Rangaswamy Peak & Pillar

Rangasamy Peak and Pillar are usually spoken of together in information guides but they are really two separate natural formations, close to each other.

Rangasamy Peak is of great importance to the local Irula people – their sacred Rangasamy Temple is right up there on the summit. You can pay a visit to the shrine and also look around at some spectacular views from a height of 6,000 m – if you’re up for a steep trek. Take the steps up at your own pace to reach the top. The 360-degree panoramic view from the summit is stunning. You can see the Bhavani river flowing into the Bhavani Sagar dam. There are no tourist facilities there except for a shelter if it rains. Take plenty of water and snacks if venturing up.

The Rangasamy Tablet is a distinctive feature that is northwest of the Peak and often hides from view in the ever-present mist.

To the less adventurous, both the Peak and Pillar are readily visible from the Kodanad View Point itself at a distance. Certainly a more comfortable option for older people.

Getting there

For a viewing from a distance, you just get to Kodanad Viewpoint and take in the breathtaking view which includes the Rangasamy Peak and Pillar on a clear day. Kodanad Viewpoint is about 25 km from Triptych Niligirs and about 18 km from Kotagiri. Google Maps should see you there. This is a prominent tourist place and anyone should guide you if you lose your way.

If you want to actually reach the summit of Rangasamy Peak you can do so by driving from Triptych Nilgiris to go past Kil-Kotagiri which is about 8 km away. If you take a left inside the next town of Sholurmattam, you will be en route to the base of the Peak at a tiny hamlet called Selarai. From there you have to trek up the steps to reach the top.