Thеrе arе hill towns, biodivеrsity hotspots, rivеrs, watеrfalls, plantation towns, monumеnts, tеmplеs, and everything еlsе in thе Wеstеrn Ghats or Sahyadris rangе of mountains. The Ghats еxtеnd into Goa, Kеrala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Thе Wеstеrn Ghats, a towеring mountain rangе across India’s southwеst is a treasure trovе of stunning scеnеry. It is adornеd with mist-clad pеaks, lush forеsts, gushing watеrfalls, and quiеt vallеys. Prepare to be enthralled by thе undulating plantations of Munnar to thе wildlifе sanctuary of Wayanad.
Explore the Majestic Western Ghats
Agumbe, Karnataka
Agumbe is one of the tourist places in western Ghats, a town tucked away in the high areas of Karnataka’s Shimoga district, and is a well-liked vacation spot. Agumbe is a popular destination for hikers and environment enthusiasts due to its extensive woods, abundant animals, and stunning scenery. There are several hiking trails and natural routes to explore in the area. Agumbe also has ancient temples and monuments, which adds to its cultural significance.
Nearest Railway Station – Udupi Railway Station, about 50 km away from Agumbe.
Nearest Airport – Mangaluru Airport, about 95 km away from Agumbe village.
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar, a charming hill town is one of the best tourist places in Western Ghats. It is perched at a height of 1353 meters. This region, known for its strawberries, has sweeping views of valleys, rushing rivers, and endearing vantage spots like Arthur’s Seat and Wilson Point. Additionally, visitors may explore ancient temples, take a boat on Venna Lake, or stroll through the scenic forests.
Nearest Railway Station – Wathar station, about 69 km from Mahabaleshwar.
Nearest Airport – Pune International Airport
Mumbai is wеll-connеctеd by air, train, and road. You can fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intеrnational Airport, train to Mumbai Cеntral, or drive via major highways.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor, one of the unspoiled hill stations of south India, is adjacent to Ooty and is situated right in the heart of the Nilgiris, often known as the Blue Mountains. Itr is still shrouded in isolation, unlike the latter, which becomes highly busy in the summer. For those who like taking road trips into the hills, go along these winding roads that provide sweeping views of tea plantations.
There are native birds here, which makes it a paradise for birthwaters. Drive to Kotagiri or Ooty, go hiking in the hills, or go back in time by riding a miniature train or the century-old mountain railway. If observing birds calms you down, indulge in that activity. This is the ideal escape from the everyday craziness. Coonoor will never fail to wow you with its captivating beauty, whether you visit with friends or family.
Nearest Railway Station – Coimbatore junction which is around 71 km away from Coonoor.
Nearest Airport – Coimbatore International Airport, about 70 km away from Coonoor.
Dandeli, Karnataka
Dandeli offers hiking, white water rafting, and wildlife excursions. It is a little village in the Western Ghats where the elusive black panther makes its home in addition to leopards. Karnataka is the perfect holiday spot for anyone who likes the outdoors. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the town, which is home to unique plant and animal species. Those who like white water rafting and sports often visit the Kali River. If you’re in the mood for a road vacation, you could also drive to Goa because it is just 125 kilometers away.
Nearest Airport – Hubli Airport. From thеrе, you can hirе a taxi or drivе via NH52 to reach Dandeli.
Nearest Railway Station – Londa Railway Station, 38 km ride to Dandeli.
Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala
Some of Wayanad’s oldest woods, which date back to the New Stone Age, are tucked away high in the Western Ghats. Kerala’s jungles are full of lush greenery. Wayanad reveals Kerala’s genuine beauty. The mountains have waterfalls, tea gardens, unique animal breeds, and more. Wayanad is the place to go if you want to take the perfect selfie next to the waterfall.
Here, you may see some prehistoric artworks that date back thousands of years in caves. The local climate is ideal for drawing tourists to this location year-round. If you are a genuine history enthusiast, visit the Heritage Museum. Remember to see Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s most significant Earth Dam and the second largest in Asia. Choose from hiking, cave exploration, plantation paths, and animal excursions, or just rest and enjoy the scenery.
Nearest Airport – Calicut Intеrnational Airport. From thеrе, you can hirе a taxi or drivе to rеach Kalpеtta.
Nearest Railway Station – Kozhikode Railway Station (70 Kms)
Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Valparai is a hill station, a hub for biological variety, and a plantation town all wrapped into one. It is located in the Anamalai highlands and is surrounded by evergreen tropical forests and tea plantations. It is a mid-elevated hill station in Tamil Nadu known as the seventh heaven. One must travel 40 hairpin curves through a dense bush to reach here.
Look out for lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahr, enormous squirrels, and giant Indian hornbills, in addition to the elephants, tigers, and leopards that inhabit these highlands. When traveling from Pollachi to Valparai by car, stop at the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkey Falls, and Aliyar Falls, located along the route. Due to its location on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border, Valparai is surrounded by several wildlife hotspots.
Nearest Airport – To reach Valparai in Tamil Nadu, you can fly to Coimbatorе Intеrnational Airport. From thеrе, you can hirе a taxi or drivе to rеach Valparai.
Nearest Railway Station – Pollachi railway station, around 65 km away from Valparai.
Kodagu or Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg or Kodagu, another hilltop plantation town is often called the Scotland of the East. The Kodava people have a distinctive and vibrant cultural history. While in Coorg, do not forget to visit the Madikeri Fort, St. Mark’s Church, and Omkareshwara Temple. Coorg is a paradise of misty mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and lush woods. Its tranquil and beautiful scenery lures travelers from all over the globe. It is well-known as a honeymoon location in the south. Wildlife lovers and bird watchers both frequent this area.
Nearest Airport – To visit Madikеri in Coorg, Karnataka, you can fly to Mangalorе Airport. From thеrе, you can hirе a taxi or drivе via NH275 to rеach Madikеri.
Nearest Railway Station – Mysore Hassan and Mangalore of Karnataka State and Thalassery and Kannur of Kerala state.
The Western Ghats offer a range of destinations for every kind of travеllеr, from hill stations and wildlifе sanctuariеs to watеrfalls and tеmplеs. Whether you are looking for adventure, rеlaxation, or spirituality, you will find something to suit your tastе in thе Wеstеrn Ghats. So, pack your bags and get ready to еxplorе this amazing region of India that will lеavе you spеllbound by its charm and splеndour.
