Suggestions for day hikes in Southern India?

joseph.dublin · Dec 11th, 2006, 13:27

I'm in Bangalore, and would like to do some all-day hikes in Southern India.

I'm looking for challenging hikes that can be done with a start around 9am, and a return with safe clearance before sunset. The kind of challenge I'm looking for is a lot of elevation gain (or long distance), but not necessarily very technical terrain. A good distance might be 10 to 20km.

I'm from Seattle and I'm looking for hikes similar in scope to your typical northwest day hike (where hiking boots would help, but are not entirely essential -- since I didn't bring mine), on reliable trails.

Any suggestions (general areas, guides, books, dangers) would be appreciated.

phantom · Dec 11th, 2006, 13:50

There are many day hikes all around karnataka. some of them are nearby some are far so you need your full weekend to enjoy it

I can list the most popular ones:-
1) Kumaraparvata (Also called pushpagiri, is the toughest hike in karnataka)
2) Mullaingiri (It can be a contender for the "valley of flowers" down south. The highest peak in karnataka)
3) Tadiyandamol (The highest peak in Coorg distt. Quite picturesque)
4) Kudremukh range and bababudangiri trail (Its one of the most beautiful trails down here)
5) Chembra (This one is down south in kerala, Quite tough and very beautiful)
6) Then there are a hikes from Ooty to kodaikanal.

Then theres this Sakleshpur Railway Track Trek also called as "green route trek" for the excuisite scenery that you can see all along.

and a lot many more in Coorg distt.

I usually go out with a mountaineering club down here. Its a non profit organization with a bunch of friends from IT sector volunteering to be the organizers. If you are interested then do lemme know.

dooms · Dec 11th, 2006, 15:25

Find out more at
http://www.dreamroutes.org/etc/alltreks.html
or
http://usandeep.tripod.com/trekking/index.html
and many others if you just google.

phantom · Dec 11th, 2006, 15:57

Oh yes, i forgot about :-
Brahmagiri, Kodachadri and kemmangundi

joseph.dublin · Dec 12th, 2006, 11:05

Thanks for the helpful information phantom and dooms! It's very helpful to get up-to-date suggestions from experienced people.

It sounds like the biggest concern on many of these hikes is leeches! I've never had to contend with those before (bear or leeches, not sure which is worse).

Phantom: how often does the mountaineering organization go out? I'm looking to go on a trek on Wednesday or Thursday (Dec 13 or Dec 14). How would I find out if someone is planning a trip on either of those days, and would welcome an additional trekker?

joseph.dublin · Dec 12th, 2006, 11:38

So, after some online investigation to deal with leeches: sounds like it's wise to carry a menthol rub (according to wikipedia).

Can I avoid leeches by choosing any of the treks you mentioned, or is it a risk that's a part of any of those treks?

This also makes me wonder: should I expect wet terrain at this time of year? I'm guessing it depends which trek I choose.

phantom · Dec 12th, 2006, 12:10

Leeches are mostly around in damp areas. The monsoon season is over now so there wont be as many around. And its definitely not bad as a bear. You can carry a deodorant spray, but make sure that you dont spray on the open wound. Just spray on the back of the leech and it will drop off.

As i said the mountaineering org. is formed by some trekking enthusiasts so it mostly organizes the events on weekends. YHAI is also another org that organizes these weekend treks.

google for yhai bangalore and get yourself registered in their mailing list. You will get more info from there. So how long is your stay in bangs ?

Nick-H · Dec 12th, 2006, 12:40

Now I have a mental picture of a guy coming out of a forest with a couple of bears attached to his ankles!

I'm told you can get leach-proof socks...

phantom · Dec 12th, 2006, 12:51

leech proof socks doesnt help much. As the leeches will keep on moving up until they find an opening. The best way is to rub snuff powder and coconut oil mixture on the legs and hands. Wear shorts or 3-4ths and pull down your socks. Let them attach there itself and then use the spray.

dooms · Dec 13th, 2006, 15:55

Yeah getting leech bites in the leg is way better than getting it elsewhere.

