Trekking in South India : From Beach Treks To Vast Jungle Treks

Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls

Kudremukh, with its diverse landscapes, provides a wide variety of trekking trails. You have to obtain permission from the forest department for trekking here, but it is well worth the trouble.

Best Time: October to May

10 Kudremukh Attractions

Perched atop the undulating peaks of the great range of Sahyadri, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, Munnar is as picturesque and breathtaking as it comes. Often covered with a veil of cold misty cloud, giving the place an ethereal feel, Munnar provides some of the most beautiful and captivating trekking of South India. If you drive a few kilometres towards the outskirts, it will dissolve into an ocean of serenity complete with greenery and the fresh hilly breeze.

The second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in the state. Second, to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253 m (850 ft. ) in a single fall. However, due to the construction of Linganamakki Dam which is a hydroelectricity plant closeby, the flow in the falls is hugely restricted before monsoons. So, it is best to go during the Monsoon season to see the falls in its full form.

Best Time: July to December

9 Jog Falls Attractions

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 forms the perfect base for some exciting routes for trekking in South India, some long and some short, into the adjoining hills. There are several treks which differ in distance, heights and landscape. Also, a base camp is built at Parsons Valley, which aids as an initial point for the trekkers. Ooty-Parson's peak-Porthimund-Mukurthi National Park-Pandiar Hills-Pykara Falls-Mudumalai National Park-Ooty is a long trek which exposes the trekkers through some of the most beautiful and unexplored parts of the Nilgiris. The picturesque view of Mudumalai Sanctuary is certainly spectacular for adventure tourists.

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.

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!

The Anthargange mountain is a structure of small and big rocks coupled with natural springs and dense forest at the foot of the hill. This provides to be an excellent place for trekkers. The mountains at an altitude of 1712 meters from sea level with rocky boulders, small caves and dense plantations are one of the best getaways for trekking, rock climbing and cave exploration enthusiasts.

Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe

Steeped in rich heritage and culture, this main city of Shimoga District derives its name from the words 'Shiv-Mukha' implying 'Face of Lord Shiva'. It is also home to stunning Western Ghat treks in Karnataka such a Kodachadri, Agumbe forest trek, Sharavathi backwaters trek etc.

Best Time: July to December

37 Shimoga Attractions

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.

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. One could go for a professionally arranged trek or if you just want to wander in the greens on your own, that too would be an equally enjoyable experience. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are also especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

Situated at a distance of about 100 kilometres from the capital city of Bangalore in Karnataka, Bheemeshwari is the perfect location to enjoy a number of activities in the wilderness. The area is blessed with lush greenery and the wild waters of the River Cauveri, and hence, has ample opportunities for nature walks, sightseeing and adventure sports. The highlight of a trip to Bheemeshwari, however, is no doubt the trekking experience that one can enjoy here. In fact, the area is a paradise for all trekking in South India. The terrain in the area is gentle and strewn with rocks, but slopes slightly at places, which attracts trekkers and adventure enthusiasts from all across the world to trek here.

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a hill station called poor man's Ooty with abundant forests, vast coffee plantations and some unique species of flora and fauna resulting in gorgeous views. Explore the Kiliyur Falls trek and the White Elephant Tooth Rocks (which are two white rocks believed to be meteorites about 120 kms from Yercaud).

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

The town offers several beautiful and challenging trails for the lover of adventurous activities. Peeru Hills, Grampi, Vagamon, Memala and Karandakapara Hills are some of the most popular trails in Peermede.

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.

Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

If you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the mornings, you are going to love Chikmagalur, which has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air. Very famously known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka and stands at an altitude of 3400 feet. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular place for trekking in South India and is a quaint getaway from the busy life of the city.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Known For : Tipu's Drop Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Tipu's Summer Residence

It is often said that 'the best places are off the beaten path', and Nandi Hills is a clear testimony to that. Located around 60 kilometres 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 holiday spot. There are many day treks to summit Nandi hills which are perfect for beginners.

