Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Southwestern Ghats

    Southwestern Ghats Hiking

    Region in India

    Hiking in the Southwestern Ghats is hiking in paradise. The region stretches for 160,000.0 km along the Indian peninsula, making it to the top of many thrill seeker’s bucket lists. Recognized for its unparalleled biodiversity, no two hikes will ever be the same, meaning you can return time and time again to experience the magic of this land. Prepare for long but rewarding days as you set off on any trek within the untamed paradise of the Southwestern Ghats, with plenty of options for one-way treks, circuits or lollipop loops. This mountain range has it all!

    Within the Southwestern Ghats, find the second-highest peak of Meesapulimala that takes hikers past the forested Sky Islands and up between narrow craters before rewarding them with views over the Kolukkumalai Table Land. Or, perhaps walk among the birds at the Cloud Forest hike, set along a pristine forest surrounded by wispy puffs of cloud. You can even roam alongside India’s wildlife on the Chinnar Bush Walk, where the giants of the jungle graze alongside panthers and monkeys.

    The natural land of the Southwestern Ghats seems to particularly flourish just after the rainy season, turning the jungle and wetlands into a lush and verdant oasis. We recommend visiting between the months of November and June to enjoy the mountain range without the rain (or leeches). Once you’ve completed all the trails you’ve set out to do, you can retire your hiking boots and explore the nearby hillside town of Munnar, where you can dive into the Lakkam Waterfalls and kick your feet up at a tea plantation estate.

    Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Pack your bags and we’ll take care of the rest. Find our Southwestern Ghats hiking guides below to discover the best that India has to offer!

    10 Stunning Hikes in the Southwestern Ghats

    No matter what hiking trail on the Southwestern Ghats you choose, you’re in for some stunning views overlooking plateaus, hills, mountaintop peaks, and wildflower valleys. While these hikes may not be particularly family friendly, they are perfect for adventure seeking couples, friends, or solo hikers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities of India.

    • Meesapulimala Hike: Conquer the second-highest peak in the Southwestern Ghats on the Meesapulimala hike. At the summit, take in unforgettable views over the Munnar Plateau and Korangini Crater.
    • Lakshmi Hills Hike: Roam the verdant tea plantation hills that inspired the setting for Life of Pi on the Lakshmi Hills hike. Trek the western slope of the Ghats, stopping to snap photos of peaks, valleys, and gorges as the landscape changes.
    • Cloud Forest Walk: Explore this national park dedicated to protecting the rare flora and fauna that can be found in the hills. Hang out with wildlife up in the clouded treetops, where black monkeys, flying squirrels, and mongoose are known to inhabit.
    • Chokramudi Hike: For 360-degree views over the Ghats, set out on the Chokramudi hike to reach the third-highest peak in the Southwestern Ghats. Along the path, stop and smell the wildflowers that bloom by the thousands over huge plains.
    • Old Cart Road Hike: Discover the historical significance of the area on the Old Cart Road hike. This trail was built during the colonial period to provide access to the tea plantations up on the hill. Today, stop and have a cup of tea in the planter's village and learn the local ways.
    • Chinnar Bush Walk and Elephant Trail: Listen as elephants whistle and jaguars growl in the savannah-like grasslands of the Chinnar Bush Walk and Elephant Trail. Find blanketed bright green tea fields and further afield, follow the Athiode stream for a peaceful and immersive walk.
    • Heritage Walks-Marayur Village: Connect to the cultural roots of India on the heritage walk through Marayur Village. This village is one of five towns surrounded by the Southwestern Ghats, where locals celebrate traditional customs and are eager to welcome visitors.
    • Brahmagiri Peak Hike: Trek to the tip top of Brahmagiri Peak, or the “mountain of the creator,” to take in the splendour that lies below. Once you hit the peak, you’re not done yet! Next, hike along active elephant and tiger corridors for a heart-pounding adventure.
    • Chembra Peak Hike: Discover the famous Wayanad Plateau, home to the Nilgiri biosphere and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet. This hike is challenging and will get the blood pumping as you trek up the Chembra Peak, the highest in the Wayanad Plateau.
    • Makki Hills Hike: This hike is surrounded by impenetrable, thick forest, leaving hikers feeling as if they’ve stepped back in time to a pre-civilization world. Enter the tropical rainforest trail for a short and easy walk to the peak that dazzles at both sunrise and sunset.

