Home to the southernmost point of India, the state of Tamil Nadu offers a number of short trekking trails in the midst of valleys, meadows and tea gardens. These short trails are just perfect for any adventure enthusiast looking for an exciting weekend ahead. Here is a list of seven do-it-yourself (DIY) treks that you can try on your next weekend off.
Parsons Valley Trek
Take a trek into the valleys of Ooty which is also rightly known as 'Queen of Hill Stations'. This trail will take you through dense forests, little streams, tribal villages, dams and picturesque landscapes. Adding to this, the valley is also home to a unique variety of rare flora and fauna difficult to be found in other parts of the country.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at a village called Sholur, which is approximately 14 km away from Ooty and can be reached via bus. The nearest place to stay is in Ooty itself. There are several good options for accommodations in Ooty; for luxury travellers, Vinnca West Downs Heritage Resort is a good option and for budget travellers, Paradise Perfect is a decent option.
Difficulty level:
This trek is considered to be easy. There is a little bit of climbing, but mostly the trail is flat. The Thirthor Bett which is the summit point of this trek is located at an altitude of 2,450m.
DIY or Not:
This trek can definitely be done all by yourself and all the equipment required for trekking can be rented out. Also, there are various companies that offer group trek for a package. Check out the details over here: https://adventurecompass.com/tour/3837/parsons_trek_ooty
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Cost:
A DIY trek includes the cost of renting out trek essentials such as sleeping bags and tents (if you wish to spend a night). Then, there are commuting and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 1500-2000.
When to do it:
April to September is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the valley. It is when the temperatures are mild and you can comfortably hike.
Duration:
One day or more. Depending on places you want to cover and how long you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
Sholur – Toda Tribal Village –Thirthor Bett – Koil Mund – Pykara Dam – Sholur
Nilgiri Green Lake trek
As the name suggests, this trekking trail leads to an enchanting lake in the midst of Nilgiris. The trail also involves a walk through Bandipur National Park which makes this trek all the more exciting. Located at an altitude of 2,300 m the lake is a great getaway from the summer heat.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at a village called HPF (Hindustan Photo Films), which is approximately 6 km away from Ooty and can be reached via bus. The nearest place to stay is in Ooty itself. There are several good options for accommodations in Ooty; for luxury travellers, Vinnca West Downs Heritage Resort is a good option and for budget travellers, Paradise Perfect is a decent option.
Difficulty level:
This trek is considered to be an easy trek. There is a little bit of climbing, but mostly the trail isn't that difficult to be covered. The summit point of this trek is located at an altitude of 2,300 m.
DIY or Not:
This trek can be definitely be done all by yourself and all the equipment that is required for trekking can be rented out. Also, there are various companies that offer group trek for a package. Check out the details over here: http://www.getbeyondlimits.com/camping/greenLakeCampingBouldering
Cost:
A DIY trek includes the cost of renting out trek essentials such as sleeping bags and tents (if you wish to spend a night). Then, there are commuting and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 1500-2000.
When to do it:
The time March to September is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the valley. It is a great escape from the scorching summers.
Duration:
2 Days or more. Depending on places you want to cover and how long you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
HPF – Green Lake – Kokkal (Camp Site) – Governor Shola Village – Ooty
Kolli Hills Trek
Kolli Hills trek is a perfect weekend getaway for any serviceman with a passion for travel. It will just take one day to cover the trek, which is in the midst of Western Ghats but is unlike the other terrains in the Western Ghat. As you move forward, you will be crossing rivers, walk into thick vegetation that turns into dark jungles and then reach the peak to find out a 300 ft beautiful waterfall creating a mystic environment.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at a village called Puliancholai, which is approximately 80 km away from Tiruchchirāppalli and can be reached via bus or a private vehicle. The nearest place to stay is in Tiruchchirāppalli itself. There are several good options for accommodations in Tiruchchirāppalli; for luxury travellers, Sangam Hotel, Tiruchirapalli is a good option and for budget travellers, Grande Inn Trichy is a decent option.
Difficulty level:
This trek is considered to be an easy trek. The trail is mostly is flat and some parts are rocky. The Agaya Gangai Falls is the summit point of this trek.
DIY or Not:
This trek can be definitely be done all by yourself and all the equipment that is required for trekking can be rented out. Also, there are various companies that offer group trek for a package. Check out the details over here: http://www.fulcrumtours.com/inbound-tours/nature-trails/kolli-hills-puliyancholai-nature-trails.html
Cost:
A DIY trek includes the cost of renting out trek essentials such as sleeping bags and tents (if you wish to spend a night). Then, there are entry fees, camera charges, commuting charges and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 3000-4000.
When to do it:
July to December is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the hills because of the pleasant weather in the forested areas. Generally, trekkers avoid hiking during the summer months as it can be a tedious task to climb under scorching heat.
Duration:
1 day or more. Depending on places you want to cover and how many night you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
Puliancholai – Raasipuram – Agaya Gangai waterfall – Back to Puliancholai
Yelagiri is a well-known hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. Known for its temples and several trekking trails, this place offers you a slice of heaven in every step forward.
Swamimalai Trek
Out of all the trek trails that Yelagiri offers, Swamimalai is one of the most popular among the backpackers. It is located at a height of 1322 m and has a mix of muddy trails and steps.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at a village called Mangalam, which is approximately 3 km away from Yelagiri and can be reached via bus. The nearest place to stay is in Yelagiri itself. There are several good options for accommodations in Yelagiri; for luxury travellers, Sterling Yelagiri is a good option and for budget travellers, Dolphin Resort is a decent option.
