Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
South India has some of the most amazing trekking spots, perfect for beginner and experienced trekkers. South India is full of beautiful landscapes, dense forests and rocky hills, making it a great place for an outdoor adventure like trekking. Trekking in South India has everything, whether a challenging climb, a peaceful walk in nature, or just the natural views. Trekking in South India is not just about the hike but also a chance to experience local culture and see wildlife. You can enjoy the quiet beauty of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Top 10 Destinations For Trekking In South India
Here are the top 10 spots for trekking in South India, each offering a unique experience for hikers during their excursion:
1. Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka
Photo: solarisgirl / Wikimedia Commons
Kudremukh, which means “Horse Face” in Kannada, gets its name from its unique peak that resembles a horse’s face. The trekking path goes through thick forests, open grasslands, and small streams, giving hikers a chance to see the rich wildlife of the Western Ghats. This South Indian trek is moderately difficult, so both beginners and experienced trekkers can enjoy it. The view from the top, especially at sunrise, is breathtaking. However, before starting the trek, getting permission from the forest department is important.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 20 – 22 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: ₹425 entry fee; extra for stay, food
Best Time To Trek: October to May
2. Tadiandamol Trek, Karnataka
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Coorg and a great place for a peaceful trek through the Shola forests. Walking along the trail, you’ll pass colourful plants, gentle streams, and occasional glimpses of Coorg’s unique culture. It’s an easy trek, perfect for beginners. At the top, you’ll get a wide view of the Western Ghats. At the base of the trek, the Nalakand Palace adds a bit of history to the journey. The trekking in South India is popular for its rugged terrain and beautiful views.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 8 km – 10 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: ₹100 – ₹250 entry; ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 for guided trek package
Best Time To Trek: October to March
3. Kumara Parvatha Trek, Karnataka
Photo: Prashanth bhat / Wikimedia Commons
Kumara Parvatha is the second-highest peak in Coorg and a popular choice for experienced trekkers. The trek is tough, going through thick forests, open grasslands, and rocky paths. It has two main parts. The first leads to Bhattaramane, a well-known resting spot. The second is a steep climb, rendering one of the best experiences while trekking in South India. From the summit, you get beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Because of its difficulty, this trek is best for those with some trekking experience.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 22 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: ₹425 entry; guided treks ₹3,000 – ₹3,500
Best Time To Trek: October to February
4. Mullayanagiri Trek, Karnataka
Photo: Navaneet S Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, standing at 1,930 meters. This trek offers a mix of adventure and spirituality, where a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva can be visited at the end of the hike. The temple is located at the top of the Mullayanagiri mountain. The path is steep in some places, with open grassy slopes and a refreshing cool breeze. On a clear day, you can see the beautiful Baba Budangiri ranges from the peak.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 4 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: Free entry; ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 for guided trek, meals
Best Time To Trek: September to February
5. Chembra Peak Trek, Kerala
Photo: Apletters / Wikimedia Commons
Chembra Peak, one of the tallest in the Western Ghats, is in Wayanad. The trek is famous for a heart-shaped lake called ‘Hridaya Saras,’ which you can see on the way up. The trail takes you through tea plantations, thick forests, and open grasslands, providing a wholesome trekking experience. You can view the nearby hills and valleys from the top. However, you will need permission from the forest department before starting the trek.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 9 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: ₹500 entry; guided treks ₹1,000 – ₹1,500
Best Time To Trek: September to March
6. Meesapulimala Trek, Kerala
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The trek on this peak takes you across eight hills, green valleys, and diverse wildlife. The mountain gets its name because, from the southwest, it looks like a tiger’s face with whiskers. The name ‘Meesapulimala’ means ‘Whiskered Tiger Hill’ because of its unique shape. The trek begins at Rhodo Valley and goes through grasslands and dense forests.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 15 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: Free entry; ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 for guided trek package
Best Time To Trek: October to February
7. Anamudi Peak Trek, Kerala
Photo: Aashishbhagya / Wikimedia Commons
Anamudi, at 2,695 meters, is the tallest peak in South India. It is inside Eravikulam National Park and is home to rare plants and animals, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The trek is not too difficult, so even beginners feel free and at ease to try it. On reaching the top of the mountain after trekking, you get a wide view of the Western Ghats, making the experience wholesome. The South Indian trekking price is reasonable. However, you will need permission from the forest department before you start trekking on the Anamudi trek.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 5 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: Permit required; costs vary with guide
Best Time To Trek: November to May
8. Perumal Peak Trek, Tamil Nadu
Photo: S.shanmugavel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Perumal Peak, at 2,440 meters, is one of the tallest peaks in the Western Ghats. The Perumal Peak trek starts from Kodaikanal and offers beautiful views of the valleys and forests. The path has a gentle climb, making it good for beginners and experienced trekkers. From the top of the Perumal mountain, the Nilgiri Hills and Palani Hills can stretch out in the distance, adding to the trekkers’ delight.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 7 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: Free entry; guided trek ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Best Time To Trek: October to April
9. Kolli Hills Trek, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Docku / Wikimedia Commons
Kolli Hills, also called the ‘Mountains of Death,’ is known for its winding roads and beautiful hiking trails. The trek takes you through dense forests, peaceful landscapes, and secret waterfalls waiting to be discovered. The main attraction of the Kolli Hills trek is the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls. This waterfall is a beautiful sight which refreshes trekkers, after a long walk. The area also has old Shiva temples and traditional villages, giving the trip a cultural feel.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: Free entry; guided treks ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
Best Time To Trek: November to March
10. Nagalapuram Trek, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: ŠJů / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nagalapuram Trek in Andhra Pradesh takes you through green forests, flowing streams, and natural pools. The best part of the trek is the waterfalls and clear pools, where you can relax after your long walk. The trail weaves through rocky paths and gentle slopes, offering a fun and rewarding adventure for trekking in South India. The trek is not too difficult, so both beginners and experienced trekkers can enjoy it.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 12 km round trip
Cost Of Trekking: Free; guide costs ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Best Time To Trek: October to March
South India has many great trekking spots, from the green trails of Karnataka to the tall peaks of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Whether you want a quiet walk in nature or a tough climb, there’s something for everyone. Trekking in South India lets you enjoy fresh air, beautiful views, and a break from daily life. Book your trekking adventure with TripXL and explore South India’s best trails.
Cover Photo: Oziel Gómez / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
