I’ll admit something upfront—I sometimes don’t like these kinds of videos or questions. The ones where I have to make difficult choices. And today’s question is exactly that: Which one would I pick—the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek or the Pench Tiger Trail?

I love both these treks. I’ve done the Pench Tiger Trail very recently—just last year—and I’ve raved about it in multiple videos. I’ve also done the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, not just as a participant, but as part of its exploration team.

So when you ask me to choose between the two, it’s not fair. But I’ll try to do justice to both, because each trek is rich in its own way.

Let’s start with the Pench Tiger Trail.

This trek carries with it the aura of the tiger. There’s something magnetic about walking through a forest knowing you're not alone. On Day 1, Day 2, Day 3—you will spot signs of the tiger. Pug marks, scratch marks, claw marks on tree trunks, even tiger faeces—fresh, and I mean really fresh. You start to wonder whether the tiger is watching you from behind the bushes.

The biodiversity is outstanding. You’ll see a forest teeming with life—birds, insects, trees that are hundreds of years old. 

And then there’s the river walk that everyone’s been going gaga over. It is lovely—scenic, shaded, and full of little surprises.

But now, let me shift gears and take you to Chhattisgarh.

This jungle trek is no less when it comes to wildlife. If Pench is all about the tiger, Chhattisgarh is about all kinds of wild animals. I’ve seen pug marks of leopards, bears, cheetals, sambars—many of them so fresh they looked like they were made just half an hour ago.

I remember this one time—we were at the river camp at night. Across the river, we could see glowing eyes moving from one side to another. Wild animals are just going about their business. You’re in the middle of this dense forest, surrounded by sal trees, and then a team member walks in to meet me and says, “Sorry, I’m late, there was a bear on the trail.”

That’s Chhattisgarh for you. These stories are routine here.

But it’s not just about wildlife. There’s a deep sense of history in these forests. On the trail, you pass by two ancient caves that are home to cave paintings that are easily 10,000 years old. The Archaeological Survey of India hasn’t even marked them yet. And yet, here you are, witnessing them live—no ticket, no museum, no glass barrier.

You stand there looking at not just one generation of paintings, but layers and layers of them, each from a different time, telling its own story. It leaves you thinking long after you’ve left.

And then there’s the forest walk, where you pass under a thick canopy, walking on dry riverbeds that meander through the jungle. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen.

And finally, the river walk — you know, people compare the river walk of Chhattisgarh and Pench Tiger Trail. To me, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek's river walk beats the Pench, even though I liked it so much, because of the water. Crystal clear water, only ankle deep, cool as ever, and always there. Not much of ups and downs or any surprises in the river, unlike the Pench Tiger Trail, where I do get some surprises.

So yes, if you put me in a fix, I won’t like you. But if push comes to shove, and I have to choose between the two, I’ll go with the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.

But let me be clear: this choice doesn’t come from a lack of love for Pench. Both treks are extraordinary. It’s just that what stays in my heart slightly more… is Chhattisgarh.

Which one would Arjun Majumdar pick—the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek or the Pench Tiger Trail?

Chhattisgarh vs Pench: Which to Choose?

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, Pench Tiger Trail, Arjun Majumdar, Indiahikes, Chhattisgarh vs Pench, Which to Choose, Chhattisgarh vs Pench: Which to Choose?

‘Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die’ so said Steve Jobs once. The latter part of his words are as true for me as also for possibly everyone reading this. Quite early in life, I chose to find my own heaven on earth even in the smallest of things around me, be it during a walk around my residence complex or during my travels or a soulful music composition. As part of this endeavor of seeking heaven on earth, I drop all my work engagements for a few days every year and take off to some lesser known, consequently less spoilt place, preferably in the lap of nature.

I had successfully done a 4 day trekking program in Goa, with my son, during the peak monsoon season last year, which involved climbing a different set of slushy hills every day, getting drenched in the torrential rain as we walked, to witness the 3 or 4 most gorgeous seasonal waterfalls. Spurred by this, I decided to take to the Himalayan mountains this year. My son suggested that we look for treks organized by India Hikes (IH), a fantastic Bangalore and Dehra Dun based organization. After much research sometime in early March, we shortlisted and booked ourselves on a five day ‘moderate’ trek to the pristine splendor of Tulian Lake, starting in the third week of August.

