Kalrayan Hills

About this place

Kalrayan Hills having tourist attraction like Megam Falls and Periyar Falls Gomukhi Dam at the Kalrayan foot hills. The Kalrayan Hills are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern Ghats of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Along with the Pachaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north. The hills range in height from 2000 ft to 3000 ft and extend over an area of 1095 sq kms. The hills straddle a number of Tamil Nadu districts, extending northeast from the Salem district. The range serves as a boundary between the Salem and Villupuram districts. The Kalrayans are divided into two sections the northern section, referred to as the Chinna Kalrayans, and the southern section, called the Periya Kalrayans. The Chinna Kalrayans average 2700 ft in height, while the Periya Kalrayans average 4000 ft. The range as a whole is fairly smooth, with soil well suited for plant growth. Scrub jungles reach up to 400 mts in altitude, while deciduous forests can be found between above 800 mts. Sholas, a type of high altitude stunted evergreen forest, can be found growing on isolated plateaus. Though the forest stand is growing, due to habitat uniqueness human impacts and cultural tradition, conservation efforts are needed.