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Chennai Treks Get Closer: New Vallam Forest Route Opens
30 Mar
Summary
- New trekking route at Vallam reserve forest near Chengalpet opens soon.
- The 4km circuit offers views of wildlife like porcupines and deer.
- Over 26,000 trekkers explored 40 routes between April last year and Feb.
Adventure enthusiasts in Chennai will soon have a new, convenient trekking destination. Trek Tamil Nadu is planning a new route in the Vallam reserve forest, located near Chengalpet, a mere two-hour drive from the city. This new 4km circuit is designed as an easy day trip, allowing participants to experience diverse flora and fauna, including porcupines, golden jackals, and spotted deer.
Trekking activities, which paused from February 15 for forest regeneration, are set to resume on April 16. Bookings are currently open for various established routes across Tamil Nadu, stretching from Tiruvallur to Kanyakumari. Between April of last year and February, Trek Tamil Nadu facilitated over 26,000 trekkers exploring 40 different routes.
The popularity of these eco-trails is steadily increasing, particularly among urban dwellers from IT and corporate sectors seeking solace in nature. Notably, over a third of the trekkers were women, with a significant rise in solo female travelers. Popular choices include the Gudiyam caves and Kodaikanal treks, with the Sethumadai camp also seeing high demand.
Educational initiatives are also part of the program, with nature camps organized for students. Recently, 21 children from a tribal residential middle school participated in a three-day camp at Sethumadai, engaging in activities like bird watching and star gazing, and learning about environmental conservation to become "green ambassadors."
