Top 23 Best Trekking Spots in Kerala: Explore God’s Own Country on Foot

Trekking spots in Kerala are a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, with the state’s lush landscapes, misty hills, and incredible biodiversity creating the perfect backdrop. From the towering peaks of the Western Ghats to serene coastal trails, Kerala offers something for every type of trekker. Here’s your guide to the best trekking spots in Kerala, including when to visit, how to get there, permission details, and any fees involved.

Top Trekking Spots in Kerala

1. Agasthyakoodam Trek

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram
• About: Agasthyakoodam, the second-highest peak in Kerala, is sacred to Hindus and one of the most biodiverse areas in the Western Ghats. The trail passes through dense forests, exotic wildlife, and herbal plants unique to the region.
• Best Time to Trek: January to March, when the weather is clear.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry is restricted and requires permission from the Kerala Forest Department.
  • The cost is around ₹500 for Indians, and higher for foreign tourists.
• How to Reach:
  • The trek starts from Bonacaud, about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Public transport is available to Bonacaud, or you can hire a cab from the city.

👉 Read more about Agasthyakoodam Trek

2. Chembra Peak Trek

• Location: Wayanad
• About: Known for its heart-shaped lake near the summit, Chembra Peak is a popular spot for its panoramic views of Wayanad’s lush landscape. It’s a relatively easy trek, making it ideal for beginners.
• Best Time to Trek: September to March, avoiding the monsoon.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permission can be obtained at the base camp near Meppadi.
  • Entry fee is around ₹750 for groups of up to 10 people.
• How to Reach:
  • Wayanad is well-connected by road. From Kalpetta, take a bus or taxi to Meppadi, the base of the trek.

👉 Read more about Chembra Peak

3. Meesapulimala Trek

• Location: Idukki
• About: At 2,640 meters, Meesapulimala offers an adventurous trek with breathtaking views. It’s the second-highest peak in South India, and the trail cuts through tea estates, cloud forests, and grasslands.
• Best Time to Trek: November to February for clear skies and cool weather.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Trekking permits can be arranged through the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC).
  • The cost is around ₹1,000, which includes the guide.
• How to Reach:
  • Start from Munnar. From there, you can book a Jeep ride or arrange transportation through KFDC to reach the base at Silent Valley Tea Estate.

👉 Read more about Meesapulimala Trek

4. Dhoni Hills Trek

• Location: Palakkad
• About: Known for its beautiful waterfalls and lush surroundings, the Dhoni Hills trek is a short, moderate hike that’s ideal for a day trip.
• Best Time to Trek: October to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permissions are provided at the entrance of the Dhoni Hills.
  • Entry fee is around ₹100 per person.
• How to Reach:
  • Palakkad is well-connected by rail and road. From the city center, take a bus or auto to reach the base of the trek.

👉 Read more about Dhoni Hills Trek & Waterfall

5. Anamudi Peak Trek

• Location: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• About: Anamudi is the highest peak in South India and provides a challenging trek, though only guided walks around the area are currently permitted to protect the habitat.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permission is required from Eravikulam National Park authorities, but direct trekking on the peak is not allowed to preserve biodiversity.
  • Entry fee for the national park is around ₹125 for Indians and ₹420 for foreigners.
• How to Reach:
  • Start from Munnar and take a bus or taxi to Eravikulam National Park. Guided tours begin from the park entrance.

👉 Read more about Anamudi Peak

6. Pakshipathalam Trek

• Location: Wayanad
• About: Famous for birdwatching and unique rock formations, this trek is challenging and requires a guide. The area is also home to several rare bird species and bats.
• Best Time to Trek: November to April.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permission is required from the forest office at Thirunelli.
  • Guide fees start at around ₹500.
• How to Reach:
  • Wayanad is accessible by road. From Kalpetta, head to Thirunelli, where the trek starts.

👉 Read more about Pakshipathalam

7. Thoovanam Waterfalls Trek

• Location: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki
• About: This trek offers a relatively easy walk through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the stunning Thoovanam Waterfalls. It’s ideal for nature lovers and families.
• Best Time to Trek: November to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permission can be obtained at the sanctuary entrance.
  • The entry fee is around ₹200, which includes a guide.
• How to Reach:
  • Munnar is the nearest town, about 50 km away. From there, local transport is available to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

👉 Read more about Thoovanam Waterfalls

8. Periyar Tiger Trail

• Location: Thekkady, Idukki
• About: Periyar Tiger Reserve offers a unique trekking experience, combining adventure with wildlife viewing. Trekkers might spot tigers, elephants, and more as they navigate through dense forests.
• Best Time to Trek: October to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • The forest department manages permits, and guides are mandatory.
  • Fees vary by the length of the trek (from ₹1,000-₹5,000).
• How to Reach:
  • Thekkady is well-connected to major cities in Kerala. From there, local transport will take you to the reserve’s entrance.

👉 Read more about Periyar Tiger Reserve

9. Banasura Hills Trek

• Location: Wayanad
• About: Known for its picturesque views of the Banasura Sagar Dam and misty hills, this trek is both challenging and rewarding.
• Best Time to Trek: October to May.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permission can be obtained on-site at Banasura Hills.
  • Entry fees vary by season, typically around ₹150.
• How to Reach: Wayanad is accessible by road, with the trek starting near Padinjarethara village.

