Annamalai Hill is usually referred to the holy hill at Thiruvannamalai in the state of Tamil Nadu which forma a part of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This hill forms the meeting point of the Western and the Eastern Ghats. The main feature of the Annamalai Hill is the famous shrine of Lord Shiva known as the Annamalaiyar Temple. All the people of India know this hill by different names like Arunagiri, Arunai, Arunachalam, Sonagiri, Annamalai and Sonachalam. The Annamalai Hill is also considered as an important holy place for people practicing `atma vichara` or self-enquiry and is also among the five main Shaivite pilgrimage in the southern part of India. The name of the Annamalai Hill is derived from the Tamil term `Anai` which signifies elephant and `malai` which signifies hill. When put together the term `Annamalai` signifies `Elephant Hill`.

The Annamalai Hill is known at its best for the provision of wildlife and trekking opportunities. The lower parts of the Annamalai Hill are best suited for coffee and tea plantations and it also abounds in teak forests. The joyous landscape of the Annamalai Hill helps one to be amidst nature at her freest. The Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary here is quite a mystical place to be in. In fact this hills is the abode of many wildlife sanctuaries including the famous Parambikulam Sanctuary. This sanctuary is also home to the largest population of gaur in Kerala. Various other species including chevrotain, civet, crocodile, pangolin, porcupine, jungle cat and some 140 species of birds are also found in this sanctuary. One can find here sandalwood, teak, bamboo and rosewood in abundance. Wild beats like tigers, wild dogs, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, langurs and macaques are also found here roaming about the dense forests. In fact the sounds of the jungles are different in the sense that they are mysterious and evocative of an imagination rife with possibilities turning the turning the expectant mind into a mirror of its own hopes and desires. Trekking seems to be an important activity here as it is open grassland heavy with slush, and where a herd of elephants forage leaving enough evidence behind for the tourists to ponder. Another far famed wildlife sanctuary is located in the Annamalai Hill at an altitude of 1400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi and is known by all as The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Over here also one may be able to observe different species of animals like water buffaloes, gaur, panthers, tigers, sloth bears, black-headed orioles, pangolins, macaques, crocodiles, civet cats and green pigeons. Another species of small snake known as Plecturus Perroteti is found in the Annamalai Hill.

A small hamlet known as Top Slip is located in the Annamalai Hill where the teak was introduced during the period of British colonial rule for the first time. The wondrous setting of the Annamalai Hill where nature is at her bountiful best offers one a wide range of holidaying activities mingling pleasure with whole lot of adventure and relaxation. The spectacular panorama lives touches the lives of those who had made a visit to the divine location of the Annamalai Hill.