As you reach the summit, nestled between the majestic mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar, a sight emerges, that takes your breath away - The Tulian Lake. Picture by Jothiranjan, Head of Photography team at Indiahikes.

Given my age, viz. the wrong side of 60s, the fitness criteria are a little more stringent as per IH policy which, inter alia, insists on a satisfactory TMT report. While I never had any doubt about this fitness test, I only decided to intensify my regular morning regimen with an increased proportion of cardio to prepare for the trek. I was glad I challenged myself in this preparatory period as the trek tested my physical & mental endurance to the hilt, much beyond my preparedness.

Armed with our medical fitness certificates, some basic medicines (including one called ‘Diamox’ for high altitude acclimatization), some IH specified clothing (like quick dry track pants) and other necessary items, my son and I arrived at a very warm, sunny Srinagar after over 5 hours of flying on August 19th . We headed straight to SBI’s Guest House on the busy Residency Road, adjacent to the renowned restaurant, Ahdoos, where my son got his fill of delicious local ‘Wazwan’ food. That very evening we strolled down and picked up our ponchos (rain wear) and track bands (adjustable walking sticks) from an HI affiliated tour agency so as to be in full readiness for the trek commencing next day.

Early next morning, before the break of dawn, my son and I walked down the empty streets to the start point viz. the same tour agency. There, we briefly met with the other 19 members of our trekking group as also our very young, boyish Trek Leader named Isop (native of Tripura), appointed by IH. A couple of Tempo Travelers drove us down in 2 hours to the trek start point, Ganesh Bal, a couple of KMs ahead of Pahalgam. During the bus journey, we witnessed the reassuring presence of the army and the paramilitary every few KMs as also the multitude of shops near Anantnag predominantly selling saffron and Kashmir willow cricket bats. A bio-break in the ‘apple valley’ gave us a chance to view huge orchards full of trees laden with bunches of ripening apples. Moving on, after a stopover for breakfast of paratha, potato curry and tea at a native’s house (where two locals joined us as trek guides), we reached Ganesh Bal to a rainy welcome.

Out came our ponchos and off we were trudging on the way to our first stop at Deno Valley, about 5 km away. After the first km, the village trails vanished and we entered a thick forest of huge, tall coniferous trees. After crossing a couple of difficult river points in the midst of our climb of over 2,000 ft., we reached our campsite amidst the beautiful meadows of Deno valley (over 6000ft. above MSL) late that afternoon. We spent the evening frolicking in the gorgeous neighborhood, letting the awe-inspiring beauty of our surroundings sink in.

The next day was a more arduous almost 7 km steep climb through a thicker alpine forest to our next camp at a place called Kanimool at about 8,500 ft. above MSL. Given the intermittent rain spells, we took almost 7 hours to do the stretch. Once again, at the beautiful camp site, we were surrounded by sheer, tall mountains, some with thick groves of pine trees at their lower reaches, overwhelming us with nature’s bounty. Walking around the camp area amidst grazing horses and noisy sheep, I felt indebted to the Almighty for such soul touching experiences in my life.

We then trekked through similar terrain, the next sunny morning, for 4 km to our next stop, 2 km short of the summit. This stop was at Tulian Valley at 10,500 ft. above MSL where we set up camp adjacent to the picturesque Tulian River, around some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes, depending on the direction your gaze went and on the time of the day. That evening, the excitement in our group of making it to the summit the next morning was overflowing and reflected in the mood of merriment, pre and post dinner. Songs, laughter, jokes, mimicry, star gazing, you had it all. You can well imagine my feeling when I finally lay down in my tent, shared with my son, next to the musical river, a most relaxing sleep gently creeping over me, as I tucked into my cozy sleeping bag.

The boulder-laden section to the Tulian lake. Picture by Rishivar Mukherjee.

The climb, the next beautiful and bright day, to the Lake was, fortunately, without our backpacks but through steep, boulder laden, undiscernible paths; a two hour walk to the summit and two hours for return with the most joyous 2 hours at the overwhelmingly beautiful and unspoilt Tulian lake at over 12,000 ft. above MSL. Undisturbed by human habitation for miles and miles around it, the Lake quietly left its indelible mark on each one’s heart. On returning to the camp, I, as the oldest member of the team, had the honor of cutting the celebration cake made by our cook. 