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Known For : The Borra Hills and Caves Araku Tribal Museum Musi River

Set amid the Eastern Ghats, Ananthagiri is a beautiful retreat where majestic hills in the backdrop flirt with clouds all the time. Enjoy trekking on the rocks, through forested areas and tread along beautiful flowing streams.

Best Time: October to March

10 Ananthagiri Attractions

Known For : Ramadevara Betta Ramnagara Hills Ramdevara Temple

Set amidst the challenging rocky hillocks and lush green surroundings, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend getaway for Bengaluru folks. Ramanagaram offers both day treks and night treks in Karnataka.

Best Time: November to February

7 Ramanagaram Attractions

Known For : Padukone Village Kodachadri Maravanthe Beach

Maravanthe offers a good trekking trail for those who want some adrenaline rushing activity. Nestled on a beach, this area is called the turtle beach due to the Turtle Bay Resort that is present there. Enjoy splendid beach treks at Maravanthe. Best time to go for this trekking in South India is in the winter months between Nov - Feb.

Best Time: October to March

10 Maravanthe Attractions

Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities

The Biligiriranga hills, or the BR Hill as they are better known, are a bit of heaven between the Western and the Eastern Ghats, with a wonderful floral diversity and a vast variety of fauna as well.

Best Time: April to October

5 BR Hills Attractions

Known For : The Elembalai Hill Adyanpara Waterfalls Teak Museum

Enriched with raw nature, a unique blend of culture, exquisite art forms and shadows of colonial rule, Nilambur is located in Malappuram District of Kerala. Nestled at the bank of Chaliyar River in proximity to Nilgiri Range trek through stunning teak plantations and spot some wildlife too if you get lucky!

Best Time: October to March

12 Nilambur Attractions

Ponmudi serves as trekker's paradise offering several beautiful trails. Trekkers would enjoy the trails at Varayattumotta, Chinnappulle and Braemoor supported by guides, and organized by Ponmudi Vana Samrakshana Samithi.

Known For : Nelliyampathy Hills Nenmara Vallanghy Vela Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Nelliyampathy is the ideal place for trekking in South India. If you see the mist floating in the air and a pleasant aroma of coffee teasing your nostrils, a chain of majestic mountains peaking from all around and wonderful weather relaxing your nerves, then you are not dreaming, you are in a small beautiful hill station of Kerala known as Nelliyampathy.

Best Time: October to March

15 Nelliyampathy Attractions

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is essentially a hydropower project location but is more commonly known for its waterfalls. This is one of the best waterfall routes for trekking in South India.

Best Time: August to February

3 Shivanasamudra Attractions

Known For : Palakkad Fort Silent Valley National Park Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The quaint twee town of Palakkad boasts of picturesque landscape, tranquil scenery and clear backwaters. Hence, Palakkad treks have a mixture of everything. Located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges, Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy Fields and is famous as the "Gateway of Kerala".

Best Time: July to March

37 Palakkad Attractions

Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls

A quaint little hill station located in Vellore, Yelagiri is just three hours away from Bangalore, making it the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway. Spread a little over 30 square kilometres, and at a height of over 1100 metres above sea level, Yelagiri offers its tourists some beautiful treks like to the Jalagamparai falls, sweeping orchards and rose garden, among others. The ideal destination for nature lovers, Yelagiri is a town that is completely off the beaten tourist trail, lending it a quieter and much more peaceful vibe compared to other more famous hill stations nearby.

Best Time: November to February

13 Yelagiri Attractions

The guides from the adventure camps will take you around the lake area on a short trek, depending upon your stamina. The trek will take you from various spots that are particularly conducive to bird watching.

Known For : Shenbaga Falls Five Falls Main Falls

Kutrallam is a perfect getaway for those who want to be connected with nature and get lost in the penchant of spirituality. It is a small town of Tamil Nadu located in its Tirunelveli District perched at an elevation of 167 m on the Western Ghats.

Best Time: July to March

9 Kutrallam Attractions