South India is not the first region that comes to mind when one thinks of trekking, but the Western Ghats — one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots — and the Nilgiri and Palani Hills offer some of the finest and most diverse trekking experiences on the subcontinent. South India’s trekking trails pass through some of the subcontinent’s most pristine and biodiverse landscapes. Here are the top trekking places in South India.
1. Kudremukh — Karnataka
The Kudremukh National Park in Chikmagalur district is one of the finest trekking destinations in South India. The peak — named Kudremukh (horse-face) for the shape of the massif — stands at 1,894 metres and is the third-highest peak in Karnataka. The trek passes through dense shola forests, high-altitude grasslands, and along ridges with sweeping views of the Western Ghats. The biodiversity here is extraordinary — lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahrs, leopards, and over 200 bird species inhabit the park.
2. Tadiandamol — Coorg, Karnataka
At 1,748 metres, Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Coorg and the third-highest in Karnataka. The trail begins from Kakkabe village and passes through cardamom and coffee estates, dense evergreen forests, and open grasslands before reaching the summit, which offers a panoramic view extending to the Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri ranges. The moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to fit beginners and can be completed as a day hike.
3. Kodachadri — Shimoga, Karnataka
Kodachadri (1,343 metres) in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is closely associated with the Mookambika Temple at Kollur. The trail passes through dense tropical forests and up to a summit plateau from which the Arabian Sea is visible on clear days. The Hidlumane Falls and the Sarvajna Peetha — a small flat rock where Adi Shankaracharya is said to have meditated — are among the highlights. The trek is best done from October to February.
4. Agasthyamala — Kerala/Tamil Nadu Border
Agasthyamala (1,868 metres) is the highest peak in Kerala and one of the most botanically rich trekking destinations in South India. The peak lies within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, and permits — strictly limited — must be obtained well in advance from the Kerala Forest Department. The 3-day guided trek passes through some of the rarest and most diverse forest types in the Western Ghats.
5. Velliangiri Hills — Tamil Nadu
The Velliangiri Hills near Coimbatore are known as the “Kailash of the South” and are considered one of the most sacred trekking destinations in Tamil Nadu. The trek to the 7th Hill (approximately 1,800 metres) passes through dense forest, bamboo groves, and grassland. The hilltop Shiva temple draws large numbers of devotees during the trekking season, and the trek is managed by the Isha Foundation.
6. Mukurthi Peak — Tamil Nadu
At 2,554 metres, Mukurthi Peak in the Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris is one of the highest accessible peaks in Tamil Nadu. The surrounding national park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve — protects the endemic Nilgiri tahr. The trek requires permits from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and is best done with a registered guide through the stunning high-altitude shola grasslands.
7. Brahmagiri Peak — Kodagu, Karnataka
Brahmagiri (1,608 metres) in the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary near Iruppu in Kodagu district offers a rewarding two-day trek. The sanctuary forms part of a large connected forest landscape that supports tigers, leopards, elephants, and dholes. The summit offers views across the Nilgiris, the Wayanad plateau, and the Karnataka coffee country. Prior permission from the Karnataka Forest Department is required.
8. Chembra Peak — Wayanad, Kerala
Chembra Peak (2,100 metres) is the highest peak in Wayanad and one of the most popular trekking destinations in Kerala. The trail passes through tea and coffee estates, dense forest, and open grassy ridges before reaching the summit. Halfway up, a heart-shaped lake — a small natural pond — has become one of the most photographed spots in Kerala. The trek is a challenging but achievable full-day outing from the base camp at Meppadi.
9. Kumara Parvatha — Coorg, Karnataka
Kumara Parvatha (1,712 metres), also known as Pushpagiri, is considered one of the most challenging treks in South India and a rite of passage for Karnataka trekkers. The 22-km round trip from Kukke Subramanya involves steep ascents through dense forest, ridge walking, and a final exposed climb to the summit. The views — across the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea coast — are magnificent. The trek should be done in the dry season (October to February).
10. Doddabetta Peak — Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
Doddabetta (2,637 metres) is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills and the highest point in Tamil Nadu. While it can be reached by road, the various trekking trails from Ooty offer a more authentic experience of the Nilgiri shola forests and grasslands. The telescope house at the summit allows visitors to look out across the Coimbatore plains and the Karnataka Ghats on clear days.
Trekking Responsibly in the Western Ghats
Many of South India’s best trekking destinations lie within protected forest areas requiring prior permits. Always obtain the necessary permissions, trek only with registered guides in restricted areas, carry your waste out with you, and stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile shola ecosystems. The Western Ghats’ biodiversity is irreplaceable — treat these forests with the reverence they deserve.