On the last day, we headed back and walked all of 7-8 km downhill through thick forests and undulating hills and meadows, straight to the start point, Ganesh Bal. After the chest thumping and farewell hugs, we boarded the waiting Tempo Travelers which whisked us back to the warm, dusty, bustling, and crowded streets of Srinagar.

I count this as one of my most memorable treks where I spent 5 days trekking through pristine valleys, beside deep gorges and through thick alpine forests as also unbridled, gorgeous streams of clear water under the constant gaze of towering glacial peaks to a lake of indescribable beauty. The humbling majesty of Nature effectively brought home my own insignificance in the entire order of this universe. I must, however, confess that my endurance and will power were tested like never before. On many a difficult phase, I drew on my reserves of will power, physical strength and energy, focusing on a somewhat comforting thought that there is a rainbow of delights waiting for me and my camera at the end of the grueling walk. The subconscious knowledge that my son was around for my support day in, day out was a huge added comfort. As they say, altitude tests your attitude, more than your aptitude. Moreover, the heartwarming bonds built with fellow trekkers hailing from all over the country, formed the invaluable fringe benefits of the expedition. Life truly enriched! Where next?

Trekkers in comparison to the majestic Tulian lake. Picture by Jothiranjan.

‘Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die’ so said Steve Jobs once.

You gotta climb the mountain to get the view: Tulian Lake

Tulian Lake Trek, Pir Panjal Range, Zanskar Range, Indiahikes

Oct 27, 10.00 a.m.: This time, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek had an early start. And our first group got to witness a different side of this dense jungle. 

"I have never seen this forest with such green undergrowth!" shares Senior Trek Leader Nitesh Kumar. He has observed the forest three years in a row now. "The water level in the streams is high and the birdlife in the forest is also more vibrant, compared to Dec-Jan season," he adds. 

We have always conducted the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek in December-January. But this time, we started the season in October. This shift allowed trekkers to witness a strikingly green jungle! 

Answering our concerns about hot weather, Nitesh adds, "Surprisingly, it doesn't get hot here in the national park. Trekkers did not feel drained with heat at any point of time. Afternoons are exactly the same as in Dec-Jan, in fact better, with clouds floating in, a gentle breeze blowing, bringing in some moisture. After sun down, one fleece jacket was enough to keep warm," Nitesh shares, describing a perfect weather for trekking.

It's been a promising start  for this year's robust season of Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, spanning over four months. And we'll soon share more detailed updates from this trek.

We have always conducted the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek in December-January. But this time, we started the season in October.

Lush forests, full of birds welcome trekkers on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Chhattisgarh - Jungle trek - Birds - Forest

As the news of Nepal earthquake settles, 17 trekkers started their trek towards Khopra Ridge and Khayyar Lake in Nepal. They mark a seamless opening of the autumn season for this trek.

“Trekkers reported that their journey from Kathmandu to Pokhra was smooth. They did not notice any disruptions caused by the earthquake. Weather was also good when they started the trek. All trekkers are in high spirits and geared up for a successful trek,” shares Debadrita Ghosh, Experience Coordinator for the Khopra Ridge Trek.

Khopra Ridge is an off-beat Himalayan trek in Nepal that takes you close to 22 big mountains in the world—including Mt Dhaulagiri I (7th highest), Mt Annapurna I (10th highest), Annapurna massif, Mt. Macchapuchhare, Mt Nilgiri North and South, Mt Himchuli, and Mt Ganga Purna.

The trekkers are slated to see these mountains from the Khopra Ridge on Oct 14. Post which, they will climb to Khayyar Lake at 15,700 feet. They will return to Pokhra by Oct 16. 

Nepal's Khopra Ridge Trek Unaffected by Recent Earthquake

Not every day do you get to witness blooming flowers on a Himalayan trek. And most trekkers believe it happens only in the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. 

Not true. That’s a common myth of the monsoon season. 

Flowers do not bloom only in the Valley of Flowers. You’ll be surprised to know that in monsoon, you find flowers blooming in stunning patches on treks that have rarely been associated with flowers. 

So in this blog, we’ve got seasoned trekkers and trek leaders talking about their favourite flower-sections. And they’re not from the Valley of Flowers!

Let’s start with the most dramatic one. 

This trek is known for its scenic cross over from Kinnaur to Spiti. And you find flowers on both sides. But there are specific sections you need to watch out for.

