Karnataka has a never ending beauty that will always keep you awestruck. The Western Ghats that stand as huge pillar surrounding the western border of the state consists of number of trekking destinations that are inevitable. Most of these places are easily accessible from Bangalore. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you must definitely not miss some of these places to trek in Karnataka.
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1) Savandurga
The largest monolith hill in Asia, Savandurga rises 1,227 meters above sea level and forms a part of the Deccan plateau. It is popular for challenging rock climbing and scenic views. It is an amazing experience to start your Savandurga trek early in the morning from Bangalore. While moving upwards, you will come across a splendid Dam and special flora and fauna of the region. It specifically includes yellow-throated bulbuls, long billed and white-backed vultures. Also seen are sloth bear and leopards. Beautiful views, fresh air and enthralling physical exertion make your day.
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2) Kalavaarahalli Betta (Skanda Giri)
Words cannot explain the satisfaction of spending a night at the top of the mountain in chilling winters. It is believed to be a fascinating night trek. It is so high that you can literally feel clouds floating under your feet. The trek takes almost 3 hours to reach at the top whereas hardly 45 minutes to descend. It is very close to Nandi Hills and Chikkaballapura. There are some old temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha that you can visit before commencing the trek. The trek is considered as heaven for adventure lovers, hence, must definitely try you here.
3) Brahmagiri Hill
Brahmagiri is a mountain range in Western Ghats which altitudes up to 1608 m high above sea level. It is the most visited place by tourists especially who are passively adventurous. Brahmagiri can be accessed through Talacauvery Temple and it takes not more than hundred steps to climb. The Bhahmagiri trek is totally worth it, view from the top is extremely captivating and takes you into the paradise. If you want to experience the true glints and gleams of Brahmagiri, it is endorsed to visit during monsoons. Rain drops making the climate greener and cool with lovely Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala, whose border is next to the hill.
4) Tadiandamol Trek
Tadiandamol is a less known but an inevitable 15 km trek in the state of Karnataka. It offers complete thrill and exciting adventures for those to love to explore the wild side of tours. The peak is the highest and is surrounded by Shola forests. You can carry some snacks or proper lunch to enjoy between the panoramic views after reaching the top. Accommodation is available in tents with sleepy bags or dormitories. Also seen are some coffee plantations and leeches crawling on the rocks. There is also an enthralling waterfall, golden temple and famous Buddhist monastery at the footsteps of Tadiyandamol.
5) Kumara Parvatha Trek
Also known as Pushpagiri trek, Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the most difficult treks in Karnataka division of Western Ghats. It extends long up to 21 km which is the main reason of it being so difficult. Starting point of the trek is Shree Subrahmanya Temple at the footsteps of the trek. You can also start the trek from Beedahalli APC, which is on the northern side of Coorg. Kumara Parvatha shelters dense forests, volcanic rock formations and huge waterfalls to applaud while you pass by the skyscraping trees. Along with challenges it equally poses great amount of fun when done with your friends.
6) Kunti Betta
Kunti Betta is a popular tourist attraction in Karnataka which homes landmark hills and some significant worship places of Hindus. It is the most beautiful sunrise trek that satisfies you thrilling adventure desires. Kunti Betta can be described as two rocky hills standing tall in town of Pandavapura, surrounded with stunning picturesque scenery. The town is named after five Pandavas, great warriors of Mahabharata period according to the Hindu mythology. And the hill is named after their mother, Kunti. You can enjoy kayaking, swimming, bonfire nights converting slowly into a beautiful dawn with orange sunrise.
7) Makalidurga Hill
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The trek stands at the top of a huge granite hill-rock among a group of hills forming a valley close to Ghati Subramanya, a well-known pilgrimage center. The start of the trekis marked by a Krishna Temple at the bottom of the hill. It is yet another night trek most of the tourists visit. New trekkers can start their trek with Makalidurga trek as it is an easy one. The path that leads to the top is rocky. Once you reach at the top of the hill, you feel soaked in white clouds with cool breeze flowing from all the four sides.
8) Nishani Motte
Nishani Motte is a beautiful heritage hike. It is a moderate trek of approximately 15 km long and another one to start off for beginners. It is fun to hike up on the rocky surface, within huge green trees and mesmerizing waterfalls. The experience becomes an unforgettable memory when you stay all night under the sky in transparent tents, gazing at the stars. While walking, surely take the opportunity to appraise the Abbey Falls here.
9) Mullayanagiri Trek
Standing tall at 6,330 ft, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and also the highest peak ranging between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Mullayanagiri trek leads to on of the paradises of Karnataka. The cave just below the peak and also Nandi sculpture on the way must not be missed while trekking this. There resides a Shiva Temple at the top of the hill from where the view of whole range of Western Ghats is soothing. Sunrise and Sunsets are worth the wait at the hill top. Mullayanagiri views are almost a replica of Himalayas from its top. While descending, pass through the Tiger Reserve Forest towards Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls.
10) Kemmanagundi Trek
Kemmanagundi gives you numerous hiking opportunities to various natural spots. It is another mind-blowing trek in Western Ghats. The hike will give you an amazing soothing experience of silence away from the polluted and noisy city life. You can relax under the white watered Hebbe Falls when you get tired of continuously moving forward. There also stands Chennakesava Temple which is renowned for its ornate sculptures. The temple is another major attraction of the place.
11) Baba Budangiri Trek
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Baba Budangiri is more of a pilgrim place and less a trek. This place is accessible by road but if you love walking through the nature, you can opt for the same. There resides a beautiful cave temple and an amazing drive to Mullayagiri. The best time of the year to visit Baba Budangiri is either February to May or August to December. The climate here is cool and pleasant, more religious throughout the year. Chikamagalur and Hassan areas in Baba Budangiri are well-known for non vegetarian food varieties. If you are a non-veg food lover then this is the place you must visit when in Baba Budangiri.
12) Kudremukh Trek
Source: Ramesh Desai
Kudremukh is a small village in Karnataka, lies in the Chikmagalur district. The fine variety of soil which is rich in its nutrients supports the best coffee plantations that Kudremukh grows. An interesting fact of the place is that a particular side of the mountain looks like the face of a horse. Thus the name Kudremukh itself means horse face. The peak is about 1,894 meters above sea level. As you hike up the trek, you will come across pristine streams, cute bamboo shrubs, continuous waterfalls and lush vegetation. It is the third highest peak in Karnataka. Kundremukh National Park at the base camp is something worth visiting. Only thing trek enthusiasts may regret is that camping is not allowed at its peak as it is a reserved forest.
13) Kodachadri Trek
Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests in Shimoga district in Karnataka. Standing at an elevation of 1300 ft above sea level, Kodachadri is the 10th highest peak in Karnataka. Mookambika Temple is a famous attraction in Kollur from where Kodachadri trek starting point is just 20 KMs away. Sunrise and sunsets from the peak of Kodachadri are breathtaking. You can stay in Nagodi or Nittur village if you are planning to experience the charmer of this place. Hidlumane Falls is one of the most dazzling waterfalls in Kodachadri.
You can rest for sometime at Shankara Peetham, a small beautiful place where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have meditated. Monsoons is the best time to visit here as blue-green colors take all over Kodachadri.
Last Updated on November 14, 2018 by Rohan
