15 Years. One Man. A Legacy of Reliability in the Mountains.

In the mountains, no season passes without its share of challenges — swollen rivers in the monsoon, sudden landslides, blocked roads, or urgent evacuations. In Himachal, these situations are a given. What matters is having someone you can count on when they happen.

For us, that person has been Pohlu Ji for the past 15 years. From arranging a JCB in the middle of a Hampta Pass crisis, to navigating risky river crossings at Beas Kund, to getting trekkers out safely when the roads blocked — he has been there, every single time.

He is not just our partner for transportation and operations in Himachal. He has stood by us through every difficult situation, often in the background, making sure things work when they matter most.

From helping lay the very first foundation of the Hampta Pass trek in 2010 with our founders Arjun Majumdar and Sandhya UC, to running the heart of our Manali operations today, his work is woven into every step of our story. 

And on August 1, 2025, we honoured him with the Sarvasreshta Partner Samman. It was our way of recognising Pohlu Ji — for being the steady, reliable force that ensures everything in Himachal runs without a hitch. 

But let’s dive a little more into the person that Pohlu ji is. 

The Delhi Meeting That Launched Our Himachal Story

“When Indiahikes was still finding its feet, most of our work was in Uttarakhand,” recalls Arjun Majumdar, our founder. “But in 2010, senior members of the Youth Hostel network suggested: ‘There’s a man in Manali you should meet.’”

That man was Pohlu Ji. Indiahikes was nobody then — just a small team with big dreams. Yet, when asked to meet in Delhi, he didn’t hesitate. He travelled, met Arjun in Chittaranjan Park, and offered to be our local representative in Himachal. The conversation lasted barely an hour, but in that short time, his reliability, readiness to take responsibility, and deep knowledge of the land were evident.

The real test came soon after, during our first explorations of Hampta Pass. Back then, it wasn’t a popular trek — just a handful of trekkers each season. The route was raw and beautiful. It was on those snowfields and narrow descents that trust was forged.

Many people came and went from our story. Pohlu Ji stayed.

What began as a simple meeting in Delhi grew into a partnership that has guided our work in Himachal for over a decade and a half. And the Jungle Line celebration was our way of pausing to honour that journey and the person behind it.

What Happened at Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus?

This celebration was more than an award — it was a living reminder of why we choose to work the way we do, year after year.

Our leadership team—Swathi, Nayana, Ramon, and Nandana—were there on the slope, joining in the celebration firsthand.

Putting the event together required careful coordination. From the initial idea on July 30th to the event the next evening, Abhishek Tiwari, Vishal, and Nalin managed logistics, collected video messages from across the slopes and from Arjun and Sandhya, and prepared a visual tribute that captured his journey.

When the messages played, there was a shift in the room. On Pohlu Ji’s face, a smile appeared. It was the same emotion that surfaced again when his family spoke with honesty about their journey with Indiahikes — the pride, the struggles, and the growth. True to who he is, Pohlu Ji stayed shy before the large crowd.

People, Culture, and the Spirit That Holds Us Together

The event was not about fancy décor or grandeur. It was about the soul of Indiahikes — people, culture, connection and the spirit.

The folk dance from Uttarakhand, Karma Daju’s heartfelt song, and Vishal’s Himachali melody brought the room to life.

Even the rain joined in. It poured relentlessly that morning, but no one stood still. With raincoats on, we set up the venue. Then came the power cut — no TV, no mic, no Plan A. But our adaptability took over. We improvised, and the lack of equipment only made the celebration more intimate.

The way everything came together at Jungle Line that day is just like how our treks come alive — through the people who know these mountains best. Their traditions, their knowledge, their connection to the land aren’t extras. They’re the heart of how we work.

Pohlu Ji — and every person we work with — is not part of a ‘local collaboration.’ This is the only way we work.

