We don’t need to backpack across Alps to experience trekking on mountains. The Western Ghats and Himalayas of India holds the greatest trekking spots everyone should explore! We aren’t comparing here, instead we are giving you options in India to enhance your trekking abilities! Scale mountains of all length to see the magnanimity of naturally made peaks. If you are a hiking/trekking enthusiast then these places must already be on your list. Also, nominate your blog to be on WIN 2015! Hurry before the nominations close.
1. Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu
We are all aware of the various tourist attractions in Kullu and Manali, but did you know that Kullu has something serene to offer the trek lovers? Take a trip to this temple which is located at the height of 2,469m in the Kullu Valley. Chaitanya Bijoy has written beautifully about the atmosphere in the valley, “Mantras resonate through the valleys of Kullu continuously for days and the fragrance of cedar and camphor used for the Yajna fills the entire atmosphere.” It makes us want to pack our bags and travel to this spectacular spot.
2. Old quilas, Maharashtra
There are several old forts in Maharashtra, most of them are not strong enough, so you have to usually leave your vehicle at a distance and travel to the fort on foot. This has made some of these forts, like Sinhagarh, a great place for hiking and trekking. It also makes these places a great weekend spot for those living else where in the state. If kings built forts to rule and secure themselves, we use them to re-live the history and also to trek! Amita Kala has written about each of these quilas.
3. Green Lake, Sikkim
This is a trek usually taken up by professional trekkers. It takes 12 days and 13 nights to trek this terrain. The place provides you fascinating view of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. This is what we call ‘expert level’ in trekking. Once you cross this, you know you can trek almost anywhere. Sujoy Das has captured the surroundings wonderfully in the video below.
4. Har Ki Dun, Uttarakhand
There are endless places to explore in the Himalayas for trekkers. One of the most well-known is situated in Garhwal Himalayas. Located at 3566m, this place is famously used as a stepping stone for first-time trekkers. Har-Ki-Dun also means god’s valley, which is time and again proven by the scenic beauty of the valley. Here is Prashant Kothawade telling us about his adventurous experience.
5. Devaramane, Karnataka
It is said that Lord Shiva’s vehicle Nandi (bull) visits earth to help farmers. Nandi first arrived on a hill in the Western Ghats (shola forest) which is today known as Devaramane. Apart from this interesting back story, the place is filled with coffee plantations. For all the trekkers who love coffee you need to be here. The place also has a flower which blooms only once in 12 years, called “Haarlu.” Get more information on this by Guru.
6. Rohida, Maharashtra
Rohida which is also known as Vichitragad is located near Pune. This trek is simple and the roads are easy, only if you remember where you began your journey from. A village is kept as a base by the trekkers and they start their climb from there. The essence of this trip is mainly the journey rather than the destination. Mahesh Awate has captured his experience quite well.
7. Chembra Peak, Wayanad, Kerala
You’re not permitted to camp overnight at the spot, as there is a danger of hidden wild animals. We know adventure lovers just got more excited about this place by reading the warning. The peak is situated 2,100m above sea level. So if the fear of animals doesn’t give you the chills, the altitude will. You need to acquire permission from officers at the forest office and receive a pass to trek the mountain. Located in the beautiful western ghats, this place is a must visit for new trekkers who love to explore! Vanshika Dutta has written a wonderful post about her journey.
8. Rajgad Fort, Maharashtra
Again, if you are in Maharashtra, you must travel to Shivaji Maharaj’s first capital called Rajgad. This fort is exceptionally pleasant in the rain. It was a strategically built fort. The fort gets covered in green moss and dense clouds, which makes it a trek-heaven for all the explorers out there. Read Monsoon Trekker’s experience. It is a secluded fort and extremely recommended for adventure lovers!
9. Munnar, Kerala
One of the most interesting aspect of trekking are the numerous waterfalls which occur naturally on the hills. Sometime, travellers sit under these falls and let the water soothe them. It becomes a natural water-park. There are trekkers who pack extra clothes, just in case they come across a waterfall. The ones who do this are probably smiling at the memories of playing under a water fall. Munnar has numerous trekking destinations with abundant waterfalls. Aravind GJ’s blog has more information about it.
10. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand
Located in the higher Himalayas, Roopkund is at the height of 5,029 metres. The place is famous for hundreds of human skeleton found at the edge of the lake. Roopkund lake is also known as the ‘mystery lake’ or ‘skeleton lake’. There are several theories attempted to explain the existence of these skeletons. Some are scientific and some are spiritual. We ask you to discover it yourself. Read more about the trek and the journey by Razzaq Siddiqui.
These are some of BlogAdda’s choices. Share with us about your experiences. We’d like to have a never ending bucket-list filled with adventure!
Nice information!! I like to trek!! 🙂