Chennai, Jan 21 (NationPress) The much-anticipated trekking season to the revered Velliangiri Hills in the Western Ghats will kick off on February 1, allowing both devotees and the general public to traverse the seven hills until May 31. Authorities are bracing for a notable increase in visitors this year, particularly during the Maha Shivaratri festival, and have implemented additional measures for crowd management and safety.

The Velliangiri Hills, located within the Boluvampatti forest range, are regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in western Tamil Nadu. Thousands of pilgrims embark on a challenging 6.5-km trek over steep inclines and rocky paths to reach the seventh hill, home to a Lord Shiva shrine perched at approximately 1,850 meters above sea level.

As part of the annual preparations, Forest Department officials review applications from tribal communities for the establishment of temporary shops along the trekking route, spanning from the first to the seventh hill. During this four-month period, over 45 shops are typically authorized to sell refreshments, drinking water, and basic necessities to those making the strenuous ascent.

The Forest Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department have once more issued a robust advisory to individuals with pre-existing health issues, such as heart conditions and breathing difficulties, urging them to refrain from the trek. Recent years have witnessed several fatalities attributed to health complications arising during the climb, highlighting the physical challenges associated with this pilgrimage.

Data from the Forest Department reveals that around 230,000 individuals visited the hills throughout the 2024 trekking season. This figure surged to nearly 250,000 in 2025, despite the trek being curtailed by a week in May due to a severe weather red alert.

"We anticipate an even larger influx this year, especially around Shivaratri. Additional personnel will be stationed along the route to manage pilgrim flow and ensure safety," stated a senior Forest official.

Officials have reiterated their call for devotees to avoid bringing plastic items, as the hills are part of the ecologically sensitive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Last season alone, volunteers gathered nearly 10,900 plastic food wrappers from the trekking path over the four-month duration.

"The issue can be significantly mitigated if pilgrims opt for reusable containers for food and snacks instead of plastic," the official emphasized. As the season approaches, authorities are urging pilgrims to trek responsibly, respecting both the sanctity of the shrine and the delicate mountain ecosystem.