Around Megamalai
- Munnar 100 kms
- Thekkadi 70 kms
- Kuttikkanam 70 kms
- Vagamon 96 kms
- Kodaikanal 125 kms
Megamalai
Megamalai is a hill town located in the Western Ghats mountain range in India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular destination for eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. Megamalai is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna, making it a great place to observe and appreciate the unique beauty of the natural world. The area is also home to a variety of ethnic and religious communities, making it a great place to explore the culture and history of the region. Megamalai is a great place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching. It is also a great place to learn about the natural environment and its importance in preserving the planet.
Meghamalai Tourism
Meghamalai Tourism offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions for visitors. From trekking and hiking to camping and birdwatching, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can also take part in local cultural activities and learn about the area’s rich history. Meghamalai Tourism also caters to adventure lovers. There are options to go rappelling, rock-climbing, and even river rafting. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can explore the lush green tea estates, take a stroll along the streams, and visit the numerous waterfalls in the region. Meghamalai Tourism also offers a range of cultural experiences, like visiting local villages, interacting with the locals, and taking part in traditional festivals and activities. Visitors can also enjoy the region’s unique wildlife, with a variety of rare bird species and other animals. For a truly immersive experience, visitors can stay in one of the many homestays in the area. There are also opportunities for trekking and rock climbing, as well as jeep rides through the jungle. The area is renowned for its breathtaking views and pristine forests, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Visitors to Meghamalai can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, exploring lush green tea estates.
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu Forest Department is established the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in an area of 600 sq km of the forest in the division. The Sanctuary will serve as an excellent buffer to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and will also help in strengthening the conservation efforts in the Tea estates and dams. The sanctuary will also protect the rich biodiversity of the region. It will be home to several species of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, tigers, and many other species. It will also provide a safe habitat for endangered species such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Nilgiri Tahr.
Bird watching
Megamalai is also host to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies.
It is also an ideal place for bird watching. In the forests over 100 species of birds have been identified. This includes many species of raptors, such as the Changeable Hawk-eagle and the Crested Serpent Eagle. There are also numerous species of water birds, like the Grey-headed Fishing Eagle and the Great Cormorant. The forests are also home to a variety of owls, such as the Spotted Owlet and the Brown Hawk Owl.
Wild animals / Sightings
Wild Gears and Elephants are commonly sighted across the few plantations, but more so within the Highways Group of Estates. Being very close to the forest, a number of wild animals can be seen roaming here. These animals are a source of joy and entertainment to the people living in the region. The Estates also provide shelter to these animals, ensuring that they are safe from poachers. Furthermore, the Estates are a great place to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
The most commonly seen animals are
Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Common Langur, Peafowls, Barking deer, Indian Gays, Jungle fowl, Malabar Giant Squirrel. Bonnet Macaque, Sloth Bear, Gray Jungle Fowl, Smooth-Coated Otter and Flying Squirrel.
Resident and migratory elephants can also be seen wandering in groups here.
Long mountain walks
You can travel to the nearby forest in the morning (ideally by 6.00 am) and roam around, and another area is a view point. It’s the right place where you can see Cumbum town in Tamilnadu and the water reservoir in thekkadi. It is not an exploited hill station with less tourists. You will not find much tourists over there. This place is ideal for a peaceful and calm environment, and the view is mesmerizing. It is an excellent spot to take pictures and capture memories. You can also explore the nearby areas for a more adventurous experience.
But it offers an excellent view of the tea plantations. The rolling hills, the cool mountains and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks. It is also a great spot for bird-watching and nature photography. The air here is crisp and clean, and the local hospitality is unmatched. It is an ideal destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the lap of nature.
Tea estates and dams
A 6000 acre tea plantation the largest plantation, the Highwavys Group, is a tea plantation owned previously by Hindustan Lever and today run successfully by the Woodbriar group.
A beautiful view of the Varusanadu Hills can be enjoyed from Highways. There are a few large private tea, spice, and coffee plantations all around, notable among the Woodbriar Group’s Highwavys Estates, Ananda Plantations, Ponsiva Plantations, and Fieldmede Estate have the largest holdings of plantations in Meghamalai, along with an artificial lake and plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls. High Way Mountains surround Kardana Coffee Estate.
From Manalar dam, one can view the deep Cumbum Valley and the villages of Theni district.
