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

Monsoon and post-monsoon are synonymous with trekking in the Western Ghats. This is when the Western Ghats spring into life. The forest section comes alive. The lush green grasslands beam with tiny wildflowers. The view of rolling green hills takes your breath away.  

Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas! They span from Gujarat to Kerala and are almost 1600 km long. A large chunk of them lies in Maharashtra. This means, no matter what part of Maharashtra you are from, you have a place to trek to. The presence of more than 160 forts adds to this. As a result, there is a strong trekking culture too.

Pune, being one of the popular districts in Maharashtra, is home to the famous hill stations such as Lonavala and Malshej Ghat. This makes it one of the hotspots for treks in Sahyadris. There are numerous treks that are just a couple of hours away. 

There are treks that take you through dense forests. There are vast plateaus to explore. There are forts that are architectural marvels. There are waterfall trails to quench your thirst for adventure. There is a reverse waterfall phenomenon to marvel at!

Here, I’ve curated 10 such best treks near Pune that you must do. So without further delay, let’s dive into the details of these treks.

Starting point of the trek: Donje Gaon
Distance from Pune: 20 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/NSZ2P6MKVaX4ViqS8

Views of the rolling green hills and cloud bed seen from the Sinhgad Fort top. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

Sinhagad is one of the most significant forts around Pune. The fort, strategically built to provide natural protection, is part of the triumvirate Sinhagad, Rajgad and Torna. It has also been the centre of a number of battles. Unlike many other forts, the fort structure of Sinhagad is still intact and well preserved. Because of this reason, the trek to Sinhagad is one of the most popular treks in this region. 

Sinhagad trek can be divided into two sections. The first part starts from tar road at Donje Gaon and climbs up to a parking lot for two wheelers. The second half of the trek is a steep climb to Sinhagad top. It’s steep but incredibly rewarding.

Starting point of the trek: Velhe village
Distance from Pune: 48 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ccdty7LacAeAz3aH9

Zunjar Machi as seen from the Dhaalkathi on the Torna Fort trek. Observe the double fortified wall. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

Torna Fort is the highest hill-fort in the Pune District. Situated at an altitude of 4,603 ft from sea level, it stands out among other forts in the western ghats of Maharashtra. Because of the massive size of the fort, it is also called Prachandagad. This name is derived from Marathi which means Prachanda – massive and gad – a fort.

Torna Fort has a rich history as it was captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646 when he was 16 years old. This is where the core of the Maratha empire was built. It has a great history as it has gone under many rulers.

Trek to the Torna Fort unfolds many exciting things. You trek along the beautiful flower beds, on the top, there are temples, water cisterns, Balekilla, 2 magnificent Machis, Zunjar Machi, and Budhla Machi, and a ridge connecting to Rajgad Fort.

Starting point of the trek: Gunjavane village
Distance from Pune: 62 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ZRH5KcYgGpeuXgLc9

The Sanjivani Machi of Rajgad Fort. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

Rajgad trek is the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra. As the name suggests, it is the king of forts. Because of the rich history and mesmerizing architecture of the fort, it stands out among other forts in the Western Ghats.

Rajgad was the capital of the Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 26 years after which he shifted to Raigad. This is one of the reasons why the fort was built so beautifully. Rajgad has witnessed many significant events, including the birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son Rajaram I to the death of his queen Saibai.

Trek to Rajgad offers the beauty of the Sahyadris as well as the fort. The fortification of the 3 Machis: Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, and Sanjivani Machi define the architectural creativity of that time. It also offers a splendid view of other surrounding forts like Torna, Lingana, Raigad, Sinhagad and many other forts.

For the mesmerising views and the rich history of the fort, this trek is a must-do.

Starting point of the trek: Bhaje village
Distance from Pune: 64 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/Z1njsVNgwNe6CFip7

Wall of the Visapur fort. Picture by Mugdha Bhusari.

Visapur Fort dates back to the 1700's and was built by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. Visapur Fort is a part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. Visapur is at a higher elevation than its twin Lohagad. 

The trek to Visapur fort has two routes. One from Bhaje village, and the other from Patan village. As the Patan village trail is slightly challenging, trekking from Bhaje village is preferred by many. 

