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Kallakurichi sits on the plains of northern Tamil Nadu, where paddy fields and sugar cane run up to the forested ridge of the Kalvarayan Hills. Once a taluk town in the old Viluppuram district, it became the headquarters of its own district in 2019, and it remains a busy market centre for the surrounding farming villages.
The town is the natural gateway to the Kalvarayan Hills, a cooler upland of forests, tribal villages and seasonal waterfalls that rarely sees large crowds. Periyar Falls and Megam Falls are at their best after the monsoon rains, and the Kalvarayan Hills Summer Festival brings cultural programmes to the hills each year.
Closer to the town, Gomukhi Dam holds back a reservoir at the foot of the hills, while the ancient temple town of Tirukoilur lies within reach for a half-day trip. Kallakurichi suits travellers who want rural Tamil Nadu and quiet hill scenery rather than famous sights.
The Kalvarayan Hills rise northwest of Kallakurichi as a broad range of forested slopes. Winding ghat roads climb from the plains into cooler air with views over the countryside. Facilities are basic, so carry water and snacks and hire a driver who knows the bends.
Periyar Falls is one of the best-known waterfalls of the Kalvarayan Hills near Kallakurichi, tumbling over rocky ledges into tree-lined pools where local families bathe and picnic when the water is high. The flow depends on the rains, so visit after the monsoon and take care on the slippery rocks.
Megam Falls lies about 5 km from Kallakurichi at the foothills of the Kalvarayan Hills, a cascade reached by a short trek down the slope through woodland. Its name refers to clouds. It is fullest in the months after the monsoon and can shrink in the dry season, so ask about the flow.
Gomukhi Dam spans the Gomukhi River at the foot of the Kalvarayan Hills near Kallakurichi, creating a reservoir that supplies water to around 47 villages on the plains. The embankment and lake, framed by green slopes. It is a convenient stop on the way up into the hills.
In Tirukoilur east of Kallakurichi, the Ulagalanda Perumal Temple honours Vishnu as Trivikrama striding across the worlds and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Its very tall raja gopuram is among the longest in Tamil Nadu, and the first three Alvars are linked to this place.
The Veerateeswarar Temple in Tirukoilur is a Shiva temple counted among the eight Ashta Veeratanams, shrines that commemorate Shiva's victories over demons. Tradition links its origins to the time of the Nayanar saint Meiporul. It stands a short way from the Ulagalanda Perumal Temple.
Sri Gnanananda Thapovanam is an ashram founded by the saint Gnanananda Giri on the northern bank of the Pennai River near Tirukoilur, and it draws devotees as a place of pilgrimage and quiet reflection. Visitors are welcome to see the shrine and grounds. Dress modestly.
Thirunarungondai near Kallakurichi is an old Jain centre with temples to Parsvanatha and Chandraprabha and a monastic cave dated to the 8th or 9th century. It is a quiet place of worship far from tourist crowds. Dress modestly, remove footwear and ask permission before taking any photos.
Kabilar Kundru is a rock in the Ponnaiyar River at Tirukoilur where, tradition says, the Sangam-era Tamil poet Kapilar fasted unto death. A small shrine stands on top, and the site is a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India. Visit when the river is low, near the temples.
Thiyagadurgam is a rocky hill range near Kallakurichi believed to have been home to Jain saints before the 7th century, and it still preserves old Jain images, a cave temple and the remains of a hill fort. The climb is steep and unshaded, so start early with water and good shoes.
Vellimalai is the main hilltop area of the Kalvarayan Hills, known for clouds that seem to touch the peaks in the monsoon and for small hill hamlets ringed by fields and forest. It is popular for trekking and quiet drives. Lodging is limited, so carry supplies.
Each summer the district administration holds the Kalvarayan Hills Summer Festival, with cultural performances, exhibitions of local produce and handicrafts and activities that show the life of the hill communities. It is the busiest time in the hills and a chance to see traditional music and dance.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lokesh Ramachandra, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lokesh Ramachandra, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PJeganathan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
