Chikmagalur is known for a few of the most famous trekking trails in the country. In fact, trekking overnight in Karnataka is often synonymous with trekking in Chikmagalur. 

The shola forests you come across in Chikamagalur, with tall evergreen trees and undergrowth, are among the best in the western ghats. These forests are also the source of a few of the major rivers in the region.

Not to mention the grasslands. They seem never-ending, leading you to many false summits, one after another. The undulating grasslands can be tiring, but they're never boring. The views of the valley below always keep you in stunning company.  

Additionally, Chikmagalur is one of the major coffee-producing districts in India. On a few of these treks, you get to trek among the coffee and cocoa plantations. 

These treks are also known for their rare flora and fauna. Neela Kurinji, a flower that blooms once every 12 years, blooms on a few of these hills. 

Last time, the flower bloomed in 2018 near Chikmagalur town. The next mass blooming will happen in 2030. It blooms every four years in different hills around the region. Post monsoon is the best time to witness the bloom. You can ask for the help of locals for more information.

Getting to the treks, everyone knows about Kudremukh as a great trek to do in Chikamagalur, which I've written about at the end of this article. But I'm going to start with some lesser-known trails in Chikmagalur that will give you a real taste of the region.

Infographics showing the best trails of Chikmagalur.

Trek Starting Point:  Sri Nanya Bhairaveshwara temple, Byrapura

The peak of ettina Bhuja looks like an ox shoulder. Picture by Manasa

One of my favorite treks in the Western Ghats. The trek has a mixture of everything, starting with trekking through an evergreen rainforest, the thrill of summiting, and then the summit views of the Shishila Valley from the top. 

Another unique feature of the trek is the structure of the peak, which looks like an ox’s shoulder or hump. You spot this just after trekking for five minutes from the temple. This resemblance of the structure got the name Ettina Bhuja Trek.

Trekking inside the forest is the most thrilling part of the trek. With the birds calling in the background and the leaves rustling in the wind, you will notice a sudden change in the surroundings as soon as you enter the forest..

The meadows of Ballalrayana Durga Trek. Picture: IndiaHikes Archives

One of the most beautiful treks out there in the Western Ghats, which has a great combination of everything. It starts at a cliff, goes through an ancient fort, and ends at the snout of a waterfall. 

The grasslands on the trek are so pretty that they almost resemble the Ali and Bedni meadows of the Himalayas.

This trek can be fully enjoyed during the monsoon, when the water level is high and the clouds play hide and seek along the cliff.

The view from Netravati Peak. Picture by Amoga Vigram P

The Netravati Trek is a paradise in itself. You can see the clouds playing hide and seek with the views of the beautiful rolling hills. These rolling hills are nothing but some of the most prominent peaks of the western ghats. If the clouds are clear, you will see Kudremukh Peak on your right and Rani Jhari on your left. You will also see small towns and villages far down the valley.

The shape and pattern of clouds at Netravati change every minute during the monsoons. It is probably one of the best places in Karnataka to view and enjoy the clouds. 

During the monsoon months, the southwest monsoon winds, along with the clouds, strike directly on the mountains and rise along the slope, creating a magical scenery for the viewer 

Shola Grasslands of Mullayanagiri Trek. Picture: Indiahikes Archives.

The highest peak in Karnataka has breathtaking views from the top. It has an ancient Mullayana Swamy temple on top. 

The base of Mullayanagiri is surrounded by coffee plantations, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating atmosphere. You may encounter these plantations during the initial part of the trek.

The view from the top is surreal and stunning. You get to see the entire Chikmagalur valley. The peak is covered with mist for almost half the year and might get cold near the summit.

The trek also offers opportunities to explore nearby attractions like the Bababudangiri shrine and the Manikyadhara Falls. These are additional attractions that trekkers can explore before or after the Mullayanagiri Trek. 

The view from Gangadikal Peak. Picture by Amoga Vigram P

Gangadikal Peak sits high up at 4806 feet, and the view from the top is amazing. 

Picture this: you look out and see these beautiful valleys covered in endless green shola forests on both sides. From the peak, you can see the expanse of Kudremuka forests on both sides. The never-ending shola grasslands, as far as the eyes can see, are a sight to behold.

Right below you, you get to see the crystal-clear backwaters of the Lakhya Dam, also known as the Kudremukh Dam. The backwaters resting on the Shola grassland feel unworldly and magical.

On clear days, you can also see the abandoned mining town of Kudremukh next to the Lakhya dam

 The trek is a thriving habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Lucky trekkers may have the chance to glimpse a herd of gaurs or deer, while various bird species such as the Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Orange Headed Thrush, and various snake species such as shieldtails and Malabar Pit vipers can be found here.

