Trekking in Tamil Nadu
Trekking programmes are organised by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Availability, access and trekking arrangements are subject to Forest Department regulations and prevailing conditions.level.
EasyChinnar - Kottar
Located around 38 km from Udumalpet, this trail follows an untamed river through scrub, moist deciduous and riverine habitats. It is especially attractive for birdwatching and butterfly spotting, with opportunities to look for the grizzled giant squirrel and other wildlife.
EasyGudiyam Caves Heritage Trail
Around 60 km from Chennai, Gudiyam Caves combine a forest trek with an archaeological landscape associated with Stone Age remains. Natural limestone caves, prehistoric tools and the surrounding forest make this a distinctive heritage-and-nature trail.
EasyGene Pool
On the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Gene Pool is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and offers a biodiversity-rich nature trail. The walk explores a tropical forest ecosystem and its unique microclimate, with possible wildlife sightings.
EasyLoris Trail
At the foothills of the Western Ghats, the Slender Loris Conservation Centre offers a gentle guided trail through scrub jungle. The experience focuses on the secretive Indian grey slender loris, its nocturnal habits and the conservation work protecting its habitat.
EasyAmirthi Zoo Trail
Located in Amirthi Reserve Forest near Vellore, this easy circuit combines a forest walk with a visit towards Perumal Koil Temple. Shaded paths, native vegetation and a peaceful hill setting make it suitable for beginners and families.
EasySenbakam
Starting near Top Sengattupatti, this trail passes millet fields and plantations before entering bamboo and forest habitat. Birdlife, butterflies, tribal settlement views and a temple at the end add cultural and natural interest.
EasyYercaud - Gundur Limestone Cave
This Eastern Ghats trail travels through forest landscapes to a striking limestone rocky formation and Gundur village. It is a nature-and-village experience with scenic views and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
EasyShenbagathoppu Trail - Easy
Located in the Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai Tiger Reserve, this easy trail moves through deciduous and riverine forest and the habitat of species such as the grizzled giant squirrel. It forms part of an important wildlife corridor.
EasyKutladampatti Falls - Thadagai Trail (Easy)
About 30 km from Madurai, this short trek follows the natural setting around Kutladampatti Falls, climbing into forest and passing points of religious and scenic interest. It is a refreshing nature walk with a waterfall backdrop.
EasyKodaikanal Observatory - Gundar Zero Point
A sought-after birding trail in the Kodaikanal Hills. Starting at the forest check post, the route passes through Shola vegetation and ends near the waterfalls at Zero Point, with misty mountain scenery, butterflies and endemic birds along the way.
EasyAliyar (Canal Bank)
A peaceful trail along the forested banks of the Aliyar Project canal, reached through the Pollachi countryside. The walk is known for vibrant birdlife and signs of animal activity, making it an accessible nature experience.
EasyNagalur - Sanniyasimalai Peak
Starting at Nagalur in Yercaud, the trail climbs through eucalyptus plantations and Shola forest to a fern-covered mountain viewpoint. The summit offers Mettur Dam and valley views and is also the origin point of the Sarabanga River.
EasyYelagiri - Swamimalai
A family-friendly hill trail beginning near the tribal village of Mangalam and climbing Swamimalai in the Eastern Ghats. Greenery, birds, butterflies and panoramic summit views make it a rewarding addition to a Yelagiri visit.
EasyKurangani - Sambalaru
A scenic Kurangani route through wild pastures, Shola patches and waterfalls. A watchtower on the track provides views towards Kolukkumalai and surrounding peaks, making the walk especially attractive to nature lovers.
EasyCourtallam - Shenbaga Devi Falls
A beautiful forest trek to the 42-foot Shenbagadevi Waterfalls, about 6.6 km from Tenkasi. Rock inscriptions, fragrant Shenbaga trees, a natural pool and views over the Courtallam valley enrich the walk.
EasyKaraiyar - Moolakasam
An easy 4 km trail in the Ambasamudram division of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Evergreen forest, water-spread areas, birdwatching and distant Agasthya Peak views make this a peaceful nature experience.
EasyCairn Hill
Cairn Hill in Ooty is a refreshing nature walk through tall moss-covered trees and rich birdlife. It includes one of the oldest Cyprus plantations in the region, an interpretation centre, hanging rope bridge and British-era watchtower.
EasyLongwood Shola
A scenic Kotagiri Shola trail recognised for its biodiversity and conservation success. The urban Shola is an Important Bird Area and Ramsar wetland, with marshes, streams and endemic wildlife.
EasyTheerthaparai
A lesser-known cascade on the Western Ghats slopes of Tenkasi, reached by a rustic forest trail. The route is notable for birds, butterflies including the Southern Birdwing and the secluded atmosphere around the cascade.
ModerateKodaikanal - Vellagavi (Camp Stay)
The remote forest village of Vellagavi is reached through a challenging descent from Vattakanal. Misty mountains, tiny houses, sacred places, a primary school and a close connection between the village and nature make this a memorable cultural-and-nature trek.
ModerateManambolly
Deep inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve between Sholayar Dam and Valparai, Manambolly is a biodiversity-rich trail and photographer’s paradise. The forest supports iconic wildlife and connects with attractions such as Top Slip and Parambikulam.
ModerateRockwood Peak
About 51 km from Ooty, this uphill trek from Gudalur crosses steep grassy hills and wildlife-rich valleys before reaching a summit with wide 360-degree views.
ModerateAmirthi Falls Trail
An easy-to-moderate forest circuit near Vellore that combines Amirthi Zoo, forest exploration and the scenic Amirthi Waterfalls. The route passes shaded paths, rocky terrain and viewpoints over the surrounding hills and valleys.
