Anaikatti -- an escapade of unexplored whereabouts

Trekkers’ paradise, nature’s eminent tool to ultimate bliss, Scary wildlife corridor and a place that’s worth an escapade--- an unmatched synonym to all the above is undoubtedly ANAIKATTI… Everyone who lives in and around Coimbatore would know whereabouts of this spot but not all people know that the hotspot is a home of unexceptionally rich herbal plant life and rarest species of birds and animals. 

Anaikatti forest corridor houses less frequented unsafe routes from one of the ghat roads on the way uphill… The road is initially blocked with a steel bar to literally prevent poaching and penetration. However, through jeeps tribes from the settlements reach the very block to travel further to towns. This route also connects itself to the town from the rear of the Salim Ali center for Natural History and Ornithology (SACON), an abode of bird watching and elephant trafficking. A very dangerous road to take, the SACON passage was blocked long ago. 

The steel block & the Check post 

 Salim Ali centre for Ornithology & Natural History 

Until now, the routes to the unnamed village, sometimes called china gudalur by resident tribes, are not explored completely but show transparent mapping from another isolated tribal settlement. The path from the regular ghat road of Anaikatti takes roughly two hours to access the unnamed village on trek. Numerous roads, not neatly paved though lead to this village and the occupation there chiefly is agriculture and milking. This village falls well within the limits of Tamilnadu... However, there is another isolated settlement, which is originally called Narasipuram perched atop the hills of wild Vaidehi falls, which is an element of confusion as it lies along the edge of the two states. People speak a blend of tamil and Malayalam forming their own dialect, and Irulas form the majority of the population... This segment is a delightful confluence of the hills that stand facing eastern colonies of Narasipuram, Marudhamalai and strongly connecting the stretch at Thuvaipathy & Anaikatti...To walk downhill to reach the TN side of Vaidehi falls, it could take an entire nerve whacking 3 hours. I promise, this could be one of the most treacherous trekking domains yet with intense care… Never break your bamboo sticks and if, remember you are doomed… 

Google Earth View of the Tribal Settlements 

If you take the chance to trek with protected permission that is no doubt the perfect blend of irresistible adventure, dangerous yet amazing routes and something that will leave a memorable trekking experience of a lifetime.