Evidently, Kerala has countless stories and secrets to tell through its incredible range of museums, historical neighbourhoods, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Staying on the topic of Kerala’s natural landscapes, one of the best ways to explore Hiking in Kerala has to be through taking on some adrenaline adventures.
Let’s be real, what better way to experience this side of this gorgeous Indian state, but to be completely immersed in it?
In this post, you’ll get to know all the best hiking spots in Kerala to make your time visiting its outdoors as best as it can be.
Hiking in Kerala
Given below is a list of 9 best Hiking Trails you shouldn’t miss on your list. If you are looking, how you should spend your trip in Kerala, read my personal memoir of 7 Days in Kerala Tour.
1. Meesapulimala Peak Trek
Located in the Western Ghats mountain range, the Meesapulimala peak sits at 2640m off sea level. In 6.5 hours, you’ll be able to complete an 8km trail that runs through green, majestic mountains, starting from the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.
Make sure you are prepared for a challenging trek, and bring several snacks, water, and a packed lunch, but don’t go overboard.
2. Lion Tailed Macaque Trail
If you are someone who is looking forward to experience some of the best wildlife in Kasala, taking a lengthy trek of 18 km through the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary forests is definitely the best hike in Kasala you can do.
A few of the amazing animals you may see along the way are herds of elephants, the legendary lion-tailed macaques, and heaps of colorful butterflies and birds.
Because it is such a long trek, you will be guided by forest guards. This Hiking in Kerala Experience is bound to astonish you.
3. Kolukkumalai Peak Trek
For those looking for a little more of a challenge, going 11km uphill on the Kolukkumalai Peak is one of the best hike trips in Kerala.
Not only will hikers trek along impressive grasslands working together to make up the most picturesque scenery, but they will also walk right through what has been considered the highest organic tea garden.
To avoid the heat, hikers are encouraged to start walking in the morning so by the time you get to the top you are able to sit back, eat your lunch, and enjoy the view of a lifetime.
4. Illikkal Kallu
Have you ever wondered what to would be like to see the real version of every adventure film you’ve seen?
Say Avatar or Jurassic Park?
Well, hiking through the Illikkal Mala is the closest you’ll get to seeing something that is indeed real, appear surreal.
What makes this hike so unique and most known for are its lightning strikes, and its three rocks that together create an unforgettable scenery that you simply cannot miss. It will take you around 4.5 hours to complete, and is great for those who are not used to this type of exercise.
5. Neelimala Viewpoint
Yes, you will be surrounded by an amazing amount of forest and greenery, but perhaps the best feature about hiking spot is its three unbelievable and imposing waterfalls stretching out for any meters down the hills and trees of the jungle.
There is also an option to go by jeep, if you are less keen on going on a walk.
6. Ramakkalmedu![]()
To see something different than mountains and hilltops, you may consider hiking in Ramakkalmedu.
Although you will of course see a lot of green areas around you, one of the best thing about this hiking destination in Kerala is that you’ll be able to visit the beautiful town of Kambam. Not only that, but you’ll be able to see ancient statues of Kuravan and Kurathi as you walk further up the trail.
7. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary Trek
Pakshipathalam has actually been named one of the best hiking spots in whole of India. Here, you’ll get to walk at 1700m above sea level, through thick, green forest. Although it’s a medium level trak, still you’d be accompanied with a local guide.
Make sure to stay alert for any unique looking birds, since Pakshipathalam is also a bird sanctuary after all. ! This is definitely one of the best hiking spots in Kerala to spend an entire day in.
There are several hotels and restaurants nearby you can take a break in after your busy trek!
8. VellariMala
For a more exciting hiking in Kerala experience, make sure to spend some time in the VellariMala trail site.
Intense cascades, rivers and waterfalls run all throughout this paradise-like terrain, letting you listen to a natural soundtrack of rumbling water; the perfect companion to a relaxing walk across what seems to be endless fields of green landscapes.
9. Dhoni Hills
The hike uphill to one of Kerala’s best viewpoints is three hours long. By the time you get to the top, you’ll want nothing more than to enjoy a packed picnic while admiring the green, forrestal view below you.
The best part about this hiking trail is that at every point of the hill, the view down is completely different; giving you hours of constantly new perspectives to look at the scenery from.