As Arjun put it, this was never about ‘local collaboration’ as some separate concept. For us at Indiahikes, working with the people of the region is the only way to work. If we’re in Manali, we work with Manali. In Kashmir, with Kashmiris. In Uttarakhand, with the people who have walked those trails for generations.

Pohlu Ji isn’t an ‘outsourced’ partner — he is part of the slope’s system. This isn’t charity. It isn’t a token gesture. It’s simply the most effective and sustainable way to run treks — where knowledge of the land, the weather, and the culture flows naturally.

There is something for everyone — trekkers, team members, partners — who can learn from Pohlu Ji:

Through rescues, evacuations, unpredictable weather, and the countless behind-the-scenes challenges of running treks, he has stayed steady. Often unnoticed, but always there. In a world quick to move on, he chose to stay. And that choice has built a legacy.

This celebration reminded us of something simple but important — we aren’t just running treks; we’re part of people’s lives: our trekkers’, our teammates’, and the families working behind the scenes.

To everyone who made the Jungle Line celebration possible — thank you for your time, effort, and care.

And to Pohlu Ji — thank you for showing us that lasting impact isn’t made with noise. It comes from consistency, showing up day after day, until years later, you look back and see years of unshakable presence etched into the mountains.

Honouring a Legacy: 15 Years of Pohlu Ram Ji with Indiahikes

Trekking community, Trekking culture, Trek operations and logistics, Leadership in trekking, Himachal Treks, Treks from Manali

Not many people know that the India Hikes office is based in Bangalore. So we keep heading out on weekends, we keep going on treks to document them, to experience them and come back and share them with the world of trekkers. 

Our teams have gone much beyond the popular Kumara Parvata, Kudremukh, Tadiandamol, Skandagiri — those have all been done and overdone. We know they're beautiful, but there are so many other treks in and around Bangalore that you can do. So I'm sharing those with you today. I'm not sharing one or two treks, I'm sharing 17 treks with you today. So I hope it covers 17 weekends of yours.

Now out of these, we don't run all of these treks, of course — we have just documented them for you to do them on your own. 

You'll find very detailed documentation for all of them, like how to reach the base camp, how to get permits for the trek, why do the trek, and with a nice gallery of the trek so you can see whether you like the trek or not. 

So just head over to the documentation, pack your bag and head out on the trek.

I'll start with day treks that you can cover within a day from Bangalore, which means you can start from your home early in the morning, and be back before evening.

The view from the top. Picture by Suhas Saya.

This is a trek near Dodballapura, which is north of Bangalore. And it's a quick and simple day trek. 

There are two lovely things about this trek. One is that there is a small temple with a big courtyard around 5–10 minutes into the trek, where you can actually have a nice breakfast sitting under a tree. And then from there onwards, it's an ascent to Harihara Betta. 

If you're fit, you can easily wrap this up in 25–30 minutes. But I would suggest taking it slow because you’ll have very nice views. 

It is very suitable for families with children, since we take many school children there. So it's a very nice trek, and it would top of my list.

View the Harihara Betta Trek Documentation

The view of Horagina Betta from the base. Picture by Deetisha Rasyara.

This is also in the Dodballapura region. And what you'll love about this trek is that there is a big eucalyptus grove that you're walking through. It also has a lovely canopy that you walk under — very short sections, but you'll still really like them. If you go in the post-monsoon season, it is lush green with lots of berries and flowers blooming. 

Again, a very short one that you can do quickly and come back within a day.

The Indiahikes southern Campus in the shadow of the Channarayanan Durga Trek. Picture by Akshay Kevin.

This trek is in Tumkur. Lots of trekkers do this trek with Indiahikes, but you can also do it on your own. 

“Durga” means fort. This is a beautiful trek that takes you to a fort at the top, where you can actually see a lot of ruins. There's also a nice reservoir, which you can sit beside for a long time. 

The only thing is that there are a lot of big boulders on this trek. So if it's raining, it becomes very slippery and you have to be careful.