Trek Starting Point:  Bhagavathi Nature Camp

Trekking to Kurinjal Peak takes you through the dense forest of Kudremukh National Park. These forests remain evergreen throughout the year.

The Kurinjal Peak Trek offers a majestic view of the entire Kudremukh region. In fact, you can see the Kudremukh peak from this trek. 

Once you come out of the dense forest, you see a huge clearing where a magnificent view of the rolling green hills unfolds in front of you.

The final stretch of the trek is very steep. You have to climb a huge rock that has 80 degrees of inclination. 

You trek under an open sky, which is famous for its high winds. Trekking in this section with chilling winds is something you will never experience anywhere else. 

The Shola Grasslands of Narasimha Parvatha. Picture: Indiahikes Archives

On this trek, you would stand on the top of the 10th highest waterfall in South India, the Barkana Falls. Standing at the snout, you get an aerial view of the Agumbe Reserve Forest. Amidst all the greenery, a small waterfall at a distance overlooking the Barkana Falls elevates the beauty of the whole place.

Just 3 kilometers into the trek, you would get to see lush green hills covered with clouds.

The forests on this trek have some of the thickest foliage in the region, which provides a magical experience for you. These forests are also known for the longest venomous snake in the world, the king cobra.

Ontimara or the lonely tree enroute Kudremukha peak. Picture by Suhas R

Nestled in the heart of the western ghats in Chikmagalur district, Kudremukh is a perfect monsoon trek. It comes under Kudremukh National Park, which is the second-largest wildlife-protected area in the western ghats. Situated at an altitude of 6,207 ft, Kudremukh is the 2nd highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayyangiri.

Monsoons make this trek extremely adventurous.  The water levels are high, you get a lot of leech bites, and the trail becomes slippery. The view from the peak is stunning, with shola grasslands as far as the eye can see, making the climb worth it.

Post-monsoons, the area comes to life with clear blue skies and greenery. This is the best time for you to explore the trek. 

Kudremukh is one of the few treks in Karnataka that is home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque. If you are lucky, you can spot it.

This all the information, you need to plan a trek in Chikamagalur.

Chikkamagalur Chikamagalur Chikmangalore Chikmagalaur Treks Trek

Trek to breathtaking views: Exploring Chikmagalur's 8 Best Trails

As a Trek Leader, there’s one question that I get very often. “Karthik, I have completed Kanamo Peak, Goechala and Pin Parvati Pass treks. Can you recommend the next trek for me?”

What trekkers expect in response is a recommendation for a more challenging trek. Something that climbs to a higher altitude, something that makes them trek longer hours, something that simply pushes their physical limitations beyond their previous trek.

What they fail to realize is that how you do a trek often determines the level of challenge more than what trek you do.

To explain this, I’ll start with a question for you.

Whatever it is that you are looking for would fall under one of these two broad categories – 

The physical and mental challenge with a dose of adventure

If your answer falls in the first category, you are not essentially looking for a “tougher” trek. Depending on what you prefer – valleys, summit views, water bodies, flora and fauna – you can choose a trek that offers these things. For example, if you love summit views, Kuari Pass would be the ideal option. Or if you enjoy birds, Sandakphu and Deoriatal are great options. If you have something in mind, just speak to anyone at Indiahikes, they’ll suggest your best option.

But in this post, I want to focus on the second category. 

If the greater physical or mental challenge is what you are looking for, I recommend that you try solo trekking. 

Trekking on your own, without the support of an organisation such as Indiahikes, is a completely different ball game. You not only have to manage your own logistics, you also have to carry your gear, pitch campsites and cook for yourself. In the process, you learn that how you do a trek is as exciting as what trek you do.  This is a truly challenging and adventurous way to do a trek.

I learnt this many years ago when I’d just started my trekking journey. 

In 2014, my friends and I attempted the Indrahar Pass trek (14,245 ft). We went on our own, without a guide. It took us 4 days to reach the Pass and return to McLeodganj – we did not cross over to the other side. 

After the Indrahar Pass trek, I have done several longer treks climbing to higher altitudes, including the 9-day-long Goechala trek and 19,553 ft high Kanamo Peak. Despite this, I found Indrahar Pass to be more challenging.

It was tougher because I was completely dependent on my own preparation and had nobody to fall back on. The excitement of reaching such a high altitude on a tough trail on my own was incomparable.

Because I would like you to at least consider solo trekking, I’m going to give you a quick top-down on how to go about it. 

