Here’s the subject that earned me a feature in The Hindu Metroplus. Each of these hills deserves a separate guide because many have histories that need to be discussed. Here’s a rundown of a few hills you could climb in Madurai. Remember to wear shoes. Always climb on a sunny day :)
Samanar Hills
Probably the hill well known by Madurains, after Yanaimalai and Thiruparangundram. Climbing past the Jain sculptures on the hill leads to this spot. The hill is in Keelakuyilkudi, near Nagamalai Pudukkottai.
Yanaimalai
Easy to spot from almost anywhere in the city. A ten‑minute climb leads to Jain caves on the top. Beautiful on any evening :). The climb starts from a narrow street on the Othakadai‑Alagarkovil road.
Chatravellalapatti
Best to visit during the sunrises. The hill is on the right just past Chatravellalapatti on Palamedu‑Mulaiyur road. The trail starts from a society building at the foothill.
Checkanurani
Very different from the landscape of other hills and amazing in the mornings. Part of the Nagamalai range of hills, this is isolated and does not really have a proper path to get you to the top. Hence a difficult trek. The climb starts on the right, on the Checkanurani to Melakkal road.
Thidiyan Hill
The tallest among the hills in this guide. A tough 30-minute climb will get you to the top. Witness the green fields of Chellampatti and Thidiyan.
Arittapatti Hill
If you visit the hills of Arittapatti and it feels familiar, it's because you saw it on the film 'Soorarai Potru'. Arittapatti is a small town on the Melur route. It also has the famous centuries-old Shivan Temple.
Thiruparangundram Hill
The spot less known. You’ve probably been to the Hill temple but not here. This is one of the several paths to climb the hill. Take the small path on the right just before the temple on the Hill.
Madakulam Hill
Madakulam is a locality near Ponmeni, Bypass Road. The hill is at the bank of the Madakulam Kanmai. A 10-minute climb through the stairs to the temple. The view overlooks Madurai town.
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