Traditional Wooden Hanging Bridges of Arunachal Pradesh: A Photo Story

You will feel a rush of adrenaline when you walk over these hanging bridges. Fast flowing Himalayan rivers, lush greenery and tall mountains greet you on these wooden hanging bridges that sway with your every step and where you can feel even the slightest change in wind velocity over the valley. Some of these are hand woven using bamboo, some of them are built using local wood, using metal or a combination of wood and metal. Most of these bridges are mainly meant for pedestrians, but a few of them allow bicycles and motorcycles too. The main purpose of these traditional wooden hanging bridges is to connect the main roads with the remote tribal villages, especially when the rivers are full of water and carry with them strong currents. They are not for the faint-hearted (us tourists), but for the locals, it is the only way they can access the other villages and the cities, so they seem to have learnt the art of crossing it with heavy loads even in the most rowdy of weather. These hanging bridges are steeped in rich tribal history and local folklore too. These are the traditional wooden hanging bridges of Arunachal Pradesh. Each village in every district of this large Indian state seems to have their own version and they are a must-see and must-experience on your holiday to Arunachal Pradesh. The iconic ones are the ones at Boleng, Damro and between Zido and Tuting, but each of the ones below are special and a must experience for all those visiting Arunachal Pradesh.

During my recent holiday to central and eastern Arunachal Pradesh (Lamang, Mechuka, Anini, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaho and more), I came across many of these suspension bridges. This photo story aims to share these bewitching handing bridges of Arunachal Pradesh with you. Hope you like them and I hope it entices you to add them to your Arunachal Pradesh holiday itinerary.

Above photo: I spotted this elderly local gentleman as he was walking on the wooden hanging bridge of Mechuka. This bridge spans the Yargyup Chu river and it is quite long. It is in fairly good condition as locals still use it for daily commuting and on a good day, one can see the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas while walking on this bridge, thus making for a spectacular photo or video.



Above photo: Mechuka is famous for its traditional wooden suspension bridges that span the Yargyup Chu river. While some of them are in disrepair, this one was in great condition and was being used by the locals. While some people stop to soak in the sights while crossing the bridge, I find comfort in crossing it and then admiring the surroundings as the bridge seems to sway with every small breeze and human step taken.



Above photo: Another hanging bridge of Mechuka, but not in great condition, but locals still use it. It certainly didn’t confidence to me and my friend.



Above photo: A misty and rainy scene from Mechuka’s wooden hanging bridge. During the rains, the wooden planks slip with each step, there is hardly any visibility at the center of the river and the cold winds add to the challenge. Overall, an adventurous experience in crossing this bridge.



Above photo: This dilapidated wooden bridge spans a small stream that joins the Yargyup Chu river and that is on the way from Mechuka to Lamang. It is a very short bridge, but missing a lot of wooden planks in it.



Above photo: I spotted this suspension bridge on the way from Along to Mechuka. It was over the Siyom river and it connected to a remote tribal village on the other side of the river and completely cut off from civilization without this bridge, especially during the rains.



Above photo: This gorgeous hanging bridge is over the Lohit river in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. I spotted this bridge on the way to Kaho, the first village of India. A waterfall greets the entrance to the hanging bridge from the main road.



Above photo: This wooden hanging bridge is one of the best places to enjoy the emerald view of the Lohit river in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. This bridge is the only way to reach the tribal village on the opposite side of the main highway connecting Tezu with Kaho. And because of this, it was in excellent condition and made for an adventurous walk.



Above photo: Mechuka is one of Arunachal Pradesh and India’s best hill stations. Unfortunately for me, it was grey, cloudy and rainy during my 4 day visit, but I am definitely planning to visit some other time to see all its gorgeous valleys and snow capped peaks from its wooden hanging bridges. Some of the photos taken from this hanging bridge are absolutely stunning where the water below is bluish-green, the skies are blue, the surrounding nature is lush green and the mountains in the background are all snow capped.

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Exploring Andhra Pradesh: Journeys Worth Taking

When you start thinking about traveling across Andhra Pradesh, it’s not the ticket booking process that comes to mind first, but the road itself. The drive—or bus ride, in most cases—becomes part of the experience. The state’s highways wind through coastal plains, temple towns, and stretches of farmland that change with every district.



APSRTC, the state’s transport backbone, happens to make these journeys accessible to almost anyone. Once your ticket booking is done online, the rest of the trip is about soaking in what the route offers—whether it’s the bustle of Tirupati’s pilgrims or the quiet charm of Araku’s valleys.

