Anamalai Hills
Topslip, the hub of tourist activities within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in the Anamalai Hills, is the gateway to several trekking trails inside the forest. It is necessary to have a guide and stay cautious always. The 12km long Topslip-Karianshola-Pandaravarai Peak-Topslip trail is mostly a gentle climb through dense forests with grasslands in between. Another trails starts from and ends at the Akkamalai forest guard quarters. This is a fairly rigorous 30km trail covering tropical rain forests, Nilgiri sub-tropical and west temperate forests. Those looking for an easy option can trek to the Monkey Falls through the deciduous forest. The nearest railway junction is Pollachi and the nearest airport is Coimbatore.

Covelong
Covelong or Kovalam village (not to be confused with the beach in Kerala) located between Chennai and Mahabalipuram is also getting popular with surfers. The Covelong Point Social Surf School offers many facilities, including accommodation. The annual Covelong Point Surf and Music Festival attracts surfing enthusiasts from around the globe. Handcrafted surfing boards are available at Mahabalipuram (its sculpted shore temple and other monuments a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site), also a growing surfing zone.

Elagiri
Also known as Yelagiri, it is also being promoted as a rock climbing and paragliding zone by the tourism department. Those looking for an easy pleasant trek, can trek from Elagiri Hills to Jalagambarai Waterfalls. If you are only interested in trekking, then try the shorter 2-hour trail. Otherwise, you can take the trail through the villages to soak in some local colour; this route takes around 4 hours to be completed. The Elagiri Hills lie 25km off the Jolarpet junction on the Chennai-Coimbatore rail route.

Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, this tiger reserve is home to a large number of birds and other animals.  With prior permission, you can trek to various points in and around the reserve. One popular trek route covers Mundanthurai-Kannikatti-Agasthiar Peak while another goes from Mundanthurai to Servalayar and Karayar. It is better to have a guide along. For permission, contact the CCF and Field Director of the tiger reserve (tel: 0462-2552663).

Kodaikanal
This popular hill station is also known for its natural beauty. There are several trek routes of varying grades. Even hardy trekkers will find the 8km long Kodaikanal- Dolphin’s Nose-Vallagavi-Kumbakkarai trail a challenge. Another steep trek is the 19km long Kodaikanal-Periyur-Periyakulam trek. Trekkers on the Kodaikanal-Vilpatty-Ganesapuram-Palani route have the chance of encountering wild elephants and have to be very cautious; part of the route lies along the Palar river.  Those looking for a relatively easy trail can make the 2-hour long trek to Dolphin’s Nose from Kodai. Besides, you can also go on camping holidays in the hills.

Kolli hills
Known to trekkers in Tamil Nadu mostly, the Kolli Hills hide a series of trails that snake through the dense forests. Semmedu is the starting point of several trails – to Adukkampatti, to Devanur-Arappaleeswarar Koil, etc. Kolli Hills is 45km from Namakkal town. This region is not commercialised like the other hill stations and accommodation is limited.

Manapad
A coastal town near Tuticorin, Manapad’s potential as a water sports venue became apparent when a national level water sports tournament, Manapad Classic Sail and Surf Festival, was held here in early 2015. The tournament included sailing, surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking and stand up paddle. According to experts, the sea off Manapad has the best wave formation round the year. The nearest airport and railway station is Tuticorin. Stay at the Manapad Surf Resort (http://manapad.in/); the management can also help you with the surfing and other sporting activities.

Rameswaram
A popular pilgrim town. But few people know that the sea off its beach is a good place to go snorkelling and diving. The coral reefs off the Kurusadai island are attracting divers from all over.

St Thomas Mount
This hilly outcrop on the outskirts of Chennai is a favourite with hang-gliding enthusiasts.

Udhagamandalam
Popularly known as Ooty, this hill station in the Nilgiri (Blue Mountain) offers trekking routes of various grades. The Western Ghat hills are easily accessible from the Parson’s Valley base camp. You can follow the trail Parson’s Valley- Mukurthi Lake and then either go along Pandiar Hills-Pykara Falls to Mudumalai Sanctuary or enter Western Catchment to go to Bangitappal and Upper Bhavani. You can take the Parson’s Valley-Portimund-Emerald-Avalanchi-Kolaribetta to enter the Western Catchment area and go up to Mukurthi Peak and then return to Ooty via Mukurthi Dam and Pykara. The undulating hills are covered in shola forest and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife. Anglers can try their skills at the various lakes here albeit with permission from the Fisheries Department. Check with the local tourism department for courses on hang-gliding, usually held between March and May.





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