A few months ago, a member of our Travel Elneeru team hosted an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on r/Bengaluru. The response was incredible. People from all over the city asked about everything from beginner-friendly treks to offbeat trails in the Western Ghats.
Since the AMA is now ranking on Google, we wanted to share some of the best questions and answers here for everyone planning a trek in Karnataka.
Beginner-Friendly Treks Near Bengaluru
Many people asked where to start if they’re new to trekking. Some of our favorite beginner options are:
- Skandagiri – Great for sunrise treks, short and manageable.
- Uttari Betta and Kunti Betta – Easy climbs with rewarding views.
- Nandi Hills and Makalidurga – Perfect for families and first-timers.
- Nethravathi Valley Trek – Slightly longer, but a wonderful introduction to the Western Ghats.
Most treks around Bengaluru can be done independently, but for longer Western Ghats trails, we recommend joining an organized group for safety and convenience.
The Toughest Treks in Karnataka
A lot of readers wanted to know about challenging trails. Here’s what we shared:
- Kumara Parvatha – One of the toughest treks in Karnataka. It used to be done over two days, but now the entire trek must be completed in a single day due to slot registration changes on Aranya Vihara.
- Narasimha Parvatha – Offbeat and challenging, with some restrictions on forest entry.
- Kudremukha – Not as intense as Kumara Parvatha, but still a good challenge, especially during the monsoon.
Best Time to Trek
Timing was a popular question. Our recommendations:
- Kudremukha – May to mid-August for misty trails and lush greenery. For clearer skies and panoramic views, August to January works well.
- Kodachadri – Avoid late July and early August when the Hidlumane Falls route is closed. The ideal period is June to early July or September to January.
- Agumbe – November to February.
- Nethravathi – June is perfect, but slots fill up 15–20 days in advance.
Overall, the monsoon brings out the wild beauty of the Western Ghats, while post-monsoon months offer clear skies and stunning views.
Hidden Gems in Karnataka
One of the most asked questions was about offbeat trails. Some of our favorite hidden gems include:
- Gangadikal
- Narasimha Parvatha (lesser-known routes)
- Merthi Gudda and Kalasa Ridge
- Nishani Motte, Manja Motte, Makath Motte
- Brahmagiri and Sharadabdi (waterfalls in Kodagu)
- Belagavi waterfalls
We also reminded readers that these places are still fragile and should be treated with care. That’s why at Travel Elneeru, we keep our groups small and promote eco-conscious trekking.
Trekking with Kids and Pets
- Introducing kids to trekking is best done with short, fun trails like Nandi Hills or Uttari Betta. The goal is to make them fall in love with nature.
- Pets are not allowed on Western Ghats treks, but smaller trails near Bengaluru like Skandagiri, Siddara Betta, and Makalidurga are pet-friendly.
Permits and Rules
Many treks now require online booking through the Aranya Vihara portal, sometimes up to 30 days in advance. At treks like Kumara Parvatha, forest officials even count your plastic items and return deposits only if you return with everything you carried. it’s always good to check the specific trail rules.
Eco-Friendly Trekking
One of the AMA readers raised a great point about littering. Here’s what we do:
- We discourage single-use plastics.
- Snacks like dry fruits and glucose are preferred over chocolates in wrappers.
- Dustbins are provided at our stays.
- We regularly organize clean-up drives.
We believe eco-responsibility is an essential part of trekking.
How Travel Elneeru Organizes Treks
Some readers asked about our upcoming treks. We shared:
- Weekly treks including Nethravathi, Kudremukha, Bandaje, Kodachadri, Kumara Parvatha and many more.
- Friday night departures, trekking on Saturday, sightseeing Sunday, and back in Bengaluru by 9 pm.
- Both weekday and weekend batches are available.
For bookings, WhatsApp us at 9008253367 for detailed itineraries.
Why This AMA Matters
The AMA was a wonderful experience for us. It showed how curious and passionate Bengaluru trekkers are. Beginners, families, and seasoned hikers all came together with questions, tips, and stories.
We’re grateful to the r/Bengaluru community for their engagement and look forward to doing more sessions in the future.
If you’re ready to explore the Western Ghats, check out our itineraries or message us on WhatsApp.
📲 WhatsApp: 9008253367
🌐 Website: elneeru.in
See you on the trail,
Team Travel Elneeru
