NARMADA BACKWATERS TREK

Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills.

Have questions? Speak to our expert Trek Advisors

We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.Talk to our Trek Advisors

TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

TREK DURATION

3 Days

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CLOSEST AIRPORT

Vadodara

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SUITABLE FOR

7 to 62 years

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

16 kms

BASECAMP

Kherwada

ACCOMMODATION TYPE

Tents

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PICKUP POINT

Vadodara junction Railway Station

Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills

We'll admit it. Even before we set foot on the Narmada Backwaters trek, we were already impressed by trekking in Madhya Pradesh. If you're not aware, we opened up the Pench Tiger Trail in 2024, and trekkers have been loving it.

We were wondering if another trek in Madhya Pradesh would match up to the beauty.

So when our chief explorer, Nitesh Kumar, returned from the Narmada Backwaters Trek, it was the first question we asked him. Here's what he had to say: "Even though I have been exploring treks in MP since 2017, this place is unlike any other. I saw waterfalls, hilltops, streams and the whole backwaters, all within two days. I never thought such a place existed!"

Trekker Reviews

Dr. Khushbu R. Pargi

Radiologist, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

It was an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with cultural richness

The Narmada backwaters was an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with cultural richness. Watching the perfect orange haze of the setting sun over the serene Narmada back waters from the...Read More

Rashmi G

Freelance software developer, Homemaker

My heart is light , mind is clearer and yes the trek did transform me.

I came on this trek with a heavy heart, lot of confusion, uncertainty. I really wanted to see if the treks can transform someone. The Kherwada house reminded me of my childhood memories in my grandpa...Read More

Dr. Khushbu R. Pargi

Radiologist, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

It was an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with cultural richness

Rashmi G

Freelance software developer, Homemaker

My heart is light , mind is clearer and yes the trek did transform me.

Narmada Backwaters Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on any trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Narmada Backwaters trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

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Day 1: Drive from Vadodara to Kherwada Village. The trek to Gawani waterfall and back.

Drive Distance: 127 kilometres | Drive Duration: 3 hours

Trek Distance: 1.5 kilometres one way | Trek Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Highlight: A beautiful multistep waterfall

Reach Vadodara on the previous day. There are several stay options near Vadodara Junction Railway station and Vadodara airport.

On Day 1, the Indiahikes team will pick you up from either of the pickup points. This is not a part of your trek fee. Share the vehicle fee among yourselves and pay the driver directly. Let your Experience Coordinator know of your pickup point in advance. (Pickup points mentioned in the 'How to Reach the Basecamp' section.) Reach the basecamp.

Kherwada is a small village in the interiors of the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The village is inhibited by tribal communities. They are warm people who coexist with the land. But they come out as shy and reserved as the area is untouched by commercialization.

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Reach Vadodara on the previous day. There are several stay options near Vadodara Junction Railway station and Vadodara airport.

You will take approximately 3 hours to reach Kherwada, where you will stop at a homestay. From here you trek through a gorge for 1.5 kilometres. At end of this trail will leave you awestruck. A beautiful multistep waterfall comes out as surprise. And the gorge is the only entry and exit point to it.

From here, you trek back to the homestay and rest for night.

Day 2

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Day 2: Drive from Kherwada to Khadambli. Then trek from Khadambli to Chilakda.

Drive Distance: 10 kilometres | Drive Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Trek Distance: 6 kilometres | Trek Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlight: Camping experience beside the Narmada backwaters

10 minutes as you start trekking, you get the first view of the grand Narmada backwaters. And this keeps getting grander as you walk.

As you reach Chilakda, you will realise the grandiosity of the Narmada river. Chilakda is an even smaller village with a fishing culture. And camping beside the backwaters, below a starry night, will be an experience to remember.

Day 1 Day 3

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10 minutes as you start trekking, you get the first view of the grand Narmada backwaters. And this keeps getting grander as you walk.

Day 1 Day 3

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Day 3: Trek from Chilakda Camp to Jalsindhi Top and back to Khodamba; Drive to Vadodara

Drive Distance: 150 kilometres | Drive Duration: 4 hours

Trek Distance: 6 kilometres | Trek Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlight: Jalsindhi Top view point.

It is a 1 kilometre, 70 degree steep climb which the the first and last difficult section of the trek. But once you reach the top, the view will just leave you speechless. It feels like you are sitting on a drone, as the Jalsindhi ridge gets thinner descending into the Narmada river.

Here you witness the convergence of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat from a single vantage point.

After spending some time at Jalsindhi Top, retrace your steps for a kilometer. Then you start a 2.5 km trek towards Khodamba roadhead where the offroad vehicles will be waiting for you.

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After spending some time at Jalsindhi Top, retrace your steps for a kilometer. Then you start a 2.5 km trek towards Khodamba roadhead where the offroad vehicles will be waiting for you.

The Indiahikes team will drop you at either of the drop points after the trek. This is not a part of your trek fee. Share the vehicle fee among yourselves and pay the driver directly. Let your Experience Coordinator know of your drop point in advance. (Pickup points mentioned in the 'How to Reach the Basecamp' section.)

Day 2

Packing List

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Narmada Backwaters trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Shoes and backpack

Shoes with good grip (non-waterproof trail running shoes or non-waterproof shoes with good grip)
Sandals
40-45 litres backpack with rain cover
A dry sack or a polybag

Warm Layers and Clothes

Warm layers: 1 layer (1 light sweater will suffice)
3 full-sleeved T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Accessories

Sunglasses
Sun cap (Available for purchase), preferably with flaps
4 pairs of socks (normal cotton/ sport high ankle socks. Waterproof socks are a bonus.) (Waterproof socks are available for purchase)
Headlamp + Extra Batteries
Trekking poles
Rain jacket + pants / Poncho

Toiletries:

Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Light towel
Lip balm or vaseline
Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hand Sanitizer
Odomos or any other insect repellant
Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes/sanitary waste)

Cutlery:

Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug
Two water bottles

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

PRO TIPS

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and 2 (two) photocopies of government identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
1 (one) passport-size photographs. This is required to obtain the trekking permits
Personal Medical Form and Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate

Please note: Trekkers above the age of 58 need to submit both the certificates mentioned under points 3 and 4

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.

Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)
Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)
Band-Aid – 4 strips
ORS – 4 packets
Volini Spray - aches, & sprains
Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury
Anti Fungal Powder
Odomos or any other insect repellent

Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.

We recommend walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.

It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.

Fitness Target

To do the Narmada Backwaters Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 50 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.

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Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.

To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:

Cardiovascular endurance
Muscle strength

If you are not currently active, follow the below schedule to get trek fit in 6 weeks!

A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Narmada Backwaters Trek

Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.

| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.

Strength Training Schedule:

Narmada Backwaters Trek Strength Training Plan

Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.

Note:

Alternatives to 10 Standard Pushups = (2 x 10 = 20 knee pushups) = (2 x 20 = 40 wall pushups)
Alternative to 20 full squats = (2 x 20 = 40 half squats)
If you are not able to complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example: If you are not able to complete 30 seconds of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 15 seconds each.
After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.
Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.

Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.

Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.

What happens if you are not fit:

You do not enjoy the trek
You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designed for you.

The good part is it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your trek begins.

We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.

Photo Gallery

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.