The trek from the Bhaje Village starts from a mud road and gradually winds up in an ascending forest section. The forest section becomes a waterfall trail in the monsoon season. It later ends in an expansive plateau. Figuring out the correct trail from the Patan village is tricky. It also winds in a small forest section followed by dried up waterfalls to reach the plateau on the top. 

Do this trek for the waterfall trail in monsoon and the view from the plateau.

Starting point of the trek: Lonavala
Distance from Pune: 68 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/qBnFQJbScaURpjxAA

Lush greenery of Dhak plateau as seen on the Lonavala Bhimashankar trek. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

The Lonavala Bhimashankar is arguably the best back-country trek in the Sahyadri range. The trek starts right at Lonavala, one of the most famous hill stations in South India. The trail then passes through deep wild rainforest, head-high bushes, lost-and-found trails, small rivulets, remote tribal villages, eerie temples, green meadows, hidden waterfalls, and a plateau of flowers. You explore the best features of the Sahyadri range on this trek.

You explore the best features of the Sahyadri range on the Lonavala Bhimashankar trek. Green gorges, distant villages, countless tunnels, and occasional waterfalls—the trek shows the Indian countryside at its best. The Bhima River originates from Bhimashankar Hill and passes through the deepest part of the forest. It attracts abundant wildlife, as there is no other water source around.

The Lonavala Bhimashankar trek is known as the Valley of Flowers in Maharashtra. Do this trek in the monsoon to witness the magic of flower-laden trails.

Starting point of the trek: Pimpri village
Distance from Pune: 72 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/tAnCCXQqs1TvrciWA

Stunning view you get to see on the Andharban trek. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

Andharban is one of the most refreshing treks in the Sahyadri region. Andharban is a compound word of Andhar which means dark and ban, meaning forest. At par with its name, the trail passes through dense overgrowth. 

Andharban is a descending trail, scattered throughout with numerous small streams and waterfalls. The trek begins at an elevation of approximately 2,160 feet in the Sahyadri mountains and descends down into the valley, to reach the backwaters of the Bhira Dam. Andharban trek offers beautiful views of the Devkund waterfall, Plus Valley and the Tamhini Ghat along the way.

The Andharban trek starts from a location called Independence Point about 200 metres away from Pimpri village. Being a jungle trek, it’s a must-do for those who are birders and wildlife enthusiasts. The Andharban trek, along with the Rajmachi trek, are popular trails for fireflies.

Starting point of the trek: Karanjale village
Distance from Pune: 112 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/QtXE5eGC4vEhdJ9P9

The pinnacle structure of the Sindola fort seen from the second ridge. Picture by Kailesh Padevkar.

Sindola Fort Trek is one of the lesser-known treks in the very popular region of Maharashtra. It is situated in the Malshej ghat in the Junnar region at an altitude of 3,680 ft above sea level.

Sindola Fort dates back to similar times in Nimgiri and Hadsar. This fort was used as a watchtower as it offers a complete view of Malshej Ghat, Pargaon village, and other famous forts.

The fort is very small compared to other famous forts in the Jaunnr region. However, the ruins of bastions, a few water reservoirs and a Ganesha idol at the entrance on the top of the fort will set you wondering of the beauty. The rock-cut steps while climbing to the pinnacle will leave you astonished.

Do this trek for the serenity and the adventure it offers.

Starting point of the trek: Prabalmachi
Distance from Pune: 123 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/CKkRWFSFfoKQBnFg9

View from the summit of Kalavantin Durg trek. Picture by Mugdha Bhusari.

Kalavantin Durg Trek is one of the most popular treks in Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of around 2,205 feet in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, the trek is a perfect one for beginners or adventure seekers. 

The Pinnacle of Kalavantin is a thrilling experience that one goes for. Though popular, it is a tricky trek. If you are going on your own, take a local guide with you. With enough precautions and knowing the trek well, the trek is one adventure that you should go on. 

Though Kalavantin Durg is much closer to Mumbai than Pune, it can easily be done from Pune as well. Trekking through the uneven trail, thick vegetation, and the thrill of reaching the top is an experience you must not miss out on.