Andhra Pradesh by Road: A Landscape of Variety



Traveling through Andhra Pradesh means seeing a state that feels like several regions rolled into one. In the north, Visakhapatnam greets you with beaches like Rushikonda and heritage spots such as Kailasagiri Hill. Move inland, and you hit lush green hills that lead to Araku Valley, famous for its coffee plantations and waterfalls.



Further south, the dry plains around Kurnool and Anantapur (with the iconic temples at Tadipatri and Lepakshi) remind you that the state’s geography isn’t uniform—it’s dramatic. Coastal towns like Machilipatnam and Kakinada offer glimpses of fishing life and colonial relics, while temple towns such as Srikalahasti and Tirupati add a spiritual rhythm to the journey.

And in the middle lie the fertile plains of the Godavari and the Krishna rivers, the cultural hubs of Rajahmundry and Vijayawada, the serene backwaters of Konaseema and the eye catching Gandikota canyon over the Pennar river.



According to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), domestic tourist arrivals in 2023 crossed 221 million, making it one of India’s top five states for domestic travel.

Top Routes to Experience by Bus

Route	Approx. Distance	Highlights	Suggested Travel Time
Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam	350 km	Coastal views, fresh seafood, historic cityscape	6–7 hours
Hyderabad – Tirupati	560 km	Temple pilgrimage, forested roads near Srikalahasti	Overnight (8–9 hours)
Visakhapatnam – Araku Valley	120 km	Ghat roads, coffee plantations, Borra Caves	3–4 hours
Guntur – Kurnool	300 km	Countryside, farmlands, Rayalaseema cuisine	6 hours
Vijayawada –Konaseema	190 km	Krishna River bridges, scenic paddy fields, Backwaters of Godavari River	4 hours

Most of these routes are served by regular APSRTC services, which means you can pick a bus type that suits your comfort level and budget.

The Journey, Not Just the Destination



Traveling across Andhra Pradesh gives you a sense of time that trains or flights can’t. The view outside your window isn’t static—it evolves every hour. The journey from Vijayawada to Vizag begins with crowded bus stations and ends with the sight of waves brushing against the highway.

The Visakhapatnam–Araku stretch is a standout. It’s a narrow, curving ghat road, dotted with roadside stalls selling bamboo chicken, a local delicacy. Fog often drapes the valley in early mornings, making the ride feel cinematic. According to a report by The Hindu (2023), Araku Valley saw a 35% year-on-year rise in visitors, driven largely by improved road connectivity and public transport options.



And then there’s Tirupati. Pilgrims boarding the Hyderabad–Tirupati route often start in silence and end their journey with chants. The long road builds anticipation. APSRTC runs hundreds of these daily services, ensuring round-the-clock access to one of India’s busiest temple towns.

Why Road Travel Still Matters



While air travel between Andhra cities is growing, road journeys remain the state’s backbone. They’re cheaper, more accessible, and connect smaller towns untouched by airports. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Andhra Pradesh maintains over 123,000 kilometres of roads, of which 4,500 km are national highways.

That scale explains why buses remain popular. As per APSRTC’s annual operational report (2023), the corporation serves nearly 44 lakh passengers every day, covering both urban commutes and long-distance routes.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re mapping out a trip across Andhra Pradesh, start by deciding what kind of experience you want—spiritual, scenic, or cultural. For temple visits, routes linking Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Srikalahasti are reliable. For nature and quiet, Araku, Konaseema and Lambasingi are unmatched.

Book early through redBus for APSRTC services, especially during festivals and long weekends. You’ll find options ranging from Express to Ultra Deluxe, with the choice to select seats and check live schedules.

Service Type	Description	Ideal For
Express	Basic service, affordable	Short trips
Deluxe	Comfortable seating	Families
Ultra Deluxe	Air-conditioned coaches	Long-distance
Amaravati / Garuda Plus	Premium seating, Wi-Fi in some buses	Overnight travel

Closing Thoughts



Andhra Pradesh isn’t just a state to pass through—it’s one to experience at road level. Booking your seat online takes minutes, but the memories you’ll make on those routes last much longer. The scent of the sea in Visakhapatnam, the mist over Araku, or the temple bells of Tirupati—each journey carries a story.

The value of travel here lies in slowing down just enough to see the details, to let the journey itself become part of the reason you went.

