The best trekking routes in Kerala
Every adventure lover enjoys trekking. The activity allows you to appreciate and admire the marvels of nature in a special way.  When you trek up a hill, cliff or mountain range and reach the viewpoint, the exquisite view makes you realise how the challenging trek was worth all the effort. But it is not just about the endpoint. The journey itself is quite an experience. You come across beautiful rocks, dew filled grass, surprisingly cute bugs and insects, lovely butterflies as well as exotic flowering plants. A trek is also a great workout for your bones and muscles. And when you go to bed to relieve all the little aches you had from the long day of trekking, that’s just the best feeling in the world.
Since Kerala is home to majestic peaks and picturesque hill stations, it is a paradise for trekkers. Listed below are some of the best trekking routes in the state.
1. The Meesapulimala Trek
The Meesapulimala Peak, in Idduki, is at an enviable altitude of 8661 ft above sea level. The 8-km trek to the top of this majestic peak lets you experience the various habitats of nature. You will trek across 8 hills and pass through green meadows, rivulets, shola grasslands and pine forests. Since the trek is physically demanding, adventure lovers enjoy the experience fully. The mesmerizing view from the top of the peak becomes even more magical because of the misty clouds all around you.
2.Agastyakoodam Trekking
Agastyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala. It is located inside the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Trivandrum. During the 28-km trek to the top of the Agastyakoodam Peak, you will come across different types of terrains, natural springs, waterfalls and medicinal plants. The trek lasts for two days since you have to cover 56 km in total. The forest division arranges food and accommodation for trekkers. You will certainly enjoy a great camping experience during the trek.
3.Trekking at Periyar Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the most significant attractions in the town of Thekkady. The 925 sq km bio-diverse sanctuary is a great place for trekking. A group of 6 trekkers are accompanied by two guides and a forest guard. During the 15-km trek, you come across tea and cardamom plantations, a variety of birds, insects and animals like elephants, monkeys, sloth bears etc. If you’re extremely lucky, you could also spot a tiger. There is a special Tiger Trail trekking programme as well. Camping is also possible in the sanctuary.
4. Chembra Peak Wayanad
The enthralling Chembra Peak is part of the Wayanad hill ranges in the Western Ghats. Since it is 2100 metres high, the peak is ideal for trekking. On the top of the verdant Chembra peak, you will see a beautiful heart-shaped lake. The locals say that this lake never dries up. Therefore, it’s a major tourist attraction. The trek should take about three or four hours. The panoramic view you get from the top of the peak is simply spectacular. Chembra Peak offers an excellent opportunity for mountain climbing also.
5. Top Station Munnar
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The Top Station in Munnar is the hill station’s most beautiful viewpoint.  It only requires a soft trek to reach this place. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, especially early in the morning when the place has a thick cover of white clouds. As afternoon approaches, the clouds clear up and you get a stunning view of the Theni Valley in Tamil Nadu. Top Station is a place no traveler can afford to miss during their trip to Munnar. It’s more than a magical experience, something you cannot express in words.
6. Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is a protected river delta, comprising of a cluster of islands located amidst the Kabani River in Wayanad. Although it is isolated, the island is home to many rare species of birds, herbs and orchids. During a trek through this island surrounded by streams, you come across lofty trees, sparkling rivers, evergreen forests and beautiful bridges made from bamboo trees. The most striking feature of the Kuruva Island, however, is the complete silence which is only broken by faint jungle sounds.