Taking the plunge to go on a solo trek can be daunting. A lot of questions may have already started popping into your mind. 

Am I even capable of trekking on my own? 

The five points that I will explain here will help you to get started.

For your first solo trek, choose something small, like a 2-day trek. The Indiahikes DIY section has several options. These guides give you a fair idea of the itinerary. Once you gain some experience, gradually increase the duration to 3 days and so on. 

The more you trek on your own, the more efficient you will become. In fact, you will realize over time that your gear is lighter on your longer treks than it was on your first two-day trek. 

Every trek you go on requires a certain level of fitness. You walk long distances on unfamiliar terrain. There could be inclines, rocky or uneven trails, river crossings and even snow!

On a solo trek, being fit is even more important. Not only do you have to trek long distances, you also have to set up your own camp, carry water from sources, dig a cat hole for yourself, cook and clean up once you are done. You have only yourself to rely on to do all this.

Negotiating all of this successfully requires you to be physically and mentally strong. You can develop this strength and endurance through a sustained fitness routine. Read about the fitness level required for a trek well in advance and work towards it.

3. Learn the basics of health and first aid

If possible, attend a course in Basic Life Saving and Basic First Aid (BLS & BFA). This is a short course (usually 2-3 days) that most hospitals offer. 

Pack basic medicines and first aid material that you will require. Take a doctor’s help if you are not sure of which medicines to carry. You can also find a basic list of things to carry on the Indiahikes website.

If you’re going on a high altitude trek, it’s imperative that you know about altitude sickness, its many forms, and its treatment. There’s Acute Mountain Sickness, HAPE, HACE. Lack of this knowledge at high altitudes can be fatal. So educate yourself about this before stepping into high altitude.

On a solo trek, not only do you require the usual backpack and shoes. You also need a tent, a sleeping bag and a stove, which comes as a part of your DIY Kit, when you go on a DIY trek. If you do not have a backpack or a pair of shoes, consider renting gear with us.

You'll also get dehydrated food prepared in-house for your trek, along with a list of food items and instructions on how to cook your meals.

Whether you decide to rent gear, make sure you learn how to use it from our team at Dehradun. There are quite a few videos on our YouTube Channel, here.

Don’t experiment on a trek, says Karthik. The food kit available with Indiahikes has the right mix of nutrition and flavours. Picture by Milind Tambe

A solo trek can be very exciting and challenging. It also comes with its share of responsibilities towards the place you are trekking in. In fact, on a solo trek, you have to be even more conscious about this than on an organised trek. You have to make decisions about a lot of things that you would otherwise take for granted – right from selecting a campsite to disposing of waste. 

Make a note of these points to ensure that you leave no trace on your trek – 

Carry as little plastic as possible. Bring back whatever waste you create, including eggshells.

Look for existing campsites. Do not alter a site to create a new one.

Avoid campfires. Try to minimise the use of uncontrolled fire.

Do not wash clothes, utensils or yourself directly inside a water body. Carry water at least 100 – 200 ft away from the sources.

For human waste, dig a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and 100 ft away from water sources, trails or campsites. Once you finish using it, cover it up completely with mud. Disguise it by placing leaves or twigs as a mark to prevent other trekkers from stepping on it.

Leave behind anything you find on the trail. Do not carry things away from their natural habitat as souvenirs.

Be as quiet as possible. Try not to disturb wildlife or other trekkers in the vicinity.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be reasonably prepared to do a solo trek. Like I said, start small and then climb higher and longer. If you have doubts, drop in a comment.

1. If you want more such trekking tips: Head over to this page. We have many such tips to make your trek easier and enjoyable.

2. If you want to work with us: Head over to our careers page. We have lots of positions open. So the sooner you apply, the better.

3. If you ended up here by chance and were actually looking for treks to do: Then head over to our upcoming treks page. You’ll find all our Himalayan treks there.

Most trekkers look to progress by doing tougher treks. But Trek Leader Karthik Maddineni says it's not what trek you do, but how you do it that matters!

Trekking Alone? Here Are Tips From An Expert Solo Trekker

A typical forest trail through Nilgiris crosses emerald blue lakes, milky waterfalls, massive reservoirs, huge dams, rich green grassy meadows, tea plantations and gigantic eucalyptus trees. This is one such trail. Rarely used by humans, it is often crossed by wild animals like Nilgiri langoors, the lion-tailed macaque, tigers, bison, etc.  If lucky and quiet, you can see them too.  This is the exquisiteness of Nilgiri Hills trek; since it requires permission, it is seldom trekked and has all the piquancy of hiking that one could wish for.