Note: Some of the pictures in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Mayodia Pass: Arunachal Pradesh’s High Altitude Gem

It is a spectacular winter holiday destination in the Himalayas. It’s forests offer some of the best birdwatching opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the gateway to the offbeat hill station of Anini and the Switzerland of India – Dibang wildlife sanctuary. I am talking about the 8,711 feet high Mayodia pass that is located in the Dibang valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.



Mayodia, which translates into ‘Peak of the Mayu mountain’ in Idu Mishmi, is a winter wonderland that is extremely popular with the locals and domestic tourists for snowfall and the white panoramas. This destination offers a beautiful mix of snow capped peaks, lush green valleys and dense forests. Add to it, the zig-zag narrow roads and the diverse flora and fauna and you have a full blown adventure destination.



While most visitors consider Mayodia pass as a pit stop on their way to Anini, Dibang wildlife sanctuary and Emoli grasslands, Mayodia pass deserves more and can easily offer you enough for a 2 day holiday. During the non snowfall season, you can indulge in trekking, hiking, birdwatching, photography and good ‘ol relaxation. And if you happen to visit during the winter months, you can indulge in snow games and any winter sports while spending those cold winter nights huddled near a fire with a hot brew in your hand.



Mayodia and its entire surroundings will blow your mind with its gorgeous views. The only thing to keep in mind are its narrow, slippery roads that can become tricky and slushy after a few days of rain. Otherwise, Mayodia pass is a great place to visit in Arunachal Pradesh and offers the perfect entrance to the hidden Anini valley and the absolutely surreal Dibang wildlife sanctuary. This is a part of Arunachal Pradesh that is worth all the effort that you take to reach there.

Best season to visit:



Mayodia’s best tourist season is between November to March when there is snow everywhere and it turns into a winter wonderland. However, do travel in vehicles that are equipped to handle the snow and slippery roads.

Summer months from March through June offer good visibility, cool weather and easy road access. This is the best time to travel deeper into the Dibang valley and is a fabulous time for birdwatching.

The monsoon months from June to September offer the most tricky conditions with heavy rainfall, landslides and unpredictable road condition, but this is also the time when the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh including Mayodia pass and Dibang valley district is dressed in fresh green and is full of water bodies.

How to reach there:



The nearest airports are Tezu (105 kms away), Pasighat (148 kms away) and Dibrugarh (190 kms away). But, it is Dibrugarh airport that has the best connectivity. The closest international airport is Guwahati airport, about 670 kms away.

The nearest railway station is Tinsukia, about 163 kms away. It is well connected with Guwahati and the rest of the country. Dibrugarh railway station is another good option.

The nearest bus station would be Roing, about 60 kms away.

If you wish to explore the region, it is best to have a vehicle of your own as bus connectivity is there, but only a few buses ply on this route every day.

Where to stay:



There are a few resorts, guest houses, homestays and birding camps in and around Mayodia pass where you can stay. But, the bulk of the accommodations can be found either at Roing or at Anini.

Where to eat:



At Mayodia pass, there is just a small tea shop where you can find some simple snacks and hot beverages. For proper food, you will have to head towards Anini and find a highway dhaba either before Hunli or at Hunli. For something more elaborate, you will have to go to Roing or Anini.

Other popular tourist attractions of Arunachal Pradesh:

1) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary: Mini Switzerland of Arunachal Pradesh

2) Anini: Hidden hill station of Arunachal Pradesh

3) Ranaghat Bridge near Pasighat: Mesmerizing view of the Brahmaputra river

4) The world of Rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang

5) Arunachal Pradesh’s Kaho: The first village of India

6) India’s Last Cafe: Gorgeous pit stop enroute Lamang, Arunachal Pradesh

7) Lamang: Unknown snow covered paradise of India

8) Dirang: Arunachal Pradesh’s hidden magical world

9) Sela Pass: A high altitude Himalayan wonderland

10) Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Birdwatcher’s paradise in the Himalayas

11) Tongpen La Viewpoint: A Himalayan vista

12) Tawang: India’s true Shangri-la

13) The serene and majestic Tawang Gompa

14) Tak-Tsang Gompa or T Gompa: As serene as it gets

15) Jung Falls: A sensational setting

16) Sangetsar Lake: Abundance of Himalayan vistas

17) Penga Teng Tso: A high altitude Himalayan lake

18) Ugyenling Monastery: Birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama

19) Sangti Valley: A valley in heaven

20) Golden Pagoda at Namsai: Divine Buddhist Landmark of Arunachal Pradesh

21) Emoli Grasslands: Gorgeous grassland trek with a 360 degree mountain panorama

22) Aatih Acheso: Land of waterfalls

23) Mechuka: A stunning Himalayan hill station with dense forests and rich Buddhist culture

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Mili Homestay at Anini: Traditional Idu Mishmi Home surrounded by snow capped mountains

Are you traveling to the stunning valley of Anini in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh? Are you planning to explore Dibang wildlife sanctuary and/or trek to Emoli Grasslands keeping Anini as a base? Well, if you are, you will definitely need a lovely place to stay at Anini. During my recent trip to Anini, I stayed at Mili homestay, a humble homestay run an absolutely lovely family. Me and my friend were totally bowled over by their warmth and hospitality. I still remember the many conversations we had sitting around the fireplace while enjoying local drinks and home cooked food. This review of mine is based on my recent experience of staying at Mili homestay in Anini.



1) Warm Home and Friendly Family

Mili homestay is a traditional home of a Idu Mishmi tribal family of Anini. The guest accommodation is just about 15 feet away from the main home. Run by the mother, two daughters and the son, the entire family of Mili homestay are extremely friendly, helpful and great conversationalists. The entire family along with the guests gather around the fireplace in the dining area for all the meals. This traditional setup made up of bamboo is the warm area and it is fun to huddle around the fire while sipping on some local brew and while eating delicious home cooked food. While we had lovely conversations with the daughters and the son, it was their mother and her grand daughter who kept us really engaged. The ever smiling and inquisitive grand daughter (about 5 to 6 years old) took to us like fish to water and her explosive energy warmed our hearts in the freezing surroundings. And her grand mother, once the alcohol hit her system, kept asking us lots of questions and thus began the start of a beautiful exchange of information. We cut short the conversations only because we were tired and had to go explore early in the mornings else these conversations would have continued late into the night.

The son and the daughter also helped us plan the local sightseeing itinerary.



2) Humble Homestay

Mili homestay is not your expensive or luxury homestay. In fact, it is a simple couple of rooms with a window that looks at the snow capped peaks. It comes with a squat style Indian toilet and there is a sit-out right outside the room where you can enjoy your morning tea/coffee under the morning sun. The rooms are warm, the blankets are thick and they have hot water geyser facility provided there is electricity supply. And all this costs just INR 650 per person. You can also park your motorcycle or car in their parking area.



3) Delicious Home Cooked Food

The Mili homestay family cooked simple yet tasty food for us during our stay. In addition to their usual items, they cooked local greens upon our request and those were the highlight of our culinary experience along with the home made brew that the family offered us before dinner every night. Breakfast was simple with pancakes and tea, while lunch and dinner were more elaborate with rice, roti, veggies, dal, greens and salad and eggs. All the meals were charged extra, though the rates were very reasonable.



4) Great Location

Mili homestay is located just a short walk from the city center and it is surrounded by gorgeous fruit orchards and the mighty snow capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. The morning sun shines right into the room thus making for some magical mornings. A hot cup of tea or coffee while standing in the morning sun, feeling the cold and staring at the fruit orchards and the snow capped mountains is a truly special experience. Walks from Mili homestay will either take you deeper into the residential neighbourhood or to the local markets. Do watch out for the dogs once it gets dark. As Anini is a small town, Mili homestay is close to all local hotspots and getaways.



I would definitely stay with Mili Homestay once again if I travel to Anini. I really enjoyed the homely atmosphere, the great food and the friendly family. If you are traveling to Anini, do not miss to stay with them. Their tribal home and family is one of the top experiences of my holiday to Anini. To make bookings, do reach out to the owner at +91 92334 33014.

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100 Year Old Puthuthottam Annexe: A Wild Holiday Hideout in Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, Valparai

Puthuthottam estate, a 3000 acre estate comprising of tea gardens, coffee plantations and native trees, is the hidden gem of Anaimalai Tiger Reserve. It is one of the best places in the entire country to spot the lion tailed macaque, a primate species endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats. Located just a few kilometres before Valparai, the unsung hill station of India, it is surrounded by the forests and mountains of the Anaimalai tiger reserve on all sides and it itself falls in the buffer zone of Anaimalai tiger reserve.