My friend once got leech bites on his back and neck. So the idea is to stop frequently and check for those leeches.
I generally carry small salt bags. When you see a leech, just touch it with the salt bag and it'll fall off.

beach · Dec 13th, 2006, 17:53

If you are not averse to boulders, Hampi is not a bad idea either

Dec 11th, 2006, 13:27	#1
joseph.dublin Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3	Suggestions for day hikes in Southern India? I'm in Bangalore, and would like to do some all-day hikes in Southern India. I'm looking for challenging hikes that can be done with a start around 9am, and a return with safe clearance before sunset. The kind of challenge I'm looking for is a lot of elevation gain (or long distance), but not necessarily very technical terrain. A good distance might be 10 to 20km. I'm from Seattle and I'm looking for hikes similar in scope to your typical northwest day hike (where hiking boots would help, but are not entirely essential -- since I didn't bring mine), on reliable trails. Any suggestions (general areas, guides, books, dangers) would be appreciated.

Dec 12th, 2006, 12:40	#8
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,693	Now I have a mental picture of a guy coming out of a forest with a couple of bears attached to his ankles! I'm told you can get leach-proof socks... __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 13th, 2006, 17:53	#11
beach Lost in translation Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: India ! Posts: 2,233	If you are not averse to boulders, Hampi is not a bad idea either __________________ Hampi info

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Dec 11th, 2006, 13:50	#2
phantom Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,215	There are many day hikes all around karnataka. some of them are nearby some are far so you need your full weekend to enjoy it I can list the most popular ones:- 1) Kumaraparvata (Also called pushpagiri, is the toughest hike in karnataka) 2) Mullaingiri (It can be a contender for the "valley of flowers" down south. The highest peak in karnataka) 3) Tadiyandamol (The highest peak in Coorg distt. Quite picturesque) 4) Kudremukh range and bababudangiri trail (Its one of the most beautiful trails down here) 5) Chembra (This one is down south in kerala, Quite tough and very beautiful) 6) Then there are a hikes from Ooty to kodaikanal. Then theres this Sakleshpur Railway Track Trek also called as "green route trek" for the excuisite scenery that you can see all along. and a lot many more in Coorg distt. I usually go out with a mountaineering club down here. Its a non profit organization with a bunch of friends from IT sector volunteering to be the organizers. If you are interested then do lemme know.

Dec 11th, 2006, 15:25	#3
dooms Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 164	Find out more at http://www.dreamroutes.org/etc/alltreks.html or http://usandeep.tripod.com/trekking/index.html and many others if you just google.

Dec 11th, 2006, 15:57	#4
phantom Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,215	Oh yes, i forgot about :- Brahmagiri, Kodachadri and kemmangundi

Dec 12th, 2006, 11:05	#5
joseph.dublin Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3	Thanks for the helpful information phantom and dooms! It's very helpful to get up-to-date suggestions from experienced people. It sounds like the biggest concern on many of these hikes is leeches! I've never had to contend with those before (bear or leeches, not sure which is worse). Phantom: how often does the mountaineering organization go out? I'm looking to go on a trek on Wednesday or Thursday (Dec 13 or Dec 14). How would I find out if someone is planning a trip on either of those days, and would welcome an additional trekker?

Dec 12th, 2006, 11:38	#6
joseph.dublin Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3	So, after some online investigation to deal with leeches: sounds like it's wise to carry a menthol rub (according to wikipedia). Can I avoid leeches by choosing any of the treks you mentioned, or is it a risk that's a part of any of those treks? This also makes me wonder: should I expect wet terrain at this time of year? I'm guessing it depends which trek I choose.

Dec 12th, 2006, 12:10	#7
phantom Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,215	Leeches are mostly around in damp areas. The monsoon season is over now so there wont be as many around. And its definitely not bad as a bear. You can carry a deodorant spray, but make sure that you dont spray on the open wound. Just spray on the back of the leech and it will drop off. As i said the mountaineering org. is formed by some trekking enthusiasts so it mostly organizes the events on weekends. YHAI is also another org that organizes these weekend treks. google for yhai bangalore and get yourself registered in their mailing list. You will get more info from there. So how long is your stay in bangs ?

Dec 12th, 2006, 12:51	#9
phantom Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,215	leech proof socks doesnt help much. As the leeches will keep on moving up until they find an opening. The best way is to rub snuff powder and coconut oil mixture on the legs and hands. Wear shorts or 3-4ths and pull down your socks. Let them attach there itself and then use the spray.

Dec 13th, 2006, 15:55	#10
dooms Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 164	Yeah getting leech bites in the leg is way better than getting it elsewhere. My friend once got leech bites on his back and neck. So the idea is to stop frequently and check for those leeches. I generally carry small salt bags. When you see a leech, just touch it with the salt bag and it'll fall off.

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