COIMBATORE: Trekking to the Velliangiri Hills 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, said a report by Daily Thanthi.
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.
As the trek involves walking through dense forest and steep terrain, permission is usually granted only during March, April and May.
However, 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.
The Coimbatore District Forest Officer said devotees with health issues should avoid trekking. An ambulance will be stationed at the foothills, and medical camps will be set up on the third, sixth and seventh hills, with forest officials working alongside medical staff.
Forest and fire department personnel will be deployed at the base, and an eight-member surveillance team will patrol the hills.
Devotees have been strictly instructed not to carry plastic items or consume drugs.
Plastic covers brought along with food items such as biscuits will be removed at the base and replaced with paper.
Last year, nine people died while climbing the hill. Officials said all precautionary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents and advised devotees to trek and return safely.