You come across the first flower section while trekking from Mulling to Karah. The landscape is lush, there’s Australian sheep with thick wool grazing on the pastures. 

It reminds you of the vistas of Kashmir. Yet, nothing prepares you for the flowers. 

“Just an hour before reaching Karah you see it. I was taken aback to see this section filled with so many flowers. It was so unexpected! And I remarked to a fellow trekker, ‘it suddenly feels like am in the valley of flowers!’” says Senior Trek Leader Nitesh Kumar who spent July and August months on the Pin Bhaba trek. 

A riot of buttercups swaying in monsoon winds. Photo by Gourab Nandy.

The next section pops up towards the end of the trek, after you have crossed over to the Spiti side. 

The fiery bistorts punctuating the purple Spiti landscape. Photo by Gourab Nandy

“On the other side of the pass, the landscape is barren, with purple-coloured gravel. And punctuating this purple, barren landscape are these vibrant red-velvet fleece flowers,” shares Nitesh. 

Very rarely do trekkers see this coming. This is why witnessing flowers on a trek like Pin Bhaba Pass is an unforgettable experience. 

This is one of the most underrated treks when it comes to flowers. Like Pin Bhaba, this one also has two flower-sections that take your breath away. 

The first one is right after you cross the stream after Dhundi. The valley opens up, you have Beas river flowing right through the valley and in front of you is the commanding view of the Seven Sister peaks, Hanuman Tibba. 

“It’s a brilliant setting, and that’s when you see it. While trekking through the valley you stumble upon this 200 m stretch of flowers. There are tiny yellow flowers growing in clumps around you. It’s hard to take your eyes off them,” Nitesh says.

Trekking through a valley filled with flowers on Beas Kund. Photo by Jothiranjan.

If you thought this flower-section was stunning, Nitesh claims the next one is better. 

“Personally, the next section is one of the highlights of the trek for me. It comes just below the highest point on the Beas Kund trek,” Nitesh shares. 

This section is famous with other trek leaders too. Sharwari Brahme, Trek leader and Trainer at Indiahikes is also a fan of this particular flower section on the Beas Kund trek. 

“You’ll find flowers growing on both sides of the trail here. You’re practically walking on flowers as you attempt the summit push,” she says.

Trekking through the heady scent of flowers on the summit push. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

“And the scent, it’s so heady! The section is filled with fragrance because you have a wide variety of flowers, junipers, and other herbs, all growing together here,” she adds remembering the fragrant ascent. 

Everyone talks about the grand vistas, the glaciers, pass crossings and remoteness of the Warwan Valley trek. But rarely do trekkers mention the stunning wild flowers growing here. 

“Flowers on the Warwan Valley trek are just lovely! The first section is right after you cross the Chalong Nala,” says Izzat Yaganagi, Head of Experiential Learning at Indiahikes. 

In this section you are trekking through a wide, flat river basin. The Chalong Nala forks into many tributaries. And the wet, marshy land offers a perfect platform for flowers. You’ll find many vibrant bistorts as you cross through this section.

These vibrant bistorts are quite similar to the ones you saw on Pin Bhaba Pass trek. Photo by Izzat Yaganagi.

The next section comes towards the end of the trek, after you cross the last campsite and are about to reach the first village. 

“Towards the end of the trek you pass through fields and quaint villages. You also come across wild and cultivated plants, flowers,” says Izzat.

The blooming flower beds closer to civilisation on the Warwan Valley trek. Photo by Izzat Yaganagi.

In fact, towards the end of the Warwan Valley trek you’ll see flowers blooming most of the remote villages. “I recollect spotting a carpet of flowers towards the Sukhnai village,” says Suhas Saya, Head of Documentation and DIY at Indiahikes. 

Monsoon is a great time to witness blooming flowers

The comfortable temperatures and high mountain air tinged with humidity is a perfect setting for blooming flowers. So in monsoon, you’ll also find flowers blooming near Jwara on Hampta Pass, near Jonker Thatch of Bhrigu Lake, and even on the Gorson Bugyal of Kuari Pass trek. 

This is why limiting your pursuit of flowers to just one trek is a rookie mistake. If you time it right — says towards the end of July and early August — you have good chances of spotting flowers on most Himalayan treks. 

Having said that, do you already have a favourite flower-section in the Himalayas? If so, where is it? Drop your answer in comments.