ModerateMamarathu Solai
A quiet trail near Top Sengattupatti where scrub and thorny bush gradually give way to deeper forest. The route is mostly downhill, crosses streams and passes terraced millet fields before ending near a tribal settlement and pond.
ModerateTopslip - Pandaravarai
A forest trek in the Anamalai Mountain Range through Karian Shola, evergreen forest, grasslands and streams. It offers a varied landscape with opportunities to encounter wildlife including Nilgiri tahr, gaur and elephants.
ModerateAvalanche (Cauliflower Shola) - Kolaribetta
A high-altitude Avalanche experience combining a jeep approach through Cauliflower Shola with waterfalls, grasslands and wildlife. The route offers views of Mukurthi Peak and Upper Bhavani Dam before reaching the Kolaribetta tower.
ModerateKarikaiyur to Rangasamy Peak
Around 20 km from Kotagiri, this climb to Rangasamy Peak passes through lush forests and wildlife habitat and ends at a panoramic viewpoint over forested hills and valleys.
ModerateKalikesam - Balamore
An immersive Kanyakumari forest trek beginning near the river crossing at Kalikesam and continuing beneath a rich forest canopy towards clove, coffee and spice plantations. It showcases the biodiversity of the Southern Western Ghats.
ModerateBiligundulu - Rasimanal
Starting from Biligundulu on the Cauvery, this trail follows the river towards Rasimanal forest camp shed. The gentle riverine landscape makes it attractive for nature lovers seeking a relaxed wilderness experience.
ModerateSembukarai - Perumalmudi
Beginning near the tribal village of Sembukarai, this trail crosses deciduous and evergreen forest before climbing towards the rocky summit and views of Perumal Mudi peak. It blends nature, landscape and local cultural character.
ModerateKondappanaikanpatti - Gundur
A rural-edge trail from Kondappanaikanpatti near Salem designed to introduce visitors to Eastern Ghats topography, vegetation and indigenous village life. It offers a slower-paced connection with nature and local customs.
ModerateKutladampatti Falls - Thadagai Trail
A longer version of the Kutladampatti experience, climbing beside the famous falls through forest and wild-stream scenery. Religious points, natural rock formations and the surrounding landscape make the route varied and engaging.
ModerateShenbagathoppu Trail
This moderate route lies within the Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai Tiger Reserve and crosses deciduous and riverine forests that form an important corridor for wildlife. It is known for the grizzled giant squirrel and diverse forest habitats.
ModerateJalagamparai
Starting from Yelagiri Hills, this route follows a stream course downhill towards the popular Jalagambarai Falls. It is also a birding trail and a pleasant option for travellers looking for a nature-focused experience near Yelagiri.
ModerateKullar Caves (Tiruvannamalai)
A demanding Jawadhu Hills trail with stream crossings, an uphill climb and ancient dolmens at a mountain viewpoint. Nearby tribal village life adds cultural interest, making it a strong choice for birdwatchers, history enthusiasts and experienced trekkers.
ModerateInjikadavu
Deep inside Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Injikadavu moves through a mosaic of deciduous forest, moist evergreen forest and grassland. It offers an immersive wilderness experience in a part of Kanyakumari that many visitors never see.
ModerateKalikesam - Maramalai
A biodiversity-rich Kanyakumari trail beginning through plantation landscapes and continuing into forest interiors towards an ancient clove plantation. The route is especially known for the possibility of spotting the Travancore tortoise and a wide variety of birds and wildlife.
ModerateKarikaiyur to Porivarai Rock Painting
A heritage-focused trek near Kotagiri leading to Porivarai Cave, known for around 500 Mesolithic rock paintings depicting animals, archers, battles and spirals. The route also reflects traditional honey-gathering practices in the region.
ToughKumbakarai - Vellagavi - Kodaikanal (Camp Stay)
A challenging Western Ghats journey from Kumbakarai Falls through Vellagavi towards Kodaikanal. The route combines steep ascents, rocky paths, forests, coffee plantations and mountain villages, with camping and panoramic views around Dolphin’s Nose.
ToughKodaikanal - Vellagavi - Kumbakarai (Camp Stay)
Beginning near Kodaikanal, this downhill trek through Vellagavi combines village life, coffee plantations and rocky terrain. Dolphin’s Nose provides a dramatic viewpoint, while Vellagavi offers a unique cultural experience before the route continues towards Kumbakarai Waterfalls.
ToughSadivayal - Siruvani
A challenging Siruvani trail on the Western Ghats slope, with changing vegetation across altitude and rich wildlife habitat. The route is especially appealing to trekkers interested in elephants, big cats, birds and butterflies.
ToughGuthirayan Peak
A demanding climb to Guthirayan Peak, the highest point of the Melagiri Hills. The trail passes through varied ecosystems and wild habitats before reaching a high mountain viewpoint with panoramic scenery.
ToughAvalanche (Cauliflower Shola) - Devarbetta
A challenging high-altitude trek from Cauliflower Shola across expansive grasslands and untouched Shola forests to Devarbetta. The route rewards seasoned trekkers with changing landscapes and mountain views.
ToughParsons Valley Trekking Shed to Mukurthi Hut
A historic Nilgiris trail ending at Mukurthi Hut, a colonial-era establishment surrounded by dense wildlife habitat. The route passes Shola forests, pine, eucalyptus and wattle plantations, rolling meadows and abundant wildlife, making it rewarding for serious trekkers and photographers.
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