When someone decides to take a walk with the particular determination of discovering and relishing the natural beauty; it is known as Trekking. It is generally done on tracks in zones of comparatively untouched wilderness. It takes multiple days to discover places on your foot. During trekking sometimes you need to stay in tents for nights in forests, nearby villages, and camps. India has a lot places in every state where everyone can go for a trek. But trekking in Kerala gives memorable experience of the nature. Depending upon the trekking location; seasons can be decide the trek. There are many adventure places for trekking in Munnar, Kerala where even a weekend trip could be planned. Let us take a look at the most beautiful and adventurous trekking places in Kerala.
List of Trekking Places in Kerala
#1 Chokramudi Peak Trek:
Munnar is a spectacular hill station that is well-known for its tea plantations, trekking paths, attractive natural world. Chokramudi Peak is among the highest peaks of Munnar. This peak lies in the Eravikulam National Park, therefore, you will have to undergo the formalities and follow the forest rules firmly. The trip duration is about 4-5 hours. From December to February would be the best time to trek here. A one hour drive from Munnar will drop you at the trek base, Pothamedu. You would witness wildlife at its best here. Be prepared to meet a number of wild animals like gaurs and elephants. You can also come across a leech attack in the Shola forests, but with some caution, those should not be a problem in this enticing experience.
#2 Top Station (Near Munnar):
Around 32 k ms from Munnar lays the Top Station and from here you can get the 360-degree view of the western ghat. Situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border this place is the highest adventure place. The view at Top Station bids astoundingly stunning sights of Kannan Devan Hills. The gorges all everywhere, the foggy mounts and aloof cascades together make this place a must visit place in Munnar. There are multiple routes of the Top station but trekker most famous trek is starting from Kurangini village, this village is located in Theni district of Tamilnadu. The trip duration between Kuranginin to Top station approx. about 6 hours. Camp out is similarly permitted on the track if an overnight halt is wished. Top Station is linked by regular buses from Munnar. Winters are the best season to trek here.
#3 Chembra Peak (Near Wayanad):
About 17 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad; Chembra Peak is found at a height of 2100 meters beyond sea level. It is the highest peak in Wayanad and 3rd highest peak of South India. The trip duration is about 6 hours; 3-3.5 hours to climb up and 2 hours to down. From November to February i.e. the post-monsoon time would be the best time to trek here. There is heart-shaped lake located on the way of Topstation and it’s the main attraction of tourist and trekker. Also, forest guide is available according to per group. Being cuddle up amongst the stunning Wayanad mounts and the connecting Nilgiri Mountains, walk to the peak is unquestionably a revitalizing thing. A short drive from Meppadi town will drop you at the trek base. This is among India’s best trekking places so you must definitely go for it when near Wayanad.
#4 Thusharagiri Waterfalls (Near Wayanad):
About 32 km from Kalpetta, this is a picturesque waterfall. This waterfall is located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. This waterfall is considered in a most beautiful waterfall of Malabar region. Although it is a place of natural beauty, you have to pay the entry fee of Rs.30/- per person to visit here. The entry time starts from 8:00 AM and exist hours are 5:00 PM. There are three different waterfalls. Commonly recognized as the ‘trekker’s heaven’, the place bids perplexing trekking and rock-climbing chances. The best time to visit these waterfalls in post monsoon i.e. from September to December. The trip duration is about 3-5 hours. You can either choose to walk or trek or take a hired cab or bus as a transportation option.
#5 Thoovanam Waterfalls (Near Munnar):
Around 50 km from Munnar, these waterfalls would leave you speechless. Situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border this is also a must visit place in Munnar. Pambar River makes these waterfalls. The trip duration is about 2-4 hours or half day. While trekking through the falls you can also see many endangered species of wild animals and birds.The falls gate remains open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You can either choose to walk or trek or take a hired cab or bus as a transportation option. You can dive, swim and take a dip in the falls as well. Accommodation is also available inside the sanctuary in forest guest house and it can be booked in advance at the entrance of sanctuary.
#6 Vellari Mala (Near Kozhikode):
About 55 km from Kozhikode lies at a height of 2200 meters above sea level Vellari Mala is the popular mountain range. It is one of the hardest treks in the South, therefore, the trip duration is approximately 2 days. It is recommended to hire a guide to hike this peak. The best time to visit this mountain range is in between late winters and early summers i.e. from December to April. The entire trek is through dense forest, frequented by wild elephants. You can either choose to walk or trek or take a hired cab or bus as a transportation option.
Few Trekking Tips and Things To Carry on Trekking.
Carry with you the below items:
- A pair of trekking boots
- A pair of woolen gloves
- A Swiss Army knife
- A one-liter water bottle
- Big and durable water-resistant duffel bags with lock
- Glacier glasses
- One light woolen/fleece sweater
- One torch with enough sets of batteries
- Some pairs of undergarments
- Some pairs of woolen socks and cotton socks
- Sunscreen lotion
- Toilet paper (opt)
- Cotton shirts
- First-aid kit including medicine
Why waste time in thinking? Plan your trek now and Enjoy the Thrilling Trails of Kerala.
Image source Thoovanam: Flickr/Dineshkumar
Kerala is known as God’s Own Country. by this we can only think that this place is supposed to full of natural scenery. But Kerala also offers some adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, river rafting and so on.. I found this article completely informative and helpful for the adventure lover to get some thrilling experience in Kerala. Thank you for sharing this information.