The trail on the way to the summit. Picture by Pritish Bhanushali.

Another trek in the Tumkur region is the Minchukallu Betta. This is also very close to Channarayana Durga, almost a few minutes apart when you're driving from one to another. 

You start this trek in between farmlands. You'll see a lot of canals, especially after rains that you can walk through sometimes. The view is similar to Channarayana Durga — but Minchukallu Betta is slightly easier than that. 

So you can choose to combine both the treks, or if you're taking children along, you can do just Minchukallu Betta and come back. I'll leave that to you.

View from the summit. Picture by Upayan Chatterjee.

Next on my list is a trek that our Indiahikes Trekking Club members recently documented — the Ramdevara Betta Trek. This is also in the Tumkur region and makes for a beautiful outing, especially if you want to introduce children to trekking. 

What makes this trek stand out is the bamboo forest you walk through — it’s not something you’ll find on most treks near Bangalore. And when you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a lovely little lake and an open plateau. So within just a few hours of trekking, you get forests, bamboo sections, and a waterbody at the summit. 

It has quite a bit going on for a short day trek, and it’s definitely one I’d recommend trying near Tumkur.

View the Ramadevara Betta Trek Documentation

The Basavanna Stone waterbody on the way to the first hilltop with Savanadurga Hills reflected in the water. Photo by Sushanth Kumar.

This one is near Ramnagara, a region known for its dramatic rocky hills — the same ones where Sholay was shot. Bidirukatte is a trek our team explored recently, and it turned out to be quite a gem. 

Along the way, you’ll pass by five or six serene ponds, which is something you rarely see on a single trek. There are also the ruins of an ancient temple — quite a bit of it still intact — which adds a lovely historic charm. 

If you’re into photography, or you have small children around 3 or 4 years old who you want to introduce to trekking, Bidirukatte is a great choice.

7. Kunagalu Betta aka "Puppy Betta" (Ramnagara)

A natural formation, this boulder has a striking resemblance to the face of a puppy. Picture by Abhinav

Another trek in the Ramnagara region — and one that’s a favourite at Indiahikes — is Kunagalu Betta. We affectionately call it Puppy Betta because the rock face looks like a puppy’s snout (at least to us!). 

This is what I would call a baby trek — a very easy one — where the trail is wide and takes you through a forest, and then into cave-like rock formations. You actually walk through a little cave, where trees are growing out of the rocks, and then climb up to a shrine at the top. 

All of this in just about an hour or so. It’s a wonderful trek to introduce children to the outdoors, and we love it at Indiahikes — I think you’ll enjoy it too.

Trail map of the Pyramid Hills Trek. This screenshot is from Google Earth. Find a zoomed in version below that better illustrates the route between Small and Big Pyramid Hills.

The last on my list of day treks is Pyramid Hills — a hidden gem that not many know of. This trek begins from inside a private property called Kalvari Camp, and you’ll need to get permission from them to access the trail. But once you're in, you’ll see why it’s worth it. 

The trail leads to two pyramid-shaped hills — a smaller one and a bigger one. You can choose to do either or both, depending on the time you have. The views are stunning, as you’re in the Shivanasamudra region, and from the top, the surrounding landscape opens up beautifully. 

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive (around 2–3 hours from Bangalore), this makes for a fantastic day hike.

View the Pyramid Hills Trek Documentation

Now I'm moving on to treks that need a bit more travel. These are treks where you’ll most likely have to travel overnight to the base and possibly travel back overnight as well. But they’re still day treks — which means you’ll have to start early in the morning and finish by evening. That’s because camping is no longer permitted in most forest regions of Karnataka.

All of these are documented in detail on our website — from how to get permits to how to reach the base, plus GPX files and photo galleries. So consider this a starting point to explore further.

The grasslands turn verdant during monsoons, which mimic the high-altitude grasslands. Picture by Harikrishnan

First up is the Bandaje trek — which is actually an extension of the Ballalarayana Durga trail in the Chikmagalur region. 

