Meesapulimala Peak
Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, standing at a majestic elevation of 2640 meters. The name originates from the Malayalam words 'meesa' (moustache), 'puli' (tiger), and 'mala' (mountain), describing the peak's resemblance to a tiger's face with whiskers. The trek to the summit is a journey through a diverse ecological landscape, including sprawling high-altitude grasslands, dense Shola forests, and mist-covered ridges. Managed by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), the trek is highly regulated to preserve its pristine environment and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb typically begins from the Base Camp or Rhodo Valley, which is the highest point accessible by a four-wheel-drive jeep. As you ascend, the air becomes thinner and cooler, and the views open up to reveal the vast plains of Tamil Nadu on one side and the rolling hills of Kerala on the other. It is a haven for adventure seekers who wish to walk literally above the clouds, as the peak is frequently engulfed in a thick white blanket of mist that breaks to reveal emerald valleys. The silence of the mountain is only broken by the sound of the wind and the occasional call of the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat endemic to this region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
6 to 8 HoursPlace Type:
Mountain Peak and TrekkingEntry Fees:
Trek Permits: Charges range from INR 2500 to INR 4000 per person, including guide, food, and jeep transfers.
Registration: Booking must be done online via the KFDC website well in advance. ...Trek Permits: Charges range from INR 2500 to INR 4000 per person, including guide, food, and jeep transfers.
Registration: Booking must be done online via the KFDC website well in advance.Timing:
Trek Timings: Usually starts at 8:00 AM and ends by 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Starting at 4:00 AM for the sunrise trek is the most recommended experience. ...Trek Timings: Usually starts at 8:00 AM and ends by 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Starting at 4:00 AM for the sunrise trek is the most recommended experience.Special Events:
Rhodo Valley Festival: A periodic celebration by the forest department during the peak blooming season of the Rhododendrons.
Environment Day: Special cleanliness drives and awareness treks organized in June. ...Rhodo Valley Festival: A periodic celebration by the forest department during the peak blooming season of the Rhododendrons.
Environment Day: Special cleanliness drives and awareness treks organized in June.Best Photo Spots:
The Summit Stone: A photo at the very top with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border stone.
The Sea of Clouds: Capturing the valley when it is completely covered in white mist.
Rhodo Trees: Framing the peak through t...The Summit Stone: A photo at the very top with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border stone.
The Sea of Clouds: Capturing the valley when it is completely covered in white mist.
Rhodo Trees: Framing the peak through the red flowers during the blooming season.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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High Altitude Trekking: An 8 KM trek from Rhodo Valley to the summit through varied terrains like pine forests and meadows.
Jeep Safari to Base Camp: A thrilling off-road experience from Suryanelli to the KFDC base camp.
Overnight Camping: Staying in the KFDC tents at Rhodo Valley allows you to see the starlit sky without light pollution.
Sunrise Watching: Reaching the summit before dawn to witness the "sea of clouds" phenomenon as the sun rises.
Wildlife Photography: Spotting the Nilgiri Tahr and various mountain birds.
Botanical Exploration: Identifying the unique high-altitude grasses and the crimson Rhododendron flowers.
Cloud Walking: Walking along the ridge...
Information
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Why Famous:
Second Highest Peak: Famous for being the second-highest point in South India after Anamudi.
Rhodo Valley: Renowned for the blooming of Rhododendron trees, which are rare in this tropical latitude. ...Second Highest Peak: Famous for being the second-highest point in South India after Anamudi.
Rhodo Valley: Renowned for the blooming of Rhododendron trees, which are rare in this tropical latitude. -
Architecture:
Natural Topography: Unlike man-made structures, the architecture here is purely geological, featuring ancient rock formations and the unique "eight hills" ridge.
Eco-Lodges: The KFDC has built eco-friendly tents and base camps at Rhodo Valle...Natural Topography: Unlike man-made structures, the architecture here is purely geological, featuring ancient rock formations and the unique "eight hills" ridge.
Eco-Lodges: The KFDC has built eco-friendly tents and base camps at Rhodo Valley using sustainable materials to blend with the landscape. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin Airport (140 KM).
By Train: Kottayam (150 KM) or Aluva.
By Road: Drive to Suryanelli from Munnar.
By Local Transport: A 4x4 Jeep is mandatory from Suryanelli ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (6 KM), Anayirangal Dam (15 KM), Lockhart Gap (12 KM), Power House Falls (10 KM), Suryanelli (10 KM), Mattupetty Dam (24 KM), Top Station (35 KM), Echo Point (30 KM), Tea Museum (45 KM), Rose Garden (40 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: High physical fitness is required; carry salt for leeches.
Packing: Heavy woolens, trekking boots, and raincoats are vital.
Accommodation: Only KFDC managed tents and base camps are availab...
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