Trekking is a term which used to define a multi-day hiking in the mountainous regions of India, Pakistan, Nepal, North America, South America, Iran, and the highlands of East Africa. Hiking a long-distance trail from end-to-end is also referred to as trekking and as thru-hiking in some places. Southern India is blessed with such beautiful trekking trails that they are counted among most preferred trekking trails in India. Some of these included in the list are:
- Kudremukh
Popular and named after a mountainside that resembles a horse’s face, Kudremukh is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. A popular hill-station among the Bangalore crowd, Kudremukh is actually a hill range in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Kudremukh Peak is a paradise for trekkers and naturists alike, with its mountainous paths and floral and faunal diversity.
With its rolling meadows, grasslands and dense forests, this place is a biodiversity hotspot. Kudremukh is an enchanting place to visit, still retaining much of its natural beauty despite persistent threats from various sources to its ecology. Varaha Parvatha, another mountain range nearby at a height of 1458 m above sea level is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Munnar
Perched atop the undulating peaks of the great range of Sahyadri, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, Munnar is a mesmerizing hill station in Kerala that offers a plethora of trekking trails for the trekkers to explore. The whole range is covered with carpets of greenery, low slopes covered with some of the world’s highest tea plantations and rainforests rich in biodiversity, endemics and spice plantations and hills with their crests hidden behind a blanket of fog along with stretches of rugged terrains.
You can choose among the many existing trek routes, some of them very popular, some not so known. There are some which can be done in a day, and some take longer as the routes are interconnected to form a web of trek trail for a more adventurous and exciting experience for the trekkers. The treks vary in difficulty, but they offer equal exuberance nonetheless.
- Jog Falls – Karnataka
Trek up to the second-highest plunge waterfall of India. These magnificent falls are a major tourist attraction in Karnataka, the spellbinding view of which creates a truly memorable experience.
- Kemmanagundi
Trekking in Kemmanagundi is one of the most visually flattering and refreshing experiences, with sparkling green terrains, interspersed with waterfalls and streams. Trek you way to the Hebbe Falls and the Z point to have the most of your trekking experiences in Kemmanagundi.
- Ooty
Trekking in Kemmanagundi is one of the most visually flattering and refreshing experiences, with sparkling green terrains, interspersed with waterfalls and streams. Trek you way to the Hebbe Falls and the Z point to have the most of your trekking experiences in Kemmanagundi.
- Chikballapur
Chikballapur offers many sites for trekking, located 15 km away there are 6 hills including the Nandi Hills. The other hills are Nandi Giri, Chandra Giri, Indra Giri, Brahma Giri, Kalavara hill, and Hema Giri.
These provide a great opportunity for the trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts
- Savandurga
Situated 60 km from Bangalore, Savandurga hill is one of the largest pieces of single rock formations in the Asian continent. Since it is located 1226 m above sea mean level, it has a steep slope which makes it capable of providing some adventurous trekking in South India. Secluded from the city, the hills are an ideal place to spend some peaceful time with your loved ones. Trekking up to the hill within a serene environment is no less than bliss. Trekking enthusiasts are even seen camping for a few days at the top after completing the trek. Imagine how wonderful it would be to lie atop the hill beneath the quilt of stars!
- Anthargange
Situated 60 km from Bangalore, Savandurga hill is one of the largest pieces of single rock formations in the Asian continent. Since it is located 1226 m above sea mean level, it has a steep slope which makes it capable of providing some adventurous trekking in South India. Secluded from the city, the hills are an ideal place to spend some peaceful time with your loved ones. Trekking up to the hill within a serene environment is no less than bliss. Trekking enthusiasts are even seen camping for a few days at the top after completing the trek. Imagine how wonderful it would be to lie atop the hill beneath the quilt of stars!
- Shimoga
With nature in its full bloom, the town of Shimoga has been home to several great dynasties and kingdoms. Packed with several marvels of nature in the form of picturesque landscape, gorgeous waterfalls, mystical temples and lush green surroundings, its raw beauty will leave you absolutely enchanted. The main city of Shimoga District derives its name from the words ‘Shiv-Mukha’ implying ‘Face of Lord Shiva’.
- Kodaikanal
A trekkers delight, Kodaikanal has some exquisite locations to offer to both the professional trekkers and the novice ones. Trekking routes with varying difficulty levels are present and a tourist can select the route according to the fitness, time factor and one’s trekking ability. One of the toughest routes is from Periyakulam Adukkam- Kodaikanal which has a trekking distance of about 18 kms which can be covered within 7 hours. For the trekkers who prefer easy walk, the route from Kodaikanal to Berijam will be the suitable one and the trekker will be able to enjoy the green valleys and the mountain ranges surrounding Kodaikanal.
- Coorg
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Madikeri is the region’s centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of “homestays” to make your experience more memorable!
- Yercaud
Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and great weather.
Yercaud lake is the main point of attraction of the region.One of the many highlights is the summer festival that takes place in May. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges and gives visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region.
- Shivgange
A collection of solid rock structures, Shivagange offers climbers an exciting and tough trek. Being a rocky hill, the climb is difficult but thanks to the railings put up all along the way it becomes significantly safer.
Every half a kilometer, there’s a food stall so that you can take an energy break from the tedious climb. There are also temples at regular intervals that provide for good photo ops. There are also man made steps connecting the temples. The last leg of the climb is the toughest as the hill becomes steeper. The topmost point of the hill has a Nandi (Holy Bull) craved from a single monolithic stone. The climb here is risky but is worth the effort for the view from the top is breathtaking
- Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Located around 60 kilometers away from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is one such tourist spot that has gradually been discovered by visitors over the years and has now become a well-known weekend getaway.
Featuring beautifully carved arches and majestic pillars with intricately painted walls and ceilings, Nandi Hills is scattered with shrines and monument and is surrounded by mesmerizing views, making this place no less than a hidden paradise. Situated at a height of 4851 feet above sea level, you can see a convoy of weekenders from Bangalore during early hours catching the glimpse of sunrise.
- Maravanthe , Karnataka
Maravanthe is a getaway which can be best described as nature’s basket full of mesmerizing picturesque views. A beautiful beach town with white sand spread miles and miles along the coast fetches the beach a nickname of a Virgin Beach.
The sunset sets the whole place tinted in the shade of sepia just out of a painter’s canvas. Studded with several places of the excursion, the town is adorned with a stark backdrop of Kodachadri Hills, while the Arabian Sea bounds it from one side and Souparnika River on the other side. With pleasant weather especially during winters, you can visit the beach here, go snorkelling or scuba diving or even go on a trek at Kodachadri Hills!