This is a beautiful grassland trek that feels almost like walking through Ali or Bedni Bugyal in Uttarakhand. The highlight is that you trek all the way to the snout of the Bandaje waterfall — and it’s quite a sight. The water plunges into a deep valley and the drop is sheer — so I wouldn’t recommend going too close to the edge. 

But for the sweeping views, the meadows, and that final waterfall reward, Bandaje is a must-do.

Final trail to the peak. Picture by Manasa NL

Next is the Ettina Bhuja trek — “ettina bhuja” literally means the shoulder of an ox, and you’ll see why when you look at the shape of the peak. 

It’s a very beginner-friendly trek in the Chikmagalur region. The trail is fairly easy, except for the last short stretch where you have to scramble up the ‘shoulder’. But once you're at the top, you’ll be greeted with rolling hills and the charm of the Western Ghats. 

It’s a good weekend trek to do if you’re looking for something light but scenic.

View from the summit. Picture by Bhajish.

This one’s in the Kudremukh region, but surprisingly not many trekkers head here. Kurinjal gives you almost everything that Kudremukh offers — lush forests, sweeping meadows, rolling hills — but with far fewer people around. 

It’s a relatively easy climb and ideal if you’re looking to experience the beauty of Kudremukh without the crowd. A bit underrated, but absolutely worth your time.

View the Kurinjal Peak Trek Documentation

View of the second viewpoint from the ridge. Picture by Amoga Vigram.

Another lesser-known trail in the Kudremukh range is the Gangadikal trek. 

The big highlight here is the view from the top — you see the stunning blue backwaters of the Lakhya Dam nestled amidst the hills. No other trek in this region gives you this kind of view. 

It’s not a difficult trek, and you can wrap it up in 3–4 hours. But that one view of the backwaters makes it special.

View the Gangadikal Peak Trek Documentation

On the way to the base. Picture by Manasa NL.

If you're looking for a bit of a challenge, the Valikunja trek should be on your radar. Also in the Kudremukh range, this one takes you through thick, untouched forests for a good stretch. And just when you think it’s never-ending, the trail opens up to reveal expansive meadows and hill views stretching out to the horizon. 

It’s a trek with a bit of everything — dense forest, open landscapes, and a bit of a climb. Great if you want to push yourself just a little more.

The summit of the Narasimha Parvatha trek. Picture by Manasa NL.

This one is for the more adventurous. Narasimha Parvatha is one of the toughest treks in the Kudremukh range — not just because of the climb, but also because the forest is dense, with multiple stream crossings. 

The trail isn’t always easy to spot, and you’ll need a guide with you. But the experience is unmatched — wild, raw, and rewarding. The views from the top can easily rival Kudremukh’s, and you’ll have fewer people around.

 If you’ve done a few treks before and are ready for something more offbeat, this is the one.

View the Narasimha Parvatha Trek Documentation

You trek through the grasslands for quite a while, with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Here's a view from Maakath Motte, the summit point. Photo by Surita Chakma.

This is a trek that we run at Indiahikes. It’s not something you can access openly since it starts from a private property where we stay. 

But the experience is well worth it. You stay at a beautiful homestay tucked in the middle of a coffee plantation, and from there, you climb to the top of Nelji Hill. The trail winds through Coorg’s thick forests, and the views from the top are stunning. It’s not too difficult, and the homestay experience adds a lovely cultural touch to your weekend. 

If you’re looking for a comfortable trek with good food, warm hospitality, and great views, this one is perfect.

Summit Views. Picture from the Indiahikes Archives.

Next on the list is Nishani Motte — a more well-known trek in the Brahmagiri range. What’s unique about this one is the ridge walk. You actually walk along a narrow ridge with gorgeous views on both sides — something that’s rare in South India. 

