We hiked the Kalikesam–Maramalai trail with Banu and Shaju from the Kani community, whose knowledge of the forest added context to much of what we observed along the route. The trail followed an old forest road beneath a dense canopy, where they identified several native plants and explained their traditional uses, including medicinal species and edible forest produce. Fresh elephant dung and broken vegetation were common along the trail, and our guides interpreted them as signs that a herd, including a calf, had passed through the previous day. We also came across bear scat and later met a local resident recovering from a recent bear attack, highlighting the active presence of wildlife in this landscape. During the walk, we heard the unmistakable wingbeats of a hornbill overhead and watched it fly across the canopy—our first hornbill sighting. The visit provided valuable insight into both the biodiversity of the Kalikesam forests and the close relationship the Kani community maintains with this landscape.
Read the full write-up ↗About this trail#
The Kalikesam–Maramalai trail follows a broad estate and forest road through the forests of the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, passing towards the privately owned Maramalai Estate located within the protected landscape. Unlike narrow footpaths, the route remains on a jeep track for most of the walk, providing an open corridor through dense vegetation rather than a secluded forest trail. Although the designated turnaround point lies before the estate itself and there is no summit or viewpoint, the trail stands out for its rich biodiversity. The surrounding evergreen forest supports a wide variety of birds, insects, and native plants, and the accompanying forest guides provide valuable insights into the area's flora and fauna, making the journey itself the primary highlight rather than the destination.
Trail Information#
The trail starts just after the Keeriparai bridge and follows a jeep track through rubber plantations, with the river running alongside the route for part of this section. The route continues through rubber and clove plantations. The Keeriparai Murugan Temple is visible from parts of the trail.
Getting there#
Trail route
Route flyby#
Preview the terrain before you go — a 3D fly-through of the full route.
GPX file#
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Trail reports#
Trail conditions and experiences shared by hikers who've done this route
Wildlife & Nature#
Elephants and sloth bears are reported in the area, with elephant dung and bear scat recorded along the trail. Hornbills have also been reported, including sightings during treks on the Kalikesam–Maramalai route.
Camping#
Camping is not recommended or permitted within the reserved forest along the trail. Animal activity, including evidence of elephants and sloth bears, has also been reported in the area, making overnight camping unsuitable.
