Major Western Ghats Destinations In Karnataka To Visit This Year

A The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Range, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their unique biodiversity and striking landscapes. Running parallel to the western coast of India, the Western Ghats in Karnataka offer a blend of lush forests, hills, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking peace and solitude. Here are some of the most captivating destinations in the Karnataka portion of the Western Ghats.

Kodagu/Coorg District

Abbey Falls in Coorg. Image credit: Yelaya jyothi via Wikimedia Commons

1. Tadiandamol Peak: The highest point in Coorg at 1,748 meters (5,735 feet), offering panoramic views after a rewarding trek.
2. Madikeri Fort & Omkareshwara Temple: Experience the history and culture of the region.
3. Nagarhole National Park: You can spot elephants, tigers, and leopards.
4. Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls: Stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush forests.

The Omkareshwara Temple in Coorg. Image credit: Craftofolio.media via Wikimedia Commons.

Chikmagalur/Chikkamagaluru District

View of the majestic Hebbe Falls in Kemmangundi. Image credit: Srinivasa83 via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Mullayanagiri Peak: The highest point in Karnataka, 1,925 metres (6,316 ft), offering a challenging trek and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Baba Budangiri: A sacred hill and a great trekking spot, also known for its historical significance.
3. Hebbe Falls & Kalhatti Falls: Beautiful waterfalls located amidst dense forests.
4. Bhadra Tiger Reserve: Known for its rich wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
5. Kudremukh National Park: Wildlife watching

A trekker on a trail at the Kudremukh National Park. Image credit: Ramesh Desai via Wikimedia Commons.

Hassan District

The Manjarabad Fort. Image credit: Vinayaraj via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Manjarabad Fort: A star-shaped fort built by Tipu Sultan, offering excellent views of the surrounding Western Ghats.
2. Agni Gudda: A trekking destination known for its stunning landscapes and panoramic views.
3. Sakleshpur Reserve Forest: A wildlife sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity.
4. Bisle Viewpoint: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

View from Bisle Ghat. Image credit: Ravi Mundkur via Wikimedia Commons.

Shimoga/Shivamogga District

Lion-tailed macaques are seen in the forests of Shimoga. Image credit: N. A. Naseer / www.nilgirimarten.com / naseerart@gmail.com via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Agumbe Rainforest: Often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of the South," this rainforest is an ecologically significant region that attracts nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
2. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station: A center for research on the biodiversity of the rainforests, particularly in the study of reptiles like the King Cobra.
3. Barkana Falls: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by dense forests and a popular spot for trekking.
4. Jog Falls: While not in Agumbe, it’s a nearby major attraction — one of India’s tallest waterfalls, especially impressive during the monsoon.
5. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located below Agumbe, with a portion in the Udupi District as well. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife, including many species of birds, insects, and reptiles found in its lush forested landscape.

A majestic king cobra. Image credit: Michael Allen Smith from Seattle, USA via Wikimedia Commons.

Uttara Kannada District

Om Beach in Gokarna. Image credit: Axis of eran via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Om Beach: One of the most popular beaches in the town of Gokarna, which is shaped like the Om symbol.
2. Gokarna Temple: A significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. Yana Rocks: A trek to unique, dramatic rock formations that lie within the Western Ghats region, surrounded by lush forests.
4. Yana Village: India's second cleanest village.
5. Kudle Beach: A quieter beach perfect for relaxation and nature walks.

Yana Rocks near Gokarna. Image credit: Photos Worldwide via Wikimedia Commons.

The 10 Most Beautiful Trees Of India

Indian coral tree in Munnar, Kerala. Image credit: Sanu N via Wikimedia Commons.

India, with its diverse geography and climate, is home to some of the world’s most magnificent and beautiful tree species. These trees not only add charm to the landscapes but also hold ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance. From the Himalayas to the coasts, the beauty of India’s trees reflects the country’s natural wealth. While every tree is endowed with unique beauty, some have an extremely impressive presence. Below are ten of the most beautiful trees found across India.

1. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

The Great Banyan Tree in West Bengal. Image credit: McKay Savage from London, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The national tree of India, the banyan is revered for its grandeur and longevity. Its vast canopy and aerial roots create a majestic appearance, symbolizing eternal life and shelter in Indian culture.

2. Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa)

The sacred peepul tree in Bodh Gaya. Image credit: Bholi.aman via Wikimedia Commons.

Also called the sacred fig, the peepal tree is both beautiful and sacred. With its heart-shaped leaves that shimmer in the wind, it has been venerated since ancient times. It is closely linked with Buddhism, as the Buddha attained enlightenment under a peepal tree.

3. Flame Of The Forest (Butea monosperma)

The Flame of the Forest in Andhra Pradesh. Image credit: Lalithamba from India via Wikimedia Commons.

Known as Palash or Dhak, this deciduous tree sets dry forests aflame in spring with its brilliant orange-red flowers. It is a source of natural dye and has a strong place in folklore and festivals.

4. Amaltas (Cassia fistula)

Beautiful flowers of Amaltas. Image credit: Dr. Raju Kasambe via Wikimedia Commons.