Depending on when you go, the landscape changes — lush green after the monsoon, golden during autumn. It’s a straightforward trek, but that ridge section is something you’ll remember for a long time. Definitely worth adding to your list.

View the Nishani Motte Trek Documentation

Abbey Vari is completely secluded. The waterfall tumbles down in stages down a steep rockface. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

This is a trek our club members recently documented, and it’s a fantastic alternative to the popular Kumara Parvatha. The highlight here is that you’re constantly in the shadow of the Kumara hills — you’ll see Sesha Parvata, Kumara Parvata and more, all along the trail. 

You can choose to just climb to Dodda Betta and return, or extend it to reach the Abbey Vari Waterfall. The waterfall is a refreshing reward after the trek — perfect to cool off. The best part is you get similar views to Kumara Parvata without the strenuous climb. It’s a hidden gem, and one we were really happy to document.

View the Doddabetta + Abbewari Falls Trek Documentation

The giant shape of Brahmagiri Peak rises from the meadows. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

And finally, I’ve saved one of the best for last — the Brahmagiri trek. This one left a strong impression on all our documenters. 

It’s a very raw, untouched trail deep inside the forest land. You’ll feel the presence of wildlife here, with signs like elephant dung and pug marks clearly visible. In fact, some of our team members even spotted elephants, so you must take a local guide who knows the area well. 

It’s a tough climb to the summit, but the views from the top — endless layers of hills rolling into the horizon — make every bit of effort worth it. If you’ve done a few treks before and want to experience something more remote and wild, Brahmagiri is a must-do.

That brings me to the end of this list. It was a long list — I was actually sitting, referring to my book — because there are so many treks to explore. And this is still just 10% of the treks we have in and around Karnataka. So if you're a trekker in and around Bangalore, I hope you find this useful, and I hope it covers many of your weekends.

We have these treks documented in detail, so go through them, take the GPX files, get the permissions the right way and then go about it. We don't want any safety hazards in the mountains. We want you to trek safely and sustainably. So I hope this article gives you a peek into that.

I'll be back with a lot more treks soon. But if you have done any other treks in Karnataka which is not on this list and you have loved them, please drop in a comment below or write to me at tws@indiahikes.com. 

We'd love to go and document those treks as well — maybe you can join us in the documentation too. :)

In this post, I want to shine a light on the other lesser-known treks that are just as rewarding — 17 of them, to be precise. Think of this as a ready weekend plan for the next 4 months!

17 Best Treks Near Bangalore You Shouldn't Miss This Monsoon

Kunagalu Betta (Puppy Betta) – Ramnagara

Doddabetta + Abbewari Falls – Western Ghats (near Kumara Parvatha)

Trekkers often ask us for hotel recommendations before or after their treks. Finding a good place using online listings can be tedious and tricky.

So, through our network of trekkers and trek leaders, we have put together the best hotel recommendations near cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Manali, Srinagar and Kathgodam. 

These are tried-and-tested recommendations—places we trust for comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. They’re also located near town centers and your pick-up points.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or something a little more premium, you’ll find an option that suits your needs below.

Disclaimer: The hotels or places of stay we’ve suggested are simply recommendations from our side. We encourage you to take your time, go through photos, read reviews, and check anything else that matters to you before making a choice.
This article was last updated on- 16th April 2025.

Hotel Options at Rishikesh

Live Free Hostel Rishikesh

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 800- 1,000
Distance from Pick-up: This is the pick-up point
Amenities: Free wifi, restaurant, entertainment
Phone number:
Booking link: Click here



Joeys Hostel Rishikesh 

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1,200- 2,000
Distance from Pick-up: 500 metres
Amenities: free wifi, airport shuttle, restaurant
Phone number: 07217482824
Booking link: Click here



The Hosteller, Upper Tapovan (3-star)

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 600- 5,000
Distance from Pick-up: 1 km
Amenities: Free wifi, airport shuttle, indoor games
Booking link: Click here



