INTRODUCTION:-
With sunny skies and gentle breezes, summer is the perfect time for hiking and trekking.While most people focus on North India or the Himalayas,when thinking of trekking in India, that’s not all.There are so many amazing places to go trekking in South India too.
South India is home to many different types of terrain,making it the perfect place to go on your next trek.Every state in South India has interesting places where you can go trekking alone or in a group.Here are 10 places you can go trekking in South India when you plan your next trip!
CHEMBRA TREK,KERALA:-
Located in Wayanad,Chembra Peak is a hotspot for trekkers and sees many visitors throughout the year.The summit is about 2,100 meters above sea level and is a part of the Wayanad hill range in the Western Ghats.Perfect for first-timers,the average time required to scale one side of the peak is around 3-4 hours.There is a beautiful heart shaped lake that you will encounter during the trek and the
surrounding view is ideal for nature lovers.Overnight camping at the peak is prohibited due to the potential threat from wildlife.
CHIMMINI,KERALA:-
Chimmini is a wildlife sanctuary first established in 1984 in Thrissur district.The nearest town Ambalur is about 12 km from Chimmini.Home to 160 species of birds,bird watchers will enjoy the trek here to the fullest.You will chance upon many insects including the largest insect in the world – Atlas;India’s largest butterfly – Southern Birdwing;and the state butterfly of Maharashtra – Blue Mormon.Apart from trekking, bamboo rafting is also a fun activity that you can do.
KUDREMUKH,KARNATAKA:-
Kudremukh Peak, called the Himalayas of the South, has rolling green hills, waterfalls and breathtaking views.There are also coffee plantations that you can visit.You can choose from a variety of trekking trails here.The forest department only allows 50 people (on a first come first served basis) to visit the peak on a daily basis.One of the most popular treks in the
Karnataka region, Kudremukh is a thrilling adventure.
KODACHADRI,KARNATAKA:-
Trekking in Kodachadri requires you to be at your peak in terms of fitness.The trek is a total distance of 12-14 kms and takes around 7-8 hours; It is also the 10th highest peak in the state. From the top of Kodachadri, you will get a grand glimpse of the Arabian Sea.If you want to camp outside for some time in the area, prior permission from the Forest Department has to be obtained.
KOLLI HILLS,TAMIL NADU:-
Located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, the Koli Hills are covered with evergreen forests. The hills are about 1000-1300 meters and the surrounding area is peaceful, away from the polluted roads of the cities. Living and dining options are limited in the area; You have to plan in advance.The starting point of this trek is in a small village called Puliancholai at the base of Kolli Hills and the final point is the spectacular Agaya Gangai Falls.
MEESAPULIMAIA,KERALA:-
Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and is about 24 km from the beautiful hill-station Munnar.The trekking trail passes through Rodeo Valley. The summit is 2640 m above sea level and is a biodiversity hotspot. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a 15 km trek on one side of the peak and it takes 9 hours to complete.
PERUMAL TREK,TAMIL NADU:-
Perumal Trek is ideal for beginners;It is a short trek and involves 4 hours of hiking uphill.No prior permission is required. Perumal Peak is at a distance of 18 kms from Kodaikanal.The trek starts from the foot of the peak near Perumal Malai village which is 11 km from Kodaikanal.Overnight camping is an option in the extreme,but considering the short duration of the trek,most people opt to return.You will also get to see the Nilgiri hills on the top.
YERCAUD,TAMIL NADU:-
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a cozy hill station full of forests,coffee plantations and waterfalls.You can explore Kiliyur Falls and Elephant Tooth Rocks trek.The ivory cliffs are two pure white cliffs situated at a height of 120 feet.They are believed to be the remains of a meteorite that fell to Earth centuries ago.
PAITHALMALA TREK,KERALA:-
The Paithalmala trek takes place near the Kodagu forests in the Kannur district of Kerala.It is 1371.6 m above sea level.The biodiversity in the area is particularly interesting and is ideal for photographers.At the top of the hill,you can spend time in an observatory maintained by the Forest Department which offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape.
NAGALAPURAM HILLS,ANDHRA PRADESH:-
The starting point of the trek at Nagalapuram is about 20 km from the actual city.Trekkers are expected to leave their vehicles at Arai village.The waterfall on the hills is a sight to behold! It is also a natural water slide with 40 feet deep natural water pool. This trail covers a total distance of 13 km through dense forests and takes about a day to complete. Along the way you will also find beautiful valleys with rocky walls.