The “golden shower tree,” native to the Indian subcontinent, dazzles in summer with cascades of bright yellow blossoms. It is also Kerala’s state flower and is used in traditional medicine.

5. Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum)

Rhododendron in Arunachal Pradesh. Image credit: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons.

Found in the Himalayan states, this tree turns mountain slopes into carpets of crimson in spring. It is the state tree of Uttarakhand and has medicinal as well as cultural significance.

6. Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata)

The beautiful flower of the Indian Coral Tree. Image credit: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India via Wikimedia Commons.

With its scarlet blossoms and unique branching form, the coral tree adds brilliance to rural landscapes. It is often planted along village boundaries and is important in traditional medicine.

7. Kadamba Tree (Neolamarckia cadamba)

The kadamba tree. Image credit: Tatiana Gerus via Wikimedia Commons.

Sacred in Vaishnav traditions, the kadamba produces fragrant, spherical, golden-orange flowers during the monsoon. It is linked to Lord Krishna and widely celebrated in poetry and art.

8. Sal Tree (Shorea robusta)

Beautiful sal forest in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Image credit: Ajaynioding via Wikimedia Commons.

Dominant in central and eastern Indian forests, the sal is admired for its strength, tall straight trunk, and lush green canopy. It holds cultural value in Buddhism, as the Buddha is believed to have been born under a sal tree.

9. Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Deodar forest in the Himalayas. Image credit: Rohit Gosain via Wikimedia Commons.

Native to the Western Himalayas, this majestic evergreen is revered as the “tree of the gods.” Its tall, graceful form and aromatic wood make it both sacred and scenic.

10. Mango (Mangifera indica)

A mango tree in Kolkata, India. Image credit: Biswarup Ganguly via Wikimedia Commons.

Fragrant white blossoms in spring; lush green canopy; sacred, cultural, and ecological importance.

Major Western Ghats Destinations In Goa To Visit This Year

The Western Ghats in Goa. Image credit: Cajetan Barretto via Flickr.com.

The Western Ghats in Goa form the state’s eastern boundary and are part of one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Covered with lush forests, these mountains are the source of Goa’s major rivers like the Mandovi, Zuari, and Mhadei. The region hosts rich wildlife in sanctuaries such as Bhagwan Mahavir, Mhadei, Netravali, Cotigao, and Bondla, and is home to iconic sites like Dudhsagar Falls and the Tambdi Surla Temple. Goa’s share of the Western Ghats plays a vital role in regulating the climate, supporting unique species, and sustaining the natural beauty and culture of the state.

Here’s a list of Western Ghats destinations in Goa that combine wildlife, waterfalls, treks, and cultural heritage:

🌿 Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park (South Goa)

The trek to the Dudhsagar Waterfall in the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa. Image credit: Vinayaraj,  via Wikimedia Commons.

• Largest protected area in Goa, rich in biodiversity.
• Famous for Dudhsagar Waterfall, Tambdi Surla Temple, jeep safaris, forest walks, herping activities, birdwatching, etc.
• Home to species like gaur, leopards, Malabar giant squirrel, and several endemic birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and arthropods.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (North Goa)

Inside the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Joegoauk69 via Flickr.com.

• Smaller sanctuary with a zoo, botanical garden, and eco-tourism cottages.
• Popular for birdwatching and school excursions.
• Good for spotting deer, wild boar, and peafowl.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (South Goa, Canacona)

Lush nature in the Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa. Image credit: Paul778899 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Known for its tall forest trees and giant watchtower overlooking waterholes.
• Less crowded, peaceful forest trails.
• Good chance of seeing flying squirrels, slender loris, and exotic butterflies.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (North Goa, Valpoi)

A flame-throated bulbul. Image credit: Prajwalkm via Wikimedia Commons.

• Biodiversity hotspot, important tiger corridor.
• Trekking and birdwatching haven (Goa’s state bird, the flame-throated bulbul, is found here).
• Famous waterfalls: Virdi & Vazra Sakla.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (South Goa, Sanguem)

A waterfall inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Solarisgirl via Flickr.com.

• Connected to Cotigao, forming a continuous forest stretch.
• Known for the Netravali Bubbling Lake (Budbud Tali) and waterfalls like Savari & Mainapi.
• Popular among trekkers and nature lovers.

💧 Waterfalls In The Ghats

The Dudhsagar Falls in Goa. Image credit: Samson Joseph via Wikimedia Commons.

• Dudhsagar Falls – Iconic 4-tiered cascade on the Goa-Karnataka border, among India’s tallest.
• Tambdi Surla Falls – Near the 13th-century Mahadev Temple, Mollem.
• Savari & Mainapi Falls – Inside Netravali Sanctuary.
• Vazra Sakla Falls – Inside Mhadei Sanctuary, less explored.

🛕 Cultural And Heritage Spots In The Ghats

The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple in Goa. Image credit: Savika Gomes via Wikimedia Commons.

• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (13th century) – Ancient Kadamba-style temple nestled in Mollem forests.
• Budbud Tali (Bubbling Lake), Netravali – Mysterious lake with bubbles rising continuously.