| Sirumalai | |
|---|---|
| Last Hills of Eastern Ghats | |
 A view of Sirumalai from the viewpoint | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,600 m (5,200 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Native name | சிறுமலை (Tamil) |
| English translation | Sirumalai |
| Geography | |
| Location | Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Parent range | Eastern Ghats |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Massif Hills |
Sirumalai (Tamil: சிறுமலை) is a massif region of 60,000 acres (200 km2) situated 25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul, 90 km (56 mi) from Madurai, and 125 km from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. There are many high hills in the area.[1][2][3][4] Sirumalai range is the last mountain range of the Eastern Ghats. The last mountains of the Sirumalai mountain range are the Azhagar Kovil Hills which are present in Madurai District. Azhagar Kovil Hills are the most important place of worship for the Hindu religion. Trekking is allowed in the Azhagar Kovil Hills. The nearest Eastern Ghats hills to Sirumalai Hills are the Narthamalai Hills.
Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends. On the 18th bend are a church and a viewpoint of Dindigul city and the Dindigul Rock Fort. The hill contains a small waterfall as well. The famous Sirumalai Hill Banana is slowly disappearing from disease, which scientists have been unable to prevent. Meanwhile Khandige estates and eco projects private limited in sirumalai has managed to protect 1000 acres of native forest which is the last existing private forest recorded in sirumalai since 1990. www.khandigewildlife.org [5]
Man-made fires on the hills have destroyed medicinal plants and threatened the fauna habitat. Fires are often set to promote vegetation growth used for animal fodder, clear land for cultivation, or improve access to timber.[6]
- ^ "Sirumalai Hills, a perfect getaway for weekend drive and for summer stay". The Times of India. Madurai, India. 28 July 2012. Archived from the original on 10 July 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
- ^ "Hidden 100: Small hill, big attraction". The Hindu. Tamil Nadu, India. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
- ^ "Beauty Strikes". The Hindu. Tamil Nadu, India. 10 July 2010. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
- ^ "Low profile heat buster". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 22 May 2004. Archived from the original on 7 July 2004. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
- ^ J Arockiaraj (6 October 2012). "Diseases, low prices affect production of hill bananas". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ "Forest fires affect Sirumalai Hills". The Hindu. Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. 26 March 2007. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2013.