Madurai :
Kurangani Hills near Bodinayakanur in Theni district is a perfect place for trekking fans as well as nature enthus. The 12 km walk from Kurangani village to Top Station through Central village is a journey to be cherished. Those who visit Munnar in Kerala can also enter the trekking route here by walking down the dense woods and plain grasslands of Kurangani Hills. By reaching Top Station, border of Theni district, from Munnar after 35 km travel, one can start trekking down the hills.
Although, Kurangani Hills is near the famous Munnar Hills and Kolukkumalai Hills — the highest hills for tea plantation in the world at an altitude close to 8,000 feet — the place is still not known in the tourism circuit. However, several foreign tourists do come here. Some nature lovers within the state also frequently visit Kurangani Hills. Film-makers too have been charmed by the nature here. Films Alagar Samiyin Kuthurai, Myna and Kumki were shot on the Hills. The best months to explore the Hills are between August to December.
Frequently changing weather, low-hanging clouds, chilly atmosphere and strong winds coupled with wide range of flora and fauna are the things to enjoy in the hills. It takes four to five hours to complete the trekking from Kurangani village, the foothills of the Hills to reach Top station, whereas two-and-a-half hours is enough for the return trip. Trekkers can find Samabalaru falls, the source of Kottakudi river which serves the drinking water needs of Bodinayakanur town, while wading through here. Central Village, with a population of 200 people and 50 houses, is four more kilometres from the Falls. A couple of cottages are available in here to provide accommodation for the visitors. Foreigners, who come prepared with tents, prefer to stay under the open sky. Guides can take you through unexplored thick woods.
The villagers say that tourists frequently spot Indian guars, barking deer, langurs, wild cats and. However, the villagers warn about the presence of leopards and tigers.
REACHING THERE
* Bodinayakanur is 16 km away from Theni, connected by frequent bus service
* 15 km road connecting Kurangani and Bodinayakanur
* Via Munnar one can reach 100 km distance Road facility connecting Bodinayakanur and Top Station- Around
* Buses, jeeps and autos available from Bodinayakanur
* 12 km — trekking distance between Kurangani village and Top Station
* Central village is the half-way point between Kurangani village and Top Station
* Best time to visit: August and December
* Lodges available in Top Station, Bodinayakanur and Munnar. Only two cottages available in Central Village
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai> Nature / by V. Devanathan, TNN / June 10th, 2013