Are you looking for the best treks in Kerala? If yes, you are landing on the correct article. Kerala is a popular tourist destination worldwide for its culture, food, great backwaters, mountains, and trekking spots rich in flora and fauna.
According to the Statista report, in 2022, the domestic tourists arriving in Kerala accounted for approximately 19 million, while the foreign tourist arrivals accounted for over 350 thousand. This report clearly shows Kerala’s popularity among tourists.
Kerala is a fantastic place for hikers, adventure lovers, and nature lovers. The best time to visit, especially for trekking, is between July and September. This blog post will tell you about the 13 best trekking places in Kerala.
To learn about the best time to visit and what to do in Kerala treks, read this blog post to the end.
1. Anamudi Peak
Anamudi Peak is a vast mountain in Kerala’s Idukki and Ernakulam Districts. It is also among the highest mountains in the Western Ghats. Anamudi Peak is just 10 km from Munnar, Kerala, and is mainly known for trekking.
Trekkers have to walk around 2 km, which takes four to five hours. To visit Anamudi Peak, you must obtain a special permit from forest authorities. The mountain is covered with trees and greenery and is the home of animals like elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs, and Gaurs.
- Best time to visit – June to August
- Things to carry – First aid kit, raincoat, offline map, and water bottles
- Best way to reach – Via car and flight
2. Top Station
Top Station is also one of the highest points in Munnar, Kerala. You will get a clear and fantastic view of the Western Ghats from Top Station. Top Station’s great climate will refresh your body from up to down.
The fantastic thing about Top Station is that a plant called Neelakurinji blooms once every twelve years. The trek to Top Station is around 9 km and takes more than six hours to complete.
- Best time to visit – November to April
- Things to carry – First aid kit, raincoat, extra shoe pair, and water bottles
- Best way to reach – Via cab and a bus
3. Kalpetta
Kalppetta is a municipality in Wayanad, Kerala. This place is surrounded by coffee and tea gardens and is mainly known for its tea plantations. Kalpetta’s best features are its green valleys, foggy climate, and pleasant weather all year.
The Kalpetta trek starts from the watchtower at Chembra Peak. It takes five to six hours to reach Kalpetta, which is about seven km away.
- Best time to visit – June to September
- Things to carry – First aid kit, food, and water
- Best way to reach – Via bus and cab
4. Agasthyakoodam, Among the best trekking places in Kerala
Agasthyakoodam is one of the most challenging treks in India and the world. It takes around two days to complete this trek, depending on the person’s stamina and courage. Agasthyakoodam is an excellent place for birdwatchers.
Agasthyakoodam is also an important site for Hindus. There is a statue on the top of the Agasthyakoodam where people worship Agastya, after whom the Agasthyakoodam is named. It is also home to some rare plants, herbs, and animals.
- Best time to visit – December to March
- Things to carry – First aid kit, light, offline map, camp, food, water, and warm clothes
- Best way to reach – Via bus, car, and a cab
5. Dhoni Hills
Dhoni Hills is one of the easiest and most recommended treks for first-time trekkers and solo travelers. It is just three to four hours’ walk from Palakkad town. It is also ideal for campers, hikers, and mountain lovers.
Dhoni Hills is a fantastic spot for picnics, family, and friends. The top of the Dhoni Hills offers an eye-opening view, and this trek takes only hours.
- Best time to visit – September to December
- Things to carry – First aid kit and water
- Best way to reach – Via bike, car, and a bus
6. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak trek is one of the most beautiful treks in India. Cembra Peak is known for its heart-shaped pond, and Chembra Peak has a natural heart-shaped pond that looks amazing. You will also view peaks, mountains, valleys, and waterfalls.
Chembra Peak is an easy three-km trek from the base camp; you will reach it within an hour. It is also an excellent destination for campers.
- Best time to visit – October to January
- Things to carry – First aid kit, camp, and water
- Best way to reach – Via car and a bus
7. Ramakkalmedu Peak
Ramakkalmedu Peak is one of the best trekking places in Kerala. It is 3,500 meters from sea level and offers panoramic views of Tamil Nadu hamlets. The Peak also has a statue of Kurathi and Kuravar, which illustrates the Sangam of Kerala.
Ramakkalmedu Peak is 40 km from Thekkady, home to turtles, frogs, elephants, and rocks. People mainly come here to see the statues of Kurathi and Kuravar.
- Best time to visit – November to January
- Things to carry – First aid kit and water
- Best way to reach – Via car and bus
8. Ponmudi
Ponmudi is one of the best trekking places in Kerala and the best honeymoon destination. It is also known as the Kashmir of Kerala. The weather is pleasant throughout the year, making it a great place for trekkers, backpackers, and campers.