This long expedition trail begins and ends in Ooty. It covers Parson’s peak, Porthimund, Mukurthi National Park, Pandiar Hills, Pykara Falls and Madumalai National Park.

Each of these untainted expanses has it’s own story to tell. Parsons Valley is the famous Western Catchment and flaunts huge reservoirs and green valleys. It consists of the Parson Dam, Porthimund Dam and Porthimund village embedded deep in the hills. Mukurthi, a well-known wildlife preserve, is dominated by the Mukurthi Peak (36 km from Ooty). It got its name because it resembles a human nose. The Mukurthi National Park is a dense forest, inhabited by lion-tailed macaques, leopards, elephants, tigers, the highly endangered Nilgiri tahr, and the more common deer, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Pandiar Hill atop the highest point of the trek showcases the Nilgiri mountain range with a view of Mukurthi dam below. Trekking in the Nilgiris is a spectacular experience for trekkers, naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts. Also, being close to the Queen of Hills, Ooty, the whole range is easily accessible.

Day 1: Ooty Bus stand to Parson’s Valley

Reach the base of the trek near Ooty golf course by bus or a private vehicle. The start point of the trek is very close to the south-east end of Sandynulla reservoir. It is around 6 km from Ooty bus stand and it takes around half an hour to reach here.

As you get down, spot  a broad cart route that goes towards the reservoir. The path eventually passes through a eucalyptus grove. Within a minute, you’ll come across a green signboard (in the local language) put up by the Tamil Nadu forest department that asks you to save forests. After hiking on the mud track for 15 minutes, you’ll see the cart route joins a tar road. Continue walking on the tar road till you come across a bridge with a small stream flowing underneath. It takes around 30 minutes to reach here. Cross stream and continue on the trail, with the stream on your right. 

The trail now narrows down and passes through thickets. In a few minutes, it joins the cart route again. Along with eucalyptus trees, you’ll also see a lot of pine trees on this stretch. The stream peeks at the trail from the right side every now and then. In a couple of minutes, look for a corner of the Sandynulla reservoir, a huge green water catchment, along with vast green pastures. You can see cattle lazily grazing around the greenery. 

With the reservoir on the left, the trail alternates through thickets and meadows for around an hour. Soon, enter a huge grassland, where you can rest for a while. If the weather is cool, the trek is a thousand times more wonderful! After a while, spot electric lines that roll out in straight lines and follow them. After a minute, the trail enters into thickets once again leaving the electric poles to your right.

Here, the trails gradually plunges and climbs right back up. After a couple of minutes, the trail enters the forest and you come across fencing on your left. Cross the fence and continue on the trail that gradually climbs down. You will see the edge of the Sandynulla reservoir on your right. It takes around 2 hours to reach this point. 

The trail from here follows the edge of the lake till you reach the end of the lake so that you can move to the other side. You can still see the electric poles and a small village at a distance. After 15 minutes, you reach the end of the lake. You need to cross and move to the other side. Be careful as this area is marshy. Cross the lake and take a U – turn and continue walking on the left bank of the lake. 

The mud trail climbs up the hill and goes left. After a couple of minutes, you can see the electric poles again. Continue walking in the direction of the poles till you hit the road head. You can take lunch break here. It takes around 2.5 – 3 hours to reach this point. 

After lunch, continue where you left off and you’ll reach a narrow trail climbing up the ridge. The tarred road goes right. After ascending for a few minutes, you come across a few huts and terrace fields on the right.

After around 15 minutes, you’ll reach the tarred road again. Take a right turn and continue to walk on tar road. As you walk you will see a signboard put up by Tamil Nadu forest department on your left. After around 45 minutes, you reach the Parsons Valley check post, where you need to show your permission. Take a left from the check post, where you can see some houses on the right side of the road. Within a few minutes, the road forks and you see the Parsons valley trekking shed signboard on the right. Follow the signboard. In a few minutes, you’ll reach the trekking shed, a small place with a few dormitories and a huge camping ground at around 2,250 m.

 Day 2: Parsons Valley to Porthimund Lake/Parsons Dam to Mukurthi Dam 

The trail today is very relaxing so you can enjoy your breakfast slowly. You can visit the Parsons Dam in the morning. It is around 1 km from the trekking shed. It takes around 45 minutes to visit the dam and come back.

You can consider this a stroll to the dam and back. March towards the main road from the trekking shed. From here, take a left; you will see a signboard indicating the direction of the dam.

The ravishing beauty of the dam will leave you spellbound. Reflections of the forest in the clear blue waters are so clear and untouched. After spending time here, proceed towards the trekking shed.

