Oosimalai View Point, Thamarakarai

Oosi Malai is a prominent feature within the rugged, forested Bargur Hills, near Anthiyur in Tamil Nadu's Erode district. This region became part of the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, officially notified in 2023 as Tamil Nadu's 18th wildlife sanctuary. Spanning roughly 80,114 hectares, the sanctuary serves as a vital ecological corridor connecting the Western and Eastern Ghats, renowned for its diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, tigers, gaurs, spotted deer, and wild boars.

It's also a haven for birdwatchers (136 species) and butterfly enthusiasts (118 species). The forest features dry deciduous and thorny scrub, sustained by the nearby Palar River, a tributary of the Cauvery. Historically, the broader Erode district was part of the ancient Kongu region, ruled by Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Tipu Sultan, and the British.