Trekking inside Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: A Thrilling Adventure

The sheer thrill of being on foot with an apex predator like a tiger or a leopard prowling close by. Or the fact that you can come across a herd of elephants or gaurs during your forest walk. Trekking inside a tiger reserve is all of that adrenaline rush and more. Our forest department folks patrol our national parks and tiger reserves in this fashion and it is an absolutely sensational experience to explore the forest like them. But, most of the tiger reserves in India allow you to experience the jungle only from the safe confines of a forest jeep or safari vehicle. Only a select few offer the option to experience the forest on foot. Kerala’s Parambikulam tiger reserve and Tamil Nadu’s Anaimalai Tiger reserve that it is contiguous with are two gorgeous tropical jungles that offer the option to trek deep inside the jungle.



Parambikulam tiger reserve offers a variety of jungle treks. They offer 2 hour, half day or full day treks depending on the physical capability of its guests. Each trek is to be compulsorily accompanied by a member of the forest department who is well versed with the route, the dos and donts and knows how to react when confronted with a wild animal. The trekking routes might vary based on season, but usually they try and follow the same trail. Depending on the comfort of the trekking group, steep inclines can be opted to trek deeper into the forest.



During my time inside Parambikulam tiger reserve, I went on 3 morning treks and two evening treks, each lasting between two to four hours. While 3 of these were around the Parambikulam tented niche, two of them were on Veetikunnu Island, which is deep inside the Parambikulam dam. Unlike the jeep safaris, on a trek, you can experience the forest from much closer quarters. You can smell the plants and the flowers, you can see the animal footprints and pug marks more closely, you can catch the scent of the animals close by, you can see animal droppings more closely, you can soak in the aura of the jungle better and you can hear the animals and the birds just like they can hear you. And unlike the jeep safaris, you don’t have to breathe in the diesel/petrol fumes, you only hear the sound of the jungle and your feet crushing the dried leaves/twigs below you and if your group is quiet, you only get to hear the jungle sounds and of course you breathing and your heartbeat. You can also see the smaller life that survive on the base of the jungle.



Morning treks usually begin just after sunrise. You can have your morning tea/coffee prior to starting on the trek. A good pair of shoes, sunglasses, a bottle of water and a camera are all that you need while going on the jungle walk. In these early hours of the morning when the birds are at their most active self, you can hear the different bird calls echo throughout the forest. My favourite bird to hear in the morning hours is the Malabar Whistling thrush, which whistles its heart out in this tropical jungle. You can also hear the drilling sound of the greater flameback woodepecker reverberate throughout the forest. Other birds active in the morning are the Greater racket tailed drongo, brown headed barbet, common drongo, grey junglefowl, white-throated kingfisher, green bee eater, spotted owlet and malabar parakeet. The prettiest bird that I spotted was the black hooded oriole with its rich yellow coloured body. If you have a keen eye, a good pair of binoculars and oodles of patience, you might see well over 50 species of birds during these morning treks.



As the sun ascends in the sky, you will start noticing more of the larger creatures. You will see Nilgiri Langurs moving in the trees. You might also spot the malabar giant flying squirrel jumping from one branch to the other. You might get to see a common or a ruddy mongoose moving along the jungle floor. The call of the peacock will reverberate through the jungle and you might see them basking in the morning sun. The spotted deer and sambar deer who have been grazing might stop their grazing and look up at you to see who disturbed their breakfast. And the most thrilling time would be when you hear an alarm call ring throughout the jungle. It could be the alarm call of the spotted deer, the langur, the peacock or the junglefowl. Whosever call it might be, the news is that there might be a tiger or a leopard close by. Had you been in the forest jeep, you would have stopped, taken your binoculars out and started searching for the predator. But, when you are on foot, the reaction is much different. You look all around you to see if the tiger is visible. You wait for a while to see where the calls are coming from and pretty soon, you try to ascend or move in the opposite direction. This is to give some space between you and the predator. And all this while, you can feel your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping and some raw excitement flowing through your veins.



When we were trekking the trails of Veetikunnu Island, the thrilling adventure went up a few more notches. All throughout the trail, we kept seeing elephant dung, some of which was very fresh. This only means one thing that elephants are close by. For those who don’t know, elephants can run pretty fast and stay at it for long distances. And we all know about their strength and temperament, especially if there are solo tuskers or if they have young calves in their herd. Hence, seeing fresh elephant dung can get your adrenaline pumping. And you have to stay quiet too as elephants have excellent long distance hearing. Pretty soon, we spotted a large herd of elephants with some young ones a bit far away. Somewhere, I wished to see them at much closer proximity, but at the same time, I was aware of the dangers too. That dual feeling of joy and thrill together is what these Parambikulam tiger reserve treks offer. Along with these elephants, we also spotted crocodiles and spotted deer. And yes, more birds.



