New Trekking Route Near Chennai to Boost Weekend Adventure Tourism
This summer, adventure is moving closer to home for Chennai residents. Trek Tamil Nadu is planning a new trekking route at the Vallam reserve forest near Chengalpet, located just a two-hour drive from the city. This development is set to significantly boost weekend getaways for urban explorers seeking outdoor experiences.
Details of the New Trekking Route
After a seasonal pause since February 15 to aid forest regeneration, trekking activities will resume on April 16. Bookings are now open across various routes, ranging from Gudiyam in Tiruvallur district to Kalikesam in Kanyakumari. The new Vallam route is designed as a two-hour trek covering a 4km circuit. Trekkers can expect to encounter diverse wildlife, including porcupines, golden jackals, spotted deer, wild boars, and numerous butterfly species, along with rich flora and fauna.
The trail includes two peaks and two scenic viewpoints, with changes in altitude adding to the adventure. A source from Trek Tamil Nadu stated, "People can easily drive down from Chennai, complete the trek, and return the same day, making it an ideal day trip."
Expansion Plans and Popularity Trends
Beyond this new route, Trek Tamil Nadu has submitted a proposal to develop nine additional trekking routes across the state. However, these will only open to the public once government approval is granted. Between April of last year and February, more than 26,000 trekkers explored the 40 routes offered by the organization.
An official highlighted, "More than a third of the trekkers were women, including many solo travelers. Our eco-trails are steadily gaining traction among urban explorers, with significant participation from IT and corporate sectors seeking wilderness experiences."
Popular Treks and Summer Bookings
The most sought-after treks have been Gudiyam caves and the Kodaikanal trek starting from Kumbakarai falls, which includes a camp stay at Vellagavi. For April and May alone, Trek Tamil Nadu has already received 150 bookings. The Sethumadai camp is also seeing strong interest, as it offers a package allowing trekkers to visit nearby attractions like Aliyar, Top Slip, Pandavarai, and Parambakilam.
Educational and Environmental Initiatives
Students are also benefiting from these natural settings through nature camps. This month, a three-day camp was held for a forest department tribal residential middle school in Top Slip. A total of 21 children participated, enjoying activities such as bird watching, star gazing, visits to Parambikulam, documentary screenings in a mini theatre, and awareness sessions on environmental issues. The official added, "These students will be designated as green ambassadors, promoting conservation efforts."
This initiative not only enhances adventure tourism but also fosters environmental education and community engagement, making it a multifaceted boost for the region.
