Trekking is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a physical challenge. For beginners, finding the right trekking destination is key to having a fulfilling experience without overexertion. South India offers a wealth of beginner-friendly treks that provide stunning landscapes, moderate trails, and a chance to immerse oneself in the region’s natural beauty.
One of the most popular treks for beginners is the Skandagiri Trek, which is relatively easy and highly accessible. For those interested in this trek, understanding how to secure the skandagiri trek booking​​ is an important step before embarking on the adventure. This article highlights some of the top beginner-friendly treks in South India, including Skandagiri and other destinations perfect for first-timers.
1. Skandagiri Trek
Location: Near Bangalore, Karnataka
Distance: 60 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours (round trip)
Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a manageable yet rewarding trek. Located just 60 km from Bangalore, the trek offers an ideal mix of natural beauty and a gentle challenge. The trek is particularly popular for night trekking, with many opting to hike under the stars and reach the summit in time for a breathtaking sunrise.
The trail is about 8 km in total and takes you through rocky terrain and patches of dense forest. The Skandagiri trek is relatively straightforward, though it does require a bit of stamina for the final ascent. The highlight of the trek is reaching the top of the hill, where the remnants of an ancient fort provide a historic backdrop to the stunning views.
For those planning to go on this trek, it’s essential to complete the skandagiri trek booking​​ in advance, especially during weekends when the trail can get busy. You can book the trek through various online platforms that offer guided tours or through local trekking organizations.
2. Nandi Hills Trek
Location: Near Bangalore, Karnataka
Distance: 60 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours (round trip)
Nandi Hills is one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly trekking destinations near Bangalore. The hill is famous for its stunning viewpoints, serene atmosphere, and historical significance. The trek to the top is relatively easy, with well-paved paths and gradual inclines. It’s perfect for beginners who want to start with something manageable but still enjoy the thrill of reaching a summit.
Along the way, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the distant horizon. The summit is home to the ancient Nandi Temple, which adds a cultural element to the trek. Many also visit Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, which sits near the top of the hill. Nandi Hills is an excellent option for those looking for a quick and easy trek that can be completed in half a day.
3. Mullayanagiri Trek
Location: Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Distance: 280 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours (round trip)
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and is located in the beautiful Western Ghats near Chikmagalur. The trek is perfect for beginners because of its well-defined trail and moderate difficulty level. The ascent is gradual, making it an excellent choice for those who are new to trekking but want to experience the challenge of reaching a mountain summit.
The Mullayanagiri trek offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, with rolling hills, misty valleys, and lush greenery surrounding the trail. The trek starts from Sarpadhari and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The summit of Mullayanagiri is marked by a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where trekkers can rest and take in the panoramic views of the landscape below.
4. Tadiandamol Trek
Location: Coorg, Karnataka
Distance: 275 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours (round trip)
Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Coorg, is a great trekking destination for beginners due to its well-marked trails and moderate difficulty level. The trek offers a serene environment with lush green landscapes, cool mountain air, and a chance to explore the beautiful Western Ghats.
The trail is about 7 km long and takes you through coffee plantations, dense forests, and grasslands before reaching the summit. Tadiandamol is an ideal trek for beginners who want to experience the thrill of trekking in the hills without facing too many technical challenges. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, with Coorg’s rolling hills and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.
5. Chembra Peak Trek
Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Distance: 280 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours (round trip)
Chembra Peak, located in Wayanad, Kerala, is one of the most picturesque trekking spots in South India. Known for its heart-shaped lake that sits halfway along the trek, Chembra Peak offers a delightful experience for beginners. The trail is relatively easy to navigate, with a gradual incline leading to the summit.
The trek to Chembra Peak takes about 4-5 hours and offers stunning views of Wayanad’s tea plantations, rolling hills, and dense forests. The heart-shaped lake, known as Hridaya Saras, is a popular spot for trekkers to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The peak offers panoramic views of Wayanad and the surrounding valleys, making it a rewarding experience for first-time trekkers.
6. Ramanagara Trek
Location: Near Bangalore, Karnataka
Distance: 50 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours (round trip)
Ramanagara, located just 50 km from Bangalore, is a great option for beginners who want to start with an easy and short trek. The region is famous for its rocky terrain and offers a unique trekking experience. The trek takes you through granite hills, with relatively easy trails that lead to the top.
Ramanagara is also famous for its association with the iconic Bollywood movie Sholay, which was shot here. The trek is ideal for a quick weekend getaway and can be completed in just a few hours. The views from the top are impressive, with rocky outcrops and greenery stretching out below. Ramanagara is also popular for rock climbing, making it a great spot for adventure enthusiasts.
7. Kunti Betta Trek
Location: Pandavapura, Karnataka
Distance: 130 km from Bangalore
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours (round trip)
Kunti Betta, located in Pandavapura near Mysore, is another beginner-friendly trek that offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The trek takes you through rocky hills and lush greenery, with views of the Thonnur Lake in the distance. The trail is relatively easy to navigate, making it ideal for beginners.
The trek is named after Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, and has a mythological connection to the Mahabharata. The climb involves navigating through boulders and narrow paths, but the views from the summit make it worth the effort. The sunrise from Kunti Betta is particularly spectacular, making it a popular spot for night treks.