The evening treks are even more adventurous as by the time you return to your base, it will be well past sunset. This means that you have to trek for close to 30 minutes in failing light. This is the best time to spot more wild animals as most animals start coming out of the deep jungle around this time. If the weather is cooler, you might see gaurs and elephants while returning. We heard a lot of alarm calls, but just missed spotting a leopard and a wild tusker. Apparently, other groups were lucky to see them at close quarters. What a thrill it must have been for them! We saw spotted deer, peacocks and even a barking deer during these evening treks.



I was hoping to see some lion tailed macaques and great hornbills, but apparently, one needs to trek in a different part of the forest, where the altitude is much higher and the forest more dense and evergreen. Treks inside Parambikulam tiger reserve allow you to see the diverse nature of the forest, which includes the flora, fauna, the rich wildlife and the gorgeous view points that fall on your different trekking routes. If you wish to see a wild animal at a few feet from you without any safety net, these jungle treks are for you. It will allow you to appreciate and experience nature at a much deeper level.



Best season to visit:

Parambikulam tiger reserve is open all year round. If you can handle the heat, the best time to see wild animals would be the dry months between March and May. If you wish to see the forest in all its lush glory, the post monsoon months from November to February would be ideal. During the other months, you can see animals and birds, but it would depend on your luck. Monsoons happen to the season of mating, so may be, you will see the birds busier than usual and showing their best plumage.

How to reach there:

The nearest airport and large railway station would be Coimbatore. The nearest large bus station would be Pollachi. From Coimbatore, Parambikulam tiger reserve is about 120 kms away. Only four wheelers are allowed into the forest. It is best to hire your own vehicle to travel to Parambikulam as a lot of different places in Parambikulam are quite far away from each other. The route would be Coimbatore –> Pollachi –> Top Slip (Anaimalai Tiger Reserve) –> Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. If you have booked your accommodation at Parambikulam, you can show that booking voucher at the different forest entry gates.



How to make the bookings:

Bookings can be made easily by visiting the Parambikulam tiger reserve website. The bookings include your accommodation, food, safari, treks and entry fee. Anything additional will be charged. There are certain remote places in the tiger reserve where you might need to carry your food supplies with you. This will be informed to you at the time of booking.

Where to stay and eat:

The only places to stay inside Parambikulam tiger reserve are the properties managed by the forest department. These include the tented niche, Treetop hut at Thunakadavu, Honeycomb, Peruvari Island Nest,Veetikunnu Island Nest and Tented Roost. All these places will provide you with food, though some places might need you to carry the food rations as they are totally remote and do not have a functioning kitchen.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Anaimalai Tiger Reserve: Of elephants, gaurs, tigers and hornbills

2) Puthuthotham Estate: The hidden gem of Anaimalai tiger reserve

3) Kannimara Teak: The oldest teak tree in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

4) The best place to see the rare Lion Tailed Macaque in the wild

5) Monkey Aliyar Falls, Aliyar Dam, Sholayar Dam and other vast water bodies

6) Pristine Vazhachal Rainforest highway: A special road trip hot spot

7) Valparai to Athirapally: One of the top tropical motorcycle routes in India

8) Poringalkuthu Reservoir: Nestled in the tropical rainforests of Vazhachal, Kerala

9) Athirapally Falls: The Niagara of Kerala

10) Valparai: The unsung hill station of India

11) Nallamudi Poonjolai: Velu saw god here

12) Udumalpet to Munnar Forest highway: Perfect route for your Neelakurinji holiday

13) Chinnar wildlife sanctuary: An offbeat wildlife heaven

14) The tea estates of Valparai and around

15) Eravikulam National Park: The Nilgiri Tahr lives here

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Hike to Nadumalai River through the Tea Gardens of Stanmore Tea Bungalow

You are standing at the Stanmore Garden Bungalows near Valparai, one of the properties managed by Briar Tea Bungalows overlooking a panoramic view of tea estates and mountains. As you stand mesmerized by the beauty of the sprawling tea estates, you can hear the sound of water in the yonder. This sound of water is coming from the Nadumalai river, Valparai’s main river that begins its journey in the nearby mountains. This is the starting point of your hike to the beautiful Nadumalai river. This hike is possible only if you happen to be staying at any of the properties belonging to Briar Tea Bungalows as the entire trail passes through private tea gardens and estate roads.


