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Wednesday 18 September 2013

Parvathamalai Trekking

Parvathamalai, located in Tiruvannamalai district, is around 200 Km drive from Chennai. The Sithar Malai is full of herbs, known for its medicinal value. There is a Shiva Temple and Vitoba Swamigal tomb at the top of the hills, which is estimated to be at a height of 3500 ft. Anyone can do their own spiritual rites to God here, whereas everywhere else it is carried out only by a priest. 
There are 3 routes to Parvathamalai:
Chennai, Chengalpet, Melmaruvathur, Vandavasi, Polur, Parvathamalai
Chennai, Kanchipuram, Arcot, Arni, Polur, Parvathamalai
Chennai, Chengalpet, Tindivanam, Gingee, Tiruvannamalai, Parvathamalai
In the first 2 routes, Polur is the nearest town to Parvathamalai for a pitstop for food, whereas Tiruvannamalai is for the last route. One would need to drive into the Polur town (~2 Km) for hotels from the Vandavasi & Arni SH intersection. Parvathamalai is around 15 Km from Polur.

Vandavasi - Polur SH
On reaching Parvathamalai, there are 2 routes one can take to the top of the hill.
Steps: Thenmathimangalam route
Trekking (Adventure): Kadaladi route
Kadaladi is around 10 Km from Themathimangalam. Normally the locals would guide thro' the Thenmathimanagalam route, if simply asked for Parvathamalai. There are 3 temples en route while taking the steps. 

If adventurous trekking is the preference, then the route should be asked specifically for Kadaladi. Kadaladi is known for (Late) Mouna Guru, who has an Ashram at the foothills, as well as on the top of the hills and offers food (Annadhanam) to the devotees. The vehicle can be parked at this Ashram to begin with the trekking.

The locals estimate the trekking distance to be around 5.5 Km to the top. The average time for a normal person to trek to the top is around 3.5 Hrs (purely depends on the fitness of the person) and the trek downhill is around 2.5 Hrs. 
Some of the tips to load the backpack before starting:
  • Select a light weight bag
  • Carry app. 2 litres of water. Shops are available only after half the distance to buy water, lemon soda, tender coconut after crossing most of the very steep distance.
  • Prefer more of fruits to keep yourself hydrated rather than snacks like chips, cakes & biscuits
  • In rainy season, prefer a Rain coat than a Jerkin
  • Torch Light is required, if it gets dark downhill
  • Don't keep any of your things in plastic covers and carry it visibly, as the monkeys will snatch them brutally

The trek consists of muddy path for a 1/4 distance. Then comes the rocks and boulders with a very steep slope for 1/2 distance and for the last 1/4 distance, is the rock climbing part with supportive iron rods & chains. A good pair of shoes is required for the trek, but the last stretch has to be climbed bare foot only. The shoes can be either left at a nearby shop or it can carried in the backpack. The entire route is guided by white arrow marks painted on the rocks and one has to follow them to be on the right path. Beware of snakes en route. Surprisingly dogs may accompany you thro' out the trek route guiding the way, leading in the front. The first shop will be encountered only at the junction where the trek route (Kadaladi) meets with the steps route (Thenmathimanagalam) and this is almost at the end of the rocks and boulders part. The shops here sell Lemon soda, Water Bottles, Cola drinks, Tea & some shops may have Tender Coconut.

Direction Board 


 The Beginning - Muddy Terrain


The Middle - Rocks & Boulders





View en route


The Direction marks on Rocks


The First Shop en route


The Middle - Rocks & Boulders (contd..)


View Point








The last 1/4 distance consists of "Kadappaarai padhai" (the path supported by iron rods) and "Aghaaya padhai" (where the gap between the rocks is bridged by iron plates). There is an option to select between the steps or the Kadappaarai padhai. One has to be very careful thro' out this part of the trek, especially during rains, as it may get slippery.

The Steps


The End - Kadappaarai Padhai








The Kadappaarai Padhai - Balcony


The End - Aghaaya Padhai


Views





The peak offers a wonderful panoramic view, with the Tiruvannamalai hills on the right and the Javadi Hills on the left.


 The Top


Panorama View - Javadu Hills





Panorama View - Tiruvannamalai


The Temple





A wonderful trekking trip which gives a feeling of accomplishment after successfully scaling the 3500 ft steep hill both ways. A test for physical and mental strength and definitely fitness, endurance and courage is a mandatory requirement.

105 comments:

  1. Hi I'm Arun Karthick....great job admin.... nyc to c....hill height is nearly 5000 ft..... for any queries regarding paruvadhamalai buzz me @ 9940317341

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    1. Namaskaram. We will plan to go parvatamalai temple.do you have any local guide mobile number.if you have a number please send.

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    2. Dr Arun Karthik , as suggested n guided by you v 3 people was able to do the trek on 2204 during nite. And early morning return trek. Still it was hot.ur suggestion made me to do the trek during the nite. Tks

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  2. How's the weather like? Is it too hot and dehydrated?

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  3. Depends on your trekking day. Dont pick a hot sunny day on a summer, whereas a cloudy day will be more pleasant for the trek as it also gets windy & cooler when you reach higher altitudes.

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  4. is it good to climb in night time ?

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    1. Bit risky for first timers. The direction is marked only by arrows drawn with white paint on rocks.

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  5. hey, thats a gud writeup....hw abt a 4 am climb? or say. a 9 pm climb?

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    1. Thanks. 4 AM climb will be very nice, if you are able to make that time. 9 PM climb will be a bit risky for first timers. I would recommend day trek for the first time.

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  6. Superb post bro.. Best pics... I went there once..awesome place... Was bit scared... missed d pics which v clicked :(... Thanks for d pics :)

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  7. Hi..Very nice blog. You're doing good job here, by helping others! Keep it up :)
    BTW I'm from Chennai, I've planned to go there by this month. may be during 2nd week.
    Will the weather be a problem because its overcast here at Chennai and raining occasionally.
    Is it OK to climb during early hours(say 5 or 6 AM) ?

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    1. Thanks. Its good to climb early, but ensure that you don't get tired after waking up early in the morning and driving for around 3 hrs to reach the base. If you are in doubt of rain, go prepared because it gets difficult to trek when it rains and also you can never predict the weather when you climb altitudes. It may suddenly pour down before you expect.

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  8. sir, we are planning to go on coming Saturday . this is the good time to go there?

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  9. Please go prepared for the rains. All the best!!!

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  10. good job bro, just do clarify me whether we want to downhill by same way or is there any vehicle available there to come by road?

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    1. Thanks. There is no vehicle available for downhill. You have to walk all the way down to the plains. The only option available is you can choose between climbing down thro' the steps or the trek path.

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  11. Is there any hotel at polur to stay a day before trekking? Planning to start early morning next day by staying night at nearby place

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    1. Don't remember seeing any hotel with lodging facilities at Polur, not that I am aware of. Remember seeing only small restaurants around Polur Bus stand. You can inquire at Mounaguru Ashram at the base and I think they have lodging facilities for people who plan to stay overnight before trekking, but please call and confirm, to be sure.

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  12. Hi johnson,
    Is it possible to stay a night at top of hill, because we are planning to start climbing by saturday 2 o clock to reach the hill before dark,stay there and get down after dawn.
    How about crowd during weekends?
    Is there any specific session to travel or can climb anytime (other than rainy days)

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    1. Hi, Sorry for the delayed response. I am not sure about the night stay at the top. During Full moon days, people used to climb all nights. Apart from that, rest all days it will be a bit free.

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  13. Dear Mr. Johnson: That was a nice write-up; BUT, lot of people who will wish to "trek" in the future might miss out on the "trekking" aspect of it -because they are planning to lay proper "steps" all the way till the top (in fact work has commenced atop the hill!)....The Aaakaaya paathai, kadappaarai paathai, etc. may just be "legends" before long; Don't know why people can't let the originality of the place remain untouched. In the name of "safety" and "improvement" destruction of things in their original form is taking place, and I am afraid it is going to happen at Parvathamalai too; as a regular trekker who savours the hard trekking path of the hill and the unique experience it offers, I feel very bad on hearing that decision (It seems that HR & CE is insisting on laying a secure stairs path if they have to give clearance for the kumbaabhishekam that they are planning). It really pains me how uneducated people can be regarding matters like these...in contrast to the general principle of "not touching things in a reserved forest - Parvathamalai is a Reserve Forest Region" - they are "insisting" on man-made structures and going to change the very face and feel of that hill. I am planning to take up the issue and see if it is possible to stop that change - but rest is Divine Providence - Pandit R DAKSHINA MOORTHI (a regular visitor and performer of austerities every Pradosham at the Parvathamalai hills for the past many years - affectionately called :Pradosham Samy by locals, and Panditji by others who know me elsewhere). If readers of this blog and the original poster can also take up this matter and try to save one of the most beautiful places available for trekking, I will be most happy.

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    1. Thanks Panditji. Its really sad to hear about those modifications. Definitely they should be preserved and should remain untouched.

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  14. Nice and Informative blog of trekkers It helped me with the climb and travel, thanks a lot

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  15. Great info sir. Thank You. We plan to visit this place somewhere next month with family. Can people of 50 age take this trek ? Can they stay bottom if accompanied ?

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  16. GREAT MR. JOHNSON, WHETHER IT IS OK IF WE PLAN OUR TREKKING PLAN BY END JAN,2015 (INCLUDING 2 LADIES).

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    1. Ladies do climb all the way to the top of hill, even i saw old ladies climb till the top . start by 5 am - First part is of steps , second part of muddy path and the final third part rocky terrains.old ladies age group of 55+ also climb.Refrain from taking plastics, biscuits and eatables because lots of monkeys are waiting.

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  17. Hello Johnson,

    This is Sathish from Chennai, Tamilnadu. Thanks for sharing your ideas with all.

    We might be trekking in March 1st or 2nd weekend Sundays. Is it good and suggest us the best time to climb. We all are about the age group around 23.

    :)

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  18. Hi All,
    Is there any First Aid/Medical facilities available if something goes wrong like Snake bite or any poisonous insect bite while climbing.

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  19. That was fun.. Thanks for the info.. Going there this week end to see the RED moon in the night.. :-)

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  20. Very useful information Mr.Johnson, your trekkin experience shows me virtual trip to there... thanks a lot

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  21. Very useful information Mr.Johnson, your trekkin experience shows me virtual trip to there... thanks a lot

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  22. Is it safe to take a dslr camera? Will it be safe from monkeys?

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  23. Great Work sir. but as it is a reserved forest other than snakes are there any other wild animals?

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  24. We are planning to go this sunday morning (25/03/16) alaong wiht team mates of softgel

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  25. Hi Johnson.. This blog is really nice to make planning the trip to parvathamalai...great info u usahred... thanks a lot.


    Regards,
    Nagarajan A.S

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  26. hi johnson, Me and my friends are planning to go there on 20th may, how to reach parvathamalai from thiruvannamalai .. we will reach t.v.n.malai by 2pm

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  27. Is there any time or date restrictions for the trek

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  28. Is there any time or date restrictions for the trek

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  29. Hello johnson ,
    Could you please tell me walking distance betwwen Thenmathimangalam to parvathamalai .
    Thanks

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  30. Great post. Good inputs. Thanks Johnson sir.

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  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  32. Friends we are planned to climb the hill and this is first time for ours,so Which is the suitable time to climb the hill. Full moon day starts at may 10 Wednesday early morning at 1am. So which is best day to climb whether Wednesday or Thursday. Is it possible to night stay at the top of the hill.

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  33. we want to travel to parvatha malai on friday night from chennai. when is the right time to trek from kadaladi? this is the first time for us. Please advise.

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    1. Dear Friend Evening time is the best time to trek the hill. Take water bottles and glucose as much u can take, and have some fruits. On the way of trekking no water pipe lines available. Only 3 or 4 shops are available u can refresh there. And Where ever u go Follow the direction of arrow marks which painted on the rocks. Have powerful torch light.

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  34. Thanks Hari. I am planning to go with my family (9 year boy and my wife). is it safe to travel in the night from kadaladi (Or preferred Thenmathi magalam). How about night trekking. This is first time however. Do we have rainy season there. I start from chennai day after tomorrow.Give me some idea which will definitely help us.- Bala

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    1. Dear Friend Bala, u can start climbing hill at evening 4 that is better time to climb. U don't fear for anything, kadaladi way is full of rocks no steps but this is short way to reach the hill, and paint marks have on the rocks so follow the direction of paint marks. And If u climb through thenmathi mangalam is full of steps and this route is extra 5km distance to reach top of the hill. If u start trekking at night time means have a powerful torch light, led torch �� light will more helpful for night trekking. Don't forget to have water bottles and fruits.

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    2. Shibin - 949542420226 November 2017 at 23:12

      Hi... Is it possible to stay there on nite..

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  35. Thanks for your timely reply Hari. Yeah sure friend, it is really helpful. - Bala

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  36. Im vetri from Poonamalle Chennai. We are 7 peoples planning 1st july to go parvathamalai.which route is preferred?

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  37. is there any trecking group planning to visit during 1st october 2017

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  38. any trecking group and local guide to visit paravathamalai

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  39. Is there bus facility available to reach foothills in the early morning

    Sriram S

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  40. Is there any bus facility available to reach the foothills by early morning around 4 A.M.

