Karnataka, a South Indian state in India, is nothing short of a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering a mesmerizing mix of towering mountains, sparkling waterfalls, dense forests, and rolling hills. Many tourists come here in search of peaceful, soul-satisfying, and utterly breathtaking experiences, which are simply hard to find at other destinations.
Among all adventures, the most talked-about and cherished are the epic treks in Karnataka, where every path reveals a unique story. Not only are the summit views phenomenal, but the path that leads to them is enriching for the soul as it is exhilarating for the body. Come, let’s discover these life-changing trekking trails in Karnataka.
List of 11 Best Treks in Karnataka For A Perfect Adventurous Experience
Here’s the perfect, ready-to-save list of the top Karnataka treks, where every path is an invitation to adventure and a chance to witness nature’s most surreal views.
Netravati Peak Trek
The Netravati Peak Trek in Karnataka is a perfect offbeat adventure, offering a quieter and soul-satisfying experience. It often tops the list of Western Ghats trekking experiences, offering tourists sweeping 360-degree views of mist-covered valleys, layered hills, and distant forests.
The path itself is a visual delight, taking you through rocky inclines and rolling grasslands as you gain altitude. Not only this, there are chances of spotting occasional waterfalls and small streams along the way, while occasional ridgelines provide glimpses of the vast Western Ghats stretching into the horizon. For those yearning for a soul-refreshing escape into nature, this trek is on their bucket list!
- Total Distance: ~12 to 14 km round trip (≈6 – 7 km one-way)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Kudremukh Trek
The Kudremukh is one of those Karnataka treks, where every moment feels rewarding. It is located within the protected Kudremukh National Park in the heart of the Western Ghats, and was named after the distinctive horse-face–shaped peak. With slightly challenging terrain, the trek is best suited for trekkers with prior trekking experience.
The Kudremukh trek is also regarded as one of the most scenic grassland treks in South India, turning completely magical and bright green with the onset of the monsoons. The summit views are all about the visually aesthetic rolling hills, deep valleys, and cloud-covered ridges, creating a perfectly dream-like vista.
- Total Distance: ~18 to 22 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (endurance-heavy)
Kodachadri Trek
Another phenomenal trek in Karnataka is the Kodachadri Trek, rising about 1,343 metres, offering visitors a front row seat to the wow-moment horizon. Talking about the path, it consists of dense evergreen forests, bamboo thickets, roaring streams, steep grassy slopes, waterfall crossings, and even slight rocky ascents, giving the perfect adventure twist.
The Kodachadri trek is not just celebrated for its eye-popping height, but also for its cinema-scale landscape views and mythological significance, owing to the presence of Sarvajna Peetha at the top. Reaching the summit, make every sweat simply dissolve, with 360-degree views of endless Western Ghats ranges, often wrapped in clouds, and on clear days, a distant glimpse of the Arabian Sea.
- Total Distance: ~14 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Kemmangundi Trek
Looking for a trek that offers both laid-back vibes and a visually gratifying experience? Then, head straight for the Kemmangundi trek, located in the Baba Budangiri range of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. This is one of the famous treks as it offers visitors a cool climate, manicured trails, and postcard-perfect viewpoints. There’s not much “extreme” adventure or challenging climbs here, just an adventure that is all about the stunning Western Ghats views.
The Kemmangundi Trek is a must-try for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities to capture the distinctive beauty of the Chikmagalur hills, deep valleys, and layered mountain ridges. It’s definitely a sweat-to-spectacle trek that lingers long after you descend.
- Total Distance: ~6 to 8 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Skandagiri Trek
This is another of the most thrilling Karnataka treks, rising 1450 meters and famous for its magical early-morning views. The Skandagiri Trek, also known as Kalavara Durga, is basically an overnight trek, taking through rocky paths and forest sections, with gradual ascents along the way. There may be narrow ridges and uneven stone steps along the way; therefore, careful navigation is essential.
The Skandagiri Trek in Karnataka offers trekkers dream-like summit views, as if they are floating over the clouds. The trek distance is shorter, but careful footing and dedicated focus are imperative. In fact, it’s a must-try trek for history buffs as well, as there are ancient fort ruins at the top, offering an experience that justifies every second of your climbing effort.
- Total Distance: ~8 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Kumara Parvatha
Kumara Parvatha trek, also known as Pushpagiri, is the perfect trek to do in Karnataka. Taking trekkers through thick rainforests, steep ascents, rocky stretches, and exposed ridgelines, the trek is genuinely a true test of endurance and mental strength. Not only this, but the weather changes quickly, adding to the challenge, especially during and after the monsoon.
The Kumara Parvatha trek is perfect for experienced trekkers, especially those with prior long-distance trekking experience. And, when you reach the summit, there will be nothing but commanding views of mist-covered peaks, endless green valleys, and the vast Western Ghats unfolding in every direction.