 
This hike to Nadumalai river from the Stanmore garden bungalows is a steep down hill trail through tea gardens and finally through dense undergrowth to the Nadumalai river. The hike is fairly easy downhill, though you might huff and puff a bit on your way back up. The only things to watch out are for leeches and slippery terrain if you happen to be walking during the wet season. On your hike, you might come across the whistling sound of the Malabar whistling thrush, the dance of a peacock or the sight of other pretty birds. And if you happen to be lucky, you might even get to see wild dogs or a herd of wild elephants. So this trek is not just a simple walk through tea gardens, but it is also a wildlife walk, if you keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.


 
The hike which begins at Stanmore Garden Bungalow ends at the rocks by the Nadumalai river. These rocks can double up as your picnic spot. You can sun bathe here after a dip in the river, you can indulge in some reading here or you can simply enjoy a bite from your picnic basket with your family and friends. This location is absolutely pristine and quiet. The only sounds you can hear here are the gurgle of the river and the sounds of nature surrounding it. Do ensure that you leave this place exactly as how you found it.


 
The rocks of Nadumalai river are also a great location to indulge in some wildlife and nature photography and even to record some authentic sounds of nature. This is my favourite activity to do as the sounds of nature drown away all your thoughts and you end up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. A dip in the river, a small bite to eat and a short nap on these rocks will charge your batteries in record time.


 
The best time to go on this hike is straight after your morning tea or coffee as this is when the weather will be pleasant, the rays of the sun will be golden (for all those photographers), there is a higher chance of spotting birds and wildlife and you can work up a great appetite after to indulge in all the food items cooked for breakfast.


 
Don’t miss this hike to Nadumalai river if you happen to be staying at any of the Briar Tea Bungalows as this pristine and peaceful location has everything from rolling hills, sprawling tea gardens, rich birds and wildlife, a gurgling river, a lovely hike and a fabulous picnic spot. I highly recommend this private trek.


 
Key things to remember on this hike:

1) A good pair of walking shoes or slippers will help you keep your feet firmly on the ground

2) There is a good chance that you will get leeches on this hike. Do carry some salt with you, if required. Else, just be alert to the leeches climbing onto your shoes and remove them before they start to suck your blood

3) Swim wear, sunglasses and a towel will be required if you wish to take a dip in the water and sun bathe on the rocks near the river

4) The river can have a strong current during the wet season. Do seek local advice and take good care if you don’t happen to be an excellent swimmer

5) Don’t forget to carry along your phone or camera so that you can create excellent memories

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11 Gorgeous Monsoon Weekend Treks from Bangalore

I love Bangalore for many reasons. One of the main reasons I love this city so much is because of its proximity to the Western Ghats. I am into nature, forests, wildlife and basically the outdoors. This gives me the perfect opportunity to indulge in all of this every weekend. And these monsoon weekends, I think they are the best time to explore the Western Ghats. The sight of fresh green, the full waterfalls and rivers, the dense dark clouds, the floating mist and the pitter-pattering rain make it the most exotic place in the country. Of course, this is just my opinion.

The best way to experience the Western Ghats during the rains is via a trek. If you are into tropical treks and are looking forward to exploring the Western Ghats this monsoon, you might be interested in these 11 gorgeous monsoon treks that you can go on every monsoon weekend.

1) Green Route Railway Trek, Karnataka



I went on this trek over 10 years ago and till date I feel this is one of the most exotic treks I have done in the Western Ghats. 52 kms of railway track from Donigal to Kukke Subramanya with 51 tunnels, 107 bridges and countless waterfalls. And all of this within a green carpet. That is how exotic this trek is. When I trekked this a decade ago, the railway track was abandoned. Today, trains ply this route, but only during the night or early morning hours. Technically, trekking is not allowed on these tracks, but many adventure aficionados seem to ignore this message as the calling is strong.