GoStops

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 600- 3,000
Distance from Pick-up: 3.5 km
Amenities: Laundry service, movie room, doctor on call
Phone number: 7428882828
Booking link: Click here


Hotel Options at Dehradun

Lords Eco Inn

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,500- 3,500
Distance from Pick-up: 1.5 km
Amenities: Free wifi, complimentary breakfast, doctor on call, 
Phone number: +91 750 022 0777/ +91 750 011 0777
Booking link: Click here



Grand Legacy Beacon (3-star)

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 3,000- 5,000
Distance from Pick-up: This is the pick up location
Amenities: Restaurant, high quality staff
Phone number: -
Booking link: Click here



Nomads Hostel

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1,000- 1,200
Distance from Pick-up: 100 metres
Amenities: Kitchenette, Cafe, Luggage Assistance
Phone number: 9760596464
Booking link: Click here


Hotel Options at Kathgodam

Naini Hill Inn (2-star)

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 3,000- 5,000
Distance from Pick-up: 500 metres
Amenities: Wifi, air conditioning, free cancellation (till 24 hrs)
Phone number: 7302228955
Booking link: Click here



Royal Windsor Hotel (3-star)

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,500- 6,000
Distance from Pick-up: 2.7 km
Amenities: Restaurant, 24 hour room service, laundry service
Phone number: 78957 63000
Booking link: Click here



Babaji Abode Homestay

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1500 - 3000
Distance from Pick-up: 2 km from the pickup at the Railway Stn
Amenities: Wifi, air conditioning, parking, smoke-free
Phone Number: 082796 62253
Booking Link: Click here

Hotel Options at Srinagar

Hotel Akbar Inn (2-star)

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,500
Distance from pick-up: 3.5 km
Amenities: Wifi, laundry service, cafe
Phone number: 09811028204
Booking link: Click here



Hotel Green Leaf (3-star)

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 6,000- 8,000
Distance from pick-up: 3.4 km
Amenities: Room service, 24-hour frontdesk, wifi
Phone number: -
Booking link: Click here



Take a look at these options if you would like to experience the famous houseboats of J&K:

Floating Heaven Group Of House Boats (3-star)

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price range: Rs 5,000- 8,000
Distance from Pick-up: 5.5 km
Amenities: 24x7 room service, customized meals, luxurious rooms
Phone number: 08803357716
Booking link: Click here



Royal Athena Houseboats

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: -
Distance from Pick-up: 6.5 km
Amenities: Parking, wifi, power back-up, laundry service
Phone number: 9103111178
Booking link: Online booking unavailable 



Houseboat Nightingale (3-star)

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price range: Rs 5,000
Distance from Pick-up: 1.6 km
Amenities: pet friendly, kitchen
Phone number: 09419439155
Booking link: Click here



Hotel Options at Manali (Near IH Jungle Line Campus)

Hotel options at Manali (Near IH Jungle Line Campus)

Fursat - Boutique Homestay & Hostel 

Location: Click here
Price Range: Rs 3,000 
Distance from IH Manali campus: 200 metres 
Amenities: Yoga room, game room, restaurant
Phone number: 9999629900
Booking link: Click here


Hotel options at Manali (Near Beas Bridge, Manali)

Sterling Manali 

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 5,000- 10,000
Distance from Pick-up: 3.2 km
Amenities: Pet friendly, scenic location, Kullu kitchen; serving authentic Himachali food
Phone number: 7969792040
Booking link: Click here



Woodstock Inn

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,000 - 5,000
Distance from Pick-up: 800 mts
Amenities: Wifi, restaurant, doctor on call, car-hire, parking
Phone number: 9736553070
Booking link: Click here



Iris Cottage & Cafe, Manali

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,000 - 4,000
Distance from Pick-up: 1.5 km
Amenities: Wifi, parking, laundry, room service
Phone number: 07018351466
Booking link: Click here



