Sprawling parallel to the western coast of India, the Western Ghats is home to some of the most majestic peaks in the country. The highest peaks of the Western Ghats offer thrilling trekking and hiking opportunities for those willing to embark on an adventurous journey.
Exploring these peaks will introduce you to the rich biodiversity and scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. From lush green forests to undiscovered flora and fauna, the mountain peaks of the Western Ghats are a popular destination for thrill seekers.
For those, planning to experience the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, here is a list of some of the most picturesque peaks that will unveil nature’s best-kept secrets.
5 Highest Peaks of Western Ghats
- Anamudi Peak
- Meesapulimala
- Doddabetta
- Kolaribetta
- Perumal Peak
1. Anamudi Peak- the highest peak in the Western Ghats
Height: 2,695 meters (8,842 feet)
Location: Kerala
The highest peak in the Western Ghats, Anamudi is located in Eravikulam National Park in Kerala.
Anamudi comes from a Malayalam word, meaning elephant’s forehead. Tucked inside Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi is the highest peak in South India.
Home to different species of wildlife, Asian Elephants, Gaur, and Nilgiri Tahrs, the national park is close to the famous hill station, Munnar.
Trekking to Anamudi Peak takes roughly 2 hours to reach if you start from the national park. For those seeking a thrilling experience, they can opt to climb to the top and camp for a night. The trail traverses lush green forests, scenic tea and spice plantations and breathtaking landscapes. The view from the Anamudi Peak is mesmerising. You will be mesmerized to witness the panoramic views of the Western Ghats, mountain rivers, and sprawling tea gardens.
One can also enjoy the view of the Western Ghat’s highest peak on a safari. A short ride from the National Park entrance takes you to the viewpoint, offering a majestic sight of Anamudi.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Anamudi is from November to May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking. You will be greeted by delightful weather and pleasant temperatures. The season also offers clear views from the summit of the spectacular rolling hills and rivers.
Avoid the monsoon season as it gets slippery and muddy, making it difficult to navigate the dense forest of the National Park.
How to plan your trek to Anamudi – the highest peak in the Western Ghats
To trek to Anamudi, you have to travel to Kerala. The peak is located in Munnar. Cochin is the nearest airport, located 130 km from the base. Aluva is the nearest railway station. Anamudi Peak is well connected by road to major cities in Kerala, including Cochin, Munnar, Thrissur, and Allapujhe.
2. Meesapulimala – trek to the “Tiger’s Whiskers”, the second highest peak in Western Ghats
Height: 2,640 meters (8,661 feet)
Location: Kerala
Messapilimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats is located in Kerala and is a well-known destination for trekking enthusiasts. The name comes from three Malayalam words – Messa means moustache, puli means tiger, mala means hills, and also called Tigers’s Whiskers.
Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, is a popular trekking destination. The name means “Tiger’s Whiskers” and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The 8 km trek to the second-highest peak in Kerala and the Western Ghats begins from Rhodo Valley near Munnar. Messaulimala is a picturesque trail traversing lush green forests, serene landscapes, rainforests, enchanting tea states and flirting clouds floating beneath us. The trail comes to life as Rhododendrons bloom in abundance, enhancing the beauty of the trek. For a moderate trail, Messapulimala offers idyllic surroundings. Gushing streams, vibrant blooms and tranquil environs add to the charm of the trek. Crossing the shared border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala adds the thrill to the experience.
As you reach the summit, the sprawling lush green valley of Munnar and Suryannli mesmerizes you. Trek to Messapulimala is a thrilling experience coupled with breathtaking scenery. You can climb your visit to Munnar with the trek.
Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd (KFDC) organizes a trek to Meesapulimala. If you plan to trek to the Western Ghats’ second-highest peak, head to the government website to learn more about the trek.
Best time to visit
Meesapulimala offers the best sceneries between September and May. These months have pleasant weather for embarking on a thrilling trek to Meesapulimala. The valley adorns lush green colors and the trail reverberates with the sound of nature.
