- From Chennai
- 500 km · ~9 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Best months
- Feb–May (open season)
- Altitude
- 1,778 m
- Distance
- Varies
- Time on trail
- A full day; many start at night
About Velliangiri Hills
Known as the "Kailash of the South", a trail of seven hills ending at a cave shrine to Shiva, starting from the Poondi temple. It is a steep and tiring climb with limited access, so check the Coimbatore forest range for the current season dates and rules.
- Seven hills to the summit shrine
- Poondi temple start
- Views over the Coimbatore plains
Permit & rules
- Permit needed?
- Yes: permission or booking
- Authority
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department
- How to book
- Access is controlled by the Coimbatore forest range, usually only in a set season.
- Fee
- A fee or registration may apply; confirm at the Poondi check-post.
- Guide
- Not required
- Night trek
- Not allowed
- Note
- Open only in a limited season; rules on night climbs and visitor numbers change.
Best time to visit
Go
Feb–May (open season)
Avoid
Monsoon; the trail is closed outside the season
Wildlife, clothing and what to carry
Wildlife
- Elephants share these forests; follow the rules strictly
- Forest birds
What to wear
- Light, layered clothes
- Strong shoes
What to carry
- Water
- Torch
- Energy snacks
Itinerary
- 1Register at the base.
- 2Climb the seven hills at a steady pace.
- 3Descend before dark.
Fuel for a car round trip from Chennai is roughly ₹5,722 at current prices, split across passengers.
Operators & costs compared
Listed starting prices per person. They change by batch, so confirm inclusions with the operator. Tamil Nadu has fewer commercial operators than Karnataka; where none is verified we show the official route and a do-it-yourself estimate.
Do it yourself
Rough estimate: long travel and a night near Coimbatore.
~₹4,500
Trek Tamil Nadu (official)
Government-run; fee covers entry, guide and insurance; 18+ unless stated
Check price
- Included
- Entry, guide and insurance on listed trails
- Notes
- Check the portal and the forest range for current season dates.
Tips
- Do not attempt it outside the open season.
- Carry plenty of water; there is no supply on the hills.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Velliangiri Hills?
Yes. Access is controlled by the Coimbatore forest range, usually only in a set season. A fee or registration may apply; confirm at the Poondi check-post.
How far is Velliangiri Hills from Chennai?
About 500 km by road (roughly 9 hours); sources quote slightly different distances.
What is the best time to visit Velliangiri Hills?
Feb–May (open season). Avoid: Monsoon; the trail is closed outside the season.
How difficult is Velliangiri Hills?
Hard. A full day; many start at night.
More Tamil Nadu hikes
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Distances, trail lengths and rules differ between sources; confirm with the forest range or your operator before you go.