3 Unexpected but stunning treks for flowers in the Himalayas

It's a rainy day in Bangalore. Our office balcony has taken on a green glow from all the lushness around. The beech tree in our garden is heavy with the weight of rain. Tiny raindrops are glistening at the tip of every leaf. The smell of wet earth is intoxicating. 

Our office team is getting ready to head out this weekend on a lovely trek near Bangalore.

I can't help but think about what the hillsides must be like right now. Cool and misty forests, tree trunks laden with velvety moss, lush grasslands teeming with flowers and tiny critters, rolling green hills in the distance. It's such a wonderful time of the year to trek. 

That's why I thought that today, I'd talk about some offbeat treks you can do on your own. Not in the Himalayas, like I usually share. But somewhere close to your home, where you could trek to a hill, a lake, a river or a forest.

Of course, I cannot cover all states across the country, so today, I'm going to talk about some off-beat trails around popular regions -- Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Calcutta. I’ll share three treks around each of these regions, so that you have options. I hope this fills up your upcoming weekend. :)

Top 3 Offbeat Monsoon Treks In Karnataka 

This is an all time Western Ghats favourite at Indiahikes. The grasslands on this trek are other worldly. Once you step into them, you’ll never want to leave. Yet, as you carry on, the trail gets better and better, because within hours, you reach the Bandajje waterfall, not the base of the waterfall, but the very snout of the waterfall! 

It takes a weekend to do this trek. You will need to camp at the base and have cooking gear with you. Typically you take an overnight bus on a Friday to Mudigere, trek on a Saturday and get back home by Sunday. 

Starting point of the trek: Kalabhyraveshwara Temple, Durgadahalli, Mudigere
How far is it from Bangalore: 280 km
Best route to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/CG8Fg6yiD49yf834A

Find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/ballalarayana-durga-bandaje-falls-trek

Watch how to do Ballalarayana Durga on your own:

Ballalarayana Durga boasts of a few of the best meadows in the Western Ghats. Picture from Indiahikes archives.

 We all have heard of the Kudremukh trek endlessly, (so much so that the forest dept. has introduced a daily limit on the number of trekkers who can go on the trail). But here’s a trek hidden within the Kudremukh National Park, yet treading a completely untrodden trail. 

It takes you through incredibly dense forests, usually thick with fog at this time of the year, beautiful streams that form the Bhadra river, and finally up a steep climb through meadows to get to the peak. The view from the top is similar to what you see from Kudremukh — endlessly rolling hills with unreal shades of green. 

Starting point of the trek: Bhagavathi Nature Camp, Kalasa Main Road
How far is it from Bangalore: 310 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/LM4ov9QJXAJFW7H9A

You’ll find all details about this trek here - https://indiahikes.com/kurinjal-peak

A view from the first viewpoint on the Kurinjal Peak trek. The view only gets better and better. Picture by Naveen Ganiga

If you are not looking for an overnight trek, this is a wonderful option. It’s a day hike near Kolar, just around 2 hours away from Bangalore. You could easily take your family early in the morning and return by evening.

The initial trail starts with forests all around, and opens out into a mix of boulders and grassy knolls. It’s a breezy 1 hour trek, with terrific views from the top. You can easily spot the Nandi Hills range, including Skandagiri, Brahmagiri and Channagiri from here. As the name suggests, there are ruins of an old fort at the top, along with a small shrine dedicated to Anjaneya (Hanuman). 

Starting point of the trek: Vaddahalli, Kolar
How far is it from Bangalore: 80 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/Ae41nPmTxX9Xs5qn9

You’ll find all details about this trek here - https://indiahikes.com/ambaji-durga-trek

Other good one-day trek options around Bangalore: Harihara Betta, Minchikall Betta, Channarayana Durga

Watch this video where we talk about 10 best day treks around Bangalore:

The initial climb towards Ambajidurga through sparse forests and bushy trails. Picture by Jothiranjan

Click on this link for 7 best monsoon treks in Karnataka that you must do

Top 3 Offbeat Monsoon Treks In Maharashtra

Disclaimer: In Maharashtra, rarely are treks offbeat, but well, these are not as common as the usual ones :)

This is a short trail in the Sahyadris situated 35 km from Lonavala. The trail takes you to Ghangad Fort, which sits on top of a hill shaped like a trapezoid. Its unique shape and structure make it stand out, and it's tough not to notice it and be awed by its imposing size. 