How to reach
The peak is located in Munnar, Kerala. To explore one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, travel to Kerala. Cochin is the nearest airport, located 130 km from the base. Aluva is the nearest railway station. The Peak is well connected by road to major cities in Kerala, including Cochin, Munnar, Thrissur, and Allapujhe.
3. Doddabetta – highest Peak in Tamil Nadu
Height: 2,637 mt (8,652 feet)
Location: Tamil Nadu
Doddabetta has earned the name, big mountain because of its staggering height, qualifying as the highest peak in Tamilnadu. Located 10 km from the picturesque hill station of Ooty, Doddabetta is the highest peak in Nilgiris.
For those seeking a thrilling escape from the bustling Ooty town, head to the base and trek to Nilgiri’s summit at 2,637 mt. The trail passes through grassy slopes and dense shola forest – an ecosystem unique to the Western Ghats. The trail charms you with its beautiful and refreshing sceneries, the bird’s eye view of the misty green hills of Nilgiri from the summit is worth the challenging climb.
Dodabetta is a perfect weekend getaway to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of rolling hills and thrilling adventurous trails. A 3 km trek winds through a challenging but rewarding trail to the summit with a Telescope house offering panoramic views of the sprawling green Nilgiri hills in its entirety.
A foggy mountain breeze, drifting clouds, and nature’s surreal bliss make Dodabetta a must-visit destination in Ooty.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dodabetta, one of the highest peaks of Western Ghats is between October and March. The weather remains pleasant during these months, offering clear summit views and lush green hills to enjoy a perfect holiday. Avoid the monsoon months of July to September as heavy rains make the trail slippery and difficult to navigate.
How to reach Doddabetta
To attempt the Doddabetta trek, the highest in Tamil Nadu, you can combine the trek with a visit to Ooty. The nearest railway station in Ooty is connected to Mettupalayam. Coimbatore is the nearest airport, located 90 km from Ooty.
4. Kolaribetta – the second-highest peak in Tamil Nadu
Height: 2,590 meters (8,497 feet)
Location: Tamil Nadu
Kolaribetta is the second-highest peak in Tamil Nadu rising to a staggering height of 2630 mt. One of the prominent peaks in the Western Ghats, the Kolaribetta is the highest point in the Mukurthi National Park and Chaliyar River basin.
Trekking to the peak is not allowed, however, you can try your luck and put up a request to the forest department to explore the lush green trail of Kolaribetta. The peak is located around 10 km from Avalanche Lake in Ooty.
5. Perumal Peak – picturesque trail offering the majestic beauty of Nilgiris
Height: 2,440 meters (8,005 feet)
Location: Tamil Nadu
Located near Kodaikanal, Perumal is the highest peak in the Perumal range. The peak rises to 2,440 mt and is nestled in the majestic Western Ghats.
One of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, Perumal Peak is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature admirers.
The trek to Perumal begins at the foothills of the peak near Perumalai village. Reaching the peak takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace. The summit offers a mesmerising view of the surrounding hills of the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills. While some trekkers prefer to camp for a night, many descend to the base the same day. Combine the Kodaikanal escapade with Perumal Peak for a thrilling and adventurous experience of climbing one of the highest peaks in Tamil Nadu.
Best time to visit
October to May is the best time to visit Perumalali Peak. With pleasant weather and clear views from the summit, many prefer to attempt the trek during this season. The trek remains accessible throughout the year, however, monsoon becomes tricky due to heavy rain and a slippery trail.
How to reach Perumalai Peak
Perumalai Peak trek is nestled in the Western Ghats, near Kodaikanal. To trek to Perumal Peak, one needs to reach Kodaikanal by air, railway or road. Madurai is the nearest airport, about 140 km away and Kodai Road is the nearest railway station, located 80 km from Kodaikanal. You can also drive to Kodaikanal and head to the base of the peak in Perumalai village.
These are the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, offering the most exhilarating hiking experiences. Each peak charms with its majestic beauty and awe-inspiring sceneries. A thrilling experience for adventure seekers, you can trek to most of the peaks with proper planning and preparation. Plan your visit during the best season between, October and March when the weather remains please to immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of Western Ghat’s highest peaks.
