Nothing is more mesmerising than watching the beauty of hills or mountain ranges. India is a geographically diverse country, having its share of grand hills and mountain peaks. Right from the Himalayas to the northeast ranges and then to the Aravalli ranges in the west, the country is sprinkled with beautiful wonders of nature. Melagiri Hills is one such hill range that, often overlooked, is a sheer gem to explore. In this blog, we will look at this underrated hill and try to uncover its beauty, geography, travel tips and much more.
Overview Of Melagiri Hills
Melagiri Hills lie on the border of the Cauvery River in Karnataka from one side and the other. The range lies between the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts of Tamil Nadu. The hills offer a dense forest area that looks as if a green blanket is laid over them. The terrain is primarily made up of hills and valleys covered in forests, with Gutherayan’s highest peak reaching 1,390 meters (4,560 feet) and the lowest point reaching 635 meters (2,083 feet).
Except for a few areas of shola forests on the slopes of Gutherayan Peak, the forests are primarily dry deciduous. On average, rainfall in the Melagiri hills ranges from 700 mm to 900 mm per year. The hills are home to plenty of rivers that serve as lifelines for people living in and around the region. Freshwater rivers like Cauvery, Dodahalla, Hebbahalla, Chinnar, Ponnaiar, and Anaibiddahalla rivers are water sources.
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Flora and Fauna In Melagiri Hills
The Melagiri hills may have various vegetation types, including thorn scrub, dry tropical riverine, mixed deciduous, dry evergreen, and semi-evergreen. Numerous unusual plants and trees, including huge Mangifera indica, Garcinia gummi-gutta, wild balsam, wild jack, etc., can be found in the hill’s forests. The division also includes endangered species like Shorea roxburghii. This location is home to notable trees like the old-growth Mutti (Terminalia arjuna), Hardwickia binata, Ippe (Madhuca longifolia), Diospyros malabarica, etc. The hills are home to various birds, including plain flowerpeckers, ospreys, smaller fish eagles, brown fish owls, changeable hawk eagles, grey-fronted green pigeons, Egyptian vultures, and Indian peafowls.
The region is home to several wildlife species, including grizzled giant squirrels, four-horned antelope, sambar, chital, gaur, and smooth-coated otter, as well as Asian elephants, leopards, dholes, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and golden jackals. The last few grey langurs in the Hosur Forest Division can also be found in this area. Rare snakes like the racer Coluber bholanathi, the marsh crocodile, the lacertid lizard Ophisops leschenaultii, the Indian chameleon, the Bengal monitor, and the Indian star tortoise can be found here, along with the Indian cobra, Indian python, Russell’s viper, Dhaman rat snake, and keelback water snake. This area is home to about 20 species of frogs and toads, including the uncommon Bufo hololius toad, which lives on rocks.
Karnataka
Places To Visit Near Melagiri Hills
Here is the list of some significant places and activities you may plan to visit or do while you are touring the Melagiri Hills:
1. Hogenakkal Falls
Image Credit: Mithun Kundu for Wikipedia Commons
Melagiri Hills is home to plenty of beautiful and free-flowing waterfalls. Hogenakkal is probably the most iconic one here. 199 kilometres (124 mi) from Chamrajnagar and 46 km (29 mi) from Dharmapuri. This site’s carbonatite rocks are regarded as some of the world’s oldest in South Asia. The falls provide a variety of activities.
You are welcome to swim in the water. Walking up to the hanging bridge can provide a great view of the falls. The bridge has an admission fee of 10 rupees per person. You can see the magnificent falls on one side. On the other hand, the stunning Kaveri River forms a valley by slicing through the hills. During the season, boating is also done here. There are plenty of local food stalls nearby that offer good options for snacking.
