But oh man, once we reached the starting point and trekked a bit uphill, it felt like stepping into another world.

The Mangala Devi Temple is not just a structure — it's a story carved in stone. It’s dedicated to Kannagi, the legendary woman from the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, who stood up for justice and became a symbol of feminine strength. The vibes? Ancient, raw, and powerful. The temple’s ruins sit right at the edge of the forest, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats stretching into Kerala — it’s wild and sacred all at once.

We stood there, soaking in silence, mist swirling around us. It’s the kind of place where you feel history — not just see it.

On the way back, my Theni taxi driver took us through a scenic route, stopping for tea and snacks in Kumuli. Hot masala tea after a cold forest trek? Pure bliss.