It commands a spectacular panoramic view of the Western Ghats. It is home to lush paddy fields, coconut palms and orchards of other tropical fruits. It is here that the mountain top and the clouds merge into one. It receives both the monsoons of India. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages. I am talking about Mekkarai, the surreal village located on the border of Tamil Nadu Kerala and that is part of the ecosystem that connects Shendurney wildlife sanctuary with Konni reserve forest.
Imagine this view…lush green or golden paddy fields (depending on maturity of crop) swaying in the winds that are blowing from the west, a consistent drizzle in the air, dense jungle views in the yonder and dark monsoon clouds kissing the mountain top. This is the view that nature presents to you as soon as you enter the tiny village of Mekkarai that is located in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu. In the middle of the village lie the homes and the paddy fields around them, towards the mountain side are mountain streams, waterfalls and umpteen scenic locations and to one side of the village lies the Adavinainar dam that commands stunning views of the surrounding Western Ghat mountains.
If you head to the west of the village, you will ascend and hit the forest road that connects it to the temple town of Achankovil in Kerala. To its east, lie Elathur and Tenkasi and to its south lie the towns of Shenkottai and the waterfall holiday destination of Courtallam. In simple words, Mekkarai is home to beauty and is surrounded by more natural beauty. It makes for a fantastic nature getaway in rural Tamil Nadu with its scenic picnic spots, pretty views, many waterfalls, winding roads and forests. It is literally a slice of heaven during the South West Monsoon.
Best season to visit:
Mekkarai looks its best during the monsoon season between June and October. During this season, there are on and off drizzles, a strong and cool breeze blowing through the region, the paddy fields are shining in the sunshine and the surrounding mountains are all green with dense monsoon clouds over them. The other months of the year are also beautiful. January to March is cool and radiant, while October to December can be wet with copious rainfall. April and May can be much cooler than the other parts of the region.
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Konni, take the forest route via Achankovil to reach Mekkarai. This route also happens to be the most scenic.
If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam or Punalur, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Mekkarai.
If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valacode –> Cherukadavu dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Mekkarai.
If you are traveling from Shenkottai, Tenkasi or Tirunelveli direction, take the road via Shenkottai to Elathur –> Panboli –> Mekkarai.
Where to stay:
There are a few resorts and homestays in and around Mekkarai that offer simple accommodation with the best views. For a diverse range of decent hotels, head to Tenkasi, about 17 kms away.
If you prefer staying amidst nature, try the resorts in and around Courtallam, the accommodation inside Thenmala Eco Zone (Kerala) or the forest accommodation inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
For luxurious options, head to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu or Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Where to eat:
The nearest place to eat would be Shencottai. There are restaurants that serve basic tiffin and meals here. For more diverse options, Tenkasi would be your nearest hub.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycling route through pristine forest
2) Kutralam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
3) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views
4) Puliyarai view point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway
5) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
6) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
7) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar temple at Tenkasi
8) Manalar Falls: The gorgeous forest waterfall perfect for a family getaway
9) Kumbhavurutty Falls: Pristine jungle waterfall in the middle of dense forest
10) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
11) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways
12) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala
13) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers
14) Achankovil Saastha Temple: That happy Lord Ayyappa in the middle of pristine jungle
15) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky
16) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view
17) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats
18) Rosemala: Spectacular view point of the Thenmala reservoir
19) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
20) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
21) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
22) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
23) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
24) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
25) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
26) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
27) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
28) Mannarkovil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
29) 10th century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India
30) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away
31) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
32) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli
33) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
34) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
35) Thamirabharani river delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness
36) 10th Century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
37) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea Shore Magic
38) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
39) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
40) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
41) The festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
42) The exotic tropical fruit shops of Puliyarai
43) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu
44) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
Travel blog of an Indian traveler living his dream of experiencing the world and inspiring others to live their travel dream. Focus areas are travel and visa tips, destination guides, experiential travel stories and traveling as a vegetarian.
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