Perumal Trek, Kodaikanal: Treks in Tamil Nadu

Located in Kodaikanal, a hill town of southern Indian state Tamil Nadu, Perumal Trek is a must-visit for all the trekking enthusiasts. When the trekking in India is concerned, people often travel to the Himalayas. The peaks in southern India are often forgotten. Hence, Perumal trek is also such trek where people usually don’t go.

Perumal trek, a part of the Western ghats, has beautiful sceneries. It leaves a person spellbound with its enormous beauty. Besides, it is one of the highest peaks in the Premammalian hills. In addition to this, travelers can also enjoy the enthralling journey. You can also have the breath-taking view of the Nilgiri Hills from Perumal Trek. As you will feel very close to nature on your journey, hence it is categorized as one of the best treks of India. The best thing is that no permission from the forest department is required. Many local people living in Kodaikanal say that this peak was once a volcano and it has stopped erupting from 1000 years. This makes it a very interesting place to visit.

About Perumal trek

• Altitude: It has an elevation of 2440 m
• Best time to visit: The best time to plan a trekking trip to Perumal trek is from January – May. During these months, the weather is pleasant. However, you can also trek during monsoons but it is considered risky due to leeches and if you plan to trek in monsoon, then essential precautions should be taken.
• Duration: 1 day from Kodaikanal
• Difficulty level: This trek is quite easy. Even the taxi services are available for the people who can’t climb the peak.
• Nearest railway station: Kodaikanal road railway station is the nearest railway station to the hill Kodaikanal.
• Nearest airport: Madurai airport is the nearest airport which is 120 Km away from Kodaikanal.
• Minimum age: The minimum age required for this trek is 10 years.
• Distance: 18 kms from Kodaikanal
• Base camp: Perumal Trek is a one-day trek and there is no camping site, so you will ascent and descent on the same day. However, overnight camp at Perumal trek is also possible.

The main trek

The Perumal trek is located in the Western Ghats and is known as the heavenly trail among the trekkers. Because of its immense beauty, it is also considered as the best snapshot spot among the photographers. In addition to the scenic beauty, the weather is also extremely pleasant and it will give you chills if you trek in the morning. The Perumal peak is elevated at the height of 2440 m above the sea level.

Visiting the trek in different months

The trek is open for the trekkers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week long. If you want to carry on activities like hiking, mountain biking, and camping, then it is advisable to visit from December to April. This is mainly because it becomes difficult to do these activities during monsoon. However, if you are visiting for photography, then you must visit by May or June as the summer fades out and autumn fades in and you will capture the best snapshots during this season.

Short Description of the Itinerary

• DAY 1: Reach Kodaikanal, 2133m (by bus),
• DAY 2: Reach Perumal Malai village, 2440m (11 Km drive from Kodaikanal) and then head towards Perumal peak, 2440 m which is 7 Km away (trek).

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Reach Kodaikanal

On the first day, you need to reach Kodaikanal. You can travel by bus, train or air, as you prefer. If you are travelling by air, then you need to head from Madurai to Kodaikanal by bus or private car. It is 120 km journey from Madurai to Kodaikanal. Similarly, if you are travelling by bus, then you can reach Kodaikanal from Kodai road, which is 100 kms away, by bus or public transport. You can check in to a hotel at Kodaikanal and prepare for your trek the next morning.

DAY 2: Perumal Malai Village – Perumal peak

• Altitude: 2440m
• Distance: 11 Km drive from Kodaikanal to Perumal Malai village and then 7 Km trek to the peak.
• Time: half-hour drive, then 3-4 hour trek
• Water sources: Carry 2-3 L with you, plenty of water sources
• Gradient: Doable low to medium slopes

The trek begins from the foot of the peak near Perumal Malai Village. You can reach Perumal Malai village by bus or a private vehicle can also be hired. After reaching the village, you will head towards the peak. It will take approximately 3-4 hours to cover the trek one way so it is recommended that you start the trek early in the morning so that you can return on time. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate, but you will need to walk long hours to cover this trek. Overnight camping is also possible. If you wish to stay in tents, then you must bring your camping equipment with you. However, most of the trekkers prefer to ascent and descent on the same day as they can have easy stay at the hotels in Kodaikanal. You will encounter small water bodies in your way from where you can get water easily.

Fitness Requirement

To cover the Perumal trek, fitness to some extent is required as you will need to walk for the entire day and then head back also. Although the trek is suitable for absolute beginners, still it is advisable to prepare yourself for the trek as you might get fatigued. You can start by going on a walk and the slowly moving to some low-intensity cardio. If your fitness level is good, then you can prepare yourself by jogging, running, cycling, swimming and doing high-intensity cardio.
What to bring

If you wish to complete the Perumal trek in time and without encountering any difficulty, then make sure that you have packed the following items with you:

• A medium-sized backpack
• A raincoat
• Warm clothes and if you are less resistant to winters, wear some extra layers like caps, gloves, socks, etc.
• A sunscreen lotion
• Trekking shoes
• A torch
• A sun cap to protect yourself from the sun
• Sunglasses
• Some ready to eat food items like chocolates, nuts, chips, etc.