Duration of Trek: 2 days | Trekking Distance: 52 kms | Adventure Meter: Very High |Star Attraction: High and Long Bridges | Distance from Bangalore: 260 kms | Is Permission Required: It might be sensible to let the stationmaster at Donigal know of your plan | Is Guide Required: Not required |Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate (Strong Calf Muscles Recommended) | Starting Point: Donigal | Ending Point: Kukke Subramanya | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear | Food Availability: Personal Food | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Kukke Subramanya Temple

2) Narasimha Parvatha Trek, Karnataka



The Narasimha Parvatha Trek is one of the most underrated treks of Karnataka. Trekkers talk about Kumaraparvatha, Kodachadri, Kudremukh and Mulayangiri, but they don’t seem to talk about this. I think this is the best tropical rainforest and evergreen forest trek in the state of Karnataka. And it is a dream trek in the rains. It is one of the least trodden trekking trails and it is one of my favorite rainforest treks. On this, you will see rich and true rainforest jungle. If you are lucky, you might see the king cobra mating dance during the rains.
Duration of Trek: 2 days | Trekking Distance: 20 kms | Adventure Meter: Moderate|Star Attraction: Total Remoteness | Distance from Bangalore: 355 kms | Is Permission Required: Yes, from the local forest office | Is Guide Required: Definitely required |Fitness Level Required: Moderate to Difficult | Starting Point: Agumbe | Ending Point: Sringeri | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear | Food Availability: Personal Food | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Agumbe, Hebri, Sringeri

3) Blue Mountain Trek, Tamil Nadu/Kerala



Tropical forests to mountain lakes and from pine forests to tea estates, the blue mountain trek from Kodaikanal to Munnar has it all. Starting in the hill station of Kodaikanal, this ancient route and prime elephant territory weaves by lakes, vantage points, dense jungle and mist forests before it ends in the tea estates of Munnar. I think this is the best way to experience the true beauty of two of South India’s best hill stations.

Duration of Trek: 2-3 days | Trekking Distance: 70 kms | Adventure Meter: Medium |Star Attraction: Lake Crossing and Vantage Point | Distance from Bangalore: 450 kms | Is Permission Required: Yes, Kodaikanal Forest Department | Is Guide Required: Yes, it is compulsory|Fitness Level Required: Moderate | Starting Point: Kodaikanal | Ending Point: Munnar | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear or Basic Forest Rest Houses| Food Availability: Personal Food | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Kodaikanal and Munnar

4) Moyar River Trek, Tamil Nadu



Another off beat trek and possibly the best wildlife trek. Starting in the mountains of Kodanad, the trek is along the Moyar river and into the Masinagudi sanctuary. It definitely needs permission from the forest department and an armed forest guide, but once you have both, you will experience everything from tea estates, mountains, rivers, wildlife, tropical forests to deciduous forests. It is the best way to experience the deep jungle that is normally off bounce for regular wildlife enthusiasts.

Duration of Trek: 2 days | Trekking Distance: 35 kms | Adventure Meter: Very High |Star Attraction: River Crossings and Wildlife Sightings | Distance from Bangalore: 300 kms | Is Permission Required: Yes, Masinagudi Forest Department and Ooty Forest Department| Is Guide Required: Yes. You would also need an armed Forest guide |Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate | Starting Point: Kodanad | Ending Point: Masinagudi | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear and Forest Rest Houses | Food Availability: Personal Food | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Red Hills, Ooty and Bandipur Tiger Reserve

5) Thadiyendamol Trek, Karnataka



I have completed this trek 14 times. Thus, you can guess how much I like this part of the Western Ghats. Overlooking Kerala, Thadiyendamol is Coorg’s highest peak. But, I like it for its leech jungles. I started my active trekking career in these leech infested jungles and vowed to climb every leech riddled forest and mountain in the Western Ghats. I have not looked back ever since. It is easier to climb from Kakkabe, but if you want to experience tropical rainforests and leech jungles, try the trail from Honey Valley. Certain times in the monsoons, most of these forests are covered with pink flowers, thereby making it look like a pink carpet, a sight worth seeing.

Duration of Trek: 1 day | Trekking Distance: 25 kms | Adventure Meter: High |Star Attraction: Leech Jungles | Distance from Bangalore: 255 kms | Is Permission Required: No | Is Guide Required: Recommended|Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate for most part and difficult for one tiny part | Starting Point: Honey Valley| Ending Point: Honey Valley after you have conquered the peak| Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear or any of the homestays in that belt | Food Availability: Personal Food or the homestays | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Nilakandi Falls, Chalavara Falls, Nalnad Palace, Iguthappa Temple

6) Kumaraparvatha Trek, Karnataka



Considered as the mecca of all trekkers in Karnataka, the Kumaraparvatha is a classic trek. What is lacks in view and character, it makes for in steep ascent, especially if you are climbing from Kukke Subramanya. The green carpet of rolling hills makes for a stunning sight on a clear day during the monsoons. Sometimes, you can also come across elephants here.

