The monsoons are the perfect time to embark on a short trek a few hours outside of the city. If you’re really lucky you’d probably get a short drizzle or even a downpour, making your day out a proper adventure!
However, a monsoon trek also comes with its fair amount of challenges based on the route you choose; namely slippery and slushy trails, flora and fauna you might not be familiar with, and in drastic cases, even landslides! Here are the best monsoon trekking locations in India which will inspire even the ‘non-walker’…
- Sinhagad Trek, Pune
- Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Calicut
- Kalsubai, Maharashtra
- Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
- Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
Sinhagad Trek, Pune
Experience the panoramic view of Pune city as you watch the city rise with the Sun or take in a slice of Deccan history from the 17th century Sinhagad Fort. With the highest point at 4320 feet, the trail could be challenging with uneven slopes that can test your agility and dexterity!
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
This UNESCO World Heritage site is high on the not-to-be-missed list for the serious trekker, especially during the monsoons. The Nanda Devi Bioshpere, a seven day trek allows you to experience flowers in full bloom when done between July and September and is a popular choice for most people.
Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Calicut
From the high altitude treks of Uttarakhand, take on the challenge of the five kilometre trek in Kozhikode district of Kerala. After all, this is known as the ‘Trekkers Paradise’ for a reason! Get lost in the dense greenery of the forest and trek to the three waterfalls on the Chalippuzha River with the highest one over 75 meters high. Moderately difficult, this trek provides the perfect romantic getaway.
Kalsubai, Maharashtra
Conquer the highest peak of the Sahyadari range in Maharashtra at a height of 1646 meters, to reach the stunning Kalsubai temple at the summit and panoramic views of green vistas, the erstwhile forts and the Bhandardana Dam. To make the most of this trekking experience, start the trek at night! The well laid out path provides for an easy walk and will ensure you don’t wander into the forest. On your way down, be mesmerised by the blooming wild flowers that are plenty in the monsoons. So go ahead, choose this as your next trekking location for a memorable adventure.
Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
The Hampta Pass located high in the Himalayas at 14,100 feet can be accessed from Manali and provides a link between the Kullu and Lahaul Valley in this majestic mountain range. You are sure to feel like you are on top-of-the-world as you see glaciers and deep valleys and gorges! This moderate trek will take you a couple of days to reach the Pass but this trekking journey is well worth it!
Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
Popularly called the ‘Sea of Milk’, The Dudhsagar Falls is the fifth largest in the country with the water falling over 1000 feet into the Mandovi River! Take on this last trek and wind your way through the dense vegetation only to be mesmerised by the large than life waterfall crashing into rocks!
Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia, Kerala Tourism
Written by Nalini Agarwal on Jul 25, 2017