Kalrayan Hills: A Nature’s Serene Retreat In Tamil Nadu!

The beauty of quaint and magnificent south Indian hill stations can be enjoyed by traveling to this particular destination called the Kalrayan Hills. It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, on the southern side of the Indian mainland.

Most of the time, the southern part of India is known for its hill stations belonging to the Western Ghats region. But Kalrayan Hills is a part of the Eastern Ghats, giving you the opportunity to indulge in a unique hill station experience for sure. 2000 feet to 3000 feet is measured as the elevation range of this particular hill station in the state.

The vast area of the hill station is also quite interesting making it sufficiently spacious for all kinds of hill station explorations. According to the records, it is spread over an area of around 1095 square kilometers. A lot of major and minor viewpoints can also be explored while visiting this particular hill station in the state.

In the authentic Tamil native accent, you can also hear locals referring to this place as “Kalvarayan Hills”. While exploring the hills, make sure to keep in mind the two different sections in the hills such as “periya” and “chinna”. 

Location 

Kalrayan Hills is situated in a picturesque location in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Considering the districts to which it belongs, there are three; Salem, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi. If you are traveling from the district center of Kallakurichi, there is a distance of around 90 km in order to reach the destination.

Kallakurichi Taluk is the local governing body in which this hill station can be spotted in the district and you need to travel to the western part of the Taluk to reach the hills. Another easier location to reach the hills is Chidambaram from where it may take an average of 150 km in order to reach the hill station. 

Climatic Conditions 

The temperature ranges usually found in this hill station is quite pleasant and welcoming for tourists around the year. Even during the peak winter months of the year, the lowest climate recorded is not lesser than 25 degrees Celsius.

During the monsoon season, a decent rainfall is received in the region providing life and greenery to the biodiversity it has. Summer months of the year are also not that intolerable since the maximum temperature experienced here limits to 40 degrees Celsius. 

History 

The history of the Kalrayan Hills is also the history of the tribal settlements found in the region. It is believed that they were a community of royal warriors who migrated to the region in the past from other parts of the state of Tamil Nadu, such as Kanchipuram.

The agricultural practices and lifestyles are all said to have been adapted from the former warrior community. Poligars were the ones who ruled the region in history. Even today, the heirs of the older ruling community have got authority over the agricultural population living in the region.

Auspicious occasions such as Pongal were celebrated with much grandeur and agricultural prosperity during the earlier days by giving offerings to the rulers and their families. It was since 1976, that this particular area came under the governance and jurisdiction of the Government of India. It was the Slavery Abolition Registration of India that helped to bring the area under the government. 

Best time to visit Kalrayan Hills: October – December 

How To Reach Kalrayan Hills?

Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport 

Nearest railway station: Villupuram Junction Railway Station (VM)

Attractions Near Kalrayan Hills 

Kottachedu Teak Forest 

This is a planted forest looked after by the governmental authorities. However, a variety of wildlife and biodiversity can be explored in this location.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts must visit this picturesque location if you are planning a trip to the Kalrayan Hills. 

Poiman Karadu 

Another hilltop location to visit nearby the hills of Kalrayan. From the city center of Salem, you can reach this hilltop just by traveling a distance of 9 km. Viewpoints and biodiversity are the major attractions found here. 

Pachamalai Hills 

This hill range is also known by the name “Pachais” in the local Tamil dialect. The low elevation of this hill makes it quite easily accessible for a wide range of tourists.

Even though this hill is an off-beat hill station destination currently, the government of Tamil Nadu has got extensive plans for the expansion of tourism in this region. 

Pagoda Point 

If you would like to indulge in the quaint scenic visuals of the tribal village settlements in the region, Pagoda Point would be a great option. You need to travel to the eastern side of the Yercaud Hills in order to reach this viewpoint.

At this point, you would be able to see a lot of stones assembled to form the shapes of pyramids which eventually gave this location the name, Pagoda Point. 

Kiliyur Falls 

A waterfall location to get playful while visiting the Kalrayan Hills in the state of Tamil Nadu. Pattipadi is the exact location where you can spot this waterfall in the region.

This is a picturesque location in the river of Periyar where you can swim and shower in the chilling water. 

Kottai Mariyamman Temple 

This temple is located in the district of Salem where parts of Kalrayan Hills can be seen. Just as the name of the temple suggests, the main deity worshipped in the temple is Mariyamman; a Tamil Hindu goddess.

The grandeur of architecture and designs make this temple worthwhile to visit during your trip to Kalrayan Hills, especially if you are interested in Hindu pilgrimages. 

Things To Remember While Visiting Kalrayan Park 

This is one of the best destinations in Tamil Nadu to plan a day trip if you like hill stations, peace, and serenity. Since this hill station is not much explored by tourists, please don’t expect much crowd in the location. Also, the tourist amenities would be lesser. Hence take in handy all your essentials while visiting the place.

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