Indiahikes Trekking (InTrek) Club

On August 3, 2025, the Bangalore Chapter of the Indiahikes Trekking Club celebrated Friendship Day with an adventurous trek to Siddarabetta, coordinated by Sanjay. The group of 28 members began with an introduction to the Intrek Club’s vision and a Green Trails sustainability briefing.

A small mix-up in finding the correct starting point—between the forest and temple routes—added a touch of fun to the morning. The trail, rated moderate, was enjoyed by all and felt relatively easy. The highlight came with nearly two hours of barefoot cave exploration near the temple, reminiscent of Anthargange but with even more intrigue.

Trekkers supported each other through tricky slopes, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. The day closed with a reflective debrief, inspiring several participants to consider leadership roles for future events. The trek was more than just an outing—it was a celebration of friendship, exploration, and community.

On August 3, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter hosted its third monthly Walk & Run event at the scenic Durgam Cheruvu Lake. Designed to build physical endurance for long-duration treks, the session attracted 12 participants, ranging in age from 13 to 65.

To suit different fitness levels, members could choose between a full 7.5 km run or a 3.5 km walk-run. Six participants opted for the longer route, while the rest enjoyed the mixed-pace option. The lake’s 3.6 km track, framed by the iconic cable bridge, offered a mix of climbs, steps, and rolling plains, surrounded by well-maintained greenery and exotic trees from countries like Indonesia and the Philippines.

The event began at 6:30 am and concluded by 8:00 am, leaving participants energized for the day. Alongside fitness, the gathering fostered camaraderie and appreciation for the natural setting, complete with open workout spaces and opportunities for yoga and calisthenics.

On July 26–27, 2025, the Bangalore Chapter embarked on its first-ever herping trip—an exploration of reptiles and amphibians—at Thirthahalli in the Western Ghats. A group of 20 enthusiastic members arrived at Balagatte Homestay, their base for the weekend, greeted by classic Malnad monsoon weather and an early visitor—a green vine snake spotted right outside the dormitory.

After a hearty homemade lunch, the group gathered for an insightful session by herping expert Mr. Vinay, who introduced them to the biodiversity of the region, animal behavior patterns, and what to expect during the night herping walk. The session, rich with fascinating photos and anecdotes, set the tone for the evening adventure.

By 7:30 PM, equipped with ponchos, headlights, and a healthy dose of excitement, the group ventured out into the dark rainforest. Despite heavy rain, the trail revealed a stunning variety of frogs—including the Malabar gliding frog—along with frog eggs that resembled strings of pearls, cicadas in the middle of moulting, fruit bats, lizards, and night birds. While the group hoped to spot more snakes such as the cobra, krait, or Malabar pit viper, those species remained elusive. A late-night road patrol also yielded no sightings.

The following morning, after a relaxed breakfast, the group hiked up to Navilu Kallu Gudda, a hilltop known for its panoramic views and literary connection to Dr. Kuvempu. The short hike rewarded everyone with sweeping views of the mist-draped Western Ghats—an awe-inspiring end to an already immersive trip.

The experience was a first for many and a meaningful expansion of what trekking with Intrek can offer—beyond summits and trails, into the fascinating, hidden world of the rainforest at night.

On July 26, 2025, a group of 27 mindful trekkers from the Hyderabad Chapter undertook a monsoon documentation trek to the Chincholi Forest, organized by trek leader Krishna and supported by Abdul and Ajesh. This was the chapter’s first monsoon trek of the season—and it brought with it the lush greenery, dramatic skies, and flowing streams reminiscent of treks in the Sahyadris.

The team followed an 8 km trail through the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, navigating dense forest cover, muddy patches, and seasonal streams in full flow. Around 6 km into the trail, they encountered a swollen forest river, its waters chest-deep and flowing with considerable force due to persistent rains. Prioritizing the safety of the group, the trek leader made the decision not to cross the river. As a result, the section of forest beyond remains unexplored and has been earmarked for a future visit during the dry season.

Despite this natural limitation, the team covered significant ground and gathered valuable insights for documentation. The report is currently being compiled and will soon be published on the Indiahikes portal, complete with trail details and trek conditions.

This trek marked another step forward in the club’s ongoing mission to explore and document lesser-known trails, while nurturing a deeper connection with nature.

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.