8 Breathtaking Places For Hiking In India To Quench Your Thirst For Adventure!

We’ve been toiling away at work or school for weeks and months and our adventurous spirits are craving some thrill and a fun escapade. We know the feeling which is why we’ve found a middle ground for y’all and curated a list of the best hiking places in India which are certainly breathtaking but won’t take your literal breath away as you hike through ‘em! Let’s jump right in!

1. Jogini Falls, Himachal Pradesh

Picture Credits: rauf__ck

How about getting rewarded for your strenuous stroll with a breathtaking sight of water cascading on the rocks and producing the most soothing sound that touches your soul? That’s exactly why we’ve added Jogini Falls hike to our list which is a 3 km hike from Vashisht Temple and you can either wrap up the hike at the enchanting sight of this pristine waterfall, or you can climb up to add that extra thrill to your already adventurous hike. The best time to visit the place is from March to May, so start planning now!

2. Rajmachi, Maharashtra

Picture Credits: sahyadri_shivdurg

A trek which connects the two hill stations - Karjat & Lonavala, Rajmachi Fort is easier to approach from the Lonavala side, which is why we’ve added this to our hiking list. With a distance of 10 km to the top, you can either stay the night and witness the captivating sight of the dancing fireflies or you can start your descent on the same day after connecting with the flora rich nature. The best time to take this hike is in the months of May and June if you want to witness the umpteen bioluminescent beetles hovering around you. So, grab your squad and take ‘em on this enthralling adventure!

3. Bhimana Kindi, Karnataka

Picture Credits: naveengautham

Known for its natural rock arch with a temple underneath it, Bhimana Kindi (Bhimana Kindi) is a lesser-known hiking trail that along with this magnificent sight will allure you with its verdant landscapes, blooming orchids and fluttering butterflies. The hike to reach the arch is 1.5 km long but if you decide to ascend further to the top of the arch for an adrenaline rush, then it will make it 2.3 km in total. The preferred season to take on this adventure is from the months of October to February, so make sure you make a note of this place. 

4. Chembra, Kerala

Picture Credits: _mishal_fahad__

Can you ever say no to a trail which leads you right to the heart of nature? Stroll your way through some gorgeous tea plantations and long swaying blades of grass to reach a pond that is shaped like a heart, and get ready to be overwhelmed by this spell-binding view. This 2 km long trail offers a perfect blend of lush grassland and crisp mountain air that will fill your hearts with utter joy. Upon reaching the pond, you’ll feel a blanket of tranquillity around you, lifting the weight off you to make you feel contented. The best time to visit it is from December to February, so make sure you don’t miss out on this exceptional experience. 

5. Singalila Ridge, West Bengal

Picture Credits: the_rucksack_foodie

Witness some of the most spectacular vistas in the world on The Singalila Ridge hike. When you get to see snow-clad peaks of some of the highest mountains on this planet like Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, and are blessed with a blanket of clouds around you, you can never have second thoughts about packing your bags to take on this heavenly trail. Although this multi-day hike is relatively difficult because of the altitude and steep ascent, even when the climb is hard, the view is worth all the effort! So we say, put on your hiking shoes and get set and go!

6. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

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Home to beautiful waterfalls, coffee plantations, and a stunning cave, Araku Valley remains an unspoiled and peaceful hill station that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The picturesque terrain of Araku Valley takes you on an unforgettable journey through their lush forest trails and leads you to the nearby villages of Champi and Madugula where you can sit back and relax after soaking in the wonder of mother Earth. You should totally check it out and start making your plans to pay a visit to this serene place anytime between the months of October and February.

7. Golden Trail, Gokarna, Karnataka

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Beach lovers, we’ve found the best hiking trail for you all! Standing out in the plethora of mountain treks and hikes, Gokarna offers you a unique and enriching experience by letting you leave traces of your footsteps on the coastlines of 5 exquisite beaches, all offering their distinct ambience for you to bask in. This one-of-a-kind trail is approximately 10 km long which you can cover at your own pace and the best time to visit it is from October to March. So, bookmark it now!

8. Irshalgad, Maharashtra

Picture Credits: prathamesh_shetye_

Isrshalgad is a boat-shaped hill which has enticed a lot of hikers and trekkers to make a 3 Km long ascent to reach the very top of this hill to get a panoramic view from its peak. The best time is post-monsoon when the path isn’t slippery and the climb becomes a little less arduous. Once you start the ascent, you’ll come across various points where you can sit and take in the peaceful surroundings. To make your hiking experience a little less strenuous, you can climb to the base of the steep ridge instead of making it to the top as you’ll still get an astounding view of your surroundings. So, add this place to your list right away!

So, now that you’ve marked your faves, it’s time to start planning your hiking trip!