COIMBATORE: Trekking on Velliangiri Hill near Coimbatore will be permitted from February 1, 2026, following a court order.

However, strict restrictions will be in place, as eight devotees who went on the trek to the hill temple died last year.

Only devotees who are found fit after a medical examination will be allowed to climb the hill, Tamil Nadu forest department officials said.

Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the Velliangiri Hills house the Velliangiri Lord Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as a Swayambu Lingam on the seventh hill, also known as Thenkailayam.

Following a court directive, devotees will be allowed to undertake the trek from February 1. The Coimbatore district forest department has begun making necessary arrangements.