Ghangad is a short but an 'all in one package' trek, which can be done in a day or with camping. It has a forest section, a surprise at the boulder section, an adventurous climb up a steep metal ladder and a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains from the top. It is suitable for both fit beginners and experienced trekkers. 

Starting point of the trek: Ekole, Pune
How far is it from Pune: 102 km from Pune 
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/C4vmKZk6pA6nFjt79

You’ll find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/the-complete-guide-to-ghangad-fort-trek

Part of the Ghangad Fort Trek gives you a view of the Mulshi dam in the distance. Picture by Swarada Ghangurde

When I asked a couple of hardcore trekkers from Maharashtra for a monsoon trek recommendation, this particular trek was right on top of their minds. Also called Vicitragad, this is one of those go-to treks in monsoon. 

If you have never experienced raging winds, they say that you will see waterfalls billowing upwards, so fierce is the wind here.

Along with this, some breath-taking views of the farms and water dams can be seen from the bastions. There are a total of six bastions covering the fortification wall. All of these are still strong.

Starting point of the trek: Bajarwadi, Ratnagiri
How far is it from Pune: 62 km from Pune
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/7wJ5q66xW8Mm3jfPA

You’ll find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/rohida-vichitragad-trek

The approach towards Rohida in monsoon. Picture source: Wikimedia Commons

This trek is not off-beat by any means, but I cannot leave it out of a list of the best monsoon treks. Set in Karjat, this trek bursts to life with a wall of waterfalls during monsoon.

Not just that, the initial part of the trail is through dense jungles, further taking you to the fort, which is an architectural marvel. This fort was primarily used as a watchtower & 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.

The Indiahikes Western Campus sits very close to the base of the trek at the campus of the Vijay Bhoomi University. We often take our trekkers on this trek. Everyone simply loves it!

Starting point of the trek: Ambivli, Karjat
How far is it from Mumbai:  90 km from Mumbai 
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/zFiPygp7tQWGrgsF6

You’ll find all details about the trek here - https://indiahikes.com/kothaligad-peth-fort-trek

A faraway view of the Kothaligad fort. Picture by Shardul Neswankar

This is a trek we documented recently, with the help of an ardent explorer of treks in Tamil Nadu. This trek takes you to a gem of a waterfall in Kodaikanal. Despite Kodaikanal being one of the most popular hill stations in South India, this waterfall is a less-visited one, since it is a 6 km trek to the waterfall. 

The trek starts at a lovely lake, called the Kookal Lake and then winds through dense forests most of the way. It finally enters some thick bushes until you hit the waterfall. You can hear the roar of the waterfall throughout the forest, which not only excites you, but also tells you that you’re on the right path. In monsoon, the waterfall is going to have swelled with rainwater, which is a huge reward at the end of the trek. 

Starting point of the trek: Kookal, Kodaikanal
How far is it from Chennai: 559 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/UC5xMMa7riz36MwF7

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/kookal-waterfalls-trek

The multi-layered Kookal Waterfalls. Picture by Parthiban

Musattu is a small hill hidden away in Krishnagiri. It’s largely a day hike, which you can do within a day and come back home. Bangalore trekkers can take advantage of this. 

The beautiful multiple farmlands, untried dense forest trail full of flowers and butterflies, a pretty isolated temple, and a spectacular view of mountain ranges are all you can expect from the Musattu hill trek.

Starting point of the trek: Varatanapalli, Krishnagiri
How far is it from Chennai: 255 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/9KCGfidm3Mq7PEkn7

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/musattu-hill-trek

A view of the Musattu Hill in Krishnagiri. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

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.

Interestingly, it is believed that the hill is a piece of the Sanjeevani Mountain that Lord Hanuman carried to revive Lord Laxman. 

Starting point of the trek: Thenmathimangalam, Tiruvannamalai
How far is it from Chennai: 226 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/parvathamalai-trek

A wide view of the Parvathamalai hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Picture by Ajay Vignesh

Since Delhi weather is still at a steaming 34°C, we’re suggesting treks that are an overnight journey to the foothills of the Himalayas. You can do all these treks over a weekend and be back home for a working Monday. 

