Tamil Nadu treks with no trekking permit

These hills are open without a forest trekking permit. Several are temple hills or monuments with their own tickets, timings and dress rules. Always check at the gate.

8 hikes · reviewed 2026-11-05

1. 1

   Thirukalukundram Hill

   The nearest hill climb to Chennai, with a temple on top.

   70 kmEasyNo permitBest: Nov–FebDIY ~Rs 500

2. 2

   Gingee Fort

   A three-hill fort complex that makes a long day trip from Chennai.

   160 kmModerateNo permitBest: Nov–FebDIY ~Rs 1,000

3. 3

   Arunachala Hill

   A sacred hill with cave ashrams and a famous 14 km circuit.

   200 kmEasyNo permitBest: Nov–FebDIY ~Rs 1,200

4. 4

   Swamimalai (Yelagiri)

   The highest point of the Yelagiri hills, a weekend from Chennai or Bengaluru.

   220 kmEasy–ModerateNo permitBest: Oct–FebFrom Rs 524 (Thrillophilia)

5. 5

   Yercaud: Servarayan Temple & viewpoints

   A hill station with short, easy walks and viewpoints.

   350 kmEasyNo permitBest: Oct–FebDIY ~Rs 2,500

6. 6

   Kolli Hills

   Seventy hairpin bends up, then a long flight of steps to a waterfall.

   395 kmEasy–ModerateNo permitBest: Oct–FebDIY ~Rs 2,500

7. 7

   Marudhamalai

   An easy stepped climb to a hill temple in Coimbatore.

   510 kmEasyNo permitBest: Oct–FebDIY ~Rs 600

8. 8

   Doddabetta

   The highest peak in the Nilgiris, reachable by an easy path.

   560 kmEasyNo permitBest: Oct–FebDIY ~Rs 3,000