Best Monsoon Treks in Western Ghats
It’s that time of the year, when the earth smells fresh; the rain kissed leaves and the flowers beam with beauty; and the mountains and the hills drape themselves in the layers of lush green carpets. Welcome to the monsoon season! Only a heart of an ardent trekker would know the joys of monsoon trekking in Western Ghats or western ghats trekking have it’s own perks.
Western Ghats Trekking also known as Sahyadris, this mountain range originates near Gujarat – Maharashtra border and ends at Kanyakumari, extending through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats range, especially covering the southern states, is one of those regions, which receives the highest rainfall in the country. However, the lower and accessible altitudes, the cool weather, the burbling streams and short duration hiking make the Western Ghats Trekking a trekker’s paradise. Whereas in the Himalayas, during monsoon few trekkers are attracted to treks like Valley of Flowers Trek is the best monsoon trek in Himalayas.
Kalsubai Trek – Best of Western Ghats Trekking
Location: Maharashtra
Altitude: 1646m
Duration: 1 Day
An excellent trek when you’re pressed for time! This three hour trek from Bari Village has a well laid out track including steps and ladders in some places as the temple is on the highest peak of the Sahyadari range, it has visitors throughout the year. The peak offers a great view of the forts and the Bhandardara Dam nearby and the monsoons leave this region strewn with exquisite wild flowers. A night trek will allow you to catch the beautiful sunrise at the peak.
Amboli Ghat
Location: Maharashtra
Altitude: 690m
Duration: 1 Day
The green vegetation, the cool air of a hill station and an exotic variety of flora and fauna confer the title ‘Eco Hot Spot’ to the region. Small waterfalls, mist covered tracks, and the thick forest cover are a visual treat and trekking here is pure heaven.
Torna Fort
Location: Maharashtra
Altitude: 1406m
Duration: 1 Day
Departing from Vehli town and walking along the ridges between beautiful valleys, mountains and numerous waterfalls is an amazing monsoon outdoor experience. Torna Fort at the top has a unique history to explore. At this fort, you can look forward to see attractions like Bini Darwaja, Balekilla and Budhla Machi.
Dudhsagar Falls Trek
Location: Goa
Altitude: 301m
Duration: 2 Days
Water plummets down from over a thousand feet into the Mandovi River against the backdrop of the rocky mountain giving it the title of Dudhsagar or Sea of Milk making it as best Monsoon treks. This fifth largest water fall in the country is part of the eco system of Goa and a popular trekking destination with a trek along the railway track and amidst the green deciduous vegetation.
Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
Location: Karnataka
Altitude: 1930m
Duration: 1 ½ Days
Mullayanagiri, the highest peak Karnataka with its breath-taking scenery, waterfalls, and the misty winds make for a beautiful trekking experience and best monsoon treks. The trek path, Sarpadhari, which starts from Chikamagalur is slippery leading to the black cliffs of Mullayanagiri. Bababudangiri’s steep cliffs on your trail down is a challenge too, so a due caution or expert help is advised.
Kudremukh Trek
Location: Karnataka
Altitude: 1894m
Duration: 3 Days
The third highest peak in Karnataka is blessed with valleys, plenty of streams and green ranges. Mullodi, where the trek commences has a few home stays for trekkers. The walk to the Horse saddle shaped peak is one of the most picturesque with streams, the forest, tall shrubs and the stunning view from the peak.
Bandaje Arbi
Location: Karnataka
Altitude: 1509m
Duration: 1 Day
Arbi means ‘falls’ in Tulu language. Breath-taking sunsets at the top of the waterfall and a variety of flora and fauna, are the trek highlights. A walk through the woods, the sound of the stream flowing and a valley of grasslands provide the perfect backdrop for your trail.
Chembra Peak Wayanad Trek
Location: Kerala
Altitude: 1790m
Duration: 1 Day
The Chembra trail is laden with tea, coffee and spice plantations and the weather is cool and perfect for trekking. There are also two crystal clear lakes, one of them being heart shaped, that will catch your attention. Being amidst mountain mist and green surroundings is truly refreshing.
Kumara Parvatha
Location: Karnataka
Altitude: 1712m
Duration: 2 days The trek begins from the Kukke Subramanya temple in the Ghats and leads you through a forest track. The challenging part of the trek is the climb to Shreshparvath while the ascent to Kumara Parvath is fairly easy. The forest, the freshwater stream and some awe-inspiring views makes this a memorable trek.
Nilgiri Mountains
Location: Tamil Nadu
Altitude: 2637m
Duration: 4-5 Days (Shorter treks start form Kotagri)
The Blue Mountains as they are called, provide the most interesting treks through dense forests, tea and coffee plantations, tribal villages, charming lakes and rippling streams. The treks can be undertaken from Ootacamund, Kotagiri and Coonoor.
