Best Places to Visit in Meghamalai, Madurai
If you wish to visit one of the countries in the Southeast Asia region for a trip, India is the best choice among the rest. India is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries and boasts a large variety of natural landscapes like mountains, plateaus, forests, and beaches. India is the 7th largest country in the world which makes it impossible to explore in a single short trip.
There are plenty of places offered by each of India's 28 states where tourists can enjoy a nice trip exploring the cultures that are unique to each state. However, if you had to pick one of these states to explore in India for a trip, the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the best choices available for you.
Must-Visit Places in Meghamalai for First-Time Visitors
Within Tamil Nadu, the Meghamalai located in the city of Madurai is an excellent tourist destination. So, let us look at the Best places to visit in Meghamalai, Madurai.
Take Pictures Near the Chinna Suruli Falls
Located about 69 km from Meghamalai, the Chinna Suruli Falls is one of the most picturesque locations in the state of Tamil Nadu. These waterfalls are covered by lush green forests located within the mountain ranges of Meghamalai.
This waterfall provides an amazing view for tourists to enjoy as its waterfalls from a height of 190 feet and the surroundings are covered by silver fog. The resulting view is very mesmerizing and makes this place an ideal spot for a picnic, casual walk, and other non-touristy activities.
If you decide to visit this place, make sure to visit before nighttime as the area is frequented by wild animals like elephants, deer, bears, tigers, etc. Cabs are available for tourists to visit these waterfalls and the entry fee for this place is 20 rupees.
Make a Stop at the Highwavy Dam
Meghamalai is home to 6 dams that provide power to the entire region while regulating the force of the water flow from the many lakes present in the region. Among these 6 dams, the Highwavy dam stands out as one of the most beautiful places to make a stop in Meghamalai.
Here, you will notice the waterfall created by the dam on one side and the source of that water on the other. Surrounding this beautiful phenomenon are the mountain ranges of Meghamalai and the many tea and coffee plantations that use the water of this dam to cultivate their crops. All of this makes for a very peaceful place that allows tourists to take a break from the busy city life and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Observe the Wildlife of the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
If you wish to observe the many wild animals that make their home in Tamil Nadu, the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place for you. This wildlife sanctuary is located about 3 km away from Meghamalai, this place is a 63,000-hectare large natural reserve that is on the borders of Tamil Nadu and shares with the state of Kerala.
Because of this, many wildlife species such as the tiger also make their way into the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The native species of this reserve include animals like elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, cobras, and many different kinds of birds.
Aside from the wild animals, you can also find many different kinds of trees growing within the reserve, making it one of the best places to explore for nature-loving tourists.
Relax in the Sights of Maharaja Mettu
For tourists looking for a scenic spot to take in the views of the Meghamalai mountain ranges, the Maharaja Mettu is the right place for you. This spot is located within the Vennial Tea Estate, 17 km from Meghamalai. Once you reach the right place, you will need to trek 400 m to reach the viewpoint.
This place offers a view of the entire Varusanadu hills which are filled with many tea and coffee plantations. The picture that you get has the ideal combination of lush green forests and rocky mountains. Due to its visually appealing sights, this is one of the most popular places in all of Tamil Nadu for tourists all over the world.
Because of this, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department maintains this palace and you will be required to pay a small fee of 10 rupees to visit the scenic point.
Explore the City of Madurai
Since the city is so close to Meghamalai, it would be a missed opportunity if you skip the exploration of the city of Madurai. This city is the 3rd largest in all of Tamil Nadu and is the most famous place for pilgrim visitors to Tamil Nadu. The city is built on the shores of the River Vaigai with the Madurai Meenakshi Temple being its most popular place for a visit.
It is also the oldest city in the Indian peninsula that is still under use and has a history that has been speculated to date back to the Sangam period since at least the 3rd century BCE. Because of its cultural and historical importance to the state of Tamil Nadu, it is also known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.
The Madurai airport makes it very easy to reach this city as it receives flights from all over India like Chennai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. If a flight is too expensive for you, the Madurai Railway Station is also connected to all the aforementioned major cities of India. Tourists also have the option of traveling via bus as Madurai has several bus stations.
What is the Best Time to Visit Meghamalai?
The mountain region of Meghamalai is filled with places that require a lot of walking from tourists. These treks, however, are the best part of a trip to Meghamalai. Because of this, the winter and spring season is the best time to visit Meghamalai. Between October and January, this place experiences winter, while February to April are the months of Spring.
Winters can make certain waterfall regions look more cloudy which gives them an even better look, but the springtime will make roaming around outside much easier. So, it depends on you which season is best suited to you. Travel in Meghamalai must be avoided during monsoon as the mountains around this place become prone to landslides during this time.
How to Reach Meghamalai?
To reach Meghamalai, your best option is to arrive in the city of Madurai. Meghamalai is about 147 km away from Madurai, making bus travel the best option for reaching Meghumalai. Madurai is a city that is well connected with the rest of the popular cities in India. This gives tourists several options to arrive at Madurai like airways, railways, and highways.
India ranks among the best countries in the world for tourism. The vast array of religions and cultures that are nurtured by India make it a truly fascinating country to explore. It also boasts several different types of landscapes from mountains to beaches and from lush green forests to large sandy deserts. A trip through India is like a trip to many countries.
Each state in India is a worthy place for a tour itself which makes exploring India as a whole in a single trip almost impossible. So, if you had to pick one state to explore, the state of Tamil Nadu is an excellent choice.
Within Tamil Nadu, the mountain ranges of Meghamalai located near its cultural capital Madurai rank amongst its best tourist destinations, offering diverse flora and fauna. So, if you wish to explore Meghamalai, start applying for your Indian tourist e-visa early and start booking all your reservations in advance.
There is limited availability of resting places in Meghamalai which can become full very easily during peak tourist season.
Check your eligibility for Online Indian Visa and apply at least a week before your scheduled trip to India. Citizens of many countries including Argentine citizens, Irish citizens, Korean citizens, Danish citizens and Azerbaijani citizens are eligible for India e-Visa.