Albeit widely associated with the Himalayan ranges in the very north, trekking as a sport can be thoroughly enjoyed in South India as well. Blessed with the magnificent Eastern and Western Ghats, trekking in South India involves cutting through thick forested hills dotted with the occasional waterfall and lake. The weather here generally remains accommodating throughout the year, making trekking a perennial sport, although it is best enjoyed during the winter months between October and February. The trekking routes in the South range across easy, moderate and difficult, making it suitable for trekkers of all levels of expertise.
Chembra Trek: Located in the heart of the Wayanad Hills, the Chembra trek is perfect for beginners. The peak, rising to a height of over 2,000 meters above ground, is one of Wayanad tallest. The modest trek starts from lush tea plantations and makes its way through stunning green meadows all the way to the top. Smack in the middle of the journey one encounters a perfect heart shaped lake, whose clear, still waters stand out against the bright green of its surrounding. The trek being a fairly easy one, takes about 4-5 hours to complete, and can be attempted throughout the year.
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary: Nestled right in the thick forests of Thrissur, the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary offers the surreal experience of trekking through a rainforest. The Sanctuary has several designated trekking routes, their lengths altered to suit the needs of the trekker. Trekkers here are always accompanied by a native guide, who not only helps one navigate their way to the forest but also offers invaluable insight into the forest culture here. The trek, travelling through the depths of the jungled hills, offers a glimpse into the native animal and plant life in Thrissur, and can be quite a delight for adventure enthusiasts.
Kudremukh Trek: Blanketed with rolling green hills, the Kudremukh Peak in Karnataka is one of the most popular trekking hotspots in the South. Kudremukh literally translates to ‘the horse’s face’ in Kannada, and is called so for its distinct shape. The trek is a fairly short one, and takes no more than 2 to 3 hours to complete. However, after a certain ascent, the train here verges on the steeper side, and requires careful navigation. The Kudremukh trek is ideal for wildlife lovers, sporting several animal and bird sightings. You can check out the Thrillophilia reviews to find what people have to say about the trek!
Perumal Trek: The Perumal trail in the Western Ghats is popular among trekkers for its magnificent scenic beauty. Travelling all the way to the Perumal peak at an elevation of 2,440 meters, the trek meanders across lush green valleys, and thick forests. The trek in itself is a fairly easy one, and can be attempted by absolute beginners as well. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the peak, and nearly the same time to come back down. However, the route being an organized one, there are several public transports available for those desiring to make their journey back a little easier.
Yercaud: Tucked away in the Western Ghats, this hill station is known for its fairly simple yet scenic trekking routes. The Killiyur Falls is one of the top trekking locations here, and takes one to the charming majestic falls in the middle of a forest. Another popular trekking route here is one that leads to the Elephant rocks, which are two giant rocks that are said to have been formed from meteor collisions several epochs ago. Check out the Thrillophilia reviews for more information on Yercaud trekking routes.
Nagalapuram Hills: Often called the Queen of Waterfalls, trekking at the Nagalapuram Hills can be quite the adventure. The trekking route follows a journey upward along a stream, crossing the four waterfalls as it goes by. The trek is also known for its splendid views of the Eastern Ghats that rises all around the hills. The trek cuts through lush rainforests, where one can occasionally spot an animal or two. The trek itself is an extremely easy one, and can be attempted even by beginners with basic levels of fitness.
Paithalmala Trek: Overlooking the valleys of Coorg on one side and those of Kannur on the other, the Paithalmala Trek is a truly unique adventure in the South. The trail uphill is not a challenging one for seasoned trekkers. At the base, one is offered a choice between two routes- the one that begins in Kappimala can be fairly steep, while the other that travels along Pottenplave is the more beaten, easier road to take. The trail itself is invested with a host of fantastic views. Where the forest ends, vast stretches of uninterrupted grasslands take over. It takes about 8 or 9 hours to see the trek to completion, under suitable weather.