Duration of Trek: 2 days | Trekking Distance: 25 kms | Adventure Meter: Moderate|Star Attraction: Green Carpet view from the top | Distance from Bangalore: 320 kms | Is Permission Required: No| Is Guide Required: Not required |Fitness Level Required: Moderate | Starting Point: Kukke Subramanya | Ending Point: Kukke Subramanya after staying on the top | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear or Bhattar Mane on the way up | Food Availability: Personal Food or Bhattar Mane | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Kukke Subramanya Temple

7) Kodachadri Trek, Karnataka



Tucked away in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, I would do the Kodachadri trek just to see the lovely aerial view of the Sharavathi reservoir. In fact, I always camp at cliff’s edge to catch the first view of the reservoir right from my tent’s window. This trek is a mix of wildlife sanctuary, grasslands, tropical forest and a temple. The Shankaracharya statue on the top is a great place for camping.

Duration of Trek: 2 days | Trekking Distance: 18 kms | Adventure Meter: Medium |Star Attraction: Linganamakki Reservoir view | Distance from Bangalore: 380 kms | Is Permission Required: No| Is Guide Required: Not required |Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate  | Starting Point: Kodachadri Bus Stop enroute Kollur to Shimoga | Ending Point: Kodachadri Peak| Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear or basic accommodation at the temple| Food Availability: Personal Food or at the temple | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Kollur Mookambika Temple, Maravanthe Beach

8) Chembra Trek, Kerala



Another popular trek. This time in the hills of Wayanad in Kerala. It used to be a fairly easy trek and one could camp on the top, but due to a lot of elephant trouble, one can only do it as a day trek. It is still very much worth it. Starting in a tea estate, it crosses grass lands before it gets lost in the clouds. I would wait for it to rain 2 months before I go on this trek.

Duration of Trek: 1 days | Trekking Distance: 14 kms | Adventure Meter: Medium |Star Attraction: Heart Shaped Lake enroute | Distance from Bangalore: 320 kms | Is Permission Required: Yes| Is Guide Required: Yes |Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate | Starting Point: Chembra Forest Department| Ending Point: Chembra Forest Department after you have visited the top | Accommodation Availability:  In nearby Meppadi town | Food Availability: Personal Food and in nearby Meppadi town | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Lakkidi, Kuruva Island, Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves

9) Baba Budangiri Hills Trek, Karnataka



I call it the wind tunnel of the Western Ghats. I still remember very vividly the night when the wind was howling at the top of its voice and we had to battle to keep our tent in one place. The Baba Budan hills are famous for their high speed winds especially in the night. Starting from the Chickmagalur Serpentine path and making it way through Mulayangiri peak, Baba Budangiri and Kemmangundi, it finally lands at Hebbe Falls. This is one exotic combination of Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Kemmangundi hill station, rolling grasslands, dargahs, remote villages and a sensationally beautiful waterfall.

Duration of Trek: 2-3 days | Trekking Distance: 54 kms | Adventure Meter: High |Star Attraction: Wind Tunnel Effect and Hebbe Falls | Distance from Bangalore: 320 kms | Is Permission Required: No | Is Guide Required: Not required |Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate  | Starting Point: Chickmagalur Serpentine Path| Ending Point: Hebbe Falls | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear, though you might find some basic accommodation at Baba Budangiri and Kemmangundi | Food Availability: Personal Food, Mulayangiri temple, Baba Budangiri and Kemmangundi | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Chickmagalur, Sringeri, Agumbe

10) Kudlu Teertha Waterfall Trek, Karnataka



I would embark on this trek just to see the beautiful Kudlu Teertha Waterfall in full flow. Tucked deep in the Someshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, this trek makes for an excellent monsoon weekend when you couple it with the Sita Nadi river rafting trip. One day you go rafting and the other day you go trekking. You couldn’t ask for a more diverse weekend in the Western Ghats.

Duration of Trek: 1 day | Trekking Distance: 20 kms | Adventure Meter: High |Star Attraction: The Waterfall | Distance from Bangalore: 360 kms | Is Permission Required: No| Is Guide Required: Yes, as it is difficult to find the waterfall |Fitness Level Required: Easy to Moderate  | Starting Point: Hebri| Ending Point: Hebri | Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear, Hebri, Udupi or Agumbe | Food Availability: Personal Food or restaurants at Hebri, Someshwar, Agumbe or Udupi | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Sita Nadi River Rafting, Malpe, Agumbe

11) Ombattu Gudde Trek, Karnataka



Ombattu Gudde or Nine Hills is a pretty off beat trekking trail in the Kabinahole Reserve Forest of Hassan district. It is one of those treks where people seem to get lost consistently. If you are not lost, you definitely have reached the wrong peak unless you are with an experienced group as there are lots of peaks that you can be easily confused with. Throw a river, a reserve forest, some wildlife and confusing trails into the mix and you have got yourself one of Karnataka’s mysterious trekking trails.

