Anaikatti is a peaceful and scenic getaway located about 30 km from Coimbatore, surrounded by forests, rivers, tribal villages, and mountain views. Perfect for weekend travelers, nature lovers, and offbeat explorers, this place is blessed with hidden bridges, check dams, waterfalls, and viewpoints that few know about.

🌉 Agali Hanging Bridge and River

Agali Hanging Bridge is a suspension-style pedestrian bridge across the Siruvani River located near Agali town in Kerala, just across the Tamil Nadu border. It’s a local favorite for evening strolls, river bathing, and scenic photography.

Why Visit?

• Offers a tranquil river view surrounded by hills and forests

• Less crowded than mainstream tourist spots

• Great for birdwatching and soft treks nearby

📍 Location: Agali, Palakkad District, Kerala
🕒 Best Time: Morning or post 4:30 PM for golden light
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
📏 Distance from Anaikatti: 18 km
🚗 How to Reach: Auto/taxi from Anaikatti or private vehicle

🧺 Activities

• Walk on the hanging bridge

• Splash and relax by the riverside

• Visit tribal homes nearby

🍽️ Food Tip: Try Kerala-style fish curry meals at local stalls in Agali (₹100–₹150)

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit after light rains for lush surroundings and fresh river water. Carry snacks and avoid weekends to skip crowds.

🌉 Chittoor River Bridge

A scenic old bridge built across the Siruvani river connecting the tribal regions around Chittoor, this spot offers a peaceful escape into raw nature. The slow-flowing river, green forest backdrop, and occasional monkey sightings make it a local favorite.

Why Visit?

• Ideal for short bike rides and nature photography

• Beautiful during sunrise with fog across the river

📍 Location: Chittoor (via Anaikatti – Agali Road)
🕒 Best Time: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM or 4 PM onwards
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
📏 Distance from Anaikatti: ~12 km
🚗 Transport: Auto or private vehicle only (no public bus access)

🧺 Activities

• Walk or drive along the narrow bridge

• Photography and riverside breaks

• Small temple visit near the bridge

💡 Hidden Tip: Go early morning with a flask of tea, the silence and rising mist over the river are magical.

🌉 Chavadiyur River Bridge

Located further west of Agali, this is another hidden river crossing known mainly to locals. It’s perfect for those who enjoy remote drives and lesser-known rural experiences.

Why Visit?

• Extremely peaceful and untouched

• Great for couples or solo travelers seeking nature

📍 Location: Chavadiyur, Kerala border
🕒 Best Time: 7 AM – 10 AM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
📏 Distance from Anaikatti: ~22 km
🚗 Travel Mode: Personal bike/car recommended

🧺 Activities

• Short photo breaks and nature stops

• Forest walk trails near bridge corners

• Local tea shop stopovers

💡 Hidden Tip: It’s a no-network zone, ideal for a digital detox hour.

💧 Ranganathapuram Check Dam

A lesser-explored man-made marvel, the Ranganathapuram check dam is built to regulate water from the Siruvani tributaries. Surrounded by dense forest cover and tribal settlements, it becomes a great picnic or photography location during the monsoon and post-monsoon months.

Why Visit?

• Mirror-like water surface ideal for photography

• Solitary and peaceful, great for meditation or quiet time

📍 Location: Ranganathapuram, Anaikatti region
🕒 Best Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
📏 Distance from Anaikatti: 9 km
🚗 How to Reach: Hire a local jeep or auto

🧺 Activities

• Riverside picnic or sit-down

• Photography, forest listening walks

• Sunset reflection shots

💡 Hidden Tip: Avoid during peak summer, the water may be dry. Best between September to February.

🔥 Other Must-Visit & Trending Tourist Places Near Anaikatti

🌳 Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)

Located just 15 km from Anaikatti, SACON is a research and conservation institute nestled in a green patch, ideal for birdwatchers and eco-tourists.

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free for public campus area
🕒 Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed Sundays)
🧺 Activities: Birdwatching, nature walks, butterfly gardens
💡 Hidden Tip: Visit during early winter mornings for migratory birds.

🏞️ Silent Valley National Park (Agali Entrance)

Just 25 km from Anaikatti via Agali, this national park is one of the most pristine evergreen forests in India and a UNESCO-recognized ecological hotspot.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹50/person + ₹1,200 for forest jeep safari (5 pax)
🕒 Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM (No entry after 1 PM)
🧺 Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, rare wildlife sightings
💡 Hidden Tip: Book safaris in advance via the Forest Department office at Agali.

Kodungarai Forest Watch Tower (Unmarked Viewpoint)

Located within the Anaikatti reserve buffer zone, this forest watchtower offers a 360° view of the Anaimalai range, Siruvani forest patch, and tribal hamlets below. Often used by forest watchers, the area is now known only among wildlife enthusiasts.

📍 Location: Off-road trail near Thanikandi (7 km from Anaikatti)

✅ What to Expect

• Stunning views of the forest valley

• Possible elephant/bison sightings at dawn

• Hidden photography spot

💡 Hidden Tip: Go with a local forest guide or experienced trekker, access is through a rough path. Carry binoculars.

