Monsoon is Calling – 10 Treks You Must Explore

June 22, 2019

It’s time to get your trekking shoes dirty, pack all your gears and head out of your comfort zone outdoors because it’s that time of the year again, the monsoons!

The Western Ghats also called ‘The Sahyadris’ includes a series of mountains spread over 1600 km starting from Gujarat to Kanyakumari passing through states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala in India.

For the outdoor lovers of the South to whom trekking in the Himalayas is slightly inaccessible due to its distance, trekking in the Western Ghats is an alternative for the same where a lot of adventure tourism also takes place.

We are here to quench your thirst for adventure and trekking, with a list of Top 10 treks of Western Ghats nearby Bangalore and Kerala regions. Some of these treks you may already have knowledge about, and some not yet.

A trek makes you and breaks you at the same time, so come let’s explore the top trekking places to be visited near you right now!

Kodachadri Trek, Shivamogga

Nittur, Karnataka

Altitude – 1343m

Kodachadri is one of the favorite treks amongst the adventure junkies because it is an all-in-one package trek. With a total distance of 24kms, one gets to witness all kinds of landscapes which keep changing the entire path.

Starting from Nagodi village where the trail passes through a patch of agricultural fields, will immediately change to a muddy forest trail. Further down the trail, you will be surprised to be greeted by the magical Hidlumane Waterfalls where people usually take a dip in the refreshing water.

Just as when you feel you’re missing out on the sunshine, the trail opens out to an open field which is also kind of steep. Here you can also fill your water bottles from the natural flowing water from the streams. Little after the climb a place with few buildings appear which serves as a place to have lunch and rest.

The final stretch to the peak begins from here and lasts for about 2 hours through a rocky path. Expect jaw-dropping, foggy views at the top and also watch the stunning sunset overlooking many other peaks.

Nishani Motte Trek, Coorg

Bhagamandala, Karnataka

Altitude – 1270m

Nishani Motte is a fairly untouched and unadulterated trek in Karnataka hence you can expect to find less crowd meaning you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature at its best.

This trek starts from a place called Bhagamandala in Coorg and is located inside the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and here also forest permission needs to be taken from FRH office to trek here.

Taking you through water streams, lush green meadows and majorly through forest trails, the entire 16km trek is done in 2 days and is sure to give you a memorable trekking experience not easily forgotten.

Since it is a less explored place, the trails here are not fairly marked and hence it is advised to adhere to the guidelines of the forest department to be accompanied by a guide.

Meesapulimala Trek, Munnar

We all love Sharukh Sir greeting pose..!!

Idukki, Kerala

Altitude: 1750m

A treat to your adventurous soul, Meesapulimala is one of the trekking peaks near Kerala which is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats.

This trek is also known because it houses the Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once in 12 years, which recently bloomed in 2018 attracting tourists from all over India. This 8km trek starts from Rhodo valley which has to be reached by a jeep ride.

The next day early morning is when you will be fascinated trekking through the path covered by the Rhododendron trees, a specialty of trees which is usually found at high altitude regions like the treks in the Himalayas.

The entire trek takes around 7 hours to complete and is done in a single day. While descending, there is a path passing through the famous tea gardens of Kerala cherry on top and a rare occurrence compared to other treks of India.

Tadiandamol Trek, Coorg

Madikeri, Karnataka

Altitude – 1748m

Tadiandamol is the highest peak in the Kodagu district and the sixth highest peak of Karnataka. This is a scenic and a moderate-difficulty trek which can be easily done without the help of a guide since the trails are well marked till the top.

Monsoon is the best season to trek here but be sure to be prepared to encounter a lot of leeches the entire way. Best time to enjoy the beauty of the trek is the early mornings to catch the sunrise and when the surroundings will totally be foggy and the crowd, a little less.

Enjoy the vehicle ride till a place called Nalaknad Palace, take the forest official permission and from here the 4km trek starts. Throughout the trail, you will be trekking on the grasslands and the path will keep changing from steep to flat paths.

The last stretch around 200m before reaching the peak a little tricky as it is steep and hence recommended to navigate carefully. At the top, you can relax for some time while enjoying the cool breeze and enchanting views of the Coorg region.