Starting point of the trek: Ambivali
Distance from Pune: 125 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/1uytwjPZ3MNmMSE38

The waterfalls of Peth plateau are often sent back upwards, a phenomenon popularly known as Reverse waterfalls. Picture by Saurabh Sawant.

Kothaligad, a small marvel of architecture, nestled in the famous Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary near Karjat. It rises to a maximum altitude of 2,033 ft. Kothaligad stands detached from the main trail of Bhimashankar thus providing a rare 360 degree view from the peak. From the Peth plateau, you can even witness the reverse waterfall phenomenon. 

Kothaligad Fort was primarily used as a watchtower and ammunition depot by the ruling armies. The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Padargad, Malanggad, Siddhagad, Chanderi Fort, Bhimashankar & Matheran Plateau in clear weather.

Located less than 100 km from both Mumbai and Pune and well connected by road and railways, Kothaligad is an ideal all-season trek for anyone looking for a quick getaway from bustling city life.

Starting point of the trek: Pali village
Distance from Pune: 136 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/x61TAyUu7zGR7xuK7

View of the surrounding valley as seen from the Sudhagad top. Picture by Apoorva Karlekar.

Sudhagad Trek is a short weekend getaway for trekkers from both Mumbai and Pune. The fort is almost equidistant from both cities. The trek offers spectacular views of the Sarasgad, Tail Baila and Ghangad from the top. There are also two huge lakes on the top where you can take a dip and camp beside for the night. There is also Bhorai Devi temple and “Pant Sachivancha Vada”.

The Sudhagad trek also known as Bhorapgad after the goddess Bhoraidevi. The origin of the fort dates back to the 2nd century BC. It was named Sudhagad after the Marathas conquered it from the Bahamani dynasty in 1657. 

Go for this trek if you are seeking a 2-day adventure near Pune or Mumbai.

This brings us to the end of this list, '10 best treks near Pune that you can do on your own.'

Click here to know about offbeat treks in Maharashtra to avoid crowds on weekends. 

But if you are looking for treks in your region, you can check our Trek Library as well - https://indiahikes.com/do-it-yourself-treks

If you have done any of these treks or have any recommendations that you think I should add to this list, write to me at manasa@indiahikes.com.

Finally, if you can help us document these treks further or new treks that trekkers can do on their own, write to Suhas Saya (Head of DIY and Documentation Team) at suhas@ndiahikes.com. It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country!

Pune is one of the hotspots for treks in Maharashtra. This is the only guide you ever need to know about and do the treks near Pune on your own. It includes a gpx file, trail information, difficult sections, how to reach the base and more.

10 Best Treks Near Pune That You Can Do On your Own

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Tamil Nadu is home to some of the most famous hill stations in South India. Ooty and Kodaikanal are the most sought out places in this state. But if you look closely, apart from these touristy destinations, Tamil Nadu has many trekking places too. There are trails hidden deep in the western and eastern ghats. There are waterfalls nestled in the lush green forest and lakes in the Nilgiri ranges. 

Majority of these treks are relatively unknown and under-explored to date. Thus, these pristine trails are the best spots for you to be one with nature. 

The beauty is that these treks are dispersed all over the state. This means that whether you are from Chennai, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Vellore, Madurai or some other place in Tamil Nadu, you can easily find a trek near your city. Not just that, some of these treks are closer to even Bangalore and Munnar.

Here, I’ve curated 8 best trekking places in Tamil Nadu. Let’s dive into the details of these treks!

Starting point of the trek: Thaniparai, Virudhunagar
Distance from the main city: 78 km from Madurai
Best route to get there:https://goo.gl/maps/9da7e62GqCJjZz2H8

View of the Western Ghats from the Sathuragiri Hill top. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

Sathuragiri Hill trek is one of the most sacred treks in Southern Tamil Nadu. It is a Western ghats trail that falls inside the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. It also comes under the UNESCO Western Ghats World Heritage Site.

The Sathuragiri trek is known for its rough and challenging terrain that gives you an adrenaline rush. On this trek, the expansive and serene views of the Western Ghats start unfolding in front of you as you make your way to the top. 