Difficulty level:
This trek is considered to be an easy trek and can also be done with family. There is a little bit of climbing, but mostly the trail is marked and also has stone steps at few places.
DIY or Not:
This trek can be definitely be done all by yourself and all the equipment that is required for trekking can be rented out. Also, there are various companies that offer group trek for a package. Check out the details over here:
http://yelagiri.tentntrek.com/
http://www.weekendthrill.com/product/camping-night-trekking-yelagiri/
Cost:
A DIY trek includes the cost of renting out trek essentials such as sleeping bags and tents (if you wish to spend a night). Then, there are commuting and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 1000-2000.
When to do it:
November to February is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the valley.
Duration:
1 day or more. Depending on places you want to cover and how long you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
Mangalam – Swamimalai – Back to Mangalam
Perumadu Trek
If you are looking for a trek in peace with no tourist crowd in Yelagiri, then this trek will meet your need. Like every other hill station Yelagiri has got some stunning views, but what makes it better is the scarce crowd in the place. Sit on the sides of Perumadu waterfalls and experience how nature casts a spell in the environment.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at a village called Puthur, which is only a few kilometres away from Yelagiri and can be reached via bus or any other way. The nearest place to stay to find an accommodation is in Yelagiri itself. There are several good options for accommodations in Yelagiri; for luxury travellers, Sterling Yelagiri is a good option and for budget travellers, Dolphin Resort is a good option.
Difficulty level:
This trek is considered to be an easy trek and can also be done with family. There is a little bit of climbing, but mostly the trail is muddy and takes you through thick forests and ends with a waterfall.
DIY or Not:
This trek can be definitely be done all by yourself and all the equipment that is required for trekking can be rented out. Also, there are various companies that offer group trek for a package. Check out the details over here:
http://yelagiri.tentntrek.com/
http://www.weekendthrill.com/product/camping-night-trekking-yelagiri/
Cost:
A DIY trek includes the cost of renting out trek essentials such as sleeping bags and tents (if you wish to spend a night). Then, there are commuting, entry charges and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 1000-2000.
When to do it:
November to February is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the valley.
Duration:
1 day or more. Depending on places you want to cover and how long you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
Puthur– Perumuda waterfall– Back to Puthur
Dolphin Nose Trek
Nestled in the hills of Kodaikanal, the Dolphin's nose is a flat rock located at a height of around 6,600 m and provides a stunning view of the valley and villages around. There are other popular tourist attractions such as Mountain Beauty viewpoint and Echo Rocks. Adding to the summit, there is a further trail leading to Vattakanal which is a cherry on the top for any trekker.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at Kodaikanal that can be reached via bus. The nearest place to find an accommodation is in Kodaikanal itself. There are several good options for accommodations in Kodaikanal; for luxury travellers, Treebo Abirami Residency is a good option and for budget travellers, Amazing Kodai City View resort is a decent option.
Difficulty level:
This trek is considered to be an easy trek and can also be done with family. There is a little bit of climbing, but mostly it takes you through thick forests and ends with a majestic view of the Nilgiri and refreshing Vattakanal Falls.
DIY or Not:
This trek can be definitely be done all by yourself and can be completed in a day.
Cost:
This DIY trek includes the cost of commuting, entry charges and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 1000-1500.
When to do it:
October to March is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the valley. These are the after monsoon months with clear skies and pleasant weather.
Duration:
1 day or more. Depending on places you want to cover and how long you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
Kodaikanal– Pambar Bridge – Dolphin's Nose viewpoint – Echo Point – Back to Kodaikanal
Perumal Trek
Trek to the highest peak of Kodaikanal and let yourself loose in the lap of nature. Far away from the hustle bustle of the city, nestled in the midst of the Western Ghats, the Perumalmalai peak is the favourite spot for trekkers in Tamil Nadu to spend a weekend in the hills.
Where is it:
The base camp of this trek is at a village called Perumalmalai, which is only 11 km away from Kodaikanal and can be reached via bus. There are several good options for accommodations in Kodaikanal; for luxury travellers, Treebo Abirami Residency is a good option and for budget travellers, Amazing Kodai City View resort is a decent option.
Difficulty Level:
This trek is considered to be an easy trek and can also be done with family. There is a little bit of climbing, but mostly the trail takes you through thick forests and ends with a majestic landscape. The highest point of this trek is located at an altitude of 2440 m.
DIY or Not:
This trek can be definitely be done all by yourself and all the equipment that is required for trekking can be rented out. Also, there are various companies that offer group trek for a package. Check out the details over here:
https://campmonk.com/camp/kodai-mountain-camp-381
Cost:
A DIY trek includes the cost of renting out trek essentials such as sleeping bags and tents (if you wish to spend a night). Then, there are commuting, entry charges and food charges. This trek can approximately cost you ₹ 1500-2000.
When to do it:
January to May is considered to be the best time to go trekking in the valley. This is the time the weather is pleasant and one can enjoy the trek fully.
Duration:
1 day or more. Depends on how long you want to stay in the hills.
Route:
Perumal Mallai Village – Neutral Saddle waterfall– Perumal Peak – Back to Perumal Mallai Village
Have you already covered any of the above mentioned treks? Share your experience with us here. We can't wait to hear about it. Subscribe Tripoto's Youtube Channel for more travel ideas.
