Monsoon treks near Visakhapatnam: Explore scenic Eastern Ghats trails

The Hindu

2 days ago

Each monsoon, the dusty calm of the Eastern Ghats near Visakhapatnam transforms into dense canopies, flowing streams and fresh trails. Mist wraps undisturbed hillsides, foot trails soften under cloudbursts and hidden waterfalls reveal themselves to those willing to walk into the wilderness. Trekkers, photographers and Nature-lovers are now drawn to the elevated interiors of Alluri Sitharama Raju district and beyond. A new wave of monsoon treks is shaping the region's eco-tourism narrative. Trekking groups are leading a growing community of enthusiasts with guided monsoon treks that go beyond adventure. These curated trails are introducing participants to lesser-known ecosystems, endemic biodiversity and the cultural knowledge of local communities inhabiting these remote landscapes. Here's a list of monsoon treks that take you through cloud-covered peaks of the Eastern Ghats.
Kandupalem waterfalls
Tucked into the verdant folds of Paderu's highlands, the Kandupalem waterfall trek is as much a cultural passage as it is a scenic one. The trail winds through a remote tribal hamlet before descending into a dense canopy where the gurgling of water becomes audible long before it's visible. The trek is not arduous, but the journey demands attentiveness, both to the changing forest floor and the sudden appearance of butterflies, beetles and fungi that flourish in the damp terrain. During the monsoon, the waterfalls surge with vitality. The trek is organised by Visakhapatnam-based Nature group Wilded in collaboration with the local communities. On the way to the Kandupalem trek, the route offers sweeping views of the Konam reservoir and dam, framed by the deep valleys and forests of the Eastern Ghats. The day-long trek takes people from Hanumanthwaka junction to the hike and back to where they started out.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, 6 kilometres overall
Chittamgondi meadows
Organised by Wilded, the Chittamgondi meadows trek in Araku unfolds along scenic, green rocky trails that gradually ascend to expansive meadows situated at an altitude of 4,100 feet above sea level. The trail, covering a distance of eight kilometres, offers a moderate challenge for those seeking both adventure and immersion in the landscape. At the summit, trekkers are rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree view of the Eastern Ghats with an uninterrupted panorama of ridgelines and valleys softened by the monsoon. A notable feature of the trek is a natural cave shelter once used by local hunters, adding a layer of cultural intrigue to the journey through these highland grasslands. The walk is slow-paced, built for immersion rather than endurance, allowing trekkers to witness how monsoon-fed landscapes nurture entire microhabitats. Wilded's emphasis on minimal intervention and local interpretation ensures the trek remains rooted in ecological awareness rather than tourism fatigue.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Armakonda trek
At 4,500 feet above sea level, Armakonda (also known as Jindhagada peak) is the tallest point in Andhra Pradesh. Hikoi Adventures, a trekking group known for its offbeat routes, is organising the Freedom Trek to this peak located at Paderu on August 14 and 15 to mark Independence Day. The route, starting from Paderu and gradually ascending through water-crossed paths and thick vegetation, is led by a team of experienced local youth alongside Hikoi's trained members. The ascent, which takes approximately two and a half hours, culminates at a campsite near the summit, offering a rare opportunity to spend the night on top of the Eastern Ghats. What sets this trek apart is its altitude as well as the diverse terrain it traverses - limestone caves, freshwater stream crossings and stretches of highland forest that unfold in segments along the route, revealing a different facet of the region's rugged ecology. Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Sir Endric Peak
Close to the Odisha border in Paderu lies the forest-covered Sir Endric Peak, rising to 1,572 metres above sea level. The initial 30-minute stretch of this three-hour trek organised by Hikoi is notably steep, demanding steady footing and a slow, deliberate pace. Once the first climb is complete, the forest thickens, revealing a layered rainforest system few trekkers expect to encounter this far south. The terrain evolves every half hour from shaded paths to fern-filled clearings to wind-swept ridges. The final stretch is steep, but the summit rewards the effort with a surreal view: a quiet valley suspended above the clouds. Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Galikonda Trek
Galikonda, the second highest peak in Andhra Pradesh, is not for first-time trekkers. Located near Sunkarmetta Junction, the trail rises to 1,643 metres over a rugged terrain of loose rocks, narrow passes and exposed ridgelines. The trek takes about two and a half hours, though the strain lies more in mental resolve than distance. It is open, challenging and occasionally punishing. But for those who persist, the summit offers a rarely seen panoramic sweep of the Araku valley. Difficulty level: Very difficult Contact Wilded at 7330880274 and Hikoi at 8332935333