Only 2,500 allowed atop Annamalai Hills

Collector KS Kandasamy said that tickets would be issued On a first-come-first-served basis to those desirous of trekking up the hill. The tickets would be given at the special counters opened at Tiruvannamalai Government Arts College from 11 am on November 23. Ticket-seekers should produce a proof of identity. After collecting the tickets, devotes should assemble near the Pei Gopuram to start the trek, he added.

He said climbers should bring water bottles to keep them hydrated during the course of trek and while returning they should definitely bring back their bottles. Also, devotees offering ghee should contribute it only in special containers made available for this purpose. Climbers should also ensure that they did not pollute the hills in any way.

The district administration has announced four locations (cloak rooms) for the devotees and visitors to leave their belongings in safety. Places including the a Government Boys Higher Secondary school on Tirukoilur Road and Corporation School near the bus stand.