aquashoes
You need a pair of either sandals or floaters with straps, or even Crocs will be good. You can use an existing one itself. These will be helpful around the campsite or travelling in between.
Alternatively, you can even think of getting the Aquashoes from Decathlon, which are very light and easy to carry. Trekkers have found this good during treks that have some stream crossings.
Accessories:
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. This is to protect you from the harsh sun.
- Sun Cap: In the jungles, even though there is heavy tree cover, the harsh sun can dehydrate you very quickly. A sun cap comes in handy to prevent the moisture to escape when you are sweating.
- Hand gloves: A fleece or woollen glove will do.
- woolen cap/ fleece cap: You’ll need this to cover your head, as most of the heat escapes from your head.
- Socks (2 pairs): Your normal cotton/ sport socks are good, but make sure they are all high ankle socks
- Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory + extra Batteries.
- Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.
- Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at any time, and hence it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet.
Others
- Toiletries: Sunscreen, Vellore Amirthi Forest Treklight towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.
- Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the mountains.
- Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.
- Two water bottles: 1 litre each.
- Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
- Odomos or any other insect repellant
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)
- Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)
- Band-Aid – 4 strips
- ORS – 4 packets
- Volini Spray - aches, & sprains
- Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury
- Anti Fungal Powder
- Odomos or any other insect repellent
Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, as the Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek comes under easy category and is a 2-day trek, the fitness requirement is different than our traditional Himalayan treks.
While we suggest running as the best exercise to get fit for the trek, being able to brisk walk 5 km under 50-60 minutes should be sufficient to do the trek comfortably.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start with walking at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot brisk walk/jog 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to reach 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 55 mins.
The Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek is close to 10 km long, with the second day being the majority of the trek, with 8-9 km.
The first day is the 2 km walk to Keelkollai village. Your next day is the actual trek from Keelkollai. The trail takes a descent through a mud trail, and then you have the forest walk in the Amirthi Sanctuary.
The Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek lies in the heart of the Amirthi Wildlife Sanctuary, about 40 kilometres from Vellore City.
This Wildlife Sanctuary was opened in 1967, and the area of the park is 25 hectares. Half of this jungle is cleared to serve tourism and trekking, while the other half is developed as a wildlife sanctuary.
This trek has been brought out with the collaboration of the Tourism and Forest Department. So unless you get permits to do this trek, you will not be allowed to trek in the restricted parts of the sanctuary.
However, one can go towards the waterfall from Amirthi Zoological Center after getting permits from the concerned departments and authorities for this trek.
The temperatures during the trek will be pleasant. The maximum temperature during the day can go up to 28 degrees around Vellore City. In the forest section of Amirthi, it would be even 1-2 degrees cooler.
You will be trekking in one T-shirt and one pair of trekking pants. You need to come prepared for occasional rain with either an umbrella or poncho.
Vellore Amirthi Forest Sanctuary has Indian bison, also known as guars. The Sanctuary is also home to a few sloth bears, leopards and wild boards which are not usually seen in the trekking routes that are designed. Apart from these, you do not have any other wild animals.
The sanctuary, however, has a variety of other smaller mammals, many species of birds, insects, spiders, and other living forms to keep you excited and entertained while spotting.
Yes, this trek is good for those who are over 7 years old. There is no limit, as such, for the larger age bracket. If you are fit and have a good active lifestyle, then this is a good trek to go for.
We will have our Bio-toilet system in place. If you are familiar with Indiahikes, you know how it would look like. Otherwise, you can go through the article which explains how it works - https://indiahikes.com/blog/deep-pits-vs-shallow-pits-toilets-himalayan-treks
All meals, from dinner at Keelkollai on Day 1 to lunch on Day 2 are included. We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
Yes, we will arrange shared vehicles for trekkers to pick you up at 11 AM from the Katpadi Railway Station and drop you back at the same location after the trek is done. The cost, however, needs to be shared and paid directly to the drivers.
Expert Speak
Suhas Saya
Head, DIY Team
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
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.
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.
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.
The calming experience of camping on the beach. Picture by Suhas Saya
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