trekking In kerala

Trekking in Kerala

Kerala in the southern seas of the Indian subcontinent is a land oozing serenity. Long stretches of glistening silver beaches and deep sea inlets that calmly cut through the tropical forests, rice fields, and the foothills of gently undulating Western Ghats hills, compose the canvas of ‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala. You would find most tourists coming here for yoga, to chill out, to meditate and rejuvenate with ayurvedic goodness that’s indigenous to Kerala, or simply surf on the high tides. On the other side of the tourism spectrum, there is trekking in hilly trails in the Western Ghats, adventure activities in the great outdoors, and jungle trekking in Kerala. Most of the treks conducted in the state are of easy to medium level difficulty and good for children to begin their taste in the adventure with. Also, you can’t be suffering a time-crunch on treks in Kerala, simply because most of the designated trails are a 2-3 days jaunt from major transition pints in Kerala like Trivandrum!

Why Should You Go for Kerala Trekking?

• One’s experience of India is believed to remain incomplete without a thorough visit to ‘god’s own land’, Kerala. Kerala Trekking and Camping provides you with an opportunity to love the diverse topography of the southern Indian state from up-close.
• Arguably the highest organic tea plantations in the world are within reach through treks in Kerala. For example, on Kolukkumalai Peak Trek at 2036 m.
• Some of the highest summits of the Western Ghats hills are located in Kerala were to, permission to trek and scale are issued from Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC). For example, the Meesapulimala Peak of 2640 m and the second highest in the Western Ghats mountain family.
• The utterly exotic and whimsically growing genus of flower known in the local language as Neelakurinji is found in the hills of Kerala. They grow every six years in a hue of blue all over the Nilgiri Range of hills, giving the place its name, ‘nil’ meaning blue.
• Kerala Trekking Packages often come loaded with opportunities to explore the rich biodiversity of the land. Trekking trails often skirts through important national parks and biosphere reserves in the state such as Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, or the wilderness of Nagarhole.
• Some of the most magnificent waterfalls of the Western Ghats feature here in Kerala, for example, the Thusharagiri Waterfalls near Wayanad, make for beautiful trek destinations.
• The extensive tea and coffee plantations and spice products in the Nilgiri hills of Kerala are a major pull of tea-tasters and culinary enthusiasts visiting India.

Which Are the Best Treks in Kerala?

Agasthyakoodam (near Trivandrum)
January to Mid-March is when Agasthyakoodam opens for trekking. The trail is a 40 km stretch, making a 2 days and 1 night exciting circuit route. Largely part of the protected forests outside of Idukki, trekking this trail demands issued passes from Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department.
Anamudi Peak (Near Munnar)
Outside of the Himalayas, Anamudi peak at 2695 m in the Western Ghats is the highest peak in India. The trail canvasses the Eravikulam NAtional Park Region in Munnar, the home to Nilgiri Tahr, elephant, and Gaur.
Rajamalai/Eravikulam National Park (Near Munnar)
Rajmalai is a quaint hill station in the nook of the Nilgiris, situated 16 km from Munnar. Right inside the Eravikulam National Park, this zone is a rare sighting zone for the vulnerable Nilgiri Tahr. Elephant, Gaur, Giant Squirrel, Leopard, Lion-tailed Macaque, Tiger, and Sambar are some of the other species found here. There are wonderful DIY trekking trails inside the forest but you can also choose to make it with guided jungle trekking in Kerala.
Chembra Peak (Near Wayanad)
Trekking and mountain climbing beginner level tryouts are common at Chembra Peak, located 17 km away from Kalpetta and rising to 2100 m high. Given the status of the highest peak in Wayanad and the third highest in Kerala, Chembra peak holds a fascinating nature trail.
Lion Tailed Macaque Trail (Near Kollam)
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Kollar is a trekker’s delight. Semi-green forest covers the trail. The trek through this particular 18 km circuit trek over 8 hours is conducted as a conservation and protection oriented initiative for trekkers to know Lion Tailed Macaques, Gaurs, myriad birds, and butterflies.
Meesapulimala Peak Circuit (Near Munnar)
Considered the second in the line of highest summits in the entire Western Ghats, this trekking in Munnar Kerala is a whopping 2640 m ascent. The trail time is nearly 6.5 hours for covering 8 km starting from Kolukkumalai Tea Estate to be reached via Suryanelli village. Adventure junkies looking for some high has all the reasons to look forward to the last 2 km stretch to the top, one of the hardest in the Western Ghats, comparatively.
Kolukkumalai Peak Trek (Near Munnar)
Right on the borders of the Tamil Nadu state and Kerala, lies the beautiful verdant peak of Kolukkumalai. The trail begins from Kurangani village takes an amazing ascent to 2170 m through mixed topography. You will be crossing wide velveteen grasslands, occasional forest covers of majestic Shola trees, and lovely slopes of organic tea gardens in the bosom of the hills. The trek distance is a thoroughly enjoyable 11 km.

When to Visit?

Kerala has three tourist seasons; one is from September to March when the weather remains the coolest and salubrious. April to May being the harsh summer months is not so welcoming for trek and tourism. The April to May window is the monsoon time for treks in Kerala, which poses some difficulty trekking and yet some find this period surprisingly thoroughly pleasant in the rainwashed green horizons of the Nilgiri hills.

What to Pack for Kerala Trek?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm cap
• Baselayers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks

How to Reach?

By Air: Trivandrum airport is the airport closest to trek bases for most major trekking sports in Kerala.
By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram is the railway station closest to the treks in Kerala.
By Bus: Kerala state Tourism buses are the best to get around the base camps for treks in Kerala.