Monsoon getaways

What’s the best way to enjoy the monsoons? Just load your backpacks, pull out your rain gear and head out to explore India’s best nature trails in the wet months. The misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, gushing streams and soothing greens make for great eye-candy for trekkers.

Says Kaushik Bajibab, founder of Wishbone, a Bangalore-based eco-conscious travel company: “Trekking is the best way to enjoy the monsoons in the rainforests of South India. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a lot of wildlife.”

But there are some cardinal rules to follow before you take off. Says Abhishek Daga, co-founder of Bangalore-based Thrillophilia Adventure Tours: “Wear proper hiking shoes rather than normal sports shoes as they have a better grip. You should also wear socks to protect the feet from leeches and carry a waterproof backpack.” The must-have list also includes raincoats, flashlights, protective gear for your camera and quick-drying clothes.

So, which are the trekking hotspots that you should be considering? Read on for details.

Kolad, Maharastra

This tiny village in the Mahad region (135km from Mumbai) is a trekker’s delight. A beautiful monsoon destination, the green trail offers awesome views of the Sahyadri range. You can even go river-rafting (high water levels during the monsoons are ideal for rafting) on the Kundalika River, camping and river-crossing. Adventurers can trek to the historic Avchitgad Fort and the Wardaheni waterfall. Most treks are guided and can take from one hour to one day.

Hot ticket!

Ecomantra Holidays has the Rivertrail Eco Camp for treks to Avchitgad Fort and the Wardaheni waterfall. A day’s trek comes at Rs 2,200 per person. It includes accommodation in deluxe cottages, vegetarian meals, camp activities and escorted night trails in forests (you can relax in the provided rooms). Valid till September 30, it excludes road transfers. For details, go to www.ecomantra.com.

Chorla ghat, Goa

Here’s Goa with a difference. The Vagheri peaks — steep hills in the Vagheri Mountains in Northeastern Goa’s Sattari region — offer exciting trekking options. The trek is breathtaking with the waterfalls and greenery you encounter while hiking. And if you are an extreme wildlife enthusiast, you can go tracking tarantulas, snakes and lizards.

Hot ticket!

Wishbone has a trekking package on offer on July 9, 10 and 11, 2010, in Chorla Ghat. Priced at Rs 12,000, the package includes accommodation in Wildernest Resort (40km from north Goa railway station), meals and transfers. Go to www.wishbone.co.in.

Wayanad, Kerala

The monsoon is a good time to be in God’s Own Country. Wayanad is an ideal trekker’s destination with dense forests. The popular trekking route will take you to the Meenmutty and Soochipara waterfalls, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Thirunelly and Pakshipathalam. The nearest railhead is Kozhikode, 58km from Wayanad.

Hot ticket!

Thrillophilia Adventure Tours is offering an 8-night and 9-day ex-Wayanad trekking package at Rs 22,000 per person. This includes deluxe tent accommodation in Wayanad, all meals, all transfers in non-AC car and a guide. The package is valid till September 30. Rail and airfares excluded. Go to www.thrillophilia.com.

Munnar, Kerala

Surrounded by undulating hills and green tea estates, Munnar is the perfect monsoon getaway. It also attracts trekkers to explore the surrounding high-altitude rainforests. You can trek to Meesapulimala (the second highest peak in the Western Ghats) passing mountain streams and criss-crossing grasslands. On reaching the top, you can view the world’s highest tea estate —Kolukkumalai at an altitude of 8,000ft. The nearest railhead is Kochi, 130km from Munnar.

Hot ticket!

Thrillophilia Adventure Tours is offering a 2-night and 3-day Munnar trek package at Rs 4,500 per person. It includes accommodation in deluxe tents (in Korankadi, 10km from Munnar), breakfast, transfers in non-AC car and guide. Valid till 30 September. For details, log on to www.thrillophilia.com.


The Personal Telegraph