Fill your water bottles and head to the Parsons Valley check post. Spot a narrow trail running up the hill on the left, just before the huts and temple appear. The trail takes you to open grasslands, from where a muddy trail climbs down the hill through thickets. The patch can be slippery during monsoon. After 15 – 20 minutes, the trail opens up and reaches a cart route. Take a right on the mud track and continue for 20 minutes till you hit a bridge. You will see a stream running underneath. Take the path that climbs down towards the stream on the right of the bridge. Keep the stream to your left and continue to walk parallel to the stream.

The trail gradually climbs up the hill and passes through splendid shola forests with the stream below. In a few minutes, the trail opens up in huge grassland. Continue on the trail walking towards the right of the stream. After around 10 – 15 minutes, note that the stream moves left and joins another stream, forming a T-junction. Cross the stream where it is shallow.

The trail from here gradually climbs up the ridge and reaches a bridge in around 15 – 20 minutes.  This is a good place to have lunch and refill your water bottles. It takes around 1.5 hrs to reach this place.

After having lunch, cross the bridge and move to the other side, leaving the stream behind. You will see that the trail passes through open area and then enters the thickets again. Unlike the rest of the forest, where you see a lot of eucalyptus trees, this area is dominated by pine trees. You can see huge pine trees with lush green grass like leaves hanging at very low heights. Continue straight on the trail for 10 – 15 minutes through thickets and shrubs till you hit the bank of a Mukurthi lake.

Be very careful as the narrow path through the thickets directly ends at the lake and the bank is not easily visible. Continue on the trail walking on the right side of the lake. Another 10 – 15 minutes of hike along the bank of the lake and you hit the fence. Cross the fence and climb up the ridge. In a couple of minutes, the trail enters thickets once again. In another 5 – 10 minutes, the trail opens up and continues through undulating meadows. You’ll soon hit the tar road. This tar road directly leads to the camping site nearing Mukurthi dam.

As you walk on the tar road, you can see the dam wall and thin stream of water flowing through the dam gates as it collects in the huge reservoir below. You will also come see the pump room and a small bridge on the reservoir in the left below. It takes around 3.5 hours to reach this place. You will find mobile network here at some specific points near the dam.

The area near Mukurthi dam is very beautiful. You can explore the area in the morning after breakfast, before heading out for the day’s trek.

Today’s trek will take you to Pandiar hills, the highest point of the trek. Start walking on the tar road in the direction of the pump house. After a few minutes, a narrow muddy path enters the woods in the left. It gradually descends for a few minutes till it meets the tar road again. Continue on the tar road and after a minute you come across a bridge on the stream formed by the water released from Mukurthi dam. From here, you get mesmerizing views of the dam. Cross the bridge and continue on the road going right.

The road winds around the hills and after 5-10 minutes, you will come across a mud path climbing up the hill in front of Mukurthi dam. The trail passes through green grasslands and tall pine trees. Continue to climb up till you come across electric transmission lines on your right. It takes around 30-40 minutes to reach here. Move towards left and follow the electric lines. The trail enters a thick forest again.

If you are lucky, you can spot wild animals or a few pug-marks perhaps. After 20 minutes, enter a grassland, where you can take a short break. From here, the trail alternates between open grasslands and forests, until you reach a spot from where you can see Mukurthi lake below.

From here, find a pathway on the left. It passes through shrubs and gradually climbs up the hill. In around an hour, you’ll again reach the cart route. Take a right and hike on the cart route till you come across a stream.  You can take a lunch break here.

Cross the stream and move left, the trail gradually climbs up. After ascending for 5–10 minutes, spot a few old broken mansions. Keep these constructions to your left and march on till you reach the ridge from where you can see a tea estate below. You might also spot some cattle grazing here. On the other side of the ridge, make note of a road passing through the tea estate and some beautiful cottages nestled against the hillside. Walk at your own pace as you have enough time today.

Continue on a descending trail through the terrace estate. After a few minutes, you will see a mud trail going left while the road continues on the right. Follow the mud trail. After a few minutes, it joins the cart road again. Continue on the cart road for a couple of minutes till you come across the forest rest house in the left. It takes around 4 hours to reach here. Camp here for the night.

Today’s is going to be the longest trek, so you need to start a little early.

Start by taking a left from the rest house following the same route you took yesterday. After hiking for 10 minutes, spot a narrow trail on the left. It enters a tea estate and gradually descends. The trail swerves right and connects with a broader pathway. Suddenly, you can see tea gardens for as far as your eyes can see.

