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Trekking country

Spin a needle and choose a peak

PHOTO: ASHA MENON

IDYLLIC SETTING Sittlingi.

Sittlingi is surrounded by mountains that are part of the Chinna Kalrayan and Sitheri ranges. For a trek, spin the needle and choose a peak. I chose one from Kombai to Sitheri. The trek is far from a breeze. Though I had initially planned to trek both ways, up and down, the constraint of time and warnings from people familiar to the route dissuaded me. I decided to take a bus uphill and trek my way down.

To head for Sitheri, board an early bus to Harur, near Salem. Carry a handkerchief. At Harur, you can `book' a seat in the bus with a handkerchief. Enterprising hawkers sell them around the buses for Rs. 5 a piece.

The bus ride from Harur to Sitheri is uneventful. Till the scene changes from a bustling and dusty town to a quieter and greener forest. The thick forest and the river that runs through it offer a beautiful view. The bus winds through narrow, scraggy roads and sharp bends. The unfrequented trekking route is clean. We are asked to look out for small structures along the route.

They are tribal temples made of thatched roofs and wooden sticks. Just remember to take off your footwear if you want to take a closer look at one of these structures.

The route is narrow and gravely. Tall bushes block your view of the steep mountainside, but occasionally, you can get a stunning view of the valley and the Kalrayan hills.

Stunning view

Along the route, one can spot rocks that jut out and if you are the adventurous kind, and do not suffer from vertigo, maybe you can even stand on of the precariously positioned rocks and get a view of the river flowing below.

On my way down, as I enter the cool shade of a bamboo grove, I hear a gushing stream. The scene is almost surreal. The sunlight that filters though the leaves suffuses the grove golden. The route takes you through many hamlets. At one of them, A. K. Thanda, I take a bus back to Sittilingi. If time permits,

You can walk up to the river that flows at Kaliyankottai, near Sittilingi. Since I have enough time, I decide to get a peek at it.

After walking around the fields and through the bushes, I finally arrive at the riverbank. Sadly, there was water just enough to sink in my feet but not for a swim.

How to get there

You can take a bus to Salem. At Salem take the 9 a.m. bus to Thiruvannamalai and get off at Sittlingi.

Where to stay

The TTDC Hotel,

Ramakrishna Mutt Road,

Salem - 07.

Ph: 0427-2313066.

ASHA S. MENON

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