Zostel Old Manali (Goshal Road)

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 800 - 1,500
Distance from Pick-up: 2 km
Amenities: Wifi, laundry, smoke-free, restaurant
Phone number: 011 4116 9725
Booking link: Click here

Hotel Options at Rohru (Buran Ghati and Rupin Pass)

Shaktan homestay

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 400- 500
Distance from pick-up: 10 metres
Amenities: A very basic accomodation
Phone number: 9816071623
Booking link: Book on call



Hotel Park View

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 800- 1,500
Distance from pick-up: 400 metres
Amenities: Close to market and ISBT
Phone number: 8091059987
Booking link: Book on call



Hotel river view 

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1000- 1,800
Distance from pick-up: 1 km
Amenities: Restaurant, laundry
Phone number: 9816041737
Booking link: Click here



Monal Hotel and Restaurant

Location: Click here to view on Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1000- 2,000
Distance from pick-up: 900 metres
Amenities: Restaurant
Phone number: -
Booking link: Book on call

Hotel Options at Siliguri

Hotel Insta18

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1,800- 2,500
Distance from pick-up: 6 km to NJP Railway Station
Amenities: Newly built & very clean rooms. Close to bus stand and main road. Can get sharing auto easily to NJP station. 
Phone number: 09593906660
Booking link: Click here




Hotel Saluja

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1,300- 2,000
Distance from pick-up: 5 km to NJP Railway Station
Amenities: Clean rooms, easy access to Hong Kong market, easy to get autos and buses
Phone number: 09800417999
Booking link: Click here


Mansons Homestay Bagdogra 

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 2,000- 3,000 (for a double room)
Distance from pick-up: 1 km to Bagdogra airport
Amenities: 15 mins walk to the airport, clean and neat, a garden
Phone number: 09932964841
Booking link: Click here




Himmat Giri Farmstead Bagdogra 

Location: Click here to go to Google maps
Price Range: Rs 1,000 for a single bed in double sharing room, and Rs 2,500 for a double room.
Distance from pick-up: 1 km to Bagdogra airport
Amenities: 15 mins walk to the airport, farmstay experience, good host
Phone number: 09734011183
Booking link: Book on call

Indiahikes is India's largest trekking community, and this article exists thanks to trekkers like you.

If you come across any incorrect or outdated information, please email us at experience@indiahikes.com and CC upayan@indiahikes.com.

Have better recommendations? We'd love to hear them! Share your insights with us at the same email.

Tried and tested budget plus premium hotel recommendations at Manali, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kathgodam, and Srinagar.

Hotel recommendations by Indiahikes

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Where to Stay Before or After Your Trek? Our Hotel Recommendations

By way of brief introduction, my name is Monika and I am from Bangalore. 

As you both are the founders of Indiahikes I would like to share my recent experience about my trek with IH. Last week, I successfully completed Goa Netravali Forest Trek which was held from 28th to 30th November. This was my first trek with Indiahikes.

As my father was working in the armed forces, I grew up in an environment where discipline was always given the utmost priority in life. I was also part of scouts & guides, NCC, NSS during my school and college and this is when I was introduced to hiking and trekking in my life. After getting into a corporate job, I hardly found time to explore more outdoor activities. It is this year that I've started to realise how deeply I miss being outdoors and that this is when I live every moment and truly feel the most of myself. 

I've gone on hikes and treks but it was always a one day trek and this was the first time I signed up for a 3 days trekking experience and I really feel so fortunate right now to have completed this with Indiahikes and this email is to let you know why I feel fortunate and happy. Though I'm 28 years old, there are a certain things that I never experienced in my life and those are:

I never knew the correct way of tying an ankle length trekking shoe lace, 

I had never written a postcard in my life, 

I had never communicated through a walkie-talkie with anyone before, 

I never thought using a toilet in an open outdoor space would feel this comfortable, 

But most importantly I had never thought that my very first visit to Goa would become an opportunity for me to know and experience the true beauty of our county's smallest state and this is a very beautiful memory for me and all because of your wonderful team.

