Sembukarai, a picturesque tribal village about 18 km from Coimbatore, broadcasts a captivating trek cutting across a distinct landscape. Navigate through the deciduous and evergreen forests to finally ascend the rocky summit. Stunning panoramic views await, including the revered Perumal Mudi peak, adding a spiritual touch to your adventure.
KEY ATTRACTIONS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Maximum Elevation: 1527 MSL(Approx.) Meters
Forest Type: Dry Deciduous Forest & Semi Evergreen Forest
Nearby Medical Facility: Bethany Medical Center - 10 km
Nearby Bus Stand: Gandhipuram (Coimbatore central bus stand) - 20 km
Nearby Airport: Coimbatore - 29 km
Nearby Railway Station: Coimbatore - 20 km
Parking Facilities: Yes
We went there on Feb 2nd, 2025. Had to report at Mangarai forest department checkpost. Fill up and sign the form. We were given a cloth bag with snacks, 2 very light meals, a cap, and ORS (oral re-hydration solution). The previous night when we called the contact person, he recommended that we have our breakfast and come for the trek. It is better you have your breakfast, or bring it with you. The meal-in-a-cup that is provided is insufficient. From the checkpost we were taken by jeep to the starting point near Sembukarai village (about 7 kms from the checkpost). This road is a little bad, hope they fix it soon. Four young guys from the village came as guides. Started the trek at 8AM. The weather was pleasant. Just two of us, my wife and I, with four guides. On the way we were shown Kadukai / Haritiki / Terminalia chebula tree, Shikakai (Senegalia rugata) tree, Jamun /naval tree, Amla / gooseberry tree. The guides also showed a couple of shrubs, that were used as first aid treatment for wound dressing. They showed spots where bears dug for roots and bear scat. We also saw a different type of beehive. At the first rest point we got good views of Anaikatti. At half-way point the views were more spectacular. Two of the guides stayed back. In a couple of places we have to climb on bare rock. There was good grip, so we had no issues. Even in wet season with good trekking shoes, you should be able to climb on these rocks. Before the peak there is a somewhat level area with lemon grass. That portion is the only easiest part of the trek. We were shown lots of leopard scat (with hair from deer), elephant dung and rabbit poop. Out at a distance there was a lone gaur / Indian bison. Heard lots of birds chirping, but saw only a few birds. At the peak there is a small temple for Perumal (just an engraving of Vishnu on rock, the top face looks like hood of cobra), we worshiped, went around the temple. The back side has a cave formation, so you have to crawl about 10 feet or so. The views were really magnificent, approximately 2000 ft / 680m above the base. There is Kerala on one side, with greener and denser forests. The other side Vellingiri mountains were covered in mist. One of the guides filled our water bottle with spring water. There are a couple of springs on the way, where you can have your water bottles filled. We came back to half way point, had lunch. Poha/aval and vermicelli, the 2 light meals given to us by Trek Tamil Nadu. The guides have hot water, put poha in a cup, pour hot water, cover it, and keep for 10 minutes. Poha was ok, vermicelli was a bit dry, didn't absorb water. Laid down for half-an-hour, enjoyed the scenery and sounds of the forest. Coming down you have to be extra careful, know where you place your feet, take care not to slip. Around 3/3:30PM we reached the base. It was a wonderful trek, the guides were helpful, friendly, talkative. The place was clean, great views, and it was good exercise for the body, relaxation for the mind, a nice getaway from hectic city life. We got to know a bit of tribal culture, their herbal medicines, and about nature. Those who are hesitant, they can be assured that the guides are helpful, well trained (they even have magic spray for cramps). The guides make sure you walk at a pace you are comfortable, rest when needed, and give a helping hand on steeper sections. It is a good initiative by TN government, and the forest department. It is hard to describe the experience in words, this was truly memorable. Thanks a lot to the guides.
Thanks to trek guides - Tejas, Punitharaj, Manikandan who made our family trek very memorable. They offered us assistance and timely advice throughout the hike. From providing assistance through tricky parts to simple things like clearing loose stones etc., made beginners like us very comfortable. Thanks to Tamilnadu government for this initiative and would love to do more such treks at trektamilandu.com
I was a solo woman trekker visited Perumal Mudi for the first time. I was expecting at least a woman guide to accompany as I had seen them in my previous trek. I was scared to walk in a remote uphill with 4 young men crew (PunithaRaj, Tejas, Kannan and Manikandan) from the local tribe with hardly having network service. There are pictures taken and reported to forest dept officer ensuring safety. However, stepped up with dubiety, their brotherhood and hospitality surpassed and eased in a quick comfort zone. The team was well trained, equipped for safety, moving with perception of the wildlife (of course, it’s their God or Guard), hospitality and educating the guests are top notch. Added to this, the nature was embracing with a welcoming weather. I was satiated mediating in the divine place (Mudi) for sometime. Ending the trek, I was so pleased and the fear turned tears while bidding farewell. Kudos to Trek TamilNadu team. Few things to note: ** The reception point is Mangarai check-post where our car is parked. It’s a reserved zone. Hence we’ve to sign up formalities and then we’re allowed. ** The trek starts from Sembukkarai which is 7Kms from check-post. If you are planning to take your car, ensure it’s a big car because the road is a tough terrain especially in some patches. ** I took their jeep because my car can’t drive tough terrains and it’s chargeable.
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable trekking experience my 12-year-old daughter and I recently had from Sembukarai to Perumalmudi in Coimbatore District. The preparation and kit provided were excellent and well thought out, ensuring our comfort and safety throughout the journey. I would like to extend my special thanks to Mr. Selvakumar, the Forest Guard at Mangarai Forest Check Post, for his invaluable guidance and information before we began our trek. From the start of our trek, we were accompanied by Mr. Punitharaj, Mr. Manikandan (01), Mr. Tejas, Mr. Rangasamy, and Mr. Manikandan (02), who served as our guides and guardians along the 9 km stretch. Their care and hospitality were comparable to that of a star hotel. They were particularly attentive and cautious, providing extra care for my daughter, helping her successfully complete her first trekking experience. Thanks to their knowledge and dedication, she now has fond memories and a wealth of knowledge gained from our guides, which will surely nurture her environmental and ecological awareness. Given that the trekking path is practically in my backyard, I look forward to participating in future treks because of the wonderful experience I had. Kudos to the entire team, and I wish to congratulate the Tamil Nadu Government for such a fantastic initiative. Thank you once again for an unforgettable adventure. Best regards, S. Sathiesh Kumar
I recently went on a trek I had only booked the night before at around 7 p.m., feeling a bit skeptical since I’d be going solo. But the experience far exceeded my expectations. The guides, Punitharaj, Leo, and Manikandan, accompanied me, and I never felt bored for a moment. They were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, sharing unique fruits and herbs from the mountain, and even acted as my personal photographers, capturing amazing shots along the way. The food was a standout as well – I had expected something average, but it was well above par. Though the guides were from the interiors, they were impressively in touch with pop culture and social media, which made for great conversation. Even with my limited understanding of Tamil, they went out of their way to ensure I felt included and understood. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone considering a trek, even at the last minute!