Since the trail changes path so often, you require an experienced guide here. There are two landmarks you need to keep in mind. First, a small hut. Just before the hut, a small wooden bridge. It takes around 30 minutes to reach this point. Cross over and move ahead till you come across the gate of a beautiful old cottage. From here, the trail gradually climbs up and goes past the cottage.

Soon, you can see a huge mountain range in the far left and several small mud paths snaking through the tea garden below. Also, a gigantic waterfall can be seen in the left. Continue on the mud trail for 15 minutes till you see a small village on the right called as The Terrace Estate. You can buy good tea here. It takes around 45 minutes to reach here.

After a short break in the village, continue on the mud trail. You can even choose to bypass the village. After hiking for around 20 minutes on the mud trail, you come to a point where the trail joins the tar road. You will also see a signboard that reads ‘Terrace Estate.’ Take a right on the tar road. In a few minutes you come across yet another signboard in the left that reads ‘United plantation limited terrace estate.’ You will see a path on the left, going down to the estate office of UPL factory.

March straight until you spot a small temple on the right, with a trident and a red stone covered with garlands. As you trudge along, you’ll approach some villages. At an elevation of around 2,200 m, your track might be covered in wisps of clouds. It’s very heartening, especially in monsoon.

Just before the village, spot a small trail that gradually climbs up the hill. As you follow the trail, you’ll soon come across the village temple. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach this point. There is a tap near the temple where you can fill water. Continue hiking on the tar road on the other side of the temple. In 5 – 10 minutes, spot a muddy trail on the right and follow it. It climbs up the ridge and passes through shrubs and trees. You can also see terrace fields and villages to the right.

In half an hour, you’ll reach a spot with huts on the right. You can have lunch here.

After lunch, continue on the trail until you reach a national highway, NH 67. Walk till you spot a green pond on the right a small temple on the left. You will soon see a yellow board indicating the distance to Mysore, which is 123 km from this point. It takes around 4.5 hours to reach this place. Continue on the tar road for some distance and you come across yet another stone marking painted white and yellow which reads ‘Ooty 28 km.’ It takes around 5.5 hours to reach this point. Just a few metres away, you will see some farms on the left and a mud trail that goes left, leaving the highway behind.

Follow this trail till you come across a small village temple. After a couple of minutes, the trail cuts through the NH 67 highway again and enters a mud road on the other side. Continue walking on the mud road for 15 minutes till you reach terrace farms on the right. The fields are fenced to protect themselves from wild elephants that are abundant in this area.

Continue for 15 minutes till you reach the Pykara river and a huge grass meadow. You can take a short break here. It takes around 7 hours to reach this point. After a short break, continue on the trail, keeping the river to the left. The trail passes through dense forests and has high chance that you may encounter wild life. After around 20 minutes, you come across a small concrete wall. Continue on narrow mud trail through the forest, within 10 – 15 minutes it opens into huge grassland and you can see the Pykara forest rest house on the right. It takes around 7.5 hours to reach this point.

 Day 5: Pykara Falls to  Madumalai National Park to Masinagudi 

Time taken: 5 hours trek (12 km), half hour drive (6 km)

Today’s trek is rather short. So you can relax as you hike. You can visit Pykara waterfalls in the morning, which opens at around 9 am. It is just 5 minutes away from the forest rest house.

From the rest house, walk towards the huts/shops seen at a distance. As soon as you hit the tar road, take a left and you will see a signboard that takes you to Pykara waterfalls.

The alluring white cascading waterfalls is breath-taking. It easily takes around an hour to get back to the rest house after exploring the area. You can see Nilgiri langoors on the tall eucalyptus trees near the waterfall and variety of birds too. The trek goes through the famous Historical Pykara dam, for which you will need special permissions. If you do not have permissions, you can bypass the dam and start the trek from the point on NH67 highway around 2 km from the Rest house. This is the Coimbatore – Gundlupet Highway.

From the Pykara rest house, take a right on the main road. After walking for a couple of minutes, you will see the road meets the NH 67 highway. Continue on the highway for a few minutes till you see a diversion on the left that goes to Pykara dam. Enter the gate and walk towards the dam. Once you reach Pykara dam, walk over to the other side over the bridge on the dam. After crossing the bridge, you will see a narrow pathway enter the forest on the left. Follow this trail.

After hiking for a couple minutes through the thickets, you reach a spot, from where you can see some terrace farms. You will also see eucalyptus leaves spread around for drying. At some places. it is in the form of a huge heap and at some it is spread over the top and on the side walls of the hut – a hut of dry eucalyptus leaves. It takes around 45 minutes to reach this place from the Pykara rest house.As you enter the hut, you will be able to see the process through which the Nilgiri oil is extracted from dry leaves.