    When is the best time to hike in the Southwestern Ghats?

    If you want to experience the Southwestern Ghats without worrying about the rain, November through March sees beautiful, dry weather, but the forest and vegetation may not be as lush as during monsoon season. The mountain range is at its peak natural beauty during monsoon season, which takes place between June and September, but can be dangerous for hikers. Be warned, if you visit during the wet season, be sure to pack layers, a raincoat, leech socks, and waterproof boots.

    How to plan a trip to the Southwestern Ghats?

    Not sure where to start on planning your trip to Southwestern Ghats? No sweat, we have a full guide on planning your trip to the Southwestern Ghats outlining all our insider secrets, like how to get here, where to stay, and the best food and drinks in the area.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Southwestern Ghats

    What are the different ranges which make up the Western Ghats?

    There are three main ranges that make up the Western Ghats: the Anaimalai to the north, the Palni to the northeast, and the Cardamom Hills to the south.

    What is the tallest mountain in South India?

    The highest mountain top is the Doddabetta peak, which is located in Tamil Nadu and is a part of the Nilgiri Hills at the junction of the Western Ghats, as well as the Eastern Ghats.

    Are the Southwestern Ghats accessible to hikers?

    Yes, absolutely! You will likely need to hire a guide for almost any hike in the area, as most trails do not have a self-guided option. Thankfully, there are plenty of amazing naturalist guides in the area to help you along your adventure. Also note that you’ll often also need a 4x4 vehicle to access the starting points of these hikes.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Southwestern Ghats Hiking on Map

    View Map

    Best Hikes in Southwestern Ghats

    Open details for Meesapulimala Hike

    Meesapulimala Hike

    Moderate
    13.5 km
    794 m
    4.5-6.5h

    Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in Southwestern Ghats at a height of 2,640 m, overlooking the east escarpment of the Munnar Plateau and Korangini Crater. With Rhododendron Valley, golden grass hills, and low-floating clouds, this ancient and untouched landscape is not to be missed. Views of the Palani Hill range from abrupt cliffs to mountainous peaks, enchanting travellers with a once in a lifetime experience.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Lakshmi Hills Hike

    Lakshmi Hills Hike

    Moderate
    10.7 km
    474 m
    3-4.5h

    Named after a tea factory division, this cliffy ridge trail on the west side of Munnar is popularly called Lakshmi Hills. It was the backdrop of the first chapters of Yann Martel's Life of Pi, a popular philosophical novel inspired by the green hills and tea country.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Cloud Forest Walk

    Cloud Forest Walk

    Easy
    3.8 km
    148 m
    1-1.5h

    This Cloud Forest walk takes place in a national park, home to a dedicated nature reserve, protecting high-altitude flora and fauna, especially restricted species. This patch of pristine cloud forest lies east of Munnar, close to the famous Top Station cliff.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Chokramudi (Shiva’s Head) Hike

    Chokramudi (Shiva’s Head) Hike

    Moderate
    1.8 km
    414 m
    1.5-2h

    Chokramudi is the third-highest peak in Munnar and makes for insane views for those willing to take on the challenge. The Dome, also known as Shiva’s Head, is accessible by a tiny, narrow path through grassland and is not for the faint of heart. This moorland is bursting with the fragrance of wildflowers throughout the year. Be sure to have your camera—and your nose—at the ready.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Old Cart Road Hike

