If you love trekking, you’ll practically fall in love with the down south of the country. The southern region of India is full of different types of treks with unmatched beauty, culture, and locals that you won’t find in any other part of the world. In our opinion, South India is definitely a paradise for trekking and hiking lovers. If you want to feel more connected with the nature and different cultures of South India, you should definitely plan a trip there as soon as possible. And to help you with that, we are here with a well-researched list of the top 10 best & most famous trekking places in South India.
Of course, there are dozens of places to trek in the southern region of the country, but according to many travelers’ experiences and expert travel guides, these ten are the best and most beautiful trekking places with well-marked and well-maintained trails. So yeah, without further ado, let’s get down to the list. Shall we?
Wanna get lost in the wild and soak in nature's best? Let's take a trip to Narasimha Parvata in the scenic Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Imagine standing on the top of this mountain and gasping at the heart-stopping views of rolling hills and dense forests. The trek is all about variety, forests, grasslands, you name it! You'll be gasping at the Western Ghats beauty all around. The journey is no walk in the park though; be ready to battle some rugged paths, a thrilling experience for the adventure junkie in you! And no matter how skilled you are when it comes to trekking and hiking, this trek will still give you a good workout. But along the way, you'll discover a stunning variety of plants, birds, and butterflies, all making your heart and mind sing in the rhythm. And you are sure to stumble upon waterfalls and streams, perfect pit stops to chill and drink in the gorgeousness of the place.
Starting from the Hanging Huts area (also called Potteri), this journey takes you through dense forests, eucalyptus groves, and jaw-droppingly beautiful meadows. You'll have the calm Green Lake for company, framed by pine trees and occasional fishermen going about their day. On day two, kick off from the Kokkal village, weave your way through tea gardens and forests, and you might just spot an elephant or two! Your trek ends at the serene Green Lake, nestled amidst grassy hillocks, the perfect spot to unwind and let the beauty of nature sink in. Even though the trek hits a high note of 7,000 feet, the weather is pleasant all year round. Summer is a great time for a cool escape.
Next on the list is Kudremukh Trek, located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, India. Starting at the sleepy town of Mullodi, you'll trek through dense forests, stumbleupon waterfalls, and walk across meadows. At about 1,900 meters peak, on top of the mountain, you'll feel like you're on top of the world! This trek's got its tough moments, and typically, it takes two days to conquer it, with an overnight camp stay thrown in. However, be sure to pack all the essentials, from your gear to plenty of water, as shops or facilities are sparse on the trail.
The name of this place is quite a mouthful, right? You'll find this cool spot tucked away in Coorg, in the Southern part of India. At 1,750 meters above sea level, it's the third tallest peak in Karnataka and the highest in Coorg. Ready for some eye candy? The hike up offers a buffet of visual treats, like the dense forests, sweeping valleys, and coffee plantations that spread as far as the eye can see. It's a moderately tough hike, but don't worry, both newbies and pro hikers can conquer it. The weather is usually quite lovely, especially after the monsoons when everything's looking extra lush and green. It's got fewer crowds than most places, so if you're all about peace and quiet, this is the place to be.
Next up is Perumal Peak! This popular hiking spot is nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, right near the town of Kodaikanal. Standing tall at around 2,500 meters above sea level, the view from the top is a sight for sore eyes. The hike is a blend of nature and adventure and takes you through dense forests and grasslands, making you feel one with the Western Ghats' biodiversity. If you're lucky, you might spot some unique plants or maybe even a wild animal or two! It starts in a small village called Kavunji and takes about 3-4 hours to conquer. The best time to visit is for sure after the monsoons till winter when everything's looking pretty green and the weather's a cool breeze.
Welcome to Nishani Betta, also known as Nishani Motte, a piece of paradise for trek lovers located in the state of Karnataka, specifically in the scenic district of Coorg. It's a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and even bird watchers. Now, the ideal time for a trek is during the winter months from October to February. Why, you ask? Imagine a cool breeze, a low chance of showers, and a cozy, comfortable hike. As you make your way up, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant bird species and wildlife calling these forests their home. The cherry on top? Coorg has a bunch of other cool spots, from waterfalls to cultural hotspots that you can check out after the trek.
Let's take a virtual walk up the Chokramudi Peak. Just imagine the mind-blowing panoramic views of tea plantations as far as your eyes can see, with the grand Anamudi peak and the charming Idukki Dam popping up in the backdrop. What makes it even more interesting? The Chokramudi Peak is a loner, sitting apart from other Munnar hills, making it an explorer's delight! This trek is no less than a mini-adventure through evergreen Shola forests, where you might even run into rare beauties like Nilgiri Tahrs, Gaurs, and Asian Elephants. Now, it may sound all big and scary, but it's quite the opposite. This trek is just around 10 kilometers long, making it a perfect day out, even for newbie trekkers. But, of course, the thrill doesn't take a backseat as you approach the steeper rocks and grassland ranges. Without a doubt, witnessing the sunrise from the peak, with a fresh cup of tea brewed from the nearby plantations, is pure magic!
Next stop, Nagalapuram Hills! This trekking hot spot in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is a blend of thrill and serene beauty. It's like a picture postcard come to life with lush green forests, lovely waterfalls, and landscapes that can make anyone go 'Wow'! For those seeking a bit of a challenge, this trek ticks that box too. And the cherry on top is the captivating Nagalapuram Waterfalls, it's like finding a treasure at the end of an adventurous journey. But the thrill isn't just limited to nature. This place is also rich in culture and history, with the famous Nagalapuram Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple en route.
If you're into hiking, you gotta check out Chembra Peak, a real hot spot for trekking nestled in Kerala's Wayanad district. This trail is a total treat for the eyes, you'll get to soak in amazing vistas of the Western Ghats and all the lush beauty around you. And if you're just a lover of the great outdoors, you're gonna be in seventh heaven! The climb takes you through an explosion of greens, tea plantations, and jaw-dropping valleys, a total feast for your eyes. Oh, and don't miss out on the heart-shaped lake, Hridaya Saras, located a cool 6,500 feet above sea level. It's this cute little touch of romance that adds a bit more spice to your trekking journey.
This last spot on this list is actually a part of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, so you can expect plenty of nature's best offerings like dense forests, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. Once you make your way to the peak, you're rewarded with killer views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and even the Arabian Sea. This trek is a moderate one, so it's doable even for beginners. There might be a few rough patches, but hey, that's what makes the victory at the end even sweeter! There's also a dash of spiritual vibe added to this trek. At the summit, there's this quaint temple, Sarvajna Peetha, which has ties to the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. So, you're not just getting an adrenaline rush but also a slice of culture and spirituality.
Conclusion
There you have it. Since most of these places are located in the Western Ghats in South India, you can go on a bigger adventure exploring multiple places in one go. Sounds amazing, right? No matter which places you choose to trek, South India will surely leave you in awe with the stunning landscape, rich culture, and of course the loving and incredibly friendly people.