Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Adventure Opportunities in Western Ghats

View from Ramachi Point

Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range in India. It is older than the Himalayas.

This 1,600-kilometer-long treasure house of biodiversity covers an area of around 180,000 square kilometers.

It covers six states, namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a paradise for adventure seekers.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. This nature's masterpiece is home to animals like Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, panther, golden jackal, barking deer and wild boar.

Nagarhole National Park Safari

Jeep Safari is the best way to explore the flora & fauna of Nagarhole National Park, which also has many trekking trails.

We were lucky to see an elephant with huge tusks from about 50 feet.

— Vikas Sharma

Mahabaleshwar

Located in Maharashtra, this hill station (1,353 meters) has many trekking trails. Rock climbing, cycling, trekking, archery, horse riding, air crossing and strings balance are some popular adventure activities in Mahabaleshwar.

Mumbai has a number of midnight bicycle rides doing the rounds. I, for one, have been passionate about the hills and have explored this part of the state on my cycle. Firstly, I enjoy the quiet all around and the fact that I am in the lap of nature, breathing fresh air. Secondly, riding the cycle helps me complete distances that I wouldn't have managed to on foot.

— Akshay Shetty, founder of Honey Bee Adventures

Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar

Visit between March and June. Temperature starts rising durning March, but it is still pleasant; temperature stays between 15°C and 35°C.

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak (1,950 meters) in Karnataka. It attracts many adventure‐loving people. Mountain biking, trekking and road biking are popular adventure activities here.

Mullayanagiri Trek

The most popular trekking trail in the region begins from Sarpadaari. This 3-km-long moderate level trek is fairly steep; you will take around 1.5 hours to reach the peak.

Rajamalai

Rajamalai, which is located in the Idukki district in Kerala, is part of the Eravikulam National Park. It is around 2,000 meters above sea level. This region is famous for patches of Shola forests which are interspersed with rolling grasslands. It offers you many opportunities to enjoy trekking.

Rajamalai Trekking

Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Trek Essentials

 
Backpack
Camera bag
Dry sack
Trekking pants
Thermal underwear
Pajama
Socks
Hiking shoes
Flip flops
Headlamp
Quick-drying towel
Sleeping bag
Reusable water bottle
Sterilization drops
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Moisturizing skin cream
Walking stick
Snacks
Hand sanitizer gel
Toilet paper
Medicines
Earplugs
Batteries
Memory cards

Agumbe

This high-altitude village is surrounded by majestic mountains, stunning valleys, tropical forests and breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. Known as the Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is located in shimoga district in Karnataka. River Sita originates in Agumbe.

White water rafting and trekking are popular adventure activities in the region. Here you will find trekking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The shortest trail is the one-hour-long hike up a gentle incline of green thickets to Onake Abbe Falls. As the foliage suddenly clears, you will find yourself at the top of the fall, looking down as the water pours into a clear pool.

Trekking to the Kudlu Theertha Falls or Nishani Gudda is a once in a lifetime experience.

— Madur

Lonavala

Located in Maharastra, this hill station is surrounded by beautiful green valleys. It is around 622 meters above sea level. Andharban trek is a popular trekking trail in this region. It begins from Pimpri, passses through jungles, valleys and waterfalls, and ends in Bhira. Balloon safari, ATV rides, rocket ejector, cross bow and bungee jumping are other popular adventure activities in Lonavala.

Lonavala Points

 
Amrutanjan Point
Rajmachi Point
Lion's Point
Shooting Point
Tiger's Point
Duke's Nose Point

Kalsubai

Kalsubai, which is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, is the highest point (around 1,646 meters) in the state. Located in the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wild-life Sanctuary, this hill station is well-known for the 2-day Kalsubai Monsoon Trek. Bari Gaon is the base village for this trek.

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