This trek has become a favorite at Indiahikes because of the dense forest cover, which gives you shelter, come rain or sun. It’s a short day hike in Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Right from the very start, you are in the wilderness. Trekking through lush green forests teeming with birds. The fatigue of an otherwise steep trail doesn’t set in because of these settings. You could cover the trek in a single day, or you could explore a slightly longer route over two days. 

Starting point of the trek: Forest Checkpost, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
How far is it from Delhi: 316 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/b6F6MTPmgNx8GkMz8

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/benog-tibba-trek

(We do run this trek at Indiahikes, but you can easily do it on your own too.) 

Watch here what our founder, Arjun Majumdar has to say about Benog Tibba Trek

The forest sections of the Benog Tibba trek are the best part of the trek. Picture by Jothiranjan

Trekking inside Great Himalayan National Park is a privilege. It is one of the most pristine and uniquely rich ecosystem in the world. So much so, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And because of its unique protected status, not only are the rich flora and fauna of the park undisturbed, so are the communities living inside it. And the Sainj Valley trek takes you right to the heart of this!

Given the forests, the grasslands, views and the lake on this trek, in the foothills of the Himalayas, it seems like a trek that’s too good to be true on a weekend. 

Starting point of the trek: Shangarh, Kullu
How far is it from Delhi: 500 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/dL78W8qUEYa4oFTM8

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/sainj-valley-trek

A view of the Pundrik Lake in Sainj Valley. The lake almost always remains invisible under the thick growth on the surface. Picture by Braham Ghairola

This is one of our most recently documented treks. It’s a lovely day hike near Dehradun well suited for families with children. We actually discovered this trail thanks to the Forest Department of Uttarakhand, Bhadrigaad Division, who invited us to explore the region around Saindul. 

The Nag Thatch trek overlooks the famed Nag Tibba trek, but it takes half the effort to give you the same views that you get from the top of Nag Tibba. Apart from the big mountain views, the trek also has pretty meadows of Nag Thatch and Sur Thatch (Thatch is a local word for ‘meadow’) that are lush green in monsoon. 

Since you cannot camp anywhere on the trek, you will have to treat this as a day hike and arrange your stay somewhere around Dehradun or Mussoorie. 

Starting point of the trek: Saindul, Tehri Garhwal
How far is it from Delhi: 345 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/oDRReNoc1fN9mhU46

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/nag-thatch-trek

The Nag Thatch trek gives you the incredible views that Nag Tibba gives you, but with just half the effort. Picture by Mahipal Bisht

Disclaimer: I’ll be frank here. Our documentations of treks around Kolkata are not very strong. If you think you can help us update the information in these documentations, please get in touch with me. It will help other trekkers greatly. 

Biharinath is a hill sandwiched between the Purulia Hills and Damodar River. It towers over tiny tribal villages. With a combination of a famous Lord Shiva temple, dense sal forests, mountains, some rock climbing, and refreshing springs, this area on the outskirts of the city has a lot going for it. 

It’s a trek that can be done at any time of the year, but is especially luxuriant during monsoon. It’s a trek you can wrap up within 3 hours, so it makes for a wonderful day hike. It is even suited to families. 

Of course, you would know that this region is more prone to rain than most other regions of our country, so ensure you always have rainwear on you! 

Starting point of the trek: Biharinath Temple, Saltora
How far is it from Kolkata: 228 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/B7C4ZEkr5YnZLVHM7

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/biharinath-hill-trek

A view of the Biharinath Hill in the distance. Picture by Suvodip Chakraborty

When it comes to trekking around Kolkata, Purulia is one of the first regions that comes to mind. These hills are known for their green cover, which is amplified during the monsoon season. 

This particular trail was once considered a hot spot for rock climbers, it has now become popular among trekkers and travelers alike. The unique rugged characteristics of the mountains blend beautifully with the canopy of greenery that Purulia is famous for. You also come across a beautiful Tarpaniya Lake, which adds to the beauty of the trek. 

Starting point of the trek: Kishore Bharati Ashram School, Sirkabad
How far is it from Kolkata: 354 km
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/4GJb1Ae8btvnwbdw8

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/ayodhya-hills-trek

The Ayodhya Hills in Purulia are a lush green during monsoon. Picture source: Wikimedia Commons

If you have a slightly longer weekend, this trek in Sikkim to the Mulkarkha Lake is a beautiful one. It’s rare to have a trek that will give you glimpses of peaks like the Kanchenjunga over just a weekend. 

