Blessed with some of the most enchanting trekking trails, the Indian landscape offers so much more than just the Himalayas. No doubt, the Himalayas hold a special place in our hearts, but there is a multitude of hidden gems out there that still remain unexplored.
Here is a list of the top 10 treks other than the Himalayas that are equally enjoyable.
For city hustlers looking for a refreshing getaway, a trek in the hills of Wayanad is just what you need. Chembra trail is 2100m above sea level and offers a trek that can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family. Enjoy the stunning view of misty clouds at the summit and the heart-shaped lake and misty clouds at the summit. The trail is not very far from the city of Bengaluru, making it a perfect weekend getaway for adventure enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Best time to go: Anytime except for monsoons, September to May is the best time to visit the place.
Duration: 1 day (4 hours to ascend and 3-4 hours to descend)
Route: Meppadi Watchtower – Heart-shaped Lake – Chembra Peak – Watchtower
Kerala, also known as the God's Own Country, offers some of the best trekking trails in the country. Hike into the woods or in the elaborate tea estates of this divine state. The trail covers an area shared by two states- Kerala and Tamil Nadu, so you can be at two places at once. This trekking trail will take you through eight hills and then to a heart-warming sight of the Meesapulimala's peak. On the way, you may encounter some exquisite flowers, indigenous to the region, like the Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best time to go: September to May is the best time to go is because of the pleasant weather and no rainfall.
Duration: 1 Day
Route: Rhodo Valley – Meesapulimala and Kurangani – Back to Meesapulimala
A short trek like Koli Hills is just the breather you are looking for in-between your hectic weeks. Laid through the midst of Western Ghats, the trail can be easily covered in one day. Enjoy your day of nature and adventure as you cross rivers, thick vegetation, and jungles to reach the summit. The 300ft beautiful waterfall will take your breath away at first sight.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best time to go: July to December is generally the monsoon season which makes the weather pleasant for trekking in Kolli hills.
Duration: 1 Day
Route: Puliancholai – Rasipuram – Agaya Gangai Waterfall – Back to Puliancholai
This trek is a fort trek that attracts not just trekkers but also people who have a thing for history and architecture. However, it is important to note that the trek is not an easy one. There are several stretches where the climb can get tough due to big boulders scattered in the way. Although not easy, all will be worth it when you get to see two beautiful man-made creations (a temple and a mosque) in the backdrop of clear, blue sky. The fort is also called Pagadicha Killa in the local dialect.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best time to go: July to January is generally the best time to go for this trek. The monsoon season makes the weather pleasant for fort trekking.
Duration: 1 Day
Route: Ballaleshwar Pali Temple in Pali village – base of Sarasgad and Sudhagad – Pindi Haud – Pali village
Trek into the wilds of Karnataka and immerse yourself into the Bandajje Arabi Waterfalls. The Ballalarayana Durga Fort Trek is the way towards this 200ft waterfall. The trek trail is located in the Charmadi Range of Western Ghats and is just eight hours away from the city of Bengaluru, thus, easily accessible. At the top, you will find a beautiful fort called Ballalarayana Durga that will leave you with an inspiring impression of Indian architecture.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: October to March is the best time to visit the place because of the pleasant weather and no rainfall. Rainfall makes the trails confusing for trekkers.
Duration: 3 Days
Route: Bangalore – Mundajje – Arabi falls – Ballalarayana Durga – Bangalore
If you are looking for an adventurous trail to cover this weekend, Kumara Parvatha trek is just for you. Located in the state of Karnataka, it is the second highest peak in the state. The trek involves stiff climbing and is not recommended for first time trekkers. In this trail, trekkers will get to cover two peaks: the Sesh Parvatha and Kumara Parvatha. Get close to nature like you have never done before, on this trek.
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Best time to go: October to February is the best time to visit the place because of the pleasant weather and no rainfall. Rainfall makes the trails confusing for trekkers.
Duration: 2 days
Route: Kukke Subramanya Temple – Forest office – Kumara Parvatha summit – Kukke Subramanya
A trek to Buxa Fort in West Bengal is a mix package of adventure and historical exploration. Experience the adrenaline rush of a trek and witness the rustic history buried in the incomplete walls of the Buxa Fort. The fort was built by East India Company. The trail is located near the borders of West Bengal and Bhutan and is immensely popular among the travel enthusiasts. Buxa has a dense forest and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to go: May and November are the best time to go for the Buxa trek because of the pleasant weather during this time.
Duration: 2 days
Route: Jayanti to Lepchekha via Buxa Fort – Pompsey base camp – Jayanti
Standing tall at 1,930m in Baba Budan range of Western Ghats, Mullayanagiri near Chikmagalur is the highest peak in the state. The base of the trek is called Sarpa. It does not take much time to complete the trail which makes it a perfect destination for an adventurous weekend. Camp on the hilltop under a blanket of shiny stars and watch the sunrise from the best place possible in Karnataka. Mullayanagiri is easily accessible and is just an overnight journey from Bengaluru.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: September to February
Duration: 2 days
Route: Mullayanagiri – Baba Budangiri trail – Mullayanagiri hill top
The trek to Kulang, Madan and Alang Forts is considered difficult and should be attempted only by experts. These forts come under the Nasik Region of Maharashtra. There are dense forests and steep cliffs, and the route can get confusing after monsoon.
Difficulty: Difficult
Best time to go: March and April are the only two months when this region is suitable for trekking as the cliffs are steep and it can get risky to climb up these cliffs after monsoon.
Duration: 2 days
Route from Pune: Pune –Nashik phata –Narayangaon– Kotul – Udadhawane – Alang
Route from Mumbai: Mumbai – Kasara – Sakurli – Ambewadi – Alang
Harishchandragad is as difficult as it is rewarding. Once you complete this trek, you can sense the joy of achievement. Climbing an almost vertical cliff and making it to the top of this peak is a daunting task for an expert too. Harishchandragad continues to remain the third highest peak in Maharashtra. The view from the peak is a sight to behold.
Difficulty: Difficult
Best time to go: This destination is perfect for all the seasons and therefore can be visited anytime of the year.
Duration: 2 days
Route: Belpada Village – Harishchandragad (Konkan Kada) – Tolar Khind – Khireshwar village
Have you ever went for a trek on any of these awesome trails? Share your story over here and please spare no detail.
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