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Travel: Trekking in the Western Ghats

By Bhaskar Krishnamurthy and Vishwanath Dugganahalli

July 2017

With an average elevation of 4,000 feet, the Western Ghats form one of India’s hottest biodiversity regions. It’s where raw nature meets regional culture, giving you an adrenaline rush and the opportunity to explore and enjoy its many wonders.

These soaring mountain ranges are known by different names across India—the Sahyadris in the West, Konkan Coast alongside the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats in Karnataka, and Nilgiris in southern India. Despite the high human habitation, the Ghats boast of extraordinary landscapes supporting varied vegetation and endemic flora and fauna. The scenery ranges from grass and rock on high ground to tea and cardamom plantations on the lower slopes to lush jungles. Treks can vary in length from a couple of days to several weeks. Here are some stimulating trekking routes along the rivers and streams of the Western Ghats. Beware of leeches!

Bhaskar Krishnamurthy is a widely published, award-winning photojournalist. Vishwanath Dugganahalli, an avid trekker, leads enthusiasts on adventure expeditions in India.

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