Everything You Need To Know About Siruvani Hills and Forest

A wilderness experience on the outskirts of Coimbatore which shares its border with Kerala. Siruvani forest is also a part of the Nilgiri Ghats that happily boasts of Paradise looking Ooty and other places on the extreme end. Siruvani is no less than an amusement itself, with the exception being the dense forest that’s so dense the entry is prohibited at some parts. So I have curated this blog so you can get to know everything about Siruvani hills, forest and river in 2020 before you hit the destination.

How can you reach Siruvani?

Siruvani hills is 35kms from Coimbatore centre, 33kms from railway station and 45kms from the city’s flight terminal. So it’s going to roughly take you 30 to 90 minutes to reach this surreal paradise no matter where you are in the city.

The traffic disappears once you zoom past the city limits.

There are two ways for you to choose from.

One is the most commonly used Perur main road connecting Thondamuthur, a good clean route, with decent amount of traffic and a host of shops, restaurants, resorts on the go. Count this road for some last hour shopping to make your staycation even more blissful and fully loaded. The road is equally aesthetic with a green layer as much as you would see the concrete buildings, there is also the Karunya garden on your left and a few photographic spots on the go. Overall a decent experience that you would never fail to cherish if car pooling with the right vibe and people.

In the mood for escaping into the rural bounds of Coimbatore? Then wander into the less explored route to Siruvani forest at Vadavalli to Isha route, from where you have the option of either connecting to Thondamuthur main road or progressing on your road of the lesser concrete world. Both these roads are parallel to each other with a difference that doesn’t exceed 2kms on paper, but in reality they are worlds apart, as this route is a complete powerhouse of temples, villages and Tall coconut trees on both ends. You also get to see the impeccable Adiyogi statue, an imperial part of the Isha community. So from Isha you will get connected to Siruvani via the main road in less than 4 miles.

Bottom-line, if you can afford an extra of 3 or 4 miles to your overall trip and got no shopping left, try the latter route to see the nature element.

Siruvani Forests

A well sprung forest across the Nilgiri Ghats, with tropical trees adorning the ambiance, birds chirping heard regularly and a camera and it also houses the second tastiest water in the world, Siruvani or Kovai kutralam as we fondly call it. It was circa 1929 when the Siruvani started to serve people of Coimbatore its unreal tasty water through 110 water taps set in the city.

You can always stay a day or two here to enjoy the unparalleled quality of nature here. Troubled with finding the best resorts in Siruvani? Do check out our 8 best resorts in Siruvani

People were mesmerized by the chiselling taste, a first of its kind. The Kovai people were both emotional and overwhelmed as the project took a long 40 years to see the light of the day, but it was worth every second as the taste of water still stands the time and proves the world of its sheer quality and taste.

The forest cover used to be a hidden paradise for trekkers and adventure lovers alike decades back when wild animals were common and even the tone of the forest being tantalizing lush green that makes you skip your heartbeat.

Fast forward to 2023, a lot of the parts came under the reserve forest conditions with entry being strictly prohibited and an offence but maybe with aid of a local guide, you can still explore the scenic beauty of Siruvani forests and hills that doesn’t land on you on the conviction list of trespassing.

Or you always have the ever charming Siruvani waterfalls to forget your summer blues, grab your camera and head out for a good time, and if you ever wanted to know more about Siruvani waterfalls check out our piece of some exploring we did to plan your day out.

Siruvani Hills and Forest is one of the most picturesque and serene spots in the Coimbatore district, located in Tamil Nadu, India. Known for its tranquil environment, rich biodiversity, and scenic views, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here’s everything you need to know about Siruvani Hills and Forest:

1. Location

• Siruvani Hills is located about 35 km from Coimbatore city and is part of the Western Ghats. The forest area spans across the hills of the Nilgiri Mountain Range, bordered by lush green forests and dense plantations.

• The hills are located near the town of Mettupalayam, which is the nearest urban area from the hills.

2. Famous for Siruvani Water

• The Siruvani River is a prominent feature of the region, known for its clean, sweet water. The water from the river is considered one of the sweetest in India and is used to supply water to Coimbatore city.

• The river originates from the Western Ghats and flows through the dense forests of Siruvani, adding to the serenity of the place.

3. Flora and Fauna

• Biodiversity: Siruvani Hills is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna that belong to the tropical rainforest ecosystem. The region is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and hosts several endangered species.

• Flora: The forests around Siruvani consist of lush vegetation, including teak, sandalwood, rosewood, and various medicinal plants.

• Fauna: The area is home to many animals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, sambar deer, wild boar, sloth bears, and various bird species like hornbills and eagles.

4. Siruvani Waterfalls

• Siruvani Waterfalls is a major attraction near the Siruvani Hills. The waterfall is a popular spot for trekking and picnics. It cascades down from the Siruvani Hills and is surrounded by dense forests, creating a peaceful and picturesque environment.

• The waterfall is best visited during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.

5. Adventure Activities

• Trekking: The Siruvani Hills offer several trekking opportunities through thick forests and rough terrains. The trek to Siruvani Waterfalls is quite popular among adventure seekers, offering a mix of challenging trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• Wildlife Watching: The region is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. You can spot various wildlife species in their natural habitat.

• Photography: The verdant hills, the river, and the waterfall provide an excellent backdrop for nature and wildlife photography.

6. The Siruvani Dam

• The Siruvani Dam is an engineering marvel built across the Siruvani River. The dam plays a critical role in supplying water to Coimbatore city. It also creates a scenic reservoir surrounded by hills and forests, adding to the beauty of the region.

• Visitors can enjoy views of the dam from a distance, though access to the dam area is restricted due to security reasons.

7. Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit Siruvani Hills is during the winter months (October to March), as the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.

• Monsoon (June to September) is also a great time if you want to see the waterfalls at their best, but caution should be taken while trekking due to slippery paths.

8. Accessibility

• By Road: Siruvani Hills is easily accessible by road from Coimbatore. The route is scenic, with winding roads and breathtaking views of the hills and forests.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, which is well-connected to other cities in Tamil Nadu. From Mettupalayam, Siruvani can be reached by road.

• By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 35 km away from Siruvani Hills.

9. Nearby Attractions

• Ooty: The famous hill station of Ooty is about 75 km away from Siruvani Hills. Known for its cool climate, botanical gardens, and tea plantations, Ooty is a popular tourist destination.

• Coonoor: Another charming hill station, Coonoor, is located about 60 km from Siruvani. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.

• Black Thunder Water Park: Located near Mettupalayam, this water park is a popular recreational spot for families.

10. Conservation and Protection

• Siruvani Hills and the surrounding forests are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and are protected by the Forest Department. Conservation efforts are in place to maintain the ecosystem, preserve wildlife, and protect the region from deforestation and illegal activities.

Conclusion

Siruvani Hills and Forest is a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or simply looking to relax in the lap of nature, Siruvani provides an unforgettable experience. Its lush forests, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway away from the urban chaos.