by 15 Most Thrilling Trekking places in South India – If you’re an adventure enthusiast, trekking in South India is an excellent way to experience nature at its best. From lush green forests to rugged mountains, the Southern part of India has a lot to offer to trekking enthusiasts. The terrain is diverse, and the views are breathtaking. Trekking in South India is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Here are the 15 most thrilling trekking places in South India that you must explore.
1. Nilgiris Green Lake Trek
The Nilgiris is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu that offers some of the most exciting trekking experiences in South India. The Green Lake Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Nilgiris. The trek takes you through dense forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams. The trek is challenging, but the views of the valley below are worth it. Trek starts from the Mukurthi National Park, which is home to some rare species of flora and fauna. You can also spot the Nilgiri Tahr, which is an endangered species of mountain goat.
The trek starts from the village of Mukurthi and takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Nilgiris. The trek is 9 km long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. Trek is graded as moderate to difficult and is best done during the monsoon season when the hills are covered with lush green vegetation. The trail takes you through the sholas (tropical montane forest), which are unique to the Western Ghats.
2. Perumal Peak
Perumal Peak is a challenging trekking destination in Tamil Nadu that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek takes you through dense forests, rocky terrain, and steep slopes. The peak is located in the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and is a part of the Palani Hills range. The trek starts from the village of Perumal Malai, which is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as difficult and takes around 8-9 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the Kukkal forest, which is known for its dense vegetation and wildlife. You can spot various species of birds, animals, and reptiles during the trek. The view from the summit is breathtaking, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can also spot the famous Vaigai Dam and the Kodaikanal Lake from the summit.
3. Kumara Parvatha Trek
Kumara Parvatha is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through dense forests, waterfalls, and steep slopes. The trek starts from the small village of Kukke Subramanya, which is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. The trek is graded as difficult and takes around 8-9 hours to complete.
The trail takes you through the lush green forest of the Western Ghats, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot the famous Shola trees, which are unique to the Western Ghats. The trail steep and challenging, and you need to be physically fit to undertake this trek. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. Hampi Trek – Trekking places in South India
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka that known for its ancient ruins, boulders, and hills. The trek takes you through the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in South India. Trek starts from the village of Hampi and takes you through the rocky terrain and hills of the region.
The trek is graded as easy to moderate and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the boulders of Hampi, which are some of the oldest rock formations in the world. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding ruins and hills.
5. Tadiyandamol Peak
Tadiyandamol Peak is the highest peak in Coorg, Karnataka, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek takes you through the dense forests, grasslands, and streams of the Western Ghats. The trail starts from the village of Kakkabe, which is located at an altitude of 1,170 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as moderate and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot various species of birds, animals, and reptiles during the trek. The view from the summit is breathtaking, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
6. Makalidurga Hill Fort – Trekking places in South India
Makalidurga Hill Fort is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through the ruins of an ancient fort and the surrounding hills. The trek starts from the small village of Makalidurga, which is located at an altitude of 1,117 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as easy to moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the lush green forests and hills of the region. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
7. Iruppu Falls Trek
Iruppu Falls is a popular tourist destination in Coorg, Karnataka, and offers a thrilling trekking experience. The trek takes you through dense forests, streams, and rocky terrain. The trail starts from the village of Iruppu, which is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as easy and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The view from the falls is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding forests and hills.
8. Brahmagiri Trek
Brahmagiri Trek is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through dense forests, grasslands, and streams. The trek starts from the village of Iruppu and takes you to the Brahmagiri Peak, which is located at an altitude of 1,608 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as moderate and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot various species of birds, animals, and reptiles during the trek. The view from the summit is breathtaking, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
9. Kodachadri Trek
Kodachadri Trek is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through dense forests, waterfalls, and streams. The trek starts from the village of Nagara, which is located at an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as moderate and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot various species of birds, animals, and reptiles during the trek. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
10. Kudremukh Trek
Kudremukh Trek is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through the Kudremukh National Park, which is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The trek starts from the small town of Kudremukh, which is located at an altitude of 1,894 meters above sea level.
The trek is graded as moderate and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The trail takes you through lush green forests, grasslands, and streams. The view from the summit is breathtaking, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
11. Gokarna Beach Trek – Trekking places in South India
Gokarna Beach Trek is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through the beautiful beaches and temples of Gokarna. The trek starts from the Mahabaleshwar Temple and takes you through several beaches such as Kudle Beach, Om Beach, and Half-Moon Beach.
The trek graded as easy and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Gokarna and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. The trek also includes a visit to the Shiva Cave Temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site.
12. Mullayanagiri Trek
Mullayanagiri Trek is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The trek starts from the small town of Sarpadaari, which is located at an altitude of 1,930 meters above sea level.
The trek graded as moderate and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the lush green forests and grasslands of the region. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
13. Kotebetta Trek
Kotebetta Trek is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka that takes you through the second highest peak in Coorg. The trek starts from the small village of Hattihole, which is located at an altitude of 1,820 meters above sea level.
The trek graded as moderate and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the lush green forests and grasslands of the region. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
14. Chokramudi Peak
Chokramudi Peak is a popular trekking destination in Kerala that takes you through the scenic landscapes of Munnar. The trek starts from the small town of Pothamedu, which is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level.
The trek graded as moderate and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the lush green tea plantations, grasslands, and streams of the region. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
15. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is a popular trekking destination in Kerala that takes you through the scenic landscapes of Wayanad. The trek starts from the small town of Meppadi, which is located at an altitude of 1,690 meters above sea level.
The trek is grad as moderate and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail takes you through the dense forests, grasslands, and streams of the region. The view from the summit is stunning, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Conclusion – Trekking places in South India
South India is home to some of the most stunning and thrilling trekking destinations in the country. From the dense forests of the Western Ghats to the scenic landscapes of Kerala, there is something for everyone. These 15 trekking destinations offer a perfect mix of adventure, thrill, and natural beauty. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable trekking experience in South India. However, before embarking on any trek, it is important to plan well in advance and ensure that you have all the necessary permits and equipment. It is also advisable to go with a professional trekking company or an experienced guide who can ensure your safety and provide valuable insights about the region.
Overall, trekking in South India is a must-do activity for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. So, pick your favorite trekking destination and explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Southern region of India. Happy trekking!
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