The Western Ghats are often portrayed from the perspective of wildlife reserves and bird-watching destinations, and indeed, considering that they are among the world’s most biodiverse locations, this approach makes complete sense. However, the narrow focus on plant and animal life is only partially capturing what the Western Ghats have to offer as a destination for leisure travel. Spanning the length of six Indian states, the Western Ghats offer much more than meets the eye.
Hill stations that go beyond clichés
The hill stations along the Ghats go beyond being vacation resorts. While Munnar is famous for its endless tea estates, one must not miss the charm of daily life in the hill stations – from the morning fog engulfing the slopes to the serpentine roads that merge with clouds. Equally enchanting is Ooty with its colonial past, unique South Indian culture, botanical gardens, historic railway stations and picturesque lakes.
A land shaped by history
Historically and culturally significant, the Western Ghats region has always been a major corridor and route through which the Indian subcontinent was accessed. The steep and rocky Sahyadri hills have fortresses dating back to when the region was part of the great Maratha Empire. Raigad Fort, the capital of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, provides stunning views and gives an idea of the historical importance of this place. Along with Raigad Fort, other popular fort locations in this area are forts like Rajmachi.
Jog Falls in Karnataka
Waterfalls, valleys, and monsoon transformations
Come monsoon, the Western Ghats undergo a dramatic transformation. Slopes get a makeover and become a green carpet. Famous waterfall sites such as Jog Falls and Dudhsagar Falls attract many people, but some hidden waterfalls, which exist only during the rainy season, can be far more fascinating.
Chembra Lake in Wayanad, Kerala. Photo courtesy: Kerala Forest Ecotourism
adventure capital
Adventures in the Western Ghats are not only about fun and thrill; they are all about exploring the landscape of this area. Trails in the Western Ghats take you through grasslands, forests, and villages. Popular mountain peaks for hiking include the Kudremukh Peak and the Chembra Peak; but some of the lesser-known trails leading to secret vantage points or seasonal plateaus are also worth exploring. Some popular routes for mountain biking, off-road driving, and even river-based sports have also been designed in some parts of the Ghats.
Spiritual geography and pilgrimages
Pilgrimages form an intrinsic part of the cultural and religious history of the Western Ghats region. Pilgrimage sites and temples dotting the Ghats are often built into the landscape itself. Pilgrim sites such as the Sabarimala Temple attract millions of devotees every year, but there are many others which are comparatively quiet and tranquil.
Munnar in Kerala
Plantations, cuisine, and slow travel
One such aspect that defines the Western Ghats is its plantation culture. Tea plantations in Munnar, coffee plantations in Coorg, and spice gardens in Kerala can take you on a journey through the rich soil of the region and introduce you to different cuisines, including spicy curries, coconuts, and drinks made fresh from their produce.
Seasonal events and ecosystems
Apart from being culturally significant, the Western Ghats are home to several natural phenomena that make this area truly spectacular. One such natural phenomenon that occurs once every year is the bloom of flowers at the valley of Kaas Plateau, which is otherwise referred to as the Valley of Flowers in Maharashtra. Apart from this, the shola grasslands and eco-systems present in the Wayanad area are quite stunning to behold.