After my father's retirement, we became civilians and it was not very easy for me to get adjusted to the civilian world as I grew up with a lot more discipline and it was very difficult to find people and organisations whose core values are built on discipline and ethics. I am so glad to have experienced this discipline and ethics with your wonderful team. I also volunteered for DIY on Day 3 and I realised how much I enjoy taking responsibility and ensuring everything was on track made me feel so happy and safe. Trek Leader Naresh is not just a fantastic leader but also an amazing teacher. Our local guide Karma was very informative and we all enjoyed the delicious, nutritious meals prepared by the cooking staff. 

I have hardly seen businesses/organisations who TRULY understand what they are upto, and I am very happy to have come across India Hikes. I am happy to have completed a trek with a team who care for our planet.

On a personal level, I met some beautiful people. 

I learnt a few important skills during this trek from tying shoelaces to marking trails, had a very calming, beautiful experience trekking in the lush green forests discussing all about birds, animals and trees. 

The beach trek is something that I had experienced for the first time in my life and that serene feeling standing near the cliff to the sound of the mighty waves, the amazing beauty of those cliff rocks, green coconut trees, birds on the clear blue sky and the fisherman with his fishing net, is the picture of Goa that's imprinted in my heart. 

I'm so grateful that my first visit to Goa was not about what most people talk about and it is much more. Thank you so much for this opportunity and please convey my heartfelt regards to your team.

P.S. - Using walkie talkie for the first time was so much fun :D 

Beyond the Beaches: The Goa That's Imprinted in My Heart

The Bijli Mahadev temple is an icon of Kullu's cultural identity. The trail to the temple is also well known for its scenic beauty. Thousands of pilgrims visit this shrine in Himachal Pradesh every year. 

The temple famously gets its name from a legend, associated with an annual lightning (bijli) strike. It holds that lightning strikes Bijli Mahadev annually, breaking the shrine apart. The priest then restores it with sattoo, collected from the local villages.

But beyond this one story, how well do we actually know Bijli Mahadev ? Do we know the origins of its association with lightning ? How did the temple look when it was first built ? When did it come into prominence ? How is Bijli Mahadev connected to the greater deities of Kullu ?

So, read on for a deep-dive into all that surrounds Bijli Mahadev-- folklore, history, and fascinating geography.

The Setting

Bijli Mahadev sits atop the Mathan hill in Kullu. At 8100 ft above sea level, the meadowy clearing of Mathan is a beautiful vantage point. From here, you see four prominent river valleys of Himachal Pradesh-- Kullu, Parvati, Bhuntar and Gorsa. On the distant horizon, you gaze into the legendary snow peaks of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. 

Even the approach to the temple is magical. The trail snakes through beautiful forests of giant deodars. These are some of the oldest and grandest deodars of the country.

And then, the tall forests transition into a meadowy slope near Mathan. At the top of this slope, sits the Bijli Mahadev Temple.

The trail to Bijli Mahadev passes through some of the grandest deodar forests of our country. These dense forests then open up into a beautiful meadow near the temple.Photo by Archana Solanki.

Temple Architecture

The temple measures 36 ft in length by 24 ft in breadth. The lower parts of its walls are made of cut-stone, with no plaster being used throughout. A covered verandah of Deodar encircles the building and the sloping roof is formed of six tyres of planks of the same wood. 
At the entrance there are fancifully carved uprights that join on the roof. 

It is a fine specimen of Himachal’s indigenous timber-bonded, chalet-style architecture. Academics describe Bijli Mahadev as “one of the most famed examples of the pent-and-gable roof” among the wooden temples of Himachal Pradesh.  [Source:  May-June 2024 issue of the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research]

The cultural significance of Kullu's Bijli Mahadev Temple.

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