Aranya VihaaraStay

Trek guide

Every official trail in Karnataka, and where to stay.

Trek permits are issued through the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara portal. Book a stay with us and we'll arrange one badge for free.

Chikmagalur

Coffee country and the highest peaks of the Ghats

Stays in Chikmagalur →
Merthigudda trailModerate

Chikmagalur · #88

Merthigudda

A lesser-known peak near Kalasa with a hilltop temple and breathtaking 360-degree ridge views.

Distance
9 km
Duration
5 hrs
Elevation
1676 m
1 stays nearby →
Ettina Bhuja trailModerate

Chikmagalur · #98

Ettina Bhuja

Named for its shape like a bull’s shoulder, this peak offers dramatic views of the Shishila valley.

Distance
8 km
Duration
5 hrs
Elevation
1300 m
1 stays nearby →
Kudremukha Trek trailDifficult

Chikmagalur · #112

Kudremukha Trek

The iconic horse-face peak and one of the longest treks in Karnataka, crossing streams and endless grasslands.

Distance
20 km
Duration
8–9 hrs
Elevation
1894 m
1 stays nearby →
Gangadikal Trek trailModerate

Chikmagalur · #114

Gangadikal Trek

A Kudremukh National Park trail through rolling green hills to one of the best viewpoints in the region.

Distance
10 km
Duration
5–6 hrs
Elevation
1458 m
1 stays nearby →
Karshigudda trailEasy

Chikmagalur · #144

Karshigudda

A gentle trail through coffee estates and grasslands, ideal for first-time trekkers and families.

Distance
5 km
Duration
3 hrs
Elevation
1150 m
1 stays nearby →

Kodagu

Misty ridges, shola forests and river sources

Stays in Kodagu →

Dakshina Kannada

Rainforest rivers flowing to the Arabian Sea

Stays in Dakshina Kannada →
Nethravathi Trek trailDifficult

Dakshina Kannada · #113

Nethravathi Trek

A steep rainforest climb to the source region of the Nethravathi river, rewarded with jaw-dropping valley views.

Distance
14 km
Duration
7–8 hrs
Elevation
1520 m
1 stays nearby →

Ramanagara

Ancient granite monoliths near Bengaluru

Stays in Ramanagara →

Bengaluru Rural

Quick sunrise hikes from the city

Stays in Bengaluru Rural →
Makalidurga trailModerate

Bengaluru Rural · #77

Makalidurga

A granite fort trek overlooking Gundamagere lake, with railway tracks winding around the base of the hill.

Distance
6 km
Duration
4–5 hrs
Elevation
1117 m
1 stays nearby →
Hulukudi Betta trailEasy

Bengaluru Rural · #143

Hulukudi Betta

A short rocky climb to an ancient hilltop temple with sweeping views of the Doddaballapur countryside.

Distance
4 km
Duration
3–4 hrs
Elevation
851 m
1 stays nearby →

Chikkaballapur

Night treks and sunrise above the clouds

Stays in Chikkaballapur →
Kaiwara Betta trailModerate

Chikkaballapur · #117

Kaiwara Betta

A mythology-rich hill with caves associated with the Mahabharata, best climbed early in the morning.

Distance
5 km
Duration
4 hrs
Elevation
1100 m
1 stays nearby →

Kalaburagi

Dry deciduous nature trails of the north

Stays in Kalaburagi →