This entire estate, forest and wildlife can be yours if you stay at Puthuthottam Annexe, a 100 year old building that used to be the tea manager’s bungalow in its hey days. Today, it is the only place to stay at Puthuthottam estate for tourists. Run and managed by the woodbriar group, it is home to 2 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a balcony. And it is located right in the middle of tea estates, coffee estates and tropical forests. If you book both these rooms, your group might be the only humans (apart from the hotel staff and naturalist) living in these 3000 acres of surreal nature.



If you are a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer or adventure seeker, Puthuthottam Annexe’s secluded location and rich wildlife sightings will most certainly appeal to you. And when all of this experience is only for your group, it makes it truly special. This property review is based on my recent experience of staying 3 days and 3 nights with family, friends and kids.

Remote, Raw and Wild



The location of Puthuthottam Annexe is remote. It is the only property where tourists can stay at in this 3000 acre estate. As it is part of a migration corridor with the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, it shares its space with a lot of wildlife, especially Great Hornbills, Lion Tailed Macaques, Gaurs, Elephants and more. And you can spot all of these wildlife either right from your balcony or a short walk through the different trails of the estate. Thus, making it a truly raw experience as it is not every day that you stand 50 feet away on foot staring a large herd of wild gaur grazing and moving about the property.

Immersive Nature



Right from the time you wake up to the call of the Malabar whistling thrush, spot gaurs on post breakfast and post tea walks to seeing lion tailed macaques joyfully play around at close quarters, everything about the experience here is rich and just for you. You can immerse yourself totally into nature here. The only thing to worry is that there will be no one to get you out of the trance.

Starry Skies



If you like star gazing, Puthuthottam Annexe is a perfect place. Whether you are staring from its balcony or whether you are walking around its periphery, you are bound to enjoy the view of the star studded sky here along with the sounds of the jungle like a owl hooting, a cicada chirping, a wild animal growling or the leaves rustling.

Excellent Food



Like most of Woobriar’s properties, the team at Puthuthottam Annexe cooks delicious Indian food along with some lovely desserts. You can also request for some specific dishes depending on your dietary requirements. Food is served both at the woodhouse mansion and at your room. I feel it is better to have food at the 184 year old woodhouse mansion as it allows you to explore the forest on the way in and out from the rooms. This allows you to spot some interesting flora and fauna. The lion tailed macaques are also frequently spotted after breakfast at the woodhouse mansion.

Great Naturalist and Fantastic Trails



Puthuthottam Annexe has in-house naturalists who are nature lovers and are extremely knowledgeable. They know all the different plantation trails where you can spot the most birds and animals. Each morning and evening and even during the day in case the weather is pleasant, the naturalist will take you to the forest zones where you can spot sambar deer, gaurs, hornbills, lion tailed macaques, nilgiri langurs, woodpeckers, eagles and many more bird and animal species. During the post monsoon season, you are bound to spot large herds of elephants here as this estate falls under the migratory corridor of the elephants.

The Silent Thrill



Even though you know that the puthuthottam annexe property is protected by a barbed wire fence, your mind races in the calm of the night and plots all kind of wildlife attack scenarios as a reaction to the stories that you heard over dinner or the sounds that reverberate through the forest in the night.

Puthuthottam Annexe is for you…

1) If you love large open spaces where you, your friends and family can move around without worrying about traffic or other humans

2) If raw, wild and remote nature is your thing, you will definitely fall in love with Puthuthottam Annexe

3) Whether you are a birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer and a nature lover, you are bound to be mesmerized with the forest and tea estates here

4) If you like to sleep and wake up to the sounds of nature, this place is for you

5) If you like yummy meals after long walks, then this place is for you

If you are one or two families that is either well versed with wildlife an nature or you are easing into it, Valparai’s Puthuthottam Annexe is going be your next wildlife holiday destination where all 3000 acres of it would belong to you during your stay. I have been twice to this property and have always enjoyed my time here. For bookings, look up the tea bungalows website. You can call or email them and book your rooms.

Another property run by the Woodbriar group in Valparai that also offers great birdwatching and wildlife opportunities is the Monica garden bungalow. I have stayed here on two of my previous trips to Valparai.

Key things to remember while you are visiting Puthuthottam Annexe:



1) Wear sturdy shoes as you will be required to walk long distances.

2) Carry sunglasses and a cap/hat to protect you from the mountain sun.

3) Carry rain wear or an umbrella with you in case you are visiting during the wet season.

