Bring on the Night- with these Top Night Trekking Destinations in India!
“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly coloured than the day,” said Vincent Van Gogh. The best way to experience the truth of this statement, perhaps, is to experience it in nature. The very landscapes that seem monotonous by day, assume a different significance at night. Whether it is the millions of stars, the flickering fireflies in the forests, the white clouds lit up by moonlight, the mountain peaks and the shimmering snow, or the dark caves with their own secrets. Discover the secrets of the night with these top night trekking destinations in India. While some of these treks are totally covered during the night, others start in the evening, or before dawn, and end in a few hours.
1. Ranganathaswamy Betta Night Trek
The location of this night trek is around 80 kilometres from Bengaluru. Ranganathswamy Betta, more popularly known as the BR Hills, is a very sought-after night trekking destination in South India. The top draw here is the white, rocky hills with their undulating slopes, which lead to the Ranganathaswamy Temple on the summit. The trek begins through the forested area of Banerghatta National Park, before you reach the steep hills and start following the trail that leads to the summit. When you reach the top, be prepared for the breathtaking view of the Savandurga range and the Cauvery River, from the top. Once you reach the summit, near dawn, take some time out to witness the sunrise from your vantage position. The experience of the night trek here is absolutely stunning.
2. Kabbaladurga Night Trek
Kanakapura is a great destination for adventure activities, and the Kabbaladurga Night Trek tops the list! The trek, which is of three hours’ duration, begins at round 1 AM. For those who you who are still scared of the dark and its devils, this is the ideal opportunity to overcome your fears! The Kabbaldurga peak, at a height of 2090 feet above sea level, makes for a fascinating climb. The trek to the peak ends with a campfire to while away the wee hours of the night, and at around 6 AM, you can start trekking back. This time, the landscape will be clearer, and your night demons will have been destroyed. Conquer your fear of the forests, of little insects, of heights…with this fascinating trek with its challenging trails.
3. Anthargange Night Trek
Among all the night trekking destinations in India, this one would be right at the top, because of the sheer adrenaline rush it offers. The added bonus on this trek is the cave exploration. The volcanic rocks and boulders in this region have created a maze, and cave-like formations which are sometimes so narrow that only one person can crawl through. The night trek here is nothing short of an epic adventure. The cave exploration begins at midnight, and after an hour of rigorous walking, climbing and crawling…the night sky opens up in front of you. The main trek to the Anthargange temple is by a long staircase along the steep hills. At dawn, you reach the temple, and by then, the first rays of the sun peek from behind the clouds. The sense of achievement and wonder, once you have completed the trek, is truly wonderful. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating experience.
Bengaluru is actually a haven for night trekking. There are many other destinations where you can do night treks. Some of the other popular night trekking destinations around Bengaluru are Kutti Betta and Narayanagiri. The terrain, strewn with volcanic rock formations, make it ideal for some challenging trekking.
4. Dhotrey Tonglu Top
While most tourists in Darjeeling rush to Tiger Hill to catch the sunrise, you can go off the beaten track, and trek to Dhotrey Tonglu Top. If you start for Dhotrey past midnight, you will reach at around 2:30 AM. The sky is a canopy of stars, and if it is a moonlit night with a clear sky, then the Kanchenjunga in all its splendour will be your companions during the trek. Then the easy trek to Tonglu Top should take a couple of hours, and if all goes well, you will be able to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises in the country. It’s worth the whole night of activity, although it is quite an easy trek, to watch the first ray of light fall on Kanchenjunga, and wash it in a red-golden light.
5. Rajmachi
Ever walked through a forest path lit up by thousands of fireflies? This easy night trek which starts from Lonavala, is an 18 kilometre walking trek through the jungle, lets you witness this surreal experience. Be prepared to test your body and mind on this otherwise rewarding trek that takes you through the forest, glittering with fireflies, and the sound of thousands of insects and birds. The Rajmachi Fort, located at the top of the hill, offers splendid views of the countryside from its now dilapidated walls. The night trek takes the trekkers to the tiny hamlet at the base of the hillock, where you can camp under the starry skies, enjoy a bonfire and local delicacies, before the arduous trek to Rajmachi Fort begins in the wee hours of the morning. It can get quite chilly, even in the summers, so make sure you are well-prepared for the journey. You won’t believe your eyes (or even the photograph), until you experience this for yourself!
6. Harishchandragad Night Trek
One of the most popular night treks in Maharashtra, it is also one of the most difficult ones. The night trek, which includes overnight camping in the caves, or in the temple at Harishchandragad, begins in the late evening. The difficulty level of this trek is quite challenging, as the trek starts from the vast plains, and then proceeds through the dense undergrowth and mossy, watery patches, too. At night, the conversations around the campfire will keep you busy. The next morning, you can trek down the same trail, and give yourself a pat on the back for completing the coveted Harishchandragad trek by night.
7. Ramanagara Trek
Made famous by Sholay, Ramanagara’s rocky terrain is the perfect setting for adventure activities like trekking, rