Trip to Parvathamalai

Parvathamalai is a sacred hill near Polur where there is a temple for Lord Mallikarjuna. It is around 30 KMs from Tiruvannamalai.

From Tiruvannamalai you go towards Kanchi and start your climb from Thenmadhimangalam village. There is another route but it is difficult path.

We started our climb around 1 PM and we reached the top at around 5 PM. It will take around 4 to 5 hrs depending on the speed of your climb. There is proper footsteps for the first 2 KM and the next 3 KMs you need to climb up the hill

The last part of the climb is bit terrifying where the climb is steep. It is perfectly safe to climb provided you do it slow and take support. Gadapaparaipadi is where you climb with support from steel rods and chains on the sides of the hill.

At the top there is a beautiful temple to Lord Mallikarjuna and there are no priests. We can do the pooja ourselves to Lord Shiva and Parvathi. We carried enough food for the night and slept within the temple premises. We returned back next day after seeing the beautiful sunrise.

There is no proper shelter available at the top. If you are planning to stay in the top carry enough clothes to protect against cold. Off late they have disallowed staying in the top.

Overall an wonderful trip .. Parvathamalai is a spiritual trip with bonus of trekking up a nice hill. There are lots of siddhas in this hill and also famous for many sacred herbs.