Indiahikes Trekking Club

On June 1, 2025, a group of enthusiastic and curious participants — mostly non-swimmers — gathered in the morning at the Kottivakkam pool on ECR for a workshop on survival in open water and freediving. Led by Intrek member and freediving coach Rajesh and his team, the workshop began with an insightful introduction to freediving, water safety, and FCOA (Freediving Coaches’ Organization of Asia).

Participants learned what to do, what not to do, and how to communicate safely while in and under the water. All this theory was put into practice through guided sessions and demonstrations by the team of coaches. The group thoroughly enjoyed their time in the pool, turning from strangers into dive buddies by the end of the workshop — many even chose to pursue a freediving certification afterwards.

One key takeaway from the workshop was a powerful reminder: “It takes a lot of effort to drown, but very little to stay afloat and save oneself — all you need is knowledge.”

On May 25, 2025, a group of 23 trekking enthusiasts from the Chennai Chapter set out at dawn from Poonamallee, heading toward the scenic Nagari Hills in Andhra Pradesh. The goal for this second visit was twofold: to reach the second waterfall as a group and to continue onward on an exploratory trek toward the summit with trekkers ready for tougher terrain.

After a hearty breakfast at a local eatery, the team assembled at the base of Nagari Hills for a quick photo session and briefing before beginning the ascent. The trail to the first and second waterfalls passed through shaded, forested terrain—an unexpected relief from the summer heat. The entire group reached the second waterfall, where they paused to rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

From there, a smaller team of 15 trekkers pushed forward for the exploratory leg. With the aid of GPX tracks and visual markers, they navigated a challenging route filled with slippery boulders and uneven terrain. A small natural water source midway provided a welcome break. Eventually, the team reached a flat ridge area near the summit, where they regrouped under open skies, shared snacks, and captured some memorable moments together.

After regrouping at the second waterfall pool, the full team had lunch near the first waterfall and began their descent to the base. Compared to their previous visit, this trek covered significantly more ground and unveiled new terrain. The event marked a meaningful milestone in the chapter’s ongoing exploration efforts and left everyone with memories of camaraderie, challenge, and discovery.

On May 24, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter organized an early morning trek to the historic Bhuvanagiri Fort, blending heritage exploration with high-adrenaline adventure. Coordinated by local community members and supported by a regional rock climbing school, the event featured a rugged off-route ascent, 300-foot rappelling, and sweeping views from the fort's ancient summit.

The team began the trek at 6:30 AM, choosing a more challenging route that bypassed the usual stone steps. This offbeat trail introduced trekkers to steep scrambles and exposed rocky patches, adding a sense of thrill to the morning hike. By 8:00 AM, the group reached the top, where they took in panoramic views of the Telangana landscape and shared a light breakfast.

The adventure continued around 10:00 AM with rappelling from the fort walls. While many had initially signed up for a 150-foot descent, several participants were inspired by the experience and pushed themselves to attempt the full 300-foot rappel. Some also tried out a zipline setup by the climbing school. All activities wrapped up by noon, followed by a short debrief session.

The event reflected the chapter’s growing spirit of adventure and camaraderie, while also emphasizing the importance of preparation and safety in technical outdoor activities.

On a serene Saturday morning, 26 members from the Bangalore Chapter gathered at Avalahalli Forest in North Bangalore for a guided nature walk. Led by certified Nature Guides from Indiahikes, the event offered participants a chance to slow down and engage deeply with the rich biodiversity found within this urban forest.

In a remarkable moment of stillness and curiosity, the group spent over an hour exploring just a 50-meter stretch of the park, captivated by the life teeming around them. They spotted and learned about ants, cicadas, spiders, fungi, termites, and various other forms of flora and fauna, gaining a new appreciation for the forest's delicate ecosystems.

Some participants took time to engage with nature using their senses—touch, smell, sound—and recorded their observations through mindful journaling. The walk concluded with a heartfelt sharing circle, where many reflected on how this experience mirrored the peace, curiosity, and connection they typically find during treks. Several members expressed a renewed perspective on urban biodiversity and a stronger commitment to protecting it.

This event showcased how even a quiet walk in an urban forest can foster deep awareness, reflection, and a lasting bond with nature.

Over the weekend of [insert actual date if known], trekkers from the Chennai and Bangalore chapters came together for a two-day exploration trek around the Spice Valley Campsite in Kodaikanal. The event featured two highly rewarding treks covering a total of 20 km and 3,500 feet of elevation gain.

On Day 1 (Saturday), the group trekked 8 km to the stunning Anju Veedu waterfalls, with a gradual elevation gain of 1,000 feet. The highlight of the day was the final half-kilometer stretch—a steep and challenging descent and ascent that tested the team’s stamina and teamwork. The effort was well worth it, with the waterfall providing a breathtaking reward at the end of the trail.

Day 2 (Sunday) brought a more exploratory experience as the team ventured on the Avocado Hill loop trek. Covering 12 km and gaining 2,500 feet in elevation, the route passed through multiple ridge lines and summits, offering expansive viewpoints and peaceful forest paths. The trail was largely unexplored, adding an adventurous edge to the journey and leaving participants with a strong sense of discovery.

This cross-chapter collaboration not only showcased the natural beauty of the Kodaikanal region but also strengthened community bonds through shared adventure and exploration.

On May 11, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter—already over 500 members strong—held its first official meet-up and trek at Forest Trek Park in Chilkur. The venue, located within city limits, was chosen to ensure easy accessibility while introducing participants to a lush, lesser-known green space in their own backyard.

The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of 73 members, ranging in age from under 10 to over 60. Most participants arrived before the scheduled meeting time of 5:50 AM, and after a round of brief introductions, the trek commenced promptly at 6:00 AM. The curated trail led participants past scenic ponds and between boulder-strewn hillocks, including striking natural rock formations like one popularly referred to as the “Baby Elephant.” The group also ascended a small hillock and a watchtower to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The closing session included a briefing on upcoming events and an open call for suggestions on future venues. The presence of Lakshmi and Hiket from Indiahikes added depth to the gathering, reinforcing the club’s shared mission. The success of this inaugural meet-up inspired a second event at the same venue just a week later, on May 18, attended by 40 new members.

This milestone marks the beginning of an active and growing trekking culture in Hyderabad, with strong participation and community engagement from the outset.

On May 4, 2025, a team of 32 trekkers from the Bangalore chapter of the Indiahikes Trekking Club participated in a sunrise-cleanup trek to Uttari Betta (Hutridurga), coordinated by club member Sanjay Kumar V H.

The group collected over 60.6 kilograms of waste from the trail in just a few hours, venturing beyond the main path to clean around the mountain and ensure no hidden spots were overlooked. Their efforts left the hill visibly cleaner and set a strong example for other visitors.

On the descent, the team’s actions inspired fellow trekkers, some of whom joined in the cleanup spontaneously. Another group greeted them with applause, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The event highlighted the collective spirit and commitment of the team to preserving the natural beauty of trekking trails.

On April 26, 2025, members from the Bangalore and Chennai chapters came together for their first combined event—an overnight stargazing and camping experience at Stream Side, Yelagiri, followed by a morning trek.

The stargazing session began around 11 PM on a new moon night, offering dark skies ideal for viewing. While cloud cover occasionally obscured the Milky Way, participants were treated to sightings of the Lyrids meteor shower—spotting both bright, short-lived meteors and longer-tailed streaks across the sky. The session continued late into the night, offering a peaceful and immersive skywatching experience.

Trekkers woke to a soft sunrise viewed from their tents and enjoyed a refreshing dip in a nearby well, with life jackets and safety gear provided. Around 11 AM, the group set out on a short 1.5 km forest trek to a hidden waterfall. Although the waterfall had mostly dried up due to the summer heat, the trail offered a pleasant walk through shaded woodland. Permissions for the forest route were arranged in advance by Stream Side.

While the natural highlights were modest, the event served as a meaningful opportunity for inter-chapter bonding. Trekkers exchanged stories, shared their experiences with Intrek events, and strengthened the growing sense of community across regions.

On April 26, members of the Intrek Club gathered at the Indiahikes office for a hands-on workshop focused on understanding topographical maps and GPX files. The session aimed to strengthen the community’s documentation skills, especially for pre-trek planning and route analysis.

Participants explored the technical aspects of reading contour lines, interpreting elevation profiles, and navigating with GPX data. The interactive format allowed for open discussions, practical demonstrations, and real-world examples from past treks. This workshop marks another step in Intrek’s mission to empower members with the skills needed for detailed and reliable trekking documentation.

Securing a slot for the Agasthyakoodam Trek is no easy feat. When registrations opened, three InTrek Club members managed to grab a spot in just 43 seconds. But as the trek dates approached, two had to drop out. That didn’t stop Sruthi from going ahead and completing the trek solo.

The trek covered 22 km through forests, boulder sections, and open grasslands. Along the way, she crossed waterfalls and climbed steep stretches, including a rope-assisted boulder climb. Sruthi shared that the highlight was the summit view at 6,129 ft, where she saw the Western Ghats stretching endlessly into the mist. 

A few takeaways from her experience: some sections were hot in February, but the forest cover and wind helped. A medical certificate is mandatory. The stay was basic but clean, and every trekker had to take a river bath before entering the campsite.

Agasthyakoodam remains one of the hardest treks to access, making it all the more special. Sruthi’s journey is a reminder that with the right mindset, even a solo trek can be an unforgettable experience.

When Swaroop from InTrek Club shared his experience of a stunning trek in Agumbe, it immediately sparked interest. Without much debate, a group of twelve members decided to take on the trail, setting out on February 22 to explore it together.

Right from the start, the trek felt different. Unlike the more crowded trails in the Western Ghats, they had this one all to themselves. It made the experience even more special—they could stay together, walk at their own pace, and soak in the wilderness without distractions.

The trail had everything—open grasslands, dense forests, and a steep climb to the peak. It was around 17 km long, and while it wasn’t easy, it was manageable with moderate fitness. The real highlight was Barkana Waterfalls, a breathtaking viewpoint where they paused to take in the vast mountain ranges ahead. It was the perfect spot to rest and refuel.

The afternoon heat posed a challenge at times, but it did not deter their progress. The group remained motivated, maintaining a steady pace and supporting each other throughout the trek. By the end of the day, they had successfully completed the trail, marking yet another memorable adventure for the InTrek Club.