Top Treks in South India

If you wish to explore the great Himalayas but lack the skills for it, then you might consider undertaking the best treks in South India. The Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau together cover a large land mass of South India and have attracted trekkers for quite some time. Their relatively less height as compared to the North India Mountains makes them ideal for novices and even for those who have little trekking skills.

Though easier than the trekking regions in North India, hiking in South India can also be challenging. The hills and plateaus are considerably steep, and one has to put on a lot of effort to ascend them. In many regions, you might have to walk a dense forest on trails that may not be well marked. Sometimes you will have to walk on loose soil, vertical or barren cliffs, making climbing more demanding.

So, before you get started on the best treks in South India, first find out about your strength and stamina. It would be great if you start exercising before departing on such adventure. For the trek, remember to pick comfortable sports shoes that can give you a good amount of grip on the slopes. Also carry enough drinking water and healthy food, so that you can nourish your body whenever you feel tired.

Below listed are some of the Best Treks in South India

1. Nilgiris Green Lake Trek

Surrounded by beautiful dense forest, steep and rolling hills, and scenic meadows, the huge Green Lake in Nilgiris has a sight to behold and one of the best treks in Tamil Nadu. In order to reach the lake, the trek involves walks through the dense vegetation of bamboo, pine, and eucalyptus. And it does not end there; you will get a chance to explore the surrounding area of the lake that has a scenic view. It is a 6 days trail through the Nilgiris that crosses clear blue lakes, milky waterfalls, huge dams, green grassy meadows, and massive reservoirs.

2. Perumal trek, Kodaikanal

The Perumal Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Perumalmalai Hills. It is located approximately 11 km from Kodaikanal. In the Western Ghats, the trek begins at the Neutral Saddle – near Perumal Malai Village and soon you will be walking in the clouds by the time you reach the top. The city of Kodaikanal is located at a distance of 525 from the state. If you are considering the best treks in South India you can visit Perumal Trek.

3. Tadiyandamol Trek

Regarded as the highest peak in Karnataka, Tadiyandamol is a dream for all newbie or expert trekkers. With an elevation of 1,748 meters, the trek has a walking area through the Shola Forest, making it a good forest trekking destination and one of the best treks in South India. Tadiyandamol Trek offers enchanting views. This trek is not much challenging, being a favorite for everyone visiting Karnataka.

4. Makalidurga Trek, Bangalore

At a distance of approximately 59 Kilometers from Bangalore, Makalidurga is a popular trekking place. The hill stands tall at 4,430 feet and has an iconic hump shape that helps you in spotting it from a distance. When you reach the top, you will get a picture perfect view. On the one side, you will see the Gunjar Lake surrounded by wild grassland and manicured farm. From the other side, you will see similar hills surrounding the Makalidurga hill.

5. Narasimha Parvata Trek

Considered as one of the most challenging treks in India, Narasimha Parvata Trek needs to be climbed under the supervision of an expert. Not only because of the technicalities involved in the trekking but because of the hidden and camouflaged King Cobras present in the area! So, before you head towards the Narasimha Parvata sign up with a local guide and a trek operator, and only then take up this thrilling expedition.

The country doesn’t limit itself only in one direction when it comes to providing trekking locations. Both North and South have some uniqueness attached to it making it a trekking lover’s paradise. The Sothern part of India does not only display some majestic architecture or monuments, it is loaded with vast wildlife, coffee and tea plantation, and other hilly terrains that invites adventure seekers to explore the wild side of the trekking. Trekking tours in the grasslands of Munnar, rugged terrain of Coorg, and rainforest in Periyar are all nerve wrecking, but this is what adventure feels like.