    Thanks

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  41. I also visited and climbed it is a heart beating trekking ,and if we go group it is better ,a group of 10-15 is good .once you reach the top we will feel adventurous ,we reached the destination in 4 hours . I am from Hoskote Bangalore distric

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    1. Shibin - 949542420226 November 2017 at 23:10

      Can I get your number... Am planning to go next week.. i want some more details..

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  42. i am single to parvathamalai. which route is suitable to me either thenmathimangalam route or kadaladi route

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  43. Hello friends , am planning to visit here.. i want some more details... Please help me.. 9495424202 whatsapp number...

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  44. Hello Sir,
    We are planning this month for Parvathamalai from Bangalore.
    We want to reach there in Night and start trekking early in the morning.
    I wish to know is there any nearby Hotel or Homestay?

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    1. Hi - No Near by Hotel or Home Stay Available. One Parking ground and Toilet facility is available there, Small shops are there. If you want to Stay, Take a room in Polur. Its 20 Km away from that place. Since its a summer - climate will be very hot. Due to recent forest fire, fire department closed all the shops in the hills. So take enough water, lemons, salt, sugar for dehydration. Try to start your trek by 3 am.

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  45. Did anyone go to parvathamalai this month, in april, 2018? i want to know how to reach there from bangalore via bus

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    1. B'lore to Thiruvannamalai. Thiruvannamalai to Polur, Polur to Thenpathimangalam. Anyway Polur is the main junction. From Polur it 20 Km.

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  46. I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post.

    Trekking in Nepal

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  47. This is the type of information I’ve long been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information.
    Trekking in Nepal

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  48. Will there be more people to trek on full moon day.. Is there any special occasion on full moon day?
    My friend said we can see clouds close to us on the top,is that true during day hours?

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  49. Will there be more people to trek on full moon day.. Is there any special occasion on full moon day?
    My friend said we can see clouds close to us on the top,is that true during day hours?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the view and the feel at top is really a bliss. Full moon is special for devotees.

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  50. Kumaresh babu T.H28 July 2018 at 17:52

    I have to planned to visit on aadi ammavasai . any group members willing to visit in parvathamalai on or before 11th august 2018. whatsup message 9487742003 or sms 9487742003

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  51. Hi Sir, I am Muthu Kumar from Madurai , I want to visit Parvathamalai hills, but i didnt know ant person or group from our area. please join me with other persons or trust for visit Parvatha Hills. My Mobile No 9751946642, Muthukumar.perumal@tvs.in

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  52. Good Work Mr.Johnson, Nice photography and good description .

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  54. I'm going to visit the temple on 22nd december for the 2nd time. Any new rules or regulations to be abided There?

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  55. I've planned for Jan amavāsya. Is it similar to Sadhuragiri?? Is it possible for first time climbers??

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  56. Hello Sir,

    Nice write up. I am going to visit Parvathamalai on Jan’6th. Do we need any local guide to climb up the hill ?


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  57. Thank you Arun for the details on Parvathamalai

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  58. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  59. Excellent temple... everyone should visit Atleast once in their life time... trekking was very nice & very difficult too... staying at night on the peak of hills,wow wonderful experience... Excellent breeze, early morning Sun raise ,no words to express its beauty.... fantastic trip

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  60. sir we are planning sunday i want to your suggestion if reach polur early morning and start 6.00 am is best or if reach polur morning 9 .00 am and start is best

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  61. Nice photos & Valuable information bother... Thank you...

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  62. Thank you for some other informative website. Where else may I am getting that type of information written in such a perfect means? 
    Tent Rentals

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  63. Good information.thank you.

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  64. We are specialized for Shirdi tour package from Chennai by Flight. We also offer tour packages for Shirdi from Coimbatore, Trichy, Erode, Bangalore.

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  65. Guru ji may i prefer the night trekking if I stay in top any facility in top... My main motive is sun rises to showen

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  66. Hi we are planning to visit parvathamalai on Jan 16th. Can we visit any time or it is allowed only on special occasions?

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  67. You can visit anytime.at any occasions at any year.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Kumaresh,
      Can you please confirm whether solo hike on day time is fine during Jan Month? Will it be too hot?

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  68. Solo person depends upon age factor.best time to climb morning 5 to 8 a.m and down 12 to 1 pm . It's must be little cool on the mid of january

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  69. any type of information regarding parvathamalai . kindly whatsup message 9487742003

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  70. Is it to steep to climb for beginners

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  71. Awesome Article! Very interesting and informative with amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing.
    https://www.himalayanadventuretreks.com

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  72. Your blog was good and informative. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, keep posting! Trekking in Ladakh

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  73. I am 66 years old. Generally ok. Good walker. Can I trek to parvathamalai

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