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The emerald-green southern state—Kerala is a blissful place for adventure junkies and nature lovers. It has mist-clad mountains and fascinating peaks that offer amazing trekking trails and charming valleys. Blessed with lush green landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, and gorgeous waterfalls, these trekking trails are meant to add thrill to your journey. Moreover, you can also encounter wildlife here in the middle of the scenic charm, offering you an exhilarating experience.
Factors That Affect Trekking In Kerala
Photo: Wayfaring passenger / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kerala offers some amazing treks for tourists, but it is essential to know the factors that may affect your trekking journey. These factors will help you decide when to go trekking and at which place.
Weather: It is advised to go for this activity when the weather is clear and pleasant. Thus, rainy days must be avoided to be safe from landslides.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for trekking is 20 to 30 degrees. It is not comfortable to trek when the temperature is too hot or too cold.
Difficulty Level: Kerala offers both easy, intermediate, and difficult treks. You must choose the one that suits you.
Physical Fitness: Your physical fitness will determine which trekking trail to take. You must be physically and mentally fit to take on high-level treks.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
10 Places For Trekking In Kerala
Kerala is a treasure trove of natural beauty and trekking is the most popular activity done by tourists. Here is a list of some best spots for trekking in Kerala.
1. Kolukkumalai Peak Trek
Photo: Jan J George / Wikimedia Commons
Kolukkumalai Peak Trek is one of the best trekking trails in Kerala. This peak lies at a height of 2280 metres, and the trek begins from the Kurangani Village. This trekking trail connects various hamlets of this state. The beauty around is mesmerising and worth every step. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the main attraction of this trail. Also, this tea estate is the highest organic tea plantation in the whole world.
Duration Of The Trek: 7 – 12 hours
Level: Beginners to intermediate
2. Agasthyarkoodam Peak
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Agasthyarkoodam Trek is a trail that offers an extensive variety of bird species. This is the second-highest peak in Kerala. The peak lies at a height of 1868 metres and is a top-class peak in this state. You can enjoy a perfect amalgamation of nature and thrill on this trek. Many medicinal plants and herbs are found here. It houses 2000 species of flora and fauna including lichens, mosses, ferns, and orchids.
Duration Of The Trek: 2 – 3 days
Level: Difficult
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
3. Top Station
Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar Top Station Sunrise Trek offers unrealistic breathtaking views. This trek will take you through the luscious tea gardens with the tea scent pepping up your mood. This is a short trail that takes you to the topmost point, offering a beautiful sunrise. This trek is ideal for everyone who wishes to go on a recreational getaway and enjoy the gorgeous views from the top. Here, you can also enjoy camping and stay overnight. This is one of the best Kerala treks for adventure junkies.
Duration Of The Trek: 30 minutes
Level: Beginners
4. Eravikulam National Park
Photo: Asheen Anoop / Wikimedia Commons
Eravikulam Trek is another one of the popular treks in Kerala. The Eravikulam Peak lies in the Raja Malai National Park. Many tourists trek to Raja Malai to see the beautiful and blooming Neelakurinji flowers, which are found only here in the entire region. This trail has rejuvenating and captivating flora and fauna. The cold breeze and misty landscapes add to the natural charm. The endangered Nilgiri Tahr is also found here. It is also home to famous species like Elephants, Leopards, Tigers, Samars, Giant Squirrels, and more.
Duration Of The Trek: 3 hours
Level: Beginners
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala
5. Dhoni Hills
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Dhoni Hills in Kerala will offer you a wonderful trekking experience. It is a popular spot for forest trekking that offers great scenery around the Dhoni Waterfalls. You can reach these waterfalls after 4 km of trekking. This waterfall flows over rocks and pebbles. This trek will refresh your mind and also make an ideal picnic spot. Dhoni Hills lies at an altitude of 1200 metres and offers a bird-eye view of the surrounding valley. Thus, taking a trek up to the hills is worth all the effort.
Duration Of The Trek: 3 hours
Level: Beginners
6. Meesapulimala Trek
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Meesapulimala Trek is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The trek takes you through dense forests, grasslands, and tea plantations, offering a breathtaking view. This peak lies at an elevation of 1880 metres above sea level. You can also see the Pandava Cave en route to Rhodo Valley from the trekking base camp. It is better to stay overnight here after this challenging trek, and enjoy the cool and pleasant weather before descending back to the base camp.
Duration Of The Trek: 7 – 12 hours
Level: Experienced
Suggested Read: Jungle Safari In Kerala
7. Silent Valley National Park
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
The Silent Valley National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site; and it offers a huge variety of biodiversity with exotic flora and fauna. It is called ‘silent’ because of the absence of cicadas. There are elephants, tigers, lion-tailed Macaque, butterflies, rare migratory birds, and other species in the park. This trail is closed in the months of February and March as the animals roam around freely in these months. As you pass through lush green grasslands and tropical rainforests, here you will find the forest trail, waterfall trail, and river trail, all on this trek. This is one of the best Kerala treks to add to your itinerary.
Duration Of The Trek: 2 days
Level: Beginners
8. Chembra Peak Trek
Photo: Vivekobey / Wikimedia Commons
The Chembra Peak Trek is one of the most fascinating treks in Wayanad. The heart-shaped lake (Hridayathadakam) at the Chembra Peak is the main highlight of this trek. This mountain range lies at a height of 2200 metres above sea level. You must seek permission from the Meppadi forest authorities to hop on this trek. This is one of the most picturesque routes and peaks in Kerala. As you stroll through the scenic landscapes, the aromatic air soothes the mind and every step seems worth it. You may also hire a tourist guide for this trek.
Duration Of The Trek: 2 days
Level: Experienced
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kerala
9. Ramakkalmedu
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
Ramakkalmedu Peak is another ideal trekking trail that offers a panoramic view of many surrounding villages. The main attractions of this peak are Kuravan and Kurathi Statue. The bamboo forests and grasslands give a breathtaking view that soothes your mind. This area remains foggy during the early hours of the day. This trail is sure to make you feel energised and revitalised. So, just plan to trek here and make your holiday a memorable one.
Duration Of The Trek: 18 – 20 hours
Level: Intermediate to experienced
10. Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Photo: Dr.Juna / Wikimedia Commons
Thusharagiri Waterfalls is a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. This beautiful waterfall offers a lovely sight to the trekkers. The trail has a unique and intriguing path. There is a 400-year-old tree that is hollow from the inside, so much so that you can virtually stand inside and take a photo. It is an ideal place for adventure junkies who want to take a drift and explore the rough trails.
Duration Of The Trek: 2 – 3 hours
Level: Beginners to intermediate
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala With Family
Trekking in Kerala is one of the best ways to savour the natural beauty of the southern state. Blessed with natural wonders, this paradise needs to be explored on foot, and there is no other way than trekking. This state offers trekking trails of all levels. These treks offer waterfalls, lush greenery, varied flora and fauna, and much more. You too can experience all this by planning a trip to Kerala with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Kir360 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
