A steep pilgrimage climb over seven hills to a Shiva shrine at the top, known as the 'Kailash of the South'. There are medical camps on the third, sixth and seventh hills. People die of cardiac arrest on this climb every season, so do not attempt it without training and a fitness check.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
Loading the forecast…
Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
Velliangiri, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Velliangiri: the trek
- TravelBase: Poondi Velliangiri Andavar temple, 40 km from Coimbatore
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailHard trek to 1,778 m₹400
₹49 once, 4 pages. Secure payment by Razorpay, instant download. Already bought? Get your download
The route
Tap a place: the map zooms to it.
On the map
Velliangiri — seven hills · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Bus from Coimbatore's Gandhipuram or Ukkadam to Poondi, 1 h 30 m. Most pilgrims start in the evening and climb through the night to see the sunrise on the seventh hill.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Poondi Velliangiri Andavar temple is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Velliangiri — seven hills trek?
Hard grade. It takes 1 night (overnight climb) and climbs to about 1,778 m. A steep pilgrimage climb over seven hills to a Shiva shrine at the top, known as the 'Kailash of the South'. There are medical camps on the third, sixth and seventh hills. People die of cardiac arrest on this climb every season, so do not attempt it without training and a fitness check.
Do I need a permit for Velliangiri — seven hills?
The climb is only open in the season the forest department announces (from February 2026 this year). A medical fitness check at the base is mandatory, and plastic is removed at the check-post. Temple custom has long restricted women of menstruating age from the climb, so check the current position before planning.
How do I reach the Velliangiri — seven hills trek?
Bus from Coimbatore's Gandhipuram or Ukkadam to Poondi, 1 h 30 m. Most pilgrims start in the evening and climb through the night to see the sunrise on the seventh hill. Base: Poondi Velliangiri Andavar temple, 40 km from Coimbatore.
What is the best season for Velliangiri — seven hills?
Feb–May (season set by forest department).
How much does the Velliangiri — seven hills trek cost?
From about ₹400 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
A strong walking stick (sold at the base), a torch, two litres of water, a warm layer for the top and good grip shoes. The steps are uneven rock.
Nearby treks
Chembra PeakEasy · 1 day · up to 2,100 mFrom ₹800.jpg/500px-Illikkal_Kallu_(%E0%B4%87%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B2%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%BD_%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%8D_).jpg)
Illikkal KalluModerate · Half day · up to 1,200 mFrom ₹400
MeesapulimalaMedium · 2 days · up to 2,640 mFrom ₹2,500Places to stay near by
Silent Valley National ParkA rainforest that survived a 1970s dam controversy and stayed wild enough to be one of the last…From ₹1,200/day
NelliyampathyTen hairpin bends into orange and coffee country, a viewpoint locals call 'the Kashmir of…From ₹1,100/day.jpg/500px-Tea_estates_near_Kotagiri%2C_Nilgiris_(ultra-wide_view).jpg)
KotagiriThe oldest hill station in the Nilgiris, all tea slopes and shola walks, with a cliff-edge view…From ₹1,000/daySacred places near by
Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Silvershocky · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Kksens85 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Silvershocky · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