Ponmudi has many treks, like Seethatheertham Trek, Nilgiri Tahr, Manchala Trek, and Maruthwamala Trek. All these treks are considered the best treks in Kerala. Manchala Trek, and Maruthwamala Trek. All these treks are considered the best treks in Kerala. Click here to learn about the trek’s duration, location, and timing.
- Best time to visit – June to September
- Things to carry – First aid kit, water, food, camp, lights, clothes, and offline map
- Best way to reach – Via car and bus
9. Tusharagiri Waterfalls
Tusharagiri Waterfalls is one of the most impressive and trekking places in the Western Ghats. If you are looking for an area to trek with your family, Tusharagiri Waterfalls is a perfect fit.
Tusharagiri Waterfalls is an excellent destination for picnics, hiking, trekking, and relaxing in Kerala. From the waterfalls, you will get a fantastic view of the forest, wildlife, waterfall, hill, and nature.
- Best time to visit – Weekends
- Things to carry – First aid kit, food, and water
- Best way to reach – Via bus and car
10. Meesha Pulimala, One of the best treks in Kerala
Meesha Pulimala is one of the highest peaks in Idukki, Kerala. Meesha Pulimala is an excellent spot for trekkers and adventure seekers. The Meesha Pulimala trek is about eight km and takes more than five hours to complete. Meesha Pulimala is 15 km from Munnar, Kerala.
You will view grasslands, wildlife, rainforests, waterfalls, and peaks. The Meesha Pulimala trek difficulty level is moderate; you will trek to Meesha Pulimala even if you are a newbie or have little experience in trekking.
- Best time to visit – September to April
- Things to carry – First aid kit, water, camp, and food
- Best way to reach – Via local bus and cab
11. Kumily
Kumily is one of the best trekking places in Kerala. It has three treks: Kurisumala, Ottakkathalamedu, and Pullumedu. It is situated six km from Thekkady, Kerala. You need to get permission from the Kerala Forest Department before the trek to Kumily.
From Kumily, you will get a fantastic view of waterfalls, green walks, nature, and wildlife. It is a twelve-km trek with ponds, wildlife, forests, a foggy climate, and an eye-boggling view. Kumily is also an ideal location for trekkers, adventure lovers, and photographers.
- Best time to visit – July to September
- Things to carry – First aid kit, raincoat, water, and food
- Best way to reach – Via car, bus, and cab
12. Nelliyampathy, Among the best trekking places in South India
Nelliyampathy has many treks, like the Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve Trek, the Nelliyampathy Tourism Trek, and the Nelliyampathy Off-Road Trekking. All these treks are worth visiting. Nelliyampathy Trek is mainly known for its Jungle Safaris.
Honestly, Nelliyampathy Trek is a hidden gem in Kerala. Few people know about it, but it is a fantastic trek. Going to Nelliyampathy Trek in the evening will give you a beautiful sunset view.
- Best time to visit – October to January
- Things to carry – First aid kit, water, and food
- Best way to reach – Via cab and car
13. Idukki
Idukki Trek is a beautiful trek in Kerala. It is a small trek of around 2.5 km, but you will get a fantastic view of mountains, mist valleys, waterfalls, tea gardens, cardamom plantations, and forests.
Idukki Trek is an excellent trek for solo travelers and first-time trekkers. You will deep-dive into nature after reaching Idukki. You can cover this trek within a half hour; it is also a great spot to spend weekends with your loved ones.
- Best time to visit – November to March
- Things to carry – First aid kit, snacks, and water
- Best way to reach – Via bus and car
Conclusion on the 13 best trekking places in Kerala that you should visit.
It’s all about the best treks in Kerala. From solo trekkers to group trekkers, waterfall treks to flower treks, tea garden treks to wildlife treks, Kerala has always had something adventurous for everyone.
Still, there are many treks in Kerala that we have not covered here because not all of them are worth visiting for your money and time. But the treks mentioned above are the best in Kerala and are worth it.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, call your friends, and explore all the mentioned Kerala treks individually. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments with other readers.
Thank You.
Frequently asked questions regarding Kerala trekking places.
Below are the answers to the most asked queries on the internet by people regarding trekking places in Kerala.
Q1. What are the best forest trekking places in Kerala?
Chembra Peak, Blackberry Hill, and Chokramudi Peak Trek are some of Kerala’s best forest trekking places.
Q2. What are some of the best trekking spots in Tamil Nadu?
Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yelagiri, and Yercayd are some of the best trekking spots in Tamil Nadu.
Q3. What are some of the most dangerous trekking places in India?
Pin Parvati Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, and Chadar Trek are some of the most dangerous trekking destinations in India.