The rich flora and fauna on this trek draws your attention every now and then. The sathuragiri trek is home to 275 species of avifauna including 14 endemic species.

The Sathuragiri trek is a moderate trek that can be completed by both fit beginners and experienced trekkres. 

Starting point of the trek: Alwarkurichi
Distance from the main city: 210 km from Madurai
Best route to get there:https://goo.gl/maps/qircsAwWvNf2J8AK8

Kadana Nathi Dam, starting point of the Athri Hill trek, sits against the beautiful backdrop of the Western Ghats. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

The Athri Hill Trek is a short yet beautiful trek located in the Pothigai mountain range of the Western Ghats near the village of Alwarkurichi. A hidden gem that is yet to be discovered by outdoor lovers, this trek is 25 kilometers from the Tenkasi district and 210 km away from the famous Madurai.

The beautiful Kadana Nathi Dam (Nathi means River in Tamil), dense forest trails, an unusually shaped limestone cave and spectacular views of the Western Ghats are just some of the highlights of the Athri hill trek. 

Starting point of the trek: Kookal
Distance from the main city: 35 km from Kodaikanal
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/2PcimZBVjpNF3zXFA

The multi-layered Kookal Waterfall. Picture by Madhuri Ruperee

Though Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill stations in South India, Kookal Waterfalls despite being in close proximity, remains a hidden gem. It’s because to even get a glimpse of this waterfall, you need to trek for 6 km.  

A scenic village called Kookal is the base of this trek. The lush greenery and an aura of Kookal village gives you a glimpse of what you are about to experience. The Kookal waterfalls trek starts from a lovely Kookal lake and gradually takes you through a downhill trail with spectacular views of the surrounding Palani hills. The trek then winds up in a dense forest before rewarding you with the majestic sight of the multi-layered Kookal waterfall. 

Kookal Waterfalls is a must-do trek the next time you’re in Kodaikanal. The serenity of this place helps you experience the popular hill station in a new light.

Starting point of the trek: Thenmathimangalam 
Distance from the main city: 191 km from Chennai
Best route to get there:https://goo.gl/maps/VzkMgoCs6Luxewt76

Magical Forest section on the way to Parvathamalai Peak. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

The Parvathamalai Trek is one of the most sacred and exciting treks in southern India. It is an Eastern ghats trail that falls inside the Parvathamalai reserved forest, within the Kanchi section of the Pudupalayam range.

The trek is known for its rough and challenging terrain that gives trekkers an adrenaline rush. Trekkers also love the expansive and serene views of the Eastern ghats they get to experience as they make their way to the top. It is also popular amongst devotees who take the challenging journey to pay their respects to a Shiva temple that has existed in some form or the other for the last 2000 odd years.

The trek can be done by fit beginners. It will test your endurance, even if you are an experienced trekker.

Starting point of the trek: Mangalam village, Yelagiri
Distance from the main city: 92 km from Vellore
Best route to get there:https://goo.gl/maps/67htp2deQWffTZfe9

View from the summit of Swamimalai Hill trek. Picture by Nayana Jambhe

Swamimalai trek is one of the must-do treks in Yelagiri. Situated at an altitude of 4,338 ft, it’s the highest point of Yelagiri. 

The trek starts with a walk in the quaint Mangalam village, followed by the paddy fields. The trail then climbs gradually to the forest office. From there, the trail enters into a dense forest setting. It has narrow man-made steps initially, but after a distance it becomes narrower with no stairs. Soon you’ll reach the summit from where you get a stunning view of the entire Yelagiri range. For this view alone, the whole trek is worth it.

The Swamimalai trek also has a rich variety of flora and fauna. The abundance of “touch me not” flowers as you near the summit feels like a reward for the climb. The trail is full of butterflies. It’s like you are in a butterfly park. The best part is they follow you all the way to the summit and are a nice company to have on a trek. 