Kumara Parvatha Trek, Coorg

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Photo Credit to @ranjithmelarcode

Pushpagiri, Karnataka

Altitude – 1500m

Also called the Pushpagiri, this is one of the most well-known and sought after mountain by the adventure enthusiasts because of its difficulty level and the adrenaline rush that it gives.

Being the second highest peak in Karnataka, trekking here is sure to give you the chills as it involves hiking through the heart of the dense forest which gets even more challenging with the presence of leeches and slippery trails in the monsoons.

This trek of 28kms takes 2 days wherein you are allowed to camp halfway at a place called “The Bhattru Mane” and leave for the peak early in the morning to catch the incredible sunrise which will wow you when combined with the surrounding magnificent views.

Kudremukh Peak, Chikmagalur

Some fun moment of Kudremukh Trek from Nature Walkers

Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Altitude – 1894m

One of the most incredible treks in India and also the Third highest peak in this region. It gets the name from its shape where this towering mountain resembles a horse face from one angle.

This is a one day trek as the camping is not allowed by the forest authorities since it is located in the Kudremukh National Park. There are a lot of water streams to cross on the way to keep you refreshed the entire trail, also enjoy the fresh cool breeze along the dense forest trail to re-energize you as you traverse through the steep trails.

The views from Kudremukh top will leave you in awe giving memories enough to cherish for a lifetime!

Brahmagiri Peak, Coorg

Located in the border between Coorg, Karnataka & Wayanad, Kerala

Altitude: 1608m

This peak is one of the places to visit in Coorg situated inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and is also home to a lot of elephants. Since it is a conserved area, trekking here requires prior permission to be taken from the forest department.

One can also find Iruppu Waterfalls on the way through the trail which passes through forests and grasslands keeping the trekker engaged throughout. One of the rare treks in India where you can also spot elephants from close quarters on the 10km trekking trail.

The trek begins at a place called Thirunelli and takes around 3 hours to trek to the top which also includes steep instances. The views from the top are the hard-earned reward for an adventure junkie.

Chembra Peak, Wayanad

Wayanad, Kerala

Altitude – 2100m

Chembra Peak is one of the unique treks in India where trekkers flock to visit the take a glimpse of a heart-shaped lake en route this peak.

Chembra is the highest peak in the Wayanad district and is a must-visit for all the nature lovers out there. Housed in the Meppady forest, one needs to take forest official permission to trek in this region and camping is not allowed.

The trek is around 5kms and takes 3 hours to the top, with the views never once boring you as you pass through the entire landscape which is draped in lush green grass. Once at the top, you will be amazed by the panoramic views of the entire Wayanad. Take in the fresh mountain air to energize yourselves before starting the tricky descent.

Mullayangiri Trek, Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, Karnataka (250kms from Bangalore)

Altitude: 1930m

Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka in Chandra Drona hill region which is famous for its cool weather and breathtaking views from the top.

The topmost point houses a temple dedicated to a sage called Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, from whom it also gets its name from. There are 2 ways to trek to the top here, one is where the vehicle takes you all the way to the top and drops just around 2 km below, and from there you have to take the stairs to reach the peak.

The second trail takes 2 days and is a pretty tough one passing through a fairly steep path which is about 12 km and starts from Baba Budangiri. This trail is more preferred by trek lovers as you also get to pass through a beautiful waterfall called the Manikyadhara Falls.

Whichever trail you take, this trek is known to be pretty foggy all the time during monsoons and hence less visibility making it fun as well as challenging for the trekkers.

Anaimudi Peak, Munnar

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Munnar, Kerala

Altitude: 2695m

Anaimudi is the highest peak in South India nestled inside the Eravikulam National Park, 20kms from Munnar hence taking permission from the authorities is mandatory for trekking in this region.

The name of the peak means “Elephant Foreheads” rightly called so because it houses the largest number of Asian elephants. You can also spot elephants during your trek which is a sight rarely seen amongst the treks in India.

Another specialty of this region is that the famous Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once in 12 years are found here. The trek is barely 3 hours hiking amidst nature since the vehicle goes till the top due to the risks posed by the elephants.

All of these treks are equally magnificent, each one in their own way. So what are you waiting for? Grab some courage and dive into an adventure! Let us know in the comments which trek excited you the most and towards which ones are you heading towards this monsoons.