Anamalai Hills Trekking & Camping

About:

ANAMALAI HILLS, a range of mountains in southern India, in the Coimbatore district of Madras, lying between 10° 13' and 10° 31' N. lat., and between 76° 52' and 77° 23' E. long.Western Ghats, after this range has been broken by the Palghat Pass, south of the Nilgiris. They really consist of a forest-clad and grassy tableland, with summits rising about 8000 ft.; the Anaimudi mountain, which is the highest in southern India, having an altitude of 8850 ft. Their geological formation is metamorphic gneiss, veined with felspar and quartz, and interspersed with reddish porphyrite. The lower slopes yield valuable teak and other timber; and some land has been taken up for coffee planting. The only inhabitants are a few wild tribes who live by hunting and collecting jungle produce.The Western Ghats hill range of India, recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot, also contains impressive cultural diversity including a number of tribal communities.

A hot favourite southern trekking destination, the Annamalai Hills also known as the Holy Hills, have dense forests and exotic wildlife. An abundance of rivulets mean the region is perfect for camping. There are also coffee and tea plantations nearby.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

In summer: maximum - 25oC, minimum - 21oC. Winter: Maximum - 10oC, Minimum - 5oC.
Its climate is milder than Ooty and the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.

Interesting places to Visit:

There are several places to see and visit near Coonoor.

The Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint:which is 10 kms from Coonoor, is an important place to visit. It not only provides a panoramic view of the vast expanse of the Nilgiri hills but also of the famous Catherine Falls.

St. Catherine's Falls is a popular attraction in Coonoor. This cascading beauty falls from an impressive height of 250 feet and can be clearly seen from the top of Dolphin's Nose. One can also take a road to the top of the falls. This vantage point offers lovely views

Droog Fort (once a military outpost) is another exciting thing that you can do in Coonoor. This old and worn out fort offers panoramic views. Today, only a wall remains of this military outpost. The fort was used by Tipu Sultan as a military outpost

St. George's Church is an excellent example of a typical Cantonment Church. It was built in 1826 and was designed by Colonel J.T.Boileau. It is made of yellow ochre stucco with white dressings.

Wellington Golf Course in the cantonment of Wellington is another important landmark in Coonoor. The cantonment is home to the prestigious Defence Services Staff College. The Golf Course here is hugely popular with film makers who frequently come here to shoot their song sequences.

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Kotagiri :19 km away is a typical tea territory and the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris

Ketty (15 km): en-route from Ooty to Coonoor is a small village known for its beautiful landscape.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

The Gateway Hotel Church Road
Church Road Upper Coonoor, Coonoor, 643101- 080 43208900

Riga Residency
Appleby Road, Wellington, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu - 0423 2234401

Taj Garden Retreat Coonoor
Church Rd, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 643101 - 0423 2230021

Kurumba Village Resort
Ooty Mettupalayam Road,, Hill Grove Post, Kurumbadi, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643102 - 022 66181940

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Thudiyalur Police Station
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2642990

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2617258

Karamadai Police Station
Karamadai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Nearest Hospital:

KG Hospital
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2212121

Vikram Hospital And Ent Research Institute
Venkatasamy Rd, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 0422 2550633

Sheela Hospitals
46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Ganga Hospital
313, Mettupalayam Road, Alagesan Rd No. 2, Saibaba Koil, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 043- 0422 2485000

Anamalai Hills Trekking & Camping