On Feb 1st Coimbatore Begins the Annual Velliangiri Hills Trekking Season
On Feb 1st Coimbatore will officially reopen the trekking season at the sacred Velliangiri Hills, allowing devotees and nature lovers to climb the seven hills until May 31. Located in the Western Ghats, the Velliangiri Hills attract lakhs of pilgrims every year who trek to the seventh hill to worship Lord Shiva. The forest department has completed preparations to manage the expected increase in visitors during the four-month season.
The trekking route, which stretches about 6.5 kilometres, passes through steep paths, rocky terrain, and forested zones. The seventh hill stands at around 1,850 metres above sea level and holds strong spiritual importance. Every year, the trekking season draws devotees from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, especially during important occasions such as Shivaratri.
On Feb 1st Coimbatore Sees Crowd Management and Safety Measures in Place
Officials from the Boluvampatti forest range, under which the Velliangiri Hills fall, have started processing applications from tribal communities seeking permission to set up temporary shops along the trekking path. These shops, numbering over forty, are allowed from the first hill to the seventh hill and sell basic refreshments, water, and essential items to pilgrims during the season.
The forest department has stated that safety will remain a key focus this year, as past seasons have recorded health-related incidents. In previous years, several trekkers lost their lives due to heart and breathing complications while climbing the hills. As a result, officials have strongly advised people with existing health issues to avoid attempting the trek.
Medical support staff, crowd control teams, and forest personnel will be stationed at key points along the route. Entry timings, regulated movement, and constant monitoring are expected to help manage the large inflow of visitors, particularly during peak days. Authorities are preparing for higher footfall compared to last year.
In 2024, around 2.3 lakh people visited the Velliangiri Hills. In 2025, the number rose to nearly 2.5 lakh, even though trekking was suspended a week early due to bad weather conditions. With the trek open for the full season this year, officials anticipate an even larger turnout.
On Feb 1st Coimbatore Focuses on Environmental Protection at Velliangiri Hills
Since the Velliangiri Hills are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, forest officials have renewed their appeal to visitors to protect the fragile ecosystem. Devotees have been asked to avoid carrying plastic items such as food wrappers, bottles, and disposable covers into the hills.
Environmental damage caused by plastic waste has been a growing concern. During the last trekking season alone, volunteers collected more than 10,000 plastic food wrappers from the hills. Officials believe this number can be reduced significantly if visitors carry food in reusable containers and avoid single-use plastics altogether.
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Volunteers and forest guards will conduct regular clean-up drives throughout the trekking season. Signboards and awareness messages will also be placed along the trekking route to remind pilgrims about responsible behaviour and waste disposal.
Authorities have emphasised that protecting the hills is a shared responsibility. The Velliangiri Hills are not only a place of worship but also an ecologically sensitive region that supports diverse plant and animal life. Any damage caused during the trekking season has long-term effects on the environment. Also Read: India UAE Defence Partnership: Modi and MBZ Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Conclusion
As On Feb 1st Coimbatore marks the reopening of the Velliangiri Hills trekking season, officials are balancing devotion, safety, and environmental care. With increased crowd control, health advisories, and strict guidelines on plastic use, the focus this year is on ensuring a safe and responsible trekking experience for all visitors.