🏞️ Mayileripara (Eagle Rock Viewpoint)

Located near Agali, this cliff-like hilltop is famous among locals for eagle sightings and breathtaking views. The area is still not known to outsiders.

📍 Location: 10 km from Anaikatti via Mannarkkad Road
🧗‍♂️ Activities: Rock viewing, sunrise trek, local tribal snack stalls at base

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit early morning (6:00 AM–7:30 AM) for eagle gliding over the ridge and dramatic sunrise colors. Trail may be slippery post-monsoon.

🌉 Narasimukku Hanging Bridge (Alternative to Agali Bridge)

Smaller and more rustic than the Agali Hanging Bridge, this bridge is locally used to connect tribal settlements. It sways more with every step, making it thrilling yet scenic.

📍 Location: Near Kottathara, ~25 km from Anaikatti
🌲 Speciality: Lesser-known than Agali, no crowds

💡 Hidden Tip: Take a small picnic basket, walk halfway across and sit for birdwatching, especially hornbills.

🐾 Elephant Corridor Trail (Unmarked Tribal Trail)

A soft adventure trail known only to Anaikatti tribal communities, this trail is used by elephants to pass between river zones and hilltops. It’s open forest walking, no signage, no crowds.

📍 Entry Point: Near Tribal School, Muthukadu
Distance: 3–4 km loop (mild hike)

🧭 Activities: Animal tracking signs, forest bathing, trailwalking

💡 Hidden Tip: You need a local tribal guide (available at ₹300–₹500 for 2–3 hours). Do not enter without one.

🧗 Anaikatti Adventure Park (Under Development)

While there’s no official adventure park, some local eco-resorts and tribal groups offer soft-adventure activities, such as:

🎯 Activities

• Bamboo zipline over river (rudimentary)

• Mud obstacle course (for kids)

• Archery with tribal bow/arrows

• Rock balancing & rope walk challenges

📍 Offered By

• Some eco-resorts like Vanavasam Stay, Aranya Eco Stay, or tribal cultural groups (by request)

💡 Hidden Tip: Ask your homestay/resort to connect with the tribal youth group,  they conduct mock tribal games for ₹250–₹300 per person.

🌳 Siruvani Forest Waterfalls (Restricted – but visible from distance)

There are multiple unnamed waterfalls deep inside Siruvani Reserve Forest, but entry is restricted by the Forest Department. However, you can view them from a distance via hill ridges behind Anaikatti.

📍 Location: Behind Anaikatti Forest Guest House (requires hike)

💡 Hidden Tip: Trek guides near Arsha Vidya Gurukulam can take you to viewpoints that overlook the Siruvani stream valleys.

🚨 Pro Travel Tips for Exploring Hidden Anaikatti

• Best Time to Visit: September to February for greenery and mild weather

• Essentials: Hiking shoes, sunscreen, flashlight (no street lighting post-sunset)

• Safety Tip: Wild elephants may cross roads post 6 PM, avoid late drives into the hills

• Stay Tip: Choose tribal-run homestays or eco-resorts, they give access to hidden places and guides

🚌Anaikatti Government Bus Details

• Coimbatore to Anaikatti
  Bus No: 3A, 16C
  Timings: Every 30–60 mins from Ukkadam Bus Stand
  Fare: ₹30–₹40

• Anaikatti to Agali/Palakkad
  Kerala KSRTC buses from Tamil Nadu border post
  Limited services: Every 2–3 hours

🚙 Anaikatti Forest Jeep Safari

✅ Is There a Jeep Safari in Anaikatti?

There is no official Forest Department-operated safari, but you can book private jeep rides through:

• • Local eco-resorts (like Sterling Anaikatti, Vanavasam Stay, Aranya Forest Camp)

  • Tribal-run homestays

  • Drivers connected to the Forest Range Office (they accompany or advise routes)

📍 Where Do the Safaris Go?

Most jeep safaris in Anaikatti cover:

1. 1. Ranganathapuram Check Dam & Hill Loop

   2. Thanikandi tribal trail & Kodungarai watch tower

   3. Elephant corridor trail near Siruvani foothills

   4. River zones near the Kerala border (Chittoor/Chavadiyur area)

   5. Siruvani forest edge viewpoints (only till buffer zone)

Safari Route Length: ~25–30 km roundtrip
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Best Timing:

• Morning: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Evening: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

💰 Cost of Jeep Safari in Anaikatti

 📞 How to Book

• Ask at your stay/homestay, many arrange it for guests

• Visit the Forest Range Office at Anaikatti and request info (they don’t provide jeeps, but can suggest authorized locals)

• Contact local drivers in Chinna Thadagam or Muthukadu village (word-of-mouth access)

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

• No deep forest access, only buffer zone trails are allowed without official permission

• Jeep safari is weather-dependent, not advised during heavy rains

• Safari is not guaranteed to show wildlif,  treat it as a nature immersion drive

• Carry water, hats, and wear covered shoes

• Respect tribal zones, don’t litter or photograph without consent

Anaikatti is a nature-centric destination. Carry basic supplies, travel early in the day, and avoid late evening drives as roads become deserted. Respect the tribal zones and eco-sensitive areasminimal noise and no littering.