Duration of Trek: 2 days | Trekking Distance: 35 kms | Adventure Meter: Very High |Star Attraction: Mystery and view of nine peaks at sunrise | Distance from Bangalore: 300 kms | Is Permission Required: Yes, from Sakleshpur Police Station| Is Guide Required: Definitely recommended unless you are with an experienced group of trekkers and reliable GPS systems |Fitness Level Required: Moderate | Starting Point: Gundiya Check Post| Ending Point: Hosakere Village| Accommodation Availability:  Personal Camping Gear | Food Availability: Personal Food | Nearby Sightseeing Options:  Sakleshpur

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Columbia Hiking Boots: Ideal for Tropical Treks

For an adventure traveler, his boots or shoes are possibly one of his most important accessories. And especially for people who head for holidays towards forests and mountains. A good pair of shoes make a huge difference for me, which is why I do a lot of research before investing in one. Some months back, I bought a pair of hiking boots (Champex OutDry) from Columbia Sportswear. And I ended up using them in my travels, treks, backpacking expeditions and much more. These shoes are very comfortable, especially while trekking in the tropical forests and mountains of India. They sport a low profile, no nonsense build, with a grip that won’t quit and with awesome cushioning. Below is a detailed review of these hiking boots.

 
1) Completely Waterproof: I used these hiking boots while trekking the forests in the monsoons and have to say that they always kept my feet dry. This is due to the OutDry feature of the boots.

2) Stunning Grip: While trekking, it is imperative that we trust our shoes, else, we will always grapple in fear. I used these boots in slippery terrain, in slush, on slippery rocky surfaces and have to say that it has left me seriously impressed. It’s Omni-Grip Outsole non-marking traction rubber does its job exceedingly well.

3) Great Cushioning: On treks and especially when you carry weight on your shoulders, it is essential that your boots come with great cushioning else, either your boots wear out very quickly or your feet tire out quickly. With these boots, I jumped rocks, carried heavy packs and basically used it very roughly and in spite of it, neither my feet or my boots suffered. This is because the boots come with Techlite Fluidframe Footbed/Midsole Techlite technology that provides sensational cushioning and stress distribution.

4) Lightweight Construction: Generally, most of the boots are of pretty beefy construction. But, this one is surprisingly lightweight and this ensures that my feet are not much tired at the end of the trek.


5) Stylish Looking: While these boots are perfectly at home in the forests and mountains, they are also great for informal hangouts, city walks and motorcycle rides as they look stylish and cool.

6) Protective Toe Cap and Mud Guard: For clumsy walkers like me who bang into stones and rocks, such protective features always come in handy. Else, I would have broken some toes of mine by now.

7) Great Ankle Support: If you are doing tough treks or if have a clumsy style of trekking, then an ankle support always come in handy. Personally, I have always preferred tall boots with ankle support to normal sized boots with no or limited ankle support. To me, this feature makes a huge difference at the end of a trek as my ankle hardly sees any suffering.

8) Great Value for Money: At a time when most good quality running shoes from reputed brands in India cost upwards of INR 15,000, these great quality international hiking boots from Columbia Sportswear cost me INR 10,000. And for the quality they provide, I feel that they are a great value for money.

If you are an adventure traveler or a trekker who is looking at active, rugged, waterproof, lightweight, comfortable and reliable hiking boots, then this one might be for you.

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Travel Photo: Kawah Ijen’s Sulphuric Crater

This one is not for the faint hearted. After climbing a steep and slippery trail for a hour, one has to bear the pungent smoke of sulphur dioxide in the air. After all, this is the world’s most acidic lake and is full of sulphuric acid. Apart from offering a great natural spectacle to the visitor, one can also see how the locals work in these inhuman conditions to make a living for themselves and their family.


This short trek in the mountains of East Java in Indonesia offers a view that is matched by a very few places on the planet. Tough terrain, but unbelievable views especially on a bright sunny morning. This is one of my top volcano treks in Indonesia. Gunung Merapi would be a close second. I absolutely love interacting with the sulphur miners here. Are you planning this trek on your next trip to Indonesia?

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