This is a travel newsletter where every week I help you discover two offbeat weekend getaways across India. So, you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences.

Whenever we think about spending a lovely weekend, our minds usually go straight to places like Manali, Kasol, Gokarna, or Ooty.

But how about I show you some crowd-free alternatives instead, so you can truly relax and enjoy? 🙂

I’ve travelled to Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, but I’m yet to travel to Tamil Nadu.

Well, but that doesn’t stop me from finding an amazing weekend getaway for you.

So, today I brought Megamali, locally called Paccha Kumachi, which is one of the least commercialised hill regions in South India.

Megamalai is offbeat because it is a quiet, less-visited hill station in Tamil Nadu.

The roads are long and winding 18-hairpin-bend road that leads there, so fewer tourists visit. This inaccessibility has a good impact. You can’t find any large resorts, traffic, or crowding, typical of places like Ooty or Kodaikanal

It has beautiful, untouched mountains, tea and cardamom plantations, forests, and wildlife.

There are only a few hotels and basic facilities, which keep it peaceful and natural. The village life and local culture are also simple and authentic.

Take a train or flight to Madurai or Coimbatore (the nearest major cities to Meghamalai). From there, use state buses, shared taxis, or budget cabs to reach Meghamalai.

Book your stay in advance at a homestay or small guesthouse to save money. Carry water, snacks, and light luggage.

Morning: Arrive in Meghamalai early by bus or taxi. Check in to your homestay. For breakfast, try Idli with chutney, Rava Kesari (semolina dessert), Appam with coconut milk, or local egg curry.

Afternoon: Explore nearby sights:

Tea Estates – walk through plantations and see how tea is grown

High Wavy Mountains – enjoy the hill views

Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary – spot birds and wildlife

Lunch: Try Chettinad Chicken Curry, Fish Moilee (Kerala-style coconut fish curry), or Vegetable Kootu (spiced vegetable stew) at your homestay or local eatery.

Evening: Walk through streams, forests, or villages. Interact with locals and see traditional village life.

Night: Dinner at your homestay with Meghamalai-style Chicken Roast, Fish Fry, or Coconut-based vegetable dishes.

Morning: Wake up early for sunrise views.

Breakfast: Puttu (steamed rice cake) with Kadala Curry (chickpea curry), local omelette, or Idiyappam with coconut milk.

Visit local sights:

Elimala Viewpoint – panoramic hills and plantations

Theni Dam – scenic water and greenery

Nearby streams for short treks or photography.

Lunch: Return to the homestay for rice, vegetables, chicken, or fish. Pack and start the journey back.

Evening: Take a bus or taxi back to Madurai or Coimbatore, then train/flight back to your city.

Avoid travelling alone on hilly roads at night

Roads can be slippery and winding; use taxis or buses if unfamiliar

Keep cash handy. ATMs are limited in remote areas

Respect local culture and keep noise low in villages

Drink bottled water and eat freshly cooked food

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking and trekking.

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I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you travel to Megamalai’ Das.