After crossing the hut, take a right onto a trail that enters the jungle. The trails wades in and out of forests and grasslands every now and then. After a couple of hours, the trail ascends a ridge, till you reach a hill, from where you can see a watch tower, and a few huts. You can take a lunch break here.

After lunch, continue on the trail that takes a left from the hill bypassing the huts on the right. Continur on the clear-cut trail until you reach Glenmorgan dam reservoir. From herem you can see vehicles on the road below. You can also see the village of the Toda tribes (called Munds) and their traditional huts, which are of an oval, pent-shaped construction.

It takes another 10 minutes to reach the road below. Since this is a famous tourist point, you will find many vehicles that can take you to Masinagudi, the south eastern entry of the Madumalai forest reserve. You can stay at a resort or a trekking shed at the Madumalai forest reserve.

You can go on the Madumalai Safari in the morning and then drive back to Ooty. It is around an hour’s drive to Ooty. You can also go an excursion to Dodabetta peak in Ooty and other nearby tourist points.

Nilgiri Hills Trek is a long expedition trail begins and ends in Ooty. It covers Parson's peak, Porthimund, Mukurthi National Park, Pandiar Hills, Pykara Falls and Madumalai National Park.

Nilgiri Hills Trek

Monsoons and post-monsoons are synonymous with trekking in the Western Ghats. This is when the Western Ghats spring into life. The forest section comes alive. The view of rolling green hills takes your breath away.  

Enter Wayanad, a popular district in Kerala that offers you a terrific blend of forests and green hills. The undulating hills, dense forests, and valleys make Wayanad an excellent destination for those seeking a quick escape into nature without compromising the entire weekend.

For people who love trekking, Wayanad district has many great trails and wildlife sanctuaries. The area is home to a variety of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species. If you're lucky, you might see elephants in the valley, and there are also different types of birds like the Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Orange-Headed Thrush. Keep an eye out for snakes too, like shieldtails, Malabar Pit Vipers, and king cobras. It's a fantastic place to enjoy nature!

Wayanad also has several tea and coffee plantations, offering trekkers a wonderful experience to walk through.

This list comprises treks near Wayanad that can be comfortably completed in a single day, ensuring a rejuvenating experience without sacrificing too much time for travel.

The heart shaped lake enroute chembra peak. Picture by Bhajish

Chembra Peak in Wayanad stands at an elevation of 6,890 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. It is visible from various locations across Wayanad.

One of the main highlights of Chembra Peak is the heart-shaped lake at the top. There are only a very few lakes that you find on shola grasslands, and this is one such lake. The lake is perfectly heart-shaped, and the view is mind-blowing. During monsoons, the clouds striking the lake create the perfect canvas for the trekker.

It takes about two and a half hours to trek to the heart-shaped lake. The trail starts in the tea plantations, goes through thick forests, and then crosses overgrown grasslands.

Trekking to the peak of Chembra is banned, and you have to return from the heart-shaped lake.

The view of Banasurasagar reservoir from the trail.

Banasura Hills is a popular trekking destination located in Wayanad, Kerala, India. It is generally considered moderate in terms of difficulty. 

One of the major highlights of the trek is the trail itself. It’s easy for you to fall in love with this trail. The trek takes you through rolling grasslands that blanket the valleys. The interplay between the descending fog and the rays of the sun will set the perfect tempo for you to trek. The light rays get filtered by the fog before reaching the trekking trail, giving you the perfect landscape to trek.

You can also visit the Banasura Dam nearby, which is the largest earth dam in India. The dam is located at the foothills of the Banasura Hills and adds to the setting.

Pakshipathalam is located in the Brahmagiri Hills of Wayanad district in Kerala, India. 

The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is known for its birdlife, and Pakshipathalam literally translates to "bird's abode" in the Malayalam language. If you are lucky, you could encounter various species of birds, including some rare ones, on this trek.

One of the highlights of Pakshipathalam is the presence of caves. You may explore these caves during your journey, adding an adventurous element to your overall experience.

Access to Pakshipathalam takes you trekking through the Brahmagiri Hills. The trek takes you through steep ascents and descents, dense forests, and rocky paths. The journey to Pakshipathalam is often considered a moderately difficult trek.

Pythalmala is a prominent hill station and trekking destination located in the Kannur district of Kerala, India. The trek takes you to the highest point in Kannur district, Kerala.

