I have never experienced such a wonderful soothing climate anywhere in Tamilnadu. The place was indeed a Hidden Paradise. Since it remains unexplored by mass population the hill stands unpolluted both in nature and culture. No garbages, no plastic covers, no uncleared dustbins, no hard sellers, no bargains, no bitches, no pimps and no worries.
Travel
We have availed two cars (an Innova and a Volkswagen-Polo). Though the vehicles proved to be justifiably comfortable the pebbled roads with unexpected potholes and the eighteen hairpin bends have definitely disturbed us.
Tips:
I advice you to avail a vehicle that has a high platform, power steering and good braking system so that it would be safe and smooth for both you and your vehicle.
There are also Govt and Private Buses to Meghamalai from Chinnamanur, Cumbam & Theni.
The permission to enter Meghamalai would be given only after 6 AM ( at the Check-Post) and you could not quit Meghamalai after 6 PM.
Accommodation
Though Meghamalai provides both Public accommodation (like the ones provided by the Highwavys Town Panchayat) and Private resorts (like Cloud Mountain and Sand River) we have preferred the former. The rooms provided by the Highwavys Town Panchayat are reasonably spacious and clean. They all have a double cot which would comfortably accommodate 3 persons. The other facilities available are Dining Table, Instant Geyser, Western Toilet etc., We have booked 3 rooms for 11 persons.
Tips:
The rooms provided by Highwavys Town Panchayat costs Rs.750/- per day per 3 persons. To avail this you have to contact the Highwavys Town Panchayat office while on reaching Meghamalai. There are two blocks seperated by a distance of 3 Kms. Prefer the one which is near the Highwavys Town Panchayat Office as it is at more height and with a good Home Restaurant nearby.
Food
Meghamalai doesn't have big Hotels and Restaurants. For the food you have to depend on small Home Restaurants cum Tea Shops that are run by the localites. However they prepare all types of common foods like Idli, Dosai, Chappati etc., They prepare also Chicken Gravy, Chicken Fry etc.,
A TASMAC is also there.
Tips:
The Home Restaurant / Tea Shop / Grocery Shop run by one Mr. Murugan and his family prepares all types of food on demand. The family is very attached to the tourists and treats everyone very caring. They have all types of grocery, cool drinks, cigarettes etc.,
Places to see
Though the localites say there are some places to watch like the Dam, Round Rock (வட்டப்பாறை) and Tea Estate I recommend you to enjoy the climate midst the tea plantation and in the banks of the lakes rather than taking your vehicle through the damaged roads to these places.
Tips:
However a 3 Km walk (Trekking, you may say it) from the Guest House all along the mountain (from its one side to the other) would not only take you through the nurtures of the nature (most probably you could watch Elephants in families. I was supposed to witness only their fresh dungs all along the way) but also take you to the Dam which stores water for the production of electricity.
Route
Meghmalai is situated between Theni and Cumbum. While traveling from Theni you have to take left at Chinnamanur
Must Haves
- Sweater / Jerkin Jacket
- Bed Sheet
- Torch Light
- Gum Shoes
- Binocular
- Camera
- Candle / Lighter / Match Box
Contacts
Highwavys Town Panchayat Office (for booking accommodation)
The Executive Officer
Highwavys Town Panchayat
Theni District - 625519
Phone: 04546 - 232225 , 232211
email: highwavys@gmail.com
Mr. Murugan - Shop Owner (for general enquiry)
9442781748