4) Leeches are quite common during the wet season. So be prepared for them accordingly.

5) Most of the time, it is safe to be with children on these trails. However, do exercise caution for self and others, if there happens to be wild gaurs or elephants in the vicinity.

6) Try to stay quiet to get best sightings in wild habitat. If you make a lot of sound, the animals might go to some other place or at worst case, they can chase you.

7) Carry some trail mix, energy bars and water with you when going on these trails.

8) Carry a flashlight with you if you like early morning or late evening walks.

Attractions in and around Puthuthottam Annexe:



1) Tea Estates: The main attraction of Puthuthottam is its sprawling tea gardens, its plantation walks and its many panoramic view points.

2) Coffee Estates: In addition to tea garden, Puthuthottam is also home to coffee estates, though it is on a much smaller scale when compared to the tea gardens .

3) Forest Stretches: In between its tea and coffee estates, Puthuthottam has many stretches of native forest that attract the wild visitors.

4) Birdwatching: Great hornbill, grey hornbill, black rumped flameback woodpecker, crested serpent eagle, malabar whistling thrush, scarlet minivet, jungle babbler, hill myna, bulbul, barbet and many other species of birds can be spotted here.

5) Wildlife: Lion tailed macaques, elephants, gaurs, Malabar giant squirrels, sambar deer, barking deer, Nilgiri langurs, Bonnet macaques and many other wildlife can be seen here.

6) 184 year old Woodhouse Mansion: One of the earliest bungalows in Valparai, time stands still at Woodhouse Mansion. Lion Tailed Macaques also drop in here every day.

How to reach there:



The nearest airport would be Coimbatore international airport. It is located about 111 kms from Puthuthottam Annexe and it should take you close to 3 and a half hours to reach here by your car.

The nearest railway station would be Pollachi junction. It is located about 63 kms or 2 hours away.

The nearest bus station would be Valparai. If your bus happens to be coming from Pollachi or Coimbatore, you can get down at Puthuthottam Estate located just before Valparai. If you are traveling from Kerala, you can get down at Valparai and take a cab or bus to reach Puthuthottam, about 5 kms away.

Best season to visit:



Puthuthottam Annexe is open all year round and each season will allow you to see the forest and its wildlife in a new light.

October to December is excellent for spotting wild elephants and for great hornbills.

Other nearby tourist attractions:



1) Valparai: The unsung hill station of India

2) Valparai to Athirapally: One of the top tropical motorcycle routes in India

3) Rolling Injipara Tea Estates of Valparai: Stunning location for a morning walk

4) Nallamudi Poonjolai: A fabulous view point tucked within the Valparai hills and inside the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve

5) Sholayar Dam: Asia’s 2nd deepest dam nestled in the pristine Anaimalai hills of Tamil Nadu

6) Trekking inside Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: A thrilling adventure

7) Veetikunnu Island Nest: Living on an island inside a tiger reserve

8) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: On the jumbo trail

9) Anaimalai Tiger Reserve: Of elephants, gaurs, tigers and hornbills



10) Pristine Vazhachal Rainforest Highway: A special road trip hot spot

11) Hike to Nadumalai River: A pristine picnic spot surrounded by tea estates and nature

12) Athirapally Falls: The Niagara falls of Kerala

13) Vazhachal Falls: A tropical forest waterfall located near Athirapally Falls

14) Vazhachal Forest: A fresh lease of oxygen in Kerala

15) Tea Estates of Valparai: For a rich tea estate and factory experience along with surreal views

16) Poringalkuthu Reservoir: A remote water body nestled in the tropical rainforests of Vazhachal, Kerala

17) Aliyar Dam: A large dam just before the climb to Valparai begins from Pollachi

18) Monkey Falls: A beautiful waterfall located on the ghat road from Pollachi to Valparai

19) Valparai Hills: Perfect place to explore on a motorcycle

20) Valparai’s Lion Tailed Macaque Bridge: Shows how we should co-exist with nature

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Achankovil Sastha Temple: Ancient healing temple located in pristine forest of the Western Ghats

This place is located in the middle of forest heaven. Dense jungles, vast mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, lush rivers and waterfalls and diverse flora and wildlife make up this pristine ecosystem. Tucked amidst all of this stunning nature is one of the five important temples (the others being Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala and Kanthamala) dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. In this temple, Lord Ayyappa is depicted as a family man (living the grihastha asharama life with his two wives Purna and Pushkala). I am talking about the Achankovil Sastha temple where the Sastha wears a smiling face and enjoys living in one of Kerala’s most scenic and biodiverse ecosystems.

