Indiahikes Trekking Club

On July 19, 2025, a group of 32 members—including 4 enthusiastic young trekkers—from the Intrek Hyderabad Chapter came together for a meaningful cleanup drive at Ghar-e-Mubarak. The event was organized by Abdul, with support from Ajesh Sir.

Before the cleanup began, participants took a short nature walk through the area, soaking in the early morning serenity. The group spent time birdwatching and appreciating the natural surroundings—turning the day into both an environmental initiative and a moment of mindful connection with nature.

The cleanup drive saw impressive results, with the team collecting a total of 104 kilograms of waste, most of it plastic. The effort not only helped restore the area’s natural beauty but also sparked important conversations around sustainability, responsible outdoor behavior, and the impact of waste on our trails. The collected waste was responsibly handed over to the municipal authorities for proper disposal.

The event served as a reminder that small collective actions can create lasting change, and that protecting our trails begins with the people who walk them.

On July 12, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter of the Indiahikes Trekking Club embarked on an adventurous trek to the historic Bhuvanagiri Fort. Coordinated by Chirag and Abdul, the event brought together 14 trekkers for a memorable morning of exploration, challenge, and camaraderie.

The group began the day with an introduction to the Intrek Club’s vision and a short briefing on Green Trails—Indiahikes’ sustainability initiative. From there, the trek took two paths: while three members followed the traditional stone staircase, the remaining participants chose a more daring route—ascending via a steep rock face that required coordination, trust, and teamwork. This offbeat approach became a defining moment of the day, as trekkers helped each other navigate the slope, creating strong bonds in the process.

The highlight of the trek came near the summit with a thrilling 300-foot rappelling session. For many, it was their first time experiencing such an adrenaline-filled activity, adding excitement to the fort’s rich historical backdrop.

The event concluded with a reflective debrief, where members shared their experiences and learnings from the day. The energy and engagement sparked interest among several participants to take up leadership roles in future treks, marking the event not just as a physical adventure, but also a milestone in building community ownership.

Members of the Chennai Chapter gathered at the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest for a peaceful and enriching birdwatching and nature walk. This special event was hosted by an enthusiastic club member, supported by a dedicated volunteer team including Suresh Sir, Pavithraa, Pranav, Lakshmi, and others.

Participants began assembling well before the scheduled time of 5:45 AM, with all present by 6:00 AM—a testament to the shared excitement for the day ahead. Thanks to advance coordination with the forest department, the group’s entry was smooth and timely. The participants were then divided into three smaller groups, each led by a “birdie”—a birding expert—ensuring a focused and interactive experience.

The walk officially began at 6:30 AM after a briefing from the forest officials and helpful tips from the birdies. A last-minute addition of printed pamphlets featuring common birds of Tamil Nadu turned out to be a big hit, helping participants identify species and making the birding experience more engaging.

The trail, shaded and serene, offered more than just sights—the rich chorus of bird calls created an immersive soundscape that surrounded the group. One of the highlights was a tranquil break near a waterbody, where participants spotted vibrant waterhens and took the opportunity to enjoy the moment and snap photos.

Guided by Salil Nair, Hrishu, and Adithya, the participants gained insight into bird behavior and habitats. The knowledge and passion shown by the young birdies amazed everyone, and Salil Sir’s patient engagement made the walk especially meaningful for curious young minds. The binoculars added to the excitement, with several participants sharing their own to ensure everyone had a chance to spot birds up close.

After returning from the walk around 8:00 AM, the group gathered near the forest office for a final reflection, group photo, and a short talk on responsible hiking and nature appreciation. The event concluded with a strong sense of community and connection—not just to each other, but to the natural world.

This birdwatching walk was not just a morning outdoors; it was a celebration of curiosity, collaboration, and the quiet joy of observing life beyond the usual trails. For many, it was a reminder that even within city limits, nature offers a space to reconnect and rediscover.

On July 6, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter held its second Walk & Run event at KBR Park as part of a monthly initiative to build physical endurance and overall fitness for long-duration treks organized by Indiahikes. A total of 19 participants joined the session, making steady progress in building a stronger and more active trekking community.

To cater to varying fitness levels, participants were offered three route options:
A – Full 10 km run
B – 8 km walk & run combination
C – 5 km walk

Seven members opted for the full 10 km run, six chose the mixed walk-run format, and the remaining participants completed the 5 km walk. The event, initially scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM, kicked off around 6:20 AM and concluded by 8:00 AM.

KBR Park, known for its biodiversity and clean surroundings, features two distinct circuits. The outer circle, which is open to the public and free of cost, spans 5 km and includes a mix of climbs, steps, and gentle slopes—ideal for challenging cardio sessions. The inner circle, a 4.6 km loop inside the protected reserve forest (with an entry fee of ₹50), offers a comparatively flat route. It is well maintained, with clean restrooms every 1.5 km, open workout zones, and frequent sightings of peacocks and other birds.

The event was not only a physical workout but also a way for members to connect with nature and one another. As this monthly tradition continues, it’s gradually becoming a cornerstone in preparing Hyderabad trekkers for more demanding trails ahead.

The Survival in Open Waters & Introduction to Freediving workshop, held on [insert date if needed], became more than just a training session—it was a powerful personal milestone for many participants. Designed for beginners, including several non-swimmers and those with a deep fear of water, the session offered a safe and supportive entry into the world of freediving.

Among the participants was someone who had long struggled with water anxiety, despite a deep love for the ocean. Past attempts at swimming and scuba diving had ended in frustration and fear. Yet, the drive to overcome this fear led them to join this workshop—and they weren’t alone.

Led by Intrek member and freediving coach Rajesh, along with Harish, Siva, and a passionate volunteer team, the workshop began with a beachside briefing and transitioned into an immersive pool session. The energy shifted from cautious curiosity to joy and laughter as the group warmed up to the water. Through structured instruction followed by small-group practice sessions, most participants were surprised at how quickly they picked up essential survival and freediving techniques.

A standout moment was the support and warmth offered by coach Kirthana, whose patience and approachability helped many participants feel comfortable and confident in the water. Over the course of 3.5 to 4 hours, the group didn't just learn to stay afloat—they began to enjoy being in the water.

The core message of the workshop, drawn from the Freediving Coaches’ Organization of Asia (FCOA), resonated strongly: “Everyone must freedive because it might just save our lives.” For many, freediving felt more accessible and empowering than scuba—simpler, more intuitive, and deeply freeing.

The workshop left participants with not only new skills, but a renewed sense of confidence, connection, and curiosity. It was a powerful reminder that fear can be overcome—with the right support, knowledge, and community.

On June 28 and 29, 2025, a total of 38 members from the Hyderabad Chapter completed two back-to-back treks to the scenic Ananthagiri Hills. The event was organized by Abdul and coordinated by Krishna, offering participants a peaceful and refreshing weekend in nature.

The trekkers explored a serene bird-watching point, open grasslands, and sections of the surrounding forest. Along the way, they spotted a variety of birds and passed under the canopy of ancient trees believed to be hundreds of years old. The sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the soft crunch of forest paths added to the immersive experience.

The batch on June 28 took a slightly different route, discovering a new return trail through the forest. The sense of adventure, spontaneous exploration, and camaraderie made the journey memorable for all involved.

The success of both treks reaffirmed the joy of outdoor connection and the importance of thoughtful planning and teamwork in making group events meaningful and smooth.

On June 29, 2025, twenty-four members of the Bangalore Chapter gathered for a nature walk through Lal Bagh, led by Sujatha, Basava, and Ishita. The walk offered a slower, more observant exploration of the park’s hidden biodiversity.

Basava guided the birding enthusiasts, while Ishita led a group focused on spotting small critters—spiders, ants, fungi, and insects hiding in plain sight. The group paused to observe a cotton stainer bug (a true bug), a gasteracantha spider tending her web, remnants of wasp larvae cocoons, and a firefly resting on tree bark. A nest of big-banded hornets and weaver ant nests added excitement to the trail. A lone Ganoderma mushroom was also spotted during the walk.

Among bird sightings, participants observed several water birds including little grebes, painted storks, moorhens, pond herons, and all three types of cormorants. A vernal hanging parrot and a misidentified juvenile black kite added to the morning’s birdwatching highlights.

Though the group walked less than a kilometer from the West Gate, the experience felt rich and immersive. Many shared that they had visited Lal Bagh before, but this time they truly noticed its hidden wonders. It was a morning of mindful exploration, connection, and discovery—proof that even familiar places have new stories to tell when seen through a curious lens.

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.