December is the perfect season to explore the lush green outdoors. For those keen on discovering such verdurous locations, Karnataka's ghat section boasts a number of trekking trails and camping spots. Many enthusiasts from Bengaluru head to these places in large groups. The organisers are quite skilled and equipped to handle easy and moderate to difficult treks. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a rookie, here's a list of treks you could join to get away from the city buzz and enjoy the outdoors.
Kodachadri Trek
December 6
Plan The Unplanned is organising the Kodachadri Trek all this month on weekends. Kodachadri is located amidst the Western Ghats, at a distance of 78km from Shimoga. It is the 13th highest peak in Karnataka with the Mookambika National Park in close proximity. The trail to the peak is through lush forests and the route is dotted with waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. The total distance of the trek is 14 kms and difficulty level is moderate. The group will leave Bengaluru on Friday night, and the trek begins the next day after breakfast. On the trail stop by at the Hidlumane Falls and Mookambika Temple before you reach the summit. You will also be taken to the Nagara Fort in Shimoga for a visit before you return to Bengaluru on Sunday night. Rs 3,399++. Details: 9482070194
Narasimha Parvatha Trek
December 6
Head to Agumbe this weekend for the Narasimha Parvatha trek hosted by the Bangalore Mountaineering Club. This is the tallest peak in Agumbe Ghats at a height of 1150m and is surrounded by waterfalls such as Onake Abbi, Bakarna and Jogi Gundi falls. The trek begins from Malandur village. Although it is an easy trek initially, it gets difficult as the forest grows thicker with little sunlight penetrating the thick foliage. Agumbe receives the highest rainfall in South India and has earned the epithet The Cherrapunji of South India, and this is a good month to experience the breezy enviroment of this tiny town. Rs 3,899. Details: 9611102222
Hutridurga Trek
December 15
Karnataka is known for the Navadurga or the nine hills fort which is at a distance of 100 km from Bengaluru. While it might seem like a Herculean task to scale all the nine hills, you could trek to one of the peaks with the Adventure Buddha group that's hosting the Hutridurga trek. Nestled between the villages of Kunigal taluk and Tumkur district, Hutridurga peak is part of the fort and has a Shankareshwara temple situated on the peak. The one-day trek will be through the villages that surround the peak and through the lush green Uttari Betta hill. Rs 850. Details: 9916943398
Tadiyandamol Trek
December 14
Coorg's highest peak, Tadiyandamol, is the perfect spot to explore this winter. Muddie Trails is hosting a trek to this verdurous peak, and the moderate level trek is ideal for everyone including beginners. The trail is through coffee estates, thick jungle and sprawling grasslands. The six kilometers trek (one way) is certainly one of the most scenic trails in Karnataka and totally worth the effort. Although it's a one day trek, the trip is for two days and concludes with a visit to the Tibetan monastery of Kushalnagar. Rs 3,650. Details: 9827032009
Kumara Parvatha Trek
December 20
The Souled Mountaineers group is hosting the Kumara Parvatha trek. Located in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, this peak stands tall at 1,712 metres and is the fourth highest peak in Karnataka. Since it is strategically placed at the edge of Coorg and Dakshina Kannada, it is one of the most beautiful peaks. The trail provides photographers stunning landscapes, flora and fauna to capture. Details: 9844201547