- Total Distance: ~22 to 28 km round trip (varies by route)
- Difficulty Level: Hard / Challenging
Tadiandamol Trek
Another one of the greatest Karnataka treks is the Tadiandamol Trek, which leads you to the highest peak in Coorg (Kodagu). This trek is often famous for its perfect balance of accessibility and wild mountain charm. Chosen mainly by weekend travelers, the Tadiandamol Trek in Karnataka is an incredible adventure without much physical effort. Talking about the path, it consists of dense shola forests that gradually open into vast rolling grasslands, with only a few steady climbs in between.
During the monsoon season, despite some slippery paths, this trek offers one of the most incredible Western Ghats trekking experiences, with dense greenery, streams, wildflowers, and clouds drifting across the path. At last, the Tadiandamol trek is perfect for those seeking adventure infused with a sense of calm, nature’s vistas, and a perfectly refreshing feeling.
- Total Distance: ~12 to 14 km round trip (route dependent)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
If Coorg is on your bucket list, this Coorg Travel Guide will help you uncover its best places, aromatic coffee trails, and the perfect time to go.
Mullayanagiri Trek
Another adventurous trek is the Mullayanagiri trek in Karnataka, renowned for its easy ascent experience with rewarding summit views. The Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, standing tall at about 1,930 metres, in the heart of the Chikmagalur region. The trail will be a mix of well-laid stone steps, rocky paths, and short climbs, adding a bit of adventure and excitement.
Talking about the summit experience, you will feel like everything is beneath you, and you are simply floating on the clouds. It even rewards the trekkers with incredible 360-degree views of the Baba Budangiri ranges, making it one of the must-do treks in Karnataka. This trek is simply perfect for beginners, casual trekkers, photographers, and families who wish to capture the essence of raw nature and compelling mountain moments.
- Total Distance: ~6 to 8 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Moderate-Difficult
Makalidurga Trek
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
Another must-do Karnataka trek is the Makalidurga Trek, best for those seeking adventure and a historic experience. This trek is about 60 km north of the city, near the quaint Makalidurga village. At the summit, there are fort ruins, which make this trek instantly recognisable. The trek takes you along a mixed path, passing through scrub forests, railway tracks, and rocky inclines. The best part is that the excitement will keep building as you ascend, and reaching the summit will be infinitely rewarding with views of Gundamagere Lake.
One aspect that makes this trekking experience extra special is how quickly the surroundings change, from dry plains below to breezy, open hilltops above. There’s no such compulsion of advanced fitness requirements, just your dedication to complete the trek with the same commitment you started.
- Total Distance: ~4 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Channarayana Durga Trek
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
The Channarayana Durga Trek is one of the most epic treks in Karnataka, blending history, adventure, and raw landscapes. This trek is located near Tumakuru and perched atop a massive rocky hill, making it one of the most rewarding short treks in Karnataka. This trek is way more popular among the weekend trekkers, who wish to experience a memorable adventurous journey. The trail begins in the scrub forests and gradually turns rocky as you climb higher.
The path, as you ascend, might consist of steep stone steps, boulder sections, and exposed rock faces, so wear sturdy trekking/sport shoes for easy traversing. The Channarayana Durga Trek is short but enriching, as it passes through the ancient walls, gateways, and watchtowers that hint at the fort’s strategic importance in the past.
- Total Distance: ~6 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Bandaje Falls Trek
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
This is the last one in our list of the top Western Ghats trekking, near the village of Charmadi in the Dakshina Kannada district. The trek’s adventure begins right from the start, offering raw, remote, and refreshingly untouched landscapes. Unlike other crowded treks, the Bandaje Falls Trek takes you through the dramatic vistas, including dense rainforest trails, open grasslands, rocky ascents, and narrow ridgelines. The main highlight of the trek is the Bandaje Arbi Falls, a nearly 200-foot-high waterfall that creates a breathtaking spectacle.
The trek is so casually rewarding that you will feel like stopping, soaking in the views, or simply capturing the nature’s most magical mist-covered valley views, including Charmadi Ghats and verdant hills. However, it is important to note that the trail can be slightly slippery, especially during the monsoon season, demanding good foot control and balance.
- Total Distance: ~12 to 15 km round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
With this well-crafted list of the treks in Karnataka, we’re sure that the adventurous beast inside you is ready to turn every trail into a story worth telling!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mullayanagiri, Skandagiri, and Tadiandamol are the best treks in Karnataka for beginners. These treks are well-marked, short in distance, and don’t require much advanced fitness.
Kumara Parvatha, Kudremukh, Bandaje Falls, and Brahmagiri are among the most scenic and rewarding treks in Karnataka. These treks pass through dense rainforests, rolling grasslands, misty peaks, and waterfalls.
The Kumara Parvatha trek is considered difficult as it comprises a long distance, steep ascents, and continuous elevation gain, which can be challenging for those with basic fitness levels. The trek demands high stamina, and the limited availability of water along the way makes it even more difficult.
Mullayanagiri is very popular among other treks in Karnataka because it is the highest peak, easily accessible, and offers panoramic views. Moreover, the trek offers captivating vistas of the Chikmagalur ranges.
Yes, there’s one crucial thing to know before heading for Western Ghats trekking: you must keep a special note of the weather, forest regulations, and ecological sensitivity. Many trekking routes fall within protected zones and require permits.