Address: 1/311B Oottamalai, Hogenakkal 636810 India
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
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2. Mettur Dam
Image Credit: SanthoshKhan Annadhurai for Wikimedia Commons
Since rivers flow across the Melagiri Hills, several iconic dams are built here, Mettur being one of them. One of the most giant dams in India, it is located in the tiny village of Mettur, 30 miles from Salem. Constructed in 1943, Mettur Dam spans the River Cauvery in the canyon and is a beautiful sight. The dam is well-liked by tourists and is surrounded by lush hills and stunning natural beauty.
The dam’s design showcases the nation’s engineering prowess and is among its most remarkable attributes. Mettur Dam is a large man-made marvel that stretches over 1700 meters—travellers from around the country go to this popular hotspot to unwind and find solitude. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the dam irrigates 2,71,000 acres of surrounding agricultural area. One of the area’s main draws is a water reservoir surrounded by steep ranges.
Address: Metturdam, Mettur – 636401
Timings: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
3. The Coracle Ride in Kaveri River
Image Credit: Ilya Mauter for Wikimedia Commons
Round boats with curved sides made of bamboo sticks are known as coracles. To make them waterproof, hides or plastic sheets are placed over them. “Parisal” is the Tamil word for coracle, which has been used for transportation since ancient times. Parisals are now being used to promote tourism instead of for everyday transportation.
A coracle trip in Hogenakkal, Melagiri Hills, is an unforgettable experience. During this activity, passengers are transported over streams with shallow rocks encircling them in the rudimentary boats. Tiny waterfalls, birds, and fascinating rock formations occasionally greet travellers. Once on the ride, passengers are taken to a picturesque small world where the only people in the company are the nearby rocks, the blue sky, and the river.
Address: Talakadu beach, on Kaveri river
Timings: 8 am and 6 pm
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4. Theerthamalai Temple
Melagiri Hills is home to tons of temples. Out of those, Theerthamalai Temple holds a prominent place. The temple is near the Hogenakkal Falls; you can visit it when you visit the falls. The principal deity of this temple is Lord Theerthagireeswar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is commonly believed that after conquering Ravana, Lord Ram pleaded to Lord Shiva for forgiveness for his transgressions.
Tamil people refer to Theerthamalai as a hill with numerous holy streams. Numerous perennial streams on Theerthamalai hill are devoted to different Hindu deities. There is another adjacent well-known temple, the Hanuman Theertham, which is equally significant for the locals.
Address: Sri Theertha Giriswarar Temple, Theerthamalai-636 906
Timings: 6 AM to noon and 4 PM to 9 PM
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Visiting Melagiri Hills will give tourists and travellers a great chance to explore the surroundings and find peace within themselves. Easy to access and gorgeous to look at, this range calls you to explore its beauty. Plan your trip to Karnataka and visit this place to garner some lifetime-worth memories.
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Cover Image Credit: AparnaVK for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Melagiri Hills
What is so special about Melagiri Hills?
Melagiri Hills is a dense forest area and a major tourist attraction for nature lovers. Being on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the hills are home to a range of local and tribal villages. One can experience the fusion of Tamil and Karnataka culture here. Besides, the hill range is home to plenty of rare animals, birds, flowers, plants and trees.
Is Melagiri Hills close to Hogenakkal?
Hogenakkal is only a short drive away from the Melagiri Hills.
Are there large animals in Melagiri Hills?
Yes, large animals including elephants, leopards, and marsh crocodiles can be found in this range, which is a wildlife sanctuary and a part of the Eastern Ghats.
Does it often rain in Melagiri Hills?
Being a part of the Eastern Ghats, Melagiri Hills receive moderate to high rainfall. There is surely a lot of rain during the monsoon season. Still, monsoon is the time when the waterfalls and Kaveri river are in full flow, something that attracts tourists.
Are there any places to stay in Melagiri Hills?
Yes, there are quite a bit places to stay in this range. There are plenty fo villages where you can find local accommodation. City hotels are also not far away. It is best to plan your travel and then look for hotels near places you wish to visit. For instance, you can get the suitable option in Hogenakkal if you wish to travel to Hogenakkal Falls.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