👉 Read more about Banasura Hills

10. Nelliyampathy Trek

• Location: Palakkad
• About: Nelliyampathy offers panoramic views, coffee plantations, and evergreen forests, making it a relaxing trek.
• Best Time to Trek: September to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permissions are typically managed at the Nelliyampathy check post.
  • Entry is usually free; additional costs may apply for guides.
• How to Reach: From Palakkad, head towards Nelliyampathy, about 60 km away by road.

👉 Read more about Nelliyampathy

11. Vellari Mala Trek

• Location: Kozhikode
• About: This is a challenging trek through dense forests with views of waterfalls, ideal for experienced trekkers.
• Best Time to Trek: November to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permissions are required from the forest department.
  • Entry fees are around ₹200.
• How to Reach: Reach Muthappanpuzha village, about 60 km from Kozhikode, to begin the trek.

👉 Read more about Vellari Mala

12. Thusharagiri Waterfall Trek

• Location: Kozhikode
• About: A trek through spice plantations, leading to scenic waterfalls.
• Best Time to Trek: October to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee is around ₹30 per person.
• How to Reach: Thusharagiri is around 50 km from Kozhikode, easily reachable by road.

👉 Read more about Thusharagiri Waterfalls

13. Ranipuram Hills Trek

• Location: Kasargod
• About: Known for its shola forests, meadows, and foggy ambiance, Ranipuram is often called the “Ooty of Kerala.”
• Best Time to Trek: October to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Managed by the Kerala Forest Department; fees are around ₹50.
• How to Reach: Accessible by road from Kanhangad, about 50 km away.

👉 Read more about Ranipuram Hills

14. Athirappilly Waterfall Trek

• Location: Thrissur
• About: A short trek to Kerala’s most famous waterfall, known as the “Niagara of India.”
• Best Time to Trek: June to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee is around ₹30.
• How to Reach: Athirappilly is accessible by road from Chalakudy, about 30 km away.

👉 Read more about Athirappilly Waterfall

15. Chokramudi Peak Trek

• Location: Munnar, Idukki
• About: A steep, challenging trek with stunning views over Munnar’s landscape.
• Best Time to Trek: October to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permits from the Kerala Forest Department cost around ₹200.
• How to Reach: Start from Munnar; the trek base is around 20 km away.

👉 Read more about Chokramudi Peak

16. Brahmagiri Trek

• Location: Wayanad
• About: This moderate trek offers panoramic views and leads to Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants and other wildlife.
• Best Time to Trek: October to February.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Permissions are required from the sanctuary office.
  • Entry fees start at ₹150.
• How to Reach: Reach Thirunelli in Wayanad to access the sanctuary.

👉 Read more about Brahmagiri Hills

17. Sabarimala Trek

• Location: Pathanamthitta
• About: A famous pilgrimage trek that combines spirituality with nature.
• Best Time to Trek: November to January.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee varies by season.
• How to Reach: Pilgrims typically start from Pampa, accessible by road from Pathanamthitta.

👉 Read more about Sabarimala

18. Silent Valley National Park Trek

• Location: Palakkad
• About: Known for its untouched biodiversity, this trek offers a glimpse of rare flora and fauna.
• Best Time to Trek: December to April.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fees around ₹50; additional fees for guides.
• How to Reach: Accessible by road from Mannarkkad, Palakkad.

👉 Read more about Silent Valley National Park

19. Ramakkalmedu Peak Trek

• Location: Idukki
• About: Offers an adventurous trek with views of the neighboring state, Tamil Nadu.
• Best Time to Trek: September to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry is free; guide charges may apply.
• How to Reach: Accessible from Thekkady, around 35 km away.

👉 Read more about Ramakkalmedu Peak

20. Ponmudi Hills Trek

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram
• About: This trek through a hill station offers scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Best Time to Trek: November to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee is around ₹50.
• How to Reach: 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram, accessible by road.

Read more about Ponmudi Hills

21. Paithalmala Trek

• Location: Kannur
• About: A popular trek through misty mountains with views of the Western Ghats.
• Best Time to Trek: June to January.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee is around ₹50.
• How to Reach: Reach Paithalmala from Kannur by road, about 60 km away.

👉 Read more about Paithalmala

22. Illikkal Kallu Trek

• Location: Kottayam
• About: Known for its three rock formations and thrilling path.
• Best Time to Trek: October to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee is around ₹50.
• How to Reach: Accessible from Erattupetta in Kottayam.

👉 Read more about Illikkal Kallu

23. Varayadumotta Trek

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram
• About: A trek through grasslands and ridges, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
• Best Time to Trek: December to March.
• Permission & Fees:
  • Entry fee is around ₹250; a guide is required.
• How to Reach: Accessible by road from Thiruvananthapuram.

👉 Read more about Varayadumotta

Quick Tips for Trekking in Kerala:

• 🥾 Safety First: Always go with a guide or a local trekking group. Kerala’s terrains can be challenging and tricky to navigate.
• 🎒 Pack Essentials: Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
• 🏞️ Respect Nature: Many of these treks pass through sensitive ecological areas. Keep noise levels down, and avoid littering.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, Kerala’s trails offer something for everyone. Be sure to plan ahead, respect nature, and enjoy the beauty of God’s Own Country on foot!