Western Ghats
Western Ghats, which runs parallel to India's western coast, houses 20 national parks and 68 sanctuaries. It is older than the Himalayas. Covering an area of around 180,000 square kilometers, this 1,600-km-long lush mountain range is world-famous for its biodiversity.
Around 7,402 species of flowering plants,1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian species, 6,000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species have made this UNESCO World Heritage Site their home. The United Nations designated Western Ghats as a world heritage site in 2012.
Anamudi
At an elevation of 2,695 meters and a topographic prominence of 2,479 meters, Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. It is also the peak with the greatest topographic isolation within India. It is located in Kerala.
Anamudi Trekking
Anamudi is a dream come true for trekkers, but for trekking you need to take permission from the Eravikulam National Park authorities. I suggest you contact the authorities for details on trekking and weather. You may call the number +91 4865 231587 or send a mail to their id roywlw@eravikulam.org.
The easiest route to the top of Anamudi is an easy hike on grass slopes, starting from a rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 meters. It is a cakewalk for expert trekkers.
Anamudi is around 20 kilometers from Munnar. It is well-connected by road. Cochin International Airport (114 kilometers) is the nearest airport. Visit Anamudi between November and May.
Anamudi Shola National Park
This park is 45 km from Munnar. It is along the Western Ghats of Kerala in Idukki district. This rain forest comprises of Mannavan shola, Pullardi shoal and Idivara shola and is spread in 7 sq km area.
Anamudi
Jog falls
Located in Shimoga district in Karnataka, this wonder of nature is the second highest (253 meters) plunge waterfall in India. It is also known as Gerosoppa Falls and Joga Falls.
Jog Falls is formed by the River Sharavathi, which plunges in four magnificent cascades: Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. The beauty of the waterfall is enhanced by the lush green surroundings, which provide a scenic backdrop.
Mangaluru Airport (which is around 220 kilometers) is the nearest airport; Talguppa Railway Station (13.2 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. KSRTC buses are available from Mangaluru to Jog Falls. The place is well-connected by road.
There are many viewpoints to enjoy this wonder of nature. In fact you can walk down to the bottom of the waterfalls by taking steps which go down to the base of the falls. However you need to be fit to deal with 1,388 steps.
When we made a family trip to Jog Falls, Shimoga (105 kilometers) was our base station. Me, my parents, my wife and my son had plenty of fun. Visit between July and December.
Jog Falls
Chandoli National Park
Spread over 317.67 square kilometers, this park is located in Maharastra. It is spread over Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli districts. It was established in 2004. While here, you should definitely not miss the jungle safari.
Around 23 species of mammals, 123 species of birds and 20 species of amphibians and reptiles have made Chandoli National Park their home. Tigers, gaurs, deer, leopard cats, panthers, sloth bears, barking deer, mouse deer and other animals roam around this UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you like extreme adventure you can trek to Fort Prachitgad; it will take 2 to 3 days. Fort Prachitgad, which is a 17th century fort, is surrounded by deep jungle.
Urun Islampur airport (30 kilometers) is the nearest airport. Chandoli National Park is well-connected by road. You can reach the park by MSRTC bus or cab.
Chandoli National Park Timings
Opening
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Closing
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6.00 am
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6.00 pm
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The park is closed on Mondays.
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is located near Kodaikanal town (in the upper Palani Hills) in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It was artificially created in 1867. Spread over 59 acres, this 3-km-long reservoir with sparkling blue water is surrounded by lush greenery. You will need a forest pass (which is available for free at the District Forest Office) to visit this lake.
Berijam Lake Permission
Fishing and boating are popular activities in this lake. For fishing you need permission from the Fisheries Department. If you are lucky, you will be able to animals like leopard, elephant, langur, deer and bison in the forest surrounding the lake.
Berijam Lake is open for general public between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm. Located around 23 kilometers from Kodaikanal bus stand, this lake is well-connected by road. You can reach the lake by bus or cab. Visit between October and May.
Agumbe
This high-altitude village is spread over 3 square kilometers. It is located in Thirthahalli taluk, Shimoga district, Karnataka; it's in the Malnad region. It is nestled on a plateau on top of Someshwara Ghat.
Agumbe is famous for lush rainforest, scenic beauty, beautiful sunsets over the Arabian Sea, serene landscape, biodiversity and spectacular waterfalls. It receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second highest annual rainfall in India.
Sunset Point, Gopala Krishna Temple, Barkana Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Jogigundi Falls, Onake Abbi Falls and Koodlu Theertha Falls are major tourist attractions in the region.
Mangaluru Airport (100 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Udupi railway station (55 kilometers) is the nearest railway station to Agumbe. You can reach this beautiful village from the airport and the railway station by KSRTC bus or cab.
Best Time to Visit Agumbe
Visit between November and January.
Meesapulimala
Located in Idukki district, this fascinating and unique mountain (2,640 meters) is the second highest peak in Western Ghats. The best way to experience the natural beauty of this place is to take the 8-kilometre-long trek from Rhodo Valley.
Lonavala
Lonavala is surrounded by green valleys. It offers you an alluring and bewitching experience.
