InTrek (Indiahikes Trekking) Club

On 7th September 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter of InTrek Club organized its monthly Walk & Run event at Shri Kotla Vijaybhaskar Reddy Botanical Gardens, Kondapur. Thirteen participants joined, choosing from three options based on their fitness levels: a 6.7 km full run, a 3.5 km walk & run, and a 3.5 km walk. Five opted for the full run, six for the walk & run, and the rest for the walk.

The Botanical Gardens, known for its rich flora, walking tracks, and serene atmosphere, provided the perfect setting. Participants enjoyed the fresh aroma of trees, sightings of peacocks, and well-maintained pathways. The event also highlighted inclusivity, with the senior-most participant, aged 67, completing two full rounds with enthusiasm. The session began at 6:30 am and concluded around 8:00 am, leaving everyone energized and motivated for future treks.

On September 6–7, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter of InTrek Club successfully completed its first-ever two-day event, with 34 participants joining the Gandikota trek and Belum Caves exploration, coordinated by core member Nandu Gattu.

The journey began with a 7-hour drive from Hyderabad to Gandikota, where the group explored the stunning gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of India. Trekkers hiked down to the Pennar River, spent time by the water, and ended the day with a memorable sunset and group bonding.

The next morning, the team climbed Gandikota Fort to watch the sunrise and learn about its history from locals. The adventure continued with a visit to Belum Caves, the second-largest caves in India, where participants explored its long passages and unique rock formations.

The successful completion of this two-day event marks a milestone for the Hyderabad Chapter, inspiring more such treks in the future.

On September 7, 2025, a team of 26 trekkers from the Chennai Chapter set out on a journey to Puligundu Rock, located about three hours from Chennai.

The group successfully completed the climb of this striking twin rock formation, known for its steep ascent and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trek tested endurance while also offering a memorable experience of adventure and teamwork.

On August 30, 2025, a group of 30 members successfully completed a forest trek in Chincholi. Unlike the first documented trek, this trail was fully muddy with rocky patches, making it both challenging and exciting. The route passed through dense trees, grasslands, flat grounds, and steep boulders. Although the team could not cross the main river due to its heavy current and depth, they returned via an alternate path along the river, crossing smaller streams safely. The trek offered a refreshing mix of terrain and was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.

On August 30, 2025, the Chennai Chapter completed its first documentation trek to Nagari Nose, a prominent peak near the Andhra–Tamil Nadu border. The team trekked across grassy slopes, rocky paths, and steep ascents to reach the iconic nose-shaped summit, rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains. Beyond its natural beauty, Nagari Nose carries historical significance—fires were once lit at its peak to guide ships. For the trekkers, the experience combined both adventure and a connection to history.

On August 29, 2025, the Intrek Club organized a memorable trek to Netravathi, with participants coordinated seamlessly by Anusha. Starting from the homestay after breakfast, the group entered the forest by 9:00 am and was soon immersed in breathtaking landscapes—rushing streams, dense forests, and vast grasslands with shades of green. The trek tested fitness levels with steep inclines and false summits, but by 1:00 pm the team reached the peak, celebrating with cakes, snacks, and shared moments against stunning mountain views. After a debrief, the group descended and returned to the homestay by 4:00 pm. The event stood out not only for the beauty of Netravathi but also for the camaraderie built among participants of diverse ages and backgrounds.

On August 24, 2025, 64 participants—including 26 children, 33 parents, and 5 volunteers—successfully summited Vengundram Hill in a lively, educational trek designed for young adventurers.

The group began their ascent at 6:30 AM, carrying eco-bags as part of the Green Trails initiative. Along the trail, volunteers kept the children engaged with fun facts about local wildlife and flora, making the experience both exciting and informative.

The 3 km rocky trail offered plenty of adventure as the children navigated boulders, spotted mountain goats, and encountered playful monkeys. Reaching the summit, they were rewarded with panoramic views, taking time to refresh before starting the descent.

The trek was completed in just 3 hours, and true to the club’s zero-waste ethos, the team ensured the trail was left cleaner and greener than they found it.

On August 24, 2025, a team of 24 trekkers set out on a documentation trek to Bhairavadurga—one of the legendary Navadurgas and reputedly the toughest among them. Rising from the 3.5-billion-year-old Dharwar craton, Bhairavadurga is both a geological wonder and a true test of endurance.

Choosing an unmarked, lesser-known trail, the team navigated dense forests, steep rocky slopes, and rugged terrain, relying on topography and teamwork to progress. The climb demanded resilience, but it rewarded trekkers with a deep sense of adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes.

At 1,011 meters, the summit opened up a spectacular 360° panorama of surrounding ranges—Shivaganga, Chinnaga Betta, Minchinakallu, Hikkallu Betta, and beyond.

This trek not only marked a successful documentation but also reinforced the community’s commitment to preserving unexplored trails for future adventurers.

On August 16, 2025, the Hyderabad Chapter conducted its first regular trek to Koilkonda Fort after the documentation trek earlier in June. This event marked a significant milestone as it introduced the use of eco-bags for waste collection, aligning with Indiahikes’ Green Trails initiative.

Koilkonda, located about 130 km from Hyderabad, transforms into a lush green paradise during the late monsoon season, with the Koilsagar reservoir adding a stunning backdrop. Despite heavy rains in Hyderabad the previous night, 11 determined trekkers (out of 27 registered) showed up to make the most of the pleasant weather.

The prior documentation work proved invaluable, helping the group navigate the rocky terrain and tricky boulder climbs. To ensure safety, four skilled members assisted others at challenging sections. At the summit—a historic vantage point and ruined watchtower—trekkers enjoyed panoramic views of Koilsagar Lake, surrounding farmlands, and boulder-strewn hills.

A unique highlight was practicing Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing), suggested by a member, which brought a calming, reflective touch to the experience.

Koilkonda is generally an easy trek with pockets of moderate difficulty, making group travel advisable for safety. The trek concluded at 12 noon after a debrief and feedback session, reinforcing the spirit of learning and sustainability.

On August 17, 2025, a group of 10 trekkers, including a 9-year-old participant, set out on a documentation trek to Uttari Betta, near Bangalore. The primary objective was to prepare a detailed trail documentation report within seven days of trek completion.

Before the trek, participants received training on documentation techniques and were assigned specific pre-trek and post-trek responsibilities—a first-time experience for most of them.

The trail offered an engaging mix of rocky monolith climbs, grassy patches, and scenic viewpoints overlooking nearby villages and the Savanadurga summit. At the top sits a historic Shiva temple with a Nandi statue, adding cultural significance to the trek.

In line with the Green Trails initiative, the team collected 11.4 kg of trash on their descent—marking the highest amount of waste ever cleared during a documentation trek so far.

This trek not only mapped a popular trail but also showcased the power of community-driven sustainability and knowledge sharing.