Nagalur – Sanniyasimalai Peak

Grade

Easy

Distance

5 km there and back

Walking time

3 hours

Altitude

1594 m

Best months

Oct – Mar

Start point

Nagalur Village, Yercaud

District

Salem

Nearest station

Salem Junction, ~30 km

Nearest airport

Salem, ~46 km

About this trail

Sanniyasimalai is one of the higher summits of the Shevaroy hills, above Yercaud. From Nagalur village the path climbs through eucalyptus plantations, then semi-evergreen woods and shola, to a top carpeted in ferns. The Sarabanga, a tributary of the Cauvery, starts from these slopes. On clear mornings, Mettur Dam is visible far off across the plains.

The walk is 5 km there and back and takes about three hours, so it suits beginners and families. Reporting is at 6:45 AM from the Nagalur base or the Yercaud forest office. Mornings in Yercaud are cool, so bring a light layer. The descent is gentle and ends back in the village.

Highlights

• Source of the Sarabanga river
• Fern-covered summit
• Views towards Mettur Dam
• Eucalyptus and shola forest
• Easy climb for beginners

How the day goes

1. 6:45 AMReport at the Yercaud forest office or Nagalur base point.
2. PlantationsWalk through eucalyptus groves.
3. ForestClimb through semi-evergreen and shola forest.
4. SummitReach the fern-covered top and rest.
5. ReturnWalk back to Nagalur village.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Salem Junction, ~30 km
• By air: Salem, ~46 km
• Stay: Hotels, homestays and forest rest house in Yercaud.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Light jacket
• Water bottle
• Walking shoes
• Binoculars
• Light snacks

Good to know

These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.

More trails in Salem