Trekking to Pythalmala takes you through dense forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain. There are various viewpoints along the way, which give you panoramic views of the western ghats. 

If you are lucky, on clear days, you can even view the Arabian Sea from the top. 

The hill is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna. You will be sharing the path with various plants and animals.

A huge boulder on the cheengeri hills trek. Picture by Amoga Vigram P

Cheengeri Hill is a newly discovered trek near Ambalavayal in Wayanad. This is one of the few treks in the Western Ghats that has no tree cover. You climb on the granite rock. These rocks are older than the Himalayas and as old as the earth itself.

Its a good 2 hour climb to the top, and once you reach the summit, you get excellent views of Karapuzha Dam, Muttilmala, and Chembra Peak. This trek is one of the easiest in Wayanad.

View from Tadiandamol Peak. Picture credit- Amoga Vigram P

A very popular trek amongst the trekking community of southern India. The Tadiandamol Trek is one of the most talked-about treks among trekkers starting on their trekking journey in the Western Ghats.

Standing at a height of 5,735 feet, the view from the peak is stunning to witness. You can see the green hills spread out as far as the eyes can see. This extends in all directions from the peak.

One can spot coffee estates and pepper plantations throughout this entire stretch of the trek. Along with these, you have the areca nut (Betel nut) trees, nutmeg trees, fishtail palms, and various other trees growing here.

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Wayanad treks Waynad Wayand Western ghats trekking

We have always loved trekking in Coorg. Especially around the Madikeri region, in the picturesque Western Ghats, the lush greenery and landscape is as pretty as an alpine meadow. 

But trekking in Madikeri also takes you through rich rainforests, stream crossings, and never-ending shola grasslands. On these grasslands, you get to see flowers, which are not seen on any other treks in the region. During monsoons and post-monsoons, the entire valley is filled with a carpet of flowers. 

The summit views you get from the top of these mountains, with 360-degree views of rolling shola grasslands and forests on all sides, are a major highlight of trekking here.

As you traverse these trails, keep an eye out for the rich birdlife, which includes species like the Malabar Parakeet, Nilgiri Flycatcher, and the Hornbill. The forests of Madikeri are also known for their diversity of butterflies and insects.

The place is also known for its unique Madikeri cuisine, which you get to experience while trekking in these parts. 

In summary, Madikeri is an excellent choice for those seeking a quick and rejuvenating trekking experience amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghats.

Fog rising above the shola forest of Tadiandamol.

Standing at a height of 5,735 feet, it is the highest peak in Coorg. 

The view from the peak is stunning to witness. You can see the green hills spread out as far as the eyes can see. This extends in all directions from the peak.

Another interesting thing about the peak is, that since it's located very close to Kerala, you get the Kerala internet network at the top.

The Kopatty Trail in Coorg is one of the unpopular and less explored treks in Coorg. It is an ideal day trek that offers you a captivating adventure. The trail ascends through meticulously landscaped coffee plantations, winds through deep forests, and finally emerges into a vast grassland leading to the summit, all within 3 hours. 

On the descent, you will experience a thrilling walk along the grassy edges of the cliff. Further along, a rapid descent through another dark forest brings you to a clear stream, making the trek as perfect as it can be. 

This is where the Kopatty Trail excels, showcasing the best of the Western Ghats in 6-7 hours, and by the end of it, you will find yourself energized. The trek offers an immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the region's diverse landscapes and natural beauty.

Kumaraparvatha, also known as Pushpagiri, stands as one of the prominent peaks in the Western Ghats, nestled in the Coorg district of Karnataka, India. 

Being the toughest trek in south India, it is one of the most popular treks among the trekking community. Because of its popularity, it might get crowded on long weekends and holidays.

On this trek, you find yourself amidst a dense forest where towering trees stand so tall that they obstruct sunlight from reaching the ground. The limited sunlight that manages to filter through creates an enchanting play of light and shadows. 

The Western Ghats, often regarded as nature's best-kept secret, unfold their splendor along the Kumara Parvatha trail, providing breathtaking views. This alone makes the trek an essential experience. As you transition from the forested section to the grasslands, your eyes are treated to a visual delight. Whether trekking in the post-monsoon months or winter, the grasslands captivate with lush greenery or golden brown hues, presenting a distinct scenery for each season.

Due to the difficulty of this trek, reaching the summit gives the trekker the best summiting experience.

Fog rising from the forest on the Nishani Motte Trek.

Nishani Motte is located near the town of Bagamandala in Coorg, which is part of the Western Ghats. Nishani Motte stands at an elevation of approximately 4,134 feet above sea level.

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