Starting point of the trek: Varatanapalli, Krishnagiri
Distance from the main city: 120 km from Vellore
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/jXjrwUyYzcbmUCyp8

View of the clustered hills, with the Shiva hill in the foreground, from the top of Musattu Hill. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

Musattu Hill is located in Varatanapalli village, which is 12 kilometers from the Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu. The Musattu hill trek is a pristine, undiscovered beauty in Krishnagiri. 

The beautiful farmlands, untried dense forest trail full of flowers and butterflies, marvelous isolated temple, and a spectacular view of mountain ranges are some of the things you can expect from this trek. And there is more to it. The trail starts revealing itself as you proceed further. 

Another interesting fact about Musattu hill is it’s the only hill range in India where all the three Hindu lords - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are worshiped. The Vishnu hill is called the Musattu hill. 

The Musattu Hill trek is just 110 km away from Bangalore. This makes it for a great day trek to do from Bangalore as well.

Starting point of the trek: Suryanelli
Distance from the main city: 35 km from Munnar
Best route to get there:https://goo.gl/maps/Xg9aeRSpGFbiSrkb7

A magical sunrise from the Kolukkumalai Peak. Picture by Joseph Mathew

The Kolukkumalai Sunrise Trek as aptly named offers you one of the most heavenly sunrise views. The trek is situated in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This trek takes you through Kottagudi Tea Plantations, home to the world’s highest tea plantations!

Kolukkumalai is a gateway to the second highest peak in the western ghats, Meesapulimala. Though this trek route has been closed and has been declared as a reserved property now, you can still catch a glimpse of this beauty from the top of Kolukkumalai. As you head uphill, on your left is Tamil Nadu and on your right is Kerala. 

Though technically the trek is in Tamil Nadu, the only accessible route to this trek is from Suryanelli town of Munnar. The views from the top are very rewarding for a short 1.5 km trek.  The Kolukkumalai trek can be done by both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Starting point of the trek: Karakolly
Distance from the main city: 87 km from Ooty
Best route to get there:https://goo.gl/maps/CG1Ur7vCweyCpmzv8

Picturesque Nilgiris Green Lake captured from the other side of the shore.

Nilgiris Green Lake is an enormous lake situated in the middle of a dense forest and around 87 km away from Ooty. This is one of the best trekking places for 2 days trek in Tamil Nadu.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the Green Lake Trek. Passing through the densest forests, with a small patch of pine and fragrant eucalyptus trees, this trail skirts an enormous green lake. Tunnel-like thickets and Switzerland-like meadows crop up every few kilometers.

On the second day, deep, dark deciduous forests and creaky bamboo forests unfold on either side of the trail. It’s hard to believe that such a gem of a trail lies just an overnight journey away from Bangalore, on the outskirts of Ooty.

This brings us to the end of this list of 8 best trekking places in Tamil Nadu. 

But if you are looking for treks in your state, you can check our Trek Library as well - https://indiahikes.com/do-it-yourself-treks

If you have done any of these treks or have any recommendations that you think I should add to this list, write to me at manasa@indiahikes.com

Finally, if you can help us document these treks further, or new treks that trekkers can do on their own, do apply to be a Remote Trek Documentor to suhas@indiahikes.com. It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country!

Best trekking places in Tamil Nadu - Only guide you need to find out all the details about the treks in Tamilnadu. You have a place to trek to, no matter which city you are from Tamil Nadu.

8 Best Trekking Places in Tamil Nadu that you should visit in 2022

Best treks in Tamilnadu, Places to trek in Tamil Nadu, trekking places in Tamilnadu

A trek pole is a wonderful piece of trekking gear everyone must have on a Himalayan Trek. Those of us who have used it know of its benefits — it saves nearly 40% of our energy, it gives us the much-required agility while ascending, and life-saving balance and support while descending. It also acts as a third leg, so we have that much more energy and speed.

Today we’re sharing with you some of the best trek poles trekkers are using. We’ve put this post together because there is a certain confusion among trekkers on which pole to use for a trek.

We conducted a survey asking trekkers about the trek poles they have found particularly good on a trek. And we got quite a lot of responses. 

We studied the trek poles, the specifications, and the reviews. As expected, most of the trekkers' picks turned out to be from Decathlon. Trekking poles from Decathlon seem to be the most popular among trekkers, especially for their wide range, quality, convenience and relatively reasonable prices. 