    Old Cart Road Hike

    Hard
    19.7 km
    992 m
    6-8.5h

    On this Southwestern Ghats hike, you’ll follow an old cart road built during the colonial period. Half of the trail winds through tea plantations with a fantastic view of the westerm ridge and ghats. The other half continues through a cardamom forest and planter’s village with friendly locals welcoming you in for tea.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Chinnar Bush Walk and Elephant Trail

    Chinnar Bush Walk and Elephant Trail

    Moderate
    11.1 km
    278 m
    2.5-4h

    In the 1890’s, Colonel Valentine discovered this passage to cross the leeward hills to reach Coimbatore in Madras Presidency of British India. The road snakes through undulating hills covered in green blankets of tea plantations surrounded by forest. Found here is the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a protected savannah-type forest with wildlife like Asiatic elephants, panther, wild gaur, monkeys, and deer roaming about. It also harbors 202 unique species of birds.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Heritage Walks-Marayur Village

    Heritage Walks-Marayur Village

    Easy
    8.6 km
    165 m
    2-3h

    The Heritage Walks are soft hiking trails in the ethnic villages of Southwestern Ghats. The five-town county is located 40.0 km northeast of Munnar, home to a cluster of five ethnic villages surrounded by stunning mountains, laying in the rain shadow of the Anamudi Hills.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Brahmagiri Peak Hike

    Brahmagiri Peak Hike

    Moderate
    7.4 km
    429 m
    2.5-3.5h

    On the hike to Bhramagiri Peak, follow the lush, evergreen wet forest tracts of Thirunelli in Wayanad, which leads towindy grasslands overlooking the impregnable western jungle, popularly known as Pakshipathalam, which means “netherworld of birds.” Hike to the tip top of the peak to take in sweeping views over hills, valleys, and mountains in vibrant shades of green on the “mountain of the creator.”

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Chembra Peak Hike

    Chembra Peak Hike

    Moderate
    7.7 km
    995 m
    4-6h

    The Chembra Peak calls Wayanad home, a plateau in the west escarpment of the Nilgiri biosphere. It is part of the World Heritage site known for its outstanding natural beauty. Chembra is the highest peak on the Wayanad plateau and makes for a challenging trek for adventurous mountaineers.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews
    Open details for Makki Hills Hike

    Makki Hills Hike

    Easy
    3.0 km
    249 m
    1-1.5h

    The Makki Hill ranges are located in the western slope of the Ghats. Their lush, tropical rainforests are surrounded by the Periya range and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The region is historically noted in British Indian history as the first spot where a tribal uprising, organized by a local king, took place against the British. To this day, the core zone of the forest is impenetrable, but the buffer zone is accessible by specified paths which make up the Makki Hill hike.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews

    Change happens, fees shouldn't

    Essential Tools for Any Adventure

    Find a hotel in some of the most beautiful locations on earth.

    Book your own car to have complete freedom on your next adventure.

    Gear-up for your next adventure.

    This page may include affiliate links. We may get a small commission for the purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
    We only recommend tools we personally think are great.

    Related regions

    Change happens, fees shouldn't

    Recent Stories

    Open details for Trail Etiquette When Exploring the Backcountry

    Trail Etiquette When Exploring the Backcountry

    By Emma Schroeder
    March 4th, 2024
    Open details for The Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

    The Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

    By Richard Campbell
    February 13th, 2024
    Open details for 10 Tips for Having fun and Staying Safe on Winter Trails

    10 Tips for Having fun and Staying Safe on Winter Trails

    By Richard Campbell
    November 28th, 2023
    Open details for The Best Larch Hikes in Alberta: 15 Stunning Trails To Do This Fall

    The Best Larch Hikes in Alberta: 15 Stunning Trails To Do This Fall

    By Lynn W
    July 14th, 2023
    Detailed Route Guides
    Real GPS Coordinates
    Reliable Trail Reports
    Experienced-Based Travel Tips
    GPS App
    Extensive Travel Guides

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter