If you think that there are not any trekking places in India that would work for you, chances are you are wrong. We know that trekking can be intimidating but it does not have to be.

The word ‘to trek’ originally means ‘a long journey on foot.’ Walking, climbing with a backpack and a bottle of water is what comes into our mind the moment we come across the word – “trek”. Generally, when you would think of trekking you might think about the Himalayan ranges. This ends all our plans to trek anything. We begin to wonder about the training and sweat that goes into the preparations behind it.

However, we have got you covered! Beginners can have their go’s at trekking too! There are various versions of treks that you can go on for holidays and they do not require any major preparations. And if you are not a beginner and want a trek that challenges you, there might just be a surprise climb for you to try out.

trekking places in India you should consider

1. Ramakkalmedu, Idukki Kerala

Altitude 981 metres

The hills of Ramakkalmedu in the Western Ghats, located in the Idukki district of Kerala might be one of the scenic trekking places in India. It has the most beautiful hill stations. Ramakkalmedu trek offers panoramic views of several hamlets of Tamil Nadu. The astonishing feature of the Ramakkalmedu is the historical monument of Kuravan and Kurathi, a huge statue that illustrates the Sangam period of Kerala. Ramakkalmedu is considered as the land where Lord Rama set his “holy foot”. It is a peak from where you can enjoy views of valleys and meadows underneath.

Bus services from Munnar, Kottayam and Ernakulam reach the hills of Ramakkalmedu.

2. Agasthyamalai, bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Altitude: 1868 meters

This trekking place in India has a cultural and religious background. It has an interesting myth attached to it. This 1,868-metre-tall peak in the Western Ghats borders Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Agasthyamalai has a conical profile. It has very steep slopes consisting of valleys with dense tropical rainforest, and jagged peaks. Agasthyamalai is named after the sage Agasthya. Sage Agasthya is known for remedial medicines and is mostly depicted with a stone crusher in one hand. This mountain is known for its medicinal plants.

Oh and about that myth; when Lord Shiva’s and Parvathy’s marriage was announced, all creatures moved to the north of Kailas to be witnesses. As a result of this, a tilt had occurred on earth. To rectify this, sage Agasthya was asked to go south and meditate on the Agasthya mountains to put the earth back in balance.

There is a small shrine on top of the mountain. This trek might be difficult for beginners. It takes around 2-3 days to climb. Fortunately, it has been made easier. There is a pilgrim pathway, with forest officials around. Buses are available, or you can also take a cab to the village of Bonacaud from where you can walk for 15 minutes to the entry of forest office. This forest area offers to be amazing trekking place in India that turns out to be one of the most adventurous.

3. Kodachadri Trek

Altitude: 1,343 meters

This is one of the best trekking places in India for beginners. The backdrop to the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kodachadri hills is famous for its glorious sunrises and sunsets. At an altitude of 1343 m above sea level, it can be reached in five hours. Trekking the Kodachadri hill is considered a spiritual experience. The trek involves a climb of 4 km through thick jungle trails.

The best way to reach Kodachadri is by arriving at Kollur town. Kollur is 130 km from Mangaluru airport. There are private buses between Kollur and Mangalore. On reaching Kollur one can avail of the services of Jeeps. As they can help with the hill roads which are dangerous and can be unsuitable for normal vehicles. However, do beware of leeches and slippery roads, during the monsoon seasons.

Main attractions here include Hidlumane Waterfalls, Ganesha Guha and Sarvanja Peetha.  

4. Kudremukh Trek

Altitude: 1894 meters

Kudremukh is one of the most famous trekking places in India. The word ‘Kudremukh’ literally means horse’s face in Kannada. It is located in the heart of the western ghats in the Chikkamagaluru district. Kudremukh peak has a unique structure that looks like a horse’s face.  To reach the peak, you would have to trek through the shola forest. The forest is home to many wildlife like deer, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, leopard, common langur etc. One can see many waterfalls and small streams on the way.

If you are from Bangalore, then this would be the perfect weekend getaway for you. The distance between Bangalore and Kudremukh is 331.1 km. Trekking in Kudremukh can be a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

The main Attractions here are Kudremukh National Park where one can view and study several wildlife species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, etc.

Also Read: 60 best weekend getaways from Bangalore

5. Bhimashankar

Altitude: 3250 feet

Bhimashankar is about 275 km from Mumbai and so can be a weekend getaway from Mumbai. Bhimashankar Sidhi Ghat Trek is 3250 feet high and begins from Khandas village. There is a Shiva temple at the summit and the Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of endangered species of flora and fauna.

Bhimashankar is loaded with adventure made of stream crossings, ladders, and rock climbing. If you are a photographer, this trek will provide you with some of the best wildlife photographs. At an altitude of 3500 ft, this trek is moderately difficult. This is one of the best trekking places in India as it has ample waterfalls, meadows, forests, caves, fog, rocky patches.

6. Ratangad Trek

Altitude: 4,255 ft

At an altitude of 4,255 ft, Ratangad is a part of the Kalsubai range. IT is home to some of  the highest peaks in the Sahyadris. The Ratangad fort is almost 400 years old. The fort in Ratan Wadi, Maharashtra, India is situated amidst the thick wildernesses of Western Ghat. The trail goes through thick forests along the northern bank of the Pravara River. Many routes lead to the summit of the Fort and the trekking is an uphill trail with some rising and falling. The trail primarily traverses through village fields. This trail also leads you to the Bhandardara dam. There are ladders that take you to the top.

One of the main attractions of the trek is the 1,200-year-old Amruteshwar Shiva. It is a temple constructed during the 9th century, in the Hemadpanti architectural style. The Ratangard fort has four gates doors – Ganesh Darvaja, Hanuman Darvaja, Konkan Darvaja, and Trimbak Darvaja. It is a must-see for every trekker!

7. Matheran

Matheran hill station is considered to be one of the best trekking places in India. All thanks to its lack of traffic. In other words, motor vehicles are banned here. There are many trekking routes, namely:

• Garbett Point Trek from Bhivpuri Road Station
• Dodhani Village to Sunset Point Trek
• One Trek Hill Trek
• Peb Fort Trek

Since Matheran is only 100 km away, buses and trains are available. At a distance of 100 km from Mumbai, t  Perched amidst the densely forested Sahyadri mountain ranges Matheran has many delightful trekking spots like Chanderi Caves, Kalavantin Peak, Vikatgad, and Garbett Plateau. The difficulty of these treks vary from easy to moderate and the best time for trekking is between October and February. A very trekker friendly place, almost all trails of Matheran are marked with defined boards and signs have structured steps wherever required, and also provides safe camping sites

8. Anamudi Peak

Altitude: 2,695 meters

The Everest of South India, Anamudi is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. At an elevation of 2,695 meters, the shape of this peak resembles an elephant’s head. This peak has Asia’s largest surviving Asian Elephant population.

One of the most prominent peaks in South India, conquered by General Douglas Hamilton from the Madras army in 1862. It is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. Greenery with trees like bamboo, black wood and teak by greenery with trees like bamboo, black wood and teak.s

One of the most astonishing sights that occur on this peak is the blooming of Neela Kurinji flowers. Anamudi attracts many tourists to this area for its spectacular view. Photographers, trekkers, and explorers are going to love this peak because of the gushing rivers, the tea plantations, and the dense wildlife.

9. Chembra

Altitude 2,100 meters

Chembra is the highest peak in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is known for its full-day trekking package made available by the forest department. Over 2,100 m above sea level, this peak offers a breath-taking view of rare flora and fauna. Very picturesque, Chembra peak has a heart-shaped lake that never dries up even in Summer. The trail begins from the forest office and has a muddy road. You can see that the landscape changes from tea plantations to dense forests and grasslands, on both sides of these trails.

The nearest town is Meppadi and buses ply between Kalpetta to Meppadi and from there to Chembra. Trekking to the Chembra Peak can be a moderately difficult task. It is recommended for trekkers who are in good physical health.

10. Nelliyampathy

The majestic Nelliyampathy Hill ranges located in the town of Nenmara in the Palghat district of Kerala are breathtaking. Hills from 467 m to 1,572 m in height, offers a fantastic view of Palghat. As the hairpin road winds up all the way to Nelliyampathy the views are magnificent. Evergreen forests, orange, tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations enriched with spectacular valleys surround these hills. It is clearly an exotic location.

Also, Nelliyampathy Hill is known as ‘Poor man’s Ooty’. Apart from the trekking trails, some of the other attractions are Parambikullam, Mayiladumpara, Pothundi dam etc.