Theni Tales : A two day journey through natures heaven

Finally, wrapping up my last blog for this competition with a journey filled with everlasting memories. Here's a meticulously planned two-day itinerary for a visit to Theni. 🌄.

How to reach ?

While Theni may not be an off-the-beaten-path destination, it's easily accessible by train from Chennai. However, securing confirmed tickets can be challenging due to the limited number of direct trains. Alternatively, you can opt to travel to Madurai and then catch a bus to Theni. Private bus services are also available for booking, offering flexibility in transportation options.

Packing Tips :

There isn't much specific to mention for packing tips, but one thing to remember is to pack extra towels and dry-fit clothes. This is especially important as you'll be indulging in falls baths during the itinerary.

Let's start !!!

If you're planning a trip to Theni, I highly recommend it, especially for the breathtaking natural beauty that unfolds after crossing Madurai. As the train traverses through the region, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of mountains enveloping Theni. A highlight of the journey is passing through Aandipati Kanava, where the train winds its way amidst towering peaks. Further along, you'll encounter tree-covered forest pathways, where I found myself leaning out the entrance gate, soaking in the scenery, and getting lost in the melody of the song "ஆண்டிப்பட்டி கனவா காத்து ஆள் தூக்குதே"

Upon arriving at Theni station, it's without a doubt that you should book a stay at Hotel Western Gatz, a renowned 4-star establishment that is often recommended by locals and travelers alike.

The cozy and cleanliness of the room filled me with positive vibes, refreshing me for the day ahead. We indulged in breakfast at Hotel Annalakshmi, a popular pure vegetarian restaurant. Starting the day with a veg breakfast at a premium hotel always feels special and energizes me for the day.

As is my habit whenever I visit a new place, I made inquiries about nearby temples. Thus, our day commenced with a visit to the famous Veerapandi Temple.

Opting for a self-driven car to explore Theni, the usual friendly banter between me and my inexperienced friend Naresh ensued. Eventually, Senthil took over the driving responsibilities for the hilly terrain, ensuring a smoother ride. Our journey progressed in this manner until we began our ascent of Megamalai, a thrilling experience marked by Senthil's adventurous driving style and numerous twists and turns along the way.

Our journey continued in this manner until we reached Megamalai, where the timing constraints necessitated a decision – either depart before 5 PM or spend the night.

Upon arriving, we were immediately captivated by the scenic beauty, prompting us to embark on a photo session. Magic, as always, sent snaps to random contacts while engaging in lively conversations about the hills. Naresh, in his own comical way, began posing for photos he'd likely never post on social media. 

After reveling in the beauty of the Iravangalar Dam, we headed to the nearby hotel for lunch, seemingly the only option available in Megamalai. The food surpassed our expectations, perfectly suited to the climate of the region. A definite highlight was their delectable Fish Fry and Chicken Curry, both of which were simply divine and a must-try for anyone visiting.

We began our return journey around 3 PM, taking the Kuchanur route, which proved to be a mesmerizing display of natural beauty that everyone should experience. It was my first time witnessing sunflower farming, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the breathtaking view. Along this route, we also encountered various other farming landscapes, including fields of onions, corn, chili, and rice.

Our tea break at Chinnamanur was a delightful pause in our journey. The samosas at the local tea shops were simply amazing, particularly the onion samosas, which quickly became my favorite snack after a long time. Naresh couldn't resist indulging in numerous samosas.

Upon returning to our room, we decided to have dinner at Hotel Everest, another renowned establishment in the locality. Here, I introduced my companions to some local culinary terms. We ordered egg, chicken, and mutton biscuits at the parotta shop, where "biscuit" refers to a parotta stuffed with chicken, egg, or mutton—a terminology unique to Chennai. Of course, we couldn't resist indulging in a must-try dish: parotta served with karandi omelet.

Day 2:

We kicked off our day by heading straight to Suruli Falls. The sheer force of the water cascading down provided a natural massage, relieving all our tiredness and pain. Time seemed to fly by as we lost track of it, spending over two hours bathing in the falls. Next, we made our way to our breakfast spot, The Kumar Mess. Their parotta is renowned, and after a refreshing dip in the falls followed by a spicy and flavorful kuruma paired with parotta, it felt like pure heaven.

Our plan for the second half of the day was to visit Kurangani Falls. However, due to excess water flow, the forest officers prohibited access to the falls. Instead, we stumbled upon a place called Munthal, where some scenes from the movie Kumki were shot. The beauty of the place surpassed even that of a commercial hill station; it was truly breathtaking. Reluctant to leave, we spent the remainder of our day there before returning to the Theni bus stand. For our journey back, we opted for a private bus to Chennai.

Note: Don't miss out on having lunch at Singapore Mess, especially their Mutton Biryani and Thalicha. The taste is beyond words, and I can't adequately describe the experience of enjoying their biryani.