When the trekking presents hair-raising adventures…

An arduous climb at Paravathamalai Hills:

Every one of my trips is always filled with elements of surprise and excitement, and this one is too. Climbing up the mountain of 3500 feet along different tough terrains, including mounting an iron ladder placed vertically upon a huge rock, was a spine-chilling experience.

Parvathamalai, the abode of Lord Shiva, is located in Tiruvannamalai district at 15km distance from Polur, the nearest town. It was an early morning as we alighted at Thenmathimangalam, a village, from where we commence our journey on foot. The dawn filled with cool breeze, women dutifully cleaning up their courtyard before the sun breaks up, men indulging in a casual chat at tea shops before embarking on their routine job, the roosters loudly announcing the new day, are the vivid memories as we set foot at the village.

Exhilarating countryside along the way

Geographical map of the hillock and the distance to be covered in different terrains

A kilometer walk from there took us to Pachaimman temple, the residence of a powerful Hindu deity, where women flock to pray for their well-being. Walking further a kilometer, we reached Veerapathrar temple from where the actual ascent begins.

Idols of Hindu Gods placed at Pechiamman Temple

Top hill view from Veerapathrar temple

Beginning with manmade cemented steps, the terrain gradually changes to boulders, and the climbing becomes difficult. All along the way, the shops put up by the locals provide some delicious ‘Vadai’ and ‘Paniyaram’, indigenous food items, which one must not fail to taste. Every shop is equipped with a solar panel to function through the night to serve the devotees. 

Delicious Paniyaram

The upward climb becomes a herculean task as the terrain becomes steep and almost seems impossible to make it. At an altitude of 3000 feet, iron ladders attached vertically to the rocky mountain is sure to make anyone dumbstruck with terror. 

The arduous journey finally offers a relief as we reach the peak of the hill. What a way to meet the God! From top, we can feast our eyes to the bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains and nearby villages up to 50km.

Aerial view of the surroundings from top

Devotees performing Homa at the hilltop

A cool wind caressing our tired body after a nerve-wracking climb is a sheer bliss. But our efforts are nothing at all when compared to the good work of people who built a temple atop. Transporting iron bars, cement, stones and bricks upon the hill is absolutely a grueling task.

Important points to remember on the trip:

The hillock is a reserved forest and it is God’s blessing that we are provided with an opportunity to enjoy the nature. Alas! Humans dump plastics all over the mountain. It is a pitiable and heart wrenching scene all along. Behaving responsibly and pledging not to litter the vicinity will save our mother nature and she will save us in return.