The Achankovil Sastha temple is an ancient healing temple that is famous for curing poisonous snake bites and where the deity is considered a maha vaidya (great physician). The left hand of Lord Ayyappa holds Chandan (sandalwood paste) and Theertha (holy water) that is believed to have medicinal properties that cure snake bites. People who get bitten by snakes are welcomed at all times, given sandalwood paste as prasadam, medicines and allowed to stay at the temple for a period of three to five days.

Located next to the lovely Achankovil river inside a dense forest that is contiguous with Agastyamalai biosphere reserve, the Achankovil Sastha temple is situated about 950 metres above sea level. Achankovil, which literally translates into the ‘shrine of Achan’ or ‘the supreme deity’, is the only Ayyappa temple where females of all ages are allowed to enter the temple and climb the 18 sacred steps. It is believed that Lord Parashurama consecrated the idol of Lord Ayyappa here.



The famous festivals celebrated at this temple are the Mandala Puja (held every year from the first to the tenth day of the Dhanu month - December 15 to January 15), Rvathi puja (held in the Makaram month (January 15 to February 15th) and the annual therottam (chariot festival).

The journey to Achankovil temple is as enchanting as the destination itself. The heavenly forest highway between Konni and Mekkarai, Manalar Falls – the jungle waterfall, Kambhavurutty Falls – the scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala and the meandering Achankovil river with multiple banks perfect for a swim are multiple reasons for you to visit this temple often. Whether you visit this place for the allure of nature beauty, the promise of adventure or the divine ambiance and spiritual heritage, Achankovil temple is bound to mesmerize you with its sacred charm and beautiful landscapes. It has offbeat and hidden charm written all over it.

Temple timings:



All days: 5 AM to 12 noon and 5 PM to 8 PM.

Best season to visit:



Achankovil Sastha temple is open all year round, but it looks its liveliest self during the monsoon months from June to October when the surrounding forests and mountains are lush green. The winter months from November through February are pleasant months with mist covering the forest roads during the early morning and late evening hours. The summer months from March through May would be warm and humid, so you can plan to visit the temple during the early morning or late evening hours.

How to reach there:



If you are traveling from Konni, take the forest route to Achankovil via Kalleli and Chempanaruvi falls and temple.

If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur or Kollam, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil.

If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valcode –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil.

If you are traveling from Shencottai, Tenkasi or Tirunelveli direction, take the road via Shencottai to Elathur –> Panboli –> Mekkarai –> Kerala Forest Check Post –> Manalar Falls –> Kambhavurutty Falls –> Achankovil.

Where to stay:



There are a few budget hotels in and around Achankovil for those looking to stay close to the temple. There are a few resorts and homestays in and around Mekkarai (about 16 kms away) that offer simple accommodation with the best views. For a diverse range of decent hotels, head to Tenkasi (about 33 kms away).

If you wish to stay amidst nature, try the resorts in and around Courtallam, the accommodation inside Thenmala Eco Zone (Kerala) or the forest accommodation inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

For luxurious options, head to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu or Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Where to eat:



The nearest place to eat would be Achankovil where you can find basic tiffin items and simple lunches. For more diverse options, Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu would be your nearest hub.

Other nearby tourist attractions:



1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest

2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages

3) Kambhavurutty Falls: Scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala

4) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala

5) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Kerala

6) Ottakkal Weir View Point: Lovely pit stop on the Thenmala – Kollam highway

7) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky

8) Aryankavu Sastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats

9) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways

10) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala

11) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers

12) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view

13) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu

14) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views

15) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway

16) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats

17) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India

18) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar Temple at Tenkasi

19) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple

20) Shangumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram



21) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari

22) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari

23) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters

24) Varkala Beach: The stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins

25) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail

26) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama

27) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India

28) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway

29) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon

30) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

31) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve

32) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river

33) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu

34) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

35) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded

36) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep South

37) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

38) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

39) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana

40) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India

41) 1000 Year Old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away

42) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season

43) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli

44) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder

45) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village

46) Thamirabharani River Delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness

47) 10th Century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu

48) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea shore magic

49) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route

50) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi

51) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

52) The festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

53) The exotic tropical fruits of Puliyarai

54) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu

55) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature

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