Nagamalai

Brief Introduction :

GoIt is one of Karnataka Government sponsored Mystery Trails

Malai Mahadeshwara hills is situated at a distance of 140 KMs from Mysore. Known for its scenic beauty and ample wildlife, it is famous for Mahadeshwara, famous God in South Karnataka. It is said he came to meditate at this place as it was not accessible easily, infact the whole mountain range is such a way that we clinb high mountains and then descend downwards towards MM hills. It is famous for its folk natured songs.

















Friends at MM hills.





Famous Hoganekal falls also comes near MM Hills. River Kaveri forms the border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the falls visible from either side of states. Lot of massage centers is present in Hoganekal falls

One more reason MM hills is famous for is Veerappan, yes the dreaded dacoit had his home centered in MM hills, the dense forests with mountains made this place suitable for his activities. Also MM Hills forms a border for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, so it was more easier for him to escape.

Mysore --> Kollegal --> Hanur --> MM Hills

Nagamalai, Naga meaning Snake and Malai meaning Hill. Nagamalai is a hill where a big rock is in the form of Lingu and another rock is in the form of Snake behind it. It is thought to be very sacred palace. It is 14 KMs from MM Hills and doesn’t have a road.


We have to cross nearly seven hills on the way, while on top of each hill we can see the next hill and the path that goes through it. Thick forest all around makes it even more enjoyable with lots and lots of noise from birds, insects and if you are lucky elephants and wild cats.








Path to Nagamalai, boys start asking money the moment they see and devotees.




We find small villages at regular distances. More interestingly the houses will resemble castle with thick thorn compounds on each houses. This is to safeguard from leopards that are more in numbers in this region.


Beautiful hills till horizon makes this trek really exiting. Once we reach the hill before Nagamalai, we can see a small village with handfull of houses. We can keep our luggage and wash our legs and climb final hill to visit the temple. Locals here will cook food for us and take a minimal charge.




















This trek will continue in two ways,
1. To Palar.
2. To Hoganekal Falls via Gopinatham.
Both of these have thick patch of forest.
Its been more than 4 years I did this trek, will go again before summer if possible.
Trek to MM Hills was considered not safe when Veerappan was alive, but now its not a problem. There will lot of people going to this temple hill during Amavase.

For more Info click here, here and here :).
Difficulty Level : Medium

+s : No chances of losing out, full path till Nagamalai, food is not a problem, very very good view of forests.
-s : Unlike western ghats, sunny days may spoil the trek.