Distance from Anantya:15 Kms | Drive Time:25 min | Excursion Time: 3-4 hours
A hike to twin peaks, offering an outdoor as well as a spiritual experience.
You will leave Anantya on country roads, drive around the dam, pass through typical rural areas and arrive at the base of the revered twin peaks of Kali Malai and Kuruchu Malai; the abode of Mother Kali of the Hindu faith and Jesus Christ of the Christian faith.
A steep climb on rough roads leads to the Kalimalai peak. One can make this journey entirely by foot or by Jeep. Arrive at the top for a bird’s eye view of the Lake District of Tamil Nadu. At times, the clouds floating by seem touchable! On a clear day one can see as far as the ocean. Anantya is also visible, a small patch far below. A short walk from Kali Malai lies the adjoining Kuruchu Malai mountain which in recent years has acquired the status of being the worship spot for Christians. People come from the neighboring areas on an annual pilgrimage to either of the peaks, depending on their faith. Offer your prayers to the deity with a lamp at Kali Malai and a candle at KuruchuMalai. Meditate – Reflect – perhaps some yoga on the hill breathing in the fresh oxygen laden air.
A short hike to a see a Jain temple and to enjoy wonderful views of the countryside. The Chitharal Jain Temple is about 20 km from Anantya. The monument which is on top of a hillock is believed to date back to the 9th century AD. At the top the hillock is a cave containing rock-cut sculptures of Jain Thirthankaras and attendant deities.
The Jain influence in this region was due to King Mahendravarman I of the Pallava dynasty. When the Jain influence in the region reduced, in about 1250 A.D., it was converted into a Hindu temple, and an image of goddess Bhagavathy was installed. The hike to the cave is a steep 800-meter climb from the car parking area. At the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the area. You will see the countryside with a river winding through, dots of blue lakes, green fields of crops, clusters of villages, coconut trees, and tall church spires, all against the backdrop of the Western Ghat.
On your way to Kanyakumari is “Marutuvamalai”, which means “Medicinal Mountain.” Legend goes that this mountain fell off the large Sanjeevini mountain that was carried by Hanuman to Sri Lanka to revive Lakshman.
This hike is not frequented by many travelers to Kanyakumari. So, you will have an exclusive experience. The hike up is partly over paved steps and party through narrow paths in the hillside. Reach the top for sweeping views of the countryside.
