Kurangani
Kurangani is a hill station atop the Western Ghats accessed from Bodinayakkanur in Tamil Nadu, India. It has estates growing coconut, mangos, all spices, and coffee. There is a mountain rivulet that passes between Kurangani mountains in the east and Kolukkumalai in the west.
Kurangani Hills near Bodinayakanur in Theni district is suitable for trekking and nature walks, including the 12 km walk from Kurangani village to Top Station through the central village. Those who visit Munnar in Kerala can also enter the trekking route here by walking down the dense woods and plain grasslands of Kurangani Hills. By reaching Top Station, border of Theni district, from Munnar after 35 km travel, one can start trekking down the hills.
Although, Kurangani Hills is near the famous Munnar Hills and Kolukkumalai Hills—the highest hills for tea plantation in the world at an altitude close to 8,000 feet—the place is still not known in the tourism circuit. However, several foreign tourists do come here. Some nature lovers within the state also frequently visit Kurangani Hills. Films Alagar Samiyin Kuthurai, Myna and Kumki were shot on the Hills. The best months to explore the Hills are from August to December.
The hills are characterized by frequently-changing weather, low-hanging clouds, chilly atmosphere and strong winds, and are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It takes four to five hours to complete the trek from Kurangani village, the foothills of the Hills, to reach Top station, whereas two-and-a-half hours is enough for the return trip. Trekkers can find Samabalaru falls, the source of Kottakudi river which serves the drinking water needs of Bodinayakanur (Bodi) town, while wading through here. The central village, with a population of 200 people and 50 houses, is four more kilometres from the Falls. A couple of cottages can provide accommodation for visitors. Foreigners, who come prepared with tents, prefer to stay under the open sky. There are guides for the thick woods.
The villagers say that tourists frequently spot Indian gaurs, barking deer, langurs, and wild cats, but warn about the presence of leopards and tigers.
Access
- BY AIR: Nearest airport is at Madurai, 101 km from Kurangani.
- BY ROAD: From Madurai or any other close by town or city, taxi and bus services are available for Kurangani. The 16-km uphill drive from Bodinayakanur to Kurangani
- BY TRAIN: Bodinayakkanur is the nearest station, 16 km from Kurangani (not operational).
- 15 km road connecting Kurangani and Bodinayakanur
- Buses, jeeps and autos available from Bodinayakanur
- 12 km—trekking distance between Kurangani village and Top Station
- Central village is the half-way point between Kurangani village and Top Station
The best time to visit is between August and December
- Lodging is available in Top Station, Bodinayakanur and Munnar. Only two cottages available in Central Village
Kunagani is a valley in Western Ghats having more than 6 small streams flowing. All join together in the Kottakudi river passing through then merge in Vaigai dam. There are 18 small villages under the Thai village Kottakudi like Kurangani naripatty muthuvakudi central station etc. There is one travellers bangalow 6rooms [permision must be obtained from village office in Bodi] and the food is available only by orders by only one shop at Kurangani. There are many areas to bathe, one four wheel jeep track to Muthuvakudi/Muttam .they charge rs.1500 for 10members .you could see the zeep climbing in the mountain with its four legs not wheels. mostly at 5pm we can have a small rainfall at all days.