Tamil Nadu forest officials restrict Parvathamalai temple climbing

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has implemented climbing restrictions at Parvathamalai hill near Kalasapakkam due to recent rainfall. To manage safety on the slippery, steep route, devotees may only begin their ascent to the Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy temple between 5:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily.

Access is limited to individuals aged between 18 and 60. Children, persons with disabilities, and those with illnesses are prohibited from undertaking the trek. To prevent overcrowding and potential stampedes on the narrow three-foot-wide forest trail, officials are limiting the ascent to 100 devotees per hour.

A committee led by District Collector Vandhana Garg will monitor weather forecasts to determine if visits can continue. The area also maintains a ban on plastic items and water bottles to prevent forest littering.