What comes to your mind when you think of travelling to the Southern part of India?—a continuous stretch of the sea coast, steamy and sun-kissed beaches. Oblivious to many people, the Western and Eastern Ghats offer one of the best trekking destinations in South India.
These mountains, carpeted by the rich green grasslands and forests, are a home to innumerable low altitude peaks that are ideal for both beginners and professional trekkers. If the waterfalls, the rich flora and fauna and the amazing landscapes along these treks don’t appeal to you then nothing will.
1. Mulayangiri Trek
Pride yourself by trekking to the highest peak in Karnataka. At 6332 ft., Mulayangiri also towers as the highest peak between Nilgiris and Himalayas. The serpentine trail takes you through undulating grasslands, ridges, forests to ultimately offer a panoramic view of the Western Ghats from atop the peak.
Altitude: 6332 ft.
Trek Distance (One side): 3-4 km
Location: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Difficulty Level: Moderate
2. Kudremukh Trek
In the Kudremukh range nestles the one of the highest peak in Karnataka, offer in gits conquerors one of the most challenging and literally breath-taking treks. The trail which passes through lush green meadows, dense Shola forests and streams of fresh water are a complete bliss for trekkers.
Altitude: 6207 ft.
Trek Distance (One side): 9 km
Location: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
3. Nagalapuram Trek
The Nagalapuram trail will offer you occasional respites—with a stream always running parallel to you and freshwater pockets that you can straightaway jump into after sweating your way through the jungles and dodging boulders. This one is a completely rejuvenating trek that you will remember for long.
Trek Distance (One side): 6 km
Location:Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
4. Meesapulimala Trek
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mountain offers one of the most beautiful treks in the Western Ghats. You can’t overlook the significant height of 8661 ft. where the peak shoots over a layer of clouds and bedazes you with a surreal view of the land below.
Trek Distance (One side): 10 km
Location: Idukki district, Kerala
Altitude: 8661 ft.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
5. Kumara Parvatha Trek
Considered as one of the most difficult treks of the Western Ghats that, Kumara Parvatha or Pushpagiri trek will test your mental and physical stamina like no other trek. However, you might be at ease if you are a regular trekker. Prepared to feel belittled by the enormity of tall trees and the expanse of the jungle on the way.
Trek Distance (One side): 19 km
Location: Coorg, Karnataka
Altitude: 5,617 ft.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
6. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
Chimmini trek boasts the beauty of the God’s own country and if you are a wildlife enthusiast, this trek is a must-to-do on your list. Experience the nature up-close while you are crossing the wildlife sanctuary. Hear a variety of birds sing while keeping your eyes open to catch a glimpse of elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels and sloth bears roaming around in their natural habitat.
Trek Distance (One side): 2.5 km
Location: Thrissur, Kerela
Altitude: 3661 ft.
Difficulty Level: Easy
7. Tadiandamol Trek
The highest peak in Coorg and the third highest in Karnataka, Tadiandamol is a lesser known but one of the most beautiful treks of the region. The name, Tadiandamol itself translates to ‘highest mountain’ in Kanada. The peak offers a stunning view of the vast stretch of Shola forest below.
Trek Distance (One side): 7km
Location:Kodagu district, Karmataka
Altitude: 5735 ft.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
8. Anamudi Trek
Adventure seekers, don’t miss out on the highest peak of South India when you plan on trekking in the Western Ghats. Make yourself feel at the top of the world by conquering Anamudi peak and more so, your own self.
Trek Distance (One side): 20km
Location: Munnar, Kerala
Altitude: 8842 ft.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
If you have already started planning your next trek, check out our upcoming treks at Nature Walkers website.