Megamalai itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Megamalai

1. 01

   Day 1: The hill drive

   Start from Theni or Chinnamanur early. Take the hairpin road up to Highwavys, stopping at the reservoir viewpoints and in the tea lanes. Return before dusk, and if time remains stop at Suruli Falls on the way back toward Cumbum.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Suruli Falls	1 to 2 hours	Moderate	June to October, when the flow is strongest

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Suruli Falls: The approach includes steps and an uneven footpath to the pool, and the stone is slippery in the wet. Showers and a changing area are reported near the falls. Go in the morning and use handrails.

Plan 02

2 days in Megamalai

1. 01

   Day 1: Highwavys

   Drive up in the morning, spend the day on the hill and, if you have arranged a forest lodge, stay overnight; otherwise return to Chinnamanur.

2. 02

   Day 2: Suruli Falls and temples

   Visit Suruli Falls in the morning, then the Velappar and Thousand Lingam shrines, with lunch in Cumbum.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Suruli Falls	1 to 2 hours	Moderate	June to October, when the flow is strongest

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Suruli Falls: The approach includes steps and an uneven footpath to the pool, and the stone is slippery in the wet. Showers and a changing area are reported near the falls. Go in the morning and use handrails.

Plan 03

3 days in Megamalai

1. 01

   Day 1: Theni and Chinnamanur

   Arrive and settle, confirming access and lodging with the forest office.

2. 02

   Day 2: Highwavys and the sanctuary

   A full day on the hill with stops at the viewpoints.

3. 03

   Day 3: Suruli Falls

   Visit the falls and the two temples, then travel on to Madurai or Thekkady.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Suruli Falls	1 to 2 hours	Moderate	June to October, when the flow is strongest

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Suruli Falls: The approach includes steps and an uneven footpath to the pool, and the stone is slippery in the wet. Showers and a changing area are reported near the falls. Go in the morning and use handrails.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Megamalai trip for parents and children

• Take motion-sickness medication before the hairpin climb.
• Start early so you are back before dusk.
• Carry water, food, warm layers and your regular medicines.
• Confirm access arrangements before you leave, as parts are restricted.
• Avoid June and July when travel to the hill is discouraged.
• Use handrails at Suruli Falls; the stone is slippery.

Megamalai with elderly parents: the full guide →