The first showers rarely arrive quietly in the Eastern Ghats. They settle over the ridgelines as drifting mist, awaken seasonal streams and paint slopes in countless shades of green. For trekking enthusiasts, this is the season when the mountains around north Andhra Pradesh shed their dry summer character and reveal a landscape that is at once cooler, quieter and richly alive.
A woman meditates at Arma Konda or Jindhagada Peak, the highest mountain peak in both Andhra Pradesh and the Eastern Ghats, standing at an elevation of 1,690 metres.
| Photo Credit:
Hikoi Adventures
Over the last few years, guided trekking groups have noticed a growing interest in monsoon hikes among seasoned trekkers, families as well as first-time walkers looking to spend a weekend outdoors. Groups such as Eco Hikes and Hikoi Adventures conduct guided treks through several parts of the Eastern Ghats, ranging from demanding summit expeditions to short waterfall walks suitable for beginners.
Above the clouds
Among the region’s best-known summit trails are Jindagada Peak, Sinkaram Gutta, Galikonda, Endric Peak and the Sharada River Trek. Most are spread across two days, combining trekking with camping or an overnight stay at a nearby resort before completing the circuit. Rising beyond 1,000 metres, these routes are generally graded easy to moderate.
Trekkers at Tankota village, as part of the two days waterfalls trek organised by Eco Hikes.
| Photo Credit:
Eco Hikes
For those seeking shorter outings, Eco Hikes organises one-day waterfall treks to Jalada Waterfalls, Tamkota Waterfalls and several cascades around Madugula, including Kandulapalem in North Andhra Pradesh. Covering roughly two to five kilometres, these walks have become popular among families, children and groups of friends.
Naveen Rongali of Eco Hikes says the higher elevations offer one of the biggest advantages during the rainy season. “One of the reasons we focus on peaks above 1,000 to 1,200 metres during the monsoon is that the weather is remarkably pleasant at these elevations. While the lower Eastern Ghats often receive heavy rainfall, the higher ridges typically experience cool drizzle, passing clouds, mist and refreshing winds,” he says, adding that above about 1,300 metres, the landscape opens into beautiful grasslands dotted with fishtail palms, offering a completely different trekking experience when compared to the dense forests of the Western Ghats or the Himalayas.
A group of trekkers going through the misty Galikonda trail near Sunkarametta.
| Photo Credit:
Eco Hikes
Among all the routes, Galikonda remains his favourite. “It offers one of the longest trekking routes in the Eastern Ghats, with trail options ranging from 28 to 35 kilometres. During the monsoon, the entire landscape transforms into lush green grasslands, natural springs become active and water is readily available along the higher sections of the trail. This allows us to take longer routes that would be much more demanding during winter.”
Hikoi Adventures, which has been organising guided treks across the Eastern Ghats since 2021, also sees the season as an excellent time to explore the mountains. Its itineraries include Arma Konda or Jindagada Peak, Galikonda Peak, Heaven Valley at Sinkaram Gutta, Endric Peak, Tarabu Waterfalls, Peddhabayalu Waterfalls and the Gosthani caving and geological exploration trail.
Trekkers at Arma Konda or Jindhagada peak, the highest mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats.
| Photo Credit:
Hikoi Adventures
Vamsi Thenakani of Hikoi Adventures points to Heaven Valley as one of the most rewarding monsoon destinations. “Heaven Valley is at its absolute best during the rains, with mist-covered cliffs, flowing streams and lush green meadows. Arma Konda offers dramatic cloud movements and expansive mountain views, while Tarabu Waterfalls reaches its full strength during this season,” he says. For trekkers looking for a memorable overnight experience, Hikoi recommends Endric Peak.
“At above 4,500 feet, it offers dense forests, rolling grasslands, panoramic mountain views and valleys filled with drifting clouds,” adds Vamsi.
Beyond the trail
A trek through the Eastern Ghats also offers a glimpse into the lives of indigenous communities such as the Bhagata, Valmiki, Kondadora and Konda Dhora tribes. The monsoon coincides with the start of the farming season, when villages are busy with agricultural activity. “Along the way, trekkers get an opportunity to witness traditional farming practices, interact with local tribal communities and understand how people have lived in harmony with these mountains for generations,” says Naveen.
Hikoi Adventures works closely with local communities while conducting its treks and considers their knowledge indispensable. “We actively promote ‘Leave No Trace’ principles during the treks and work closely with local tribal communities who possess deep ecological knowledge of these forests.”
Changing mountains
Regular visits have also revealed noticeable ecological changes. “Wild date plants that once grew abundantly at around 4,000 feet have declined considerably. Rainfall has become less predictable, seasonal streams behave differently, and the flowering and fruiting cycles of several plants appear to have shifted,” says Vamsi.
Such observations underline the importance of responsible trekking, particularly as visitors continue to increase.
Walking wisely
The cooler weather makes monsoon trekking more comfortable, but organisers stress that preparation is essential. Wearing unsuitable footwear, poor navigation and venturing off marked trails are among the most common mistakes, says Naveen. “There is still no comprehensive network of officially marked trails in the Eastern Ghats. Until that develops, beginners should always join guided treks or travel with someone familiar with the terrain.”
Trekkers at the mouth of the Gosthani cave formations, a massive natural limestone cave system in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh.
| Photo Credit:
Eco Hikes
He also advises trekkers to invest in reliable shoes with good grip, lightweight rain protection and a comfortable backpack. Campsites, he adds, should never be chosen solely for the view. Exposed hilltops are vulnerable to strong winds and rapidly changing weather. Camping near villages or designated sites offers greater safety as well as easier access to water and assistance if required.
Preparation at Hikoi Adventures begins well before the trek. “We study the route, monitor weather forecasts and consult local guides before finalising every plan. Every trek is backed by first-aid, emergency communication and an evacuation strategy. If conditions become unsafe, we change the route or cancel the trek. Reaching the summit is never more important than safety.”
Trekking groups also advise trekkers to stay away from streams during the monsoon, since water levels can rise unexpectedly because of rainfall upstream, even when the immediate surroundings appear calm.
Contact Eco Hikes and Hikoi Adventures at Instagram handles @ecohikes and @_hikoi_adventures.