Which is why this article focuses on trekking Poles to buy from Decathlon. 

In fact, despite this list of trekking poles to buy, we would still recommend renting trekking poles. You’ll get high quality poles at hardly Rs 25 per day from our store.  

Before we get into the models, please keep one thing in mind - These poles have been recommended by trekkers who have used them. We have not personally tried and tested them at Indiahikes. This is not a sponsored post.

Which trekking Poles to buy from Decathlon?

The MT100 pole meets all the proper criteria for a reliable trek pole - It's lightweight at 200 grams and sturdy. The blue colour also makes it a good-looking pole!

However, we felt that the grip on the trekking pole wasn't too ergonomic. Holding it for an extended period isn't comfortable. It's all-metal body design also makes the trekking pole clunky and shocks your hands as you extensively use it. The biggest drawback of this pole is its button locking design, which does not make the pole easily adjustable. 

Given its drawbacks, we wouldn't recommend this trek pole to trekkers. At Rs 600, however, they are one of the more affordable trek pole options to consider, especially if you are buying 2 trekking poles for your trek 

Trekker Review: "(1) Was very Sturdy (2) Does not corrode easily with use in rain/snow (3) Has lasted me many treks/years" – Ganesh

2. Forclaz Easy Adjust Hiking Pole - MT100 Comfort 

 The MT100 comfort pole is a popular trek pole among Trekkers. It is lightweight, compact, comfortable with great grip and sturdy.

The trek pole however does have reliability issues. “A trekker usually puts a lot of their body weight on the pole. We noticed that sometimes these trek poles came bent because of it. The trek pole in itself isn't extremely reliable. Also its button locking system makes the trek pole hard to maintain,” says Akshay, Head of Rentals at Indiahikes.

Apart from this drawback, at Rs 900, they are an affordable and durable trek pole to buy.

Trekker Review: “(1) Was very sturdy (2) Does not corrode easily with use in rain/snow“ – Prateek 

The Forclaz Hiking A300 pole is completely similar to the MT100 comfort in all aspects bar one - The Handle. 

The handle on this pole is similar to a walking stick. Trekkers usually get this for support when they stand. We wouldn't recommend this pole over the MT100 comfort. However, if you like the design, this is a good trek pole to have.

The Forclaz Hiking Pole is one most used trek poles among trekkers. And for good reason. It is lightweight, comfortable, reliable and extremely sturdy. It is one of the few trek poles that has a push pin locking system making the pole robust and highly adjustable.

At Rs 1300, it might be on the higher side of the budget. But If you are going to use your trek pole extensively, it is a great investment to make.

Trekker Review: “(1) Was very sturdy (2) Good locking mechanisms, (3) Does not corrode easily with use in rain/snow (4) Has lasted me many treks/years” – Arpita

5. Forclaz Anti-Shock Mountain Hiking Pole 500

As the name says, the Anti Shock Hiking pole contains a spring adjustment system absorbing all the shock as you trek on rough terrain. The trekking pole is extremely reliable, sturdy and long-lasting. 

At Rs 2000, it is an expensive pole. You can get them if you wish to have the Anti-shock technology. Otherwise, we would recommend other more affordable options above. 

Trekker Review: “ (1) Was very sturdy (2) Good locking mechanisms (3) Does not corrode easily with use in rain/snow” – Harshil

6. FORCLAZ MT900 Ultra Compact Trekking Pole

 The MT900 Trekking pole is a unique Trekking pole although on the pricey side. It has an extremely compact design with 5 folding points and fits easily into your backpack. Despite the compactness, it is extremely strong, sturdy and reliable.

If you are going to trek extensively, this trek pole is a good investment to make. 

Click here see how you can maintain your trek pole

That brings us to the end of this buying guide on which trekking poles to buy in India.

As you saw, most of the trekking poles were from Decathlon. But we would love to hear about more brands and models that you have used. If you have used any trekking jackets and loved using them, please share your experience in the form below.

Having trouble o which trek pole to buy from Decathalon? Get all your doubts about Trek Poles answered here

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