Velliangiri Hills

The Velliangiri Hills, also called the Kailash of the South, rise to about 6,000 feet in the Western Ghats about 40 km from Coimbatore. The range has seven peaks and a Shiva temple at the summit that draws thousands of devotees who make the arduous trek, especially during the month of Panguni in March to April. The trek passes through dense Shola forest, open grasslands, and rocky terrain and takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete. The hills are considered sacred in the Shaivite tradition and are closely associated with the Siddha masters who are said to have meditated in the caves here. The Isha Yoga Centre and Adiyogi Shiva Statue at the base of the hills have further increased the spiritual significance of the entire area.