The trek to Mulkarkha lake goes through small villages of Jhusing, Tagathan, Mularkha and Aritar on the borders with Sikkim-West Bengal. There are dense forests, streams and waterfalls along the way. In monsoon, you can expect the forest trails to be a bit muddy and slushy. You can either do this trek within a day, or you can spread it over two days by staying in the home stays along the way. 

Starting point of the trek: Rhenock
How far is it from Kolkata: 670 km 
Best way to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/Jioq6eUZp7uAWzWz5

You’ll find all details about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/mulkarkha-lake-trek

The Mulkarkha Lake in Sikkim. Picture by Sushobhan Roy

That brings me to the end of this list. I’m hoping to continue to add more and more to this list, from different states as well. 

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

If you need specific recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask us. You're welcome to give us a call, or write to us on info@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 Documenter. 

It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country! 

Here are some great offbeat treks to do during monsoon around your city. You can easily do these on your own over a weekend or in a single day.

Offbeat Monsoon Treks To Do Near Your City

monsoon treks DIY treks treks near my city

After an incomplete trek in 2019 with IndiaHikes at Dayara Bugyal in Uttrakhand, I had decided to do one more with them in the future. And so mid in 2021, the gigantic mountains called me again. And this time from the Kashmir valley, the Tarsar Marsar Trek with IndiaHikes crew.

My two cents: On treks, set no expectations. Though technically you do, that is to complete and reach the summit. But my 2019 and 2021 experiences changed my trekking perspective. Is it the “place” or “people” or both that make the journey so memorable, I wonder…

We landed in Srinagar. Traveling from west of India from a hot and humid city, looking forward to pleasant weather in the Kashmir valley. Little did we know that 34°C would follow us till Srinagar, we got sunstruck. We all glanced at our backups ‘did I overpack warm clothes’?

We had to reach Pahalgam by evening, so we rushed out of the city at the earliest, grabbing the irresistible north Indian meal(parathas with maa ki daal). The drive on NH44 and NH501 was beautiful. As we crossed the highway, the lush green orchards and blush red apples tempted us to stop to try the apple juice. It was rejuvenating from a long traveling day and changing our taste buds from tadka masala to sweet and tangy.

Tarsar Marsar Trek with IndiaHikes

In the 15th century, Emperor Jahangir uttered these famous lines — “Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast.”

It translates to this – If there is ever a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here.

This is, of course, not a lone sentiment. In fact, we get to hear about the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir on a regular basis from our trekkers who head out to two of our most popular treks — the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and the Tarsar Marsar Trek. 

So, it comes as no surprise that many of our trekkers want to linger just a little longer and fall a little more in love with this slice of paradise. 

While we firmly believe that our treks are one of the best ways to view Kashmir in all its glory, we have put together a list of offbeat experiences and destinations that will allow you to gain a deeper appreciation of Kashmir’s beauty, culture, and history.  

The 13 km drive from Pahalgam to Aru Valley is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in Kashmir. The journey takes you right along the gushing white Lidder River even as it twists and turns and crashes into rocks, presenting a striking contrast against the green slopes and twinning with snow-dusted peaks in the distance. 

Vishnu, our Head of Operations who has traveled extensively in Kashmir, recalls the almost perfect beauty of this drive. “Not one tree is misplaced,” he says. 

Aru Valley is the basecamp of the Tarsar Marsar Trek and those who have signed up for this trail will get to ride this route. 

How to get there – Pahalgam is 91 km from Srinagar and it takes around 2.5 hours to cover this distance. You can get to Pahalgam by bus, shared jeep, or taxi.

Keep your camera ready for this ride! You will want to pull over your vehicle many times to take pictures of the scenery that unfolds in front of you. Picture by Vishnu Benne

While Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination, Vishnu recommends taking the Gondola ride for unforgettable views of Nanga Parbhat, the LOC, and the impressive Pir Panjal range. 

We have put together a list of offbeat experiences that will give you a deeper appreciation of Kashmir’s beauty, culture, and history.

Offbeat Treks

Treks by Categories

Treks by Month

Treks by Difficulty

Treks by Experience

Treks by Season

Treks by Duration

Treks by Region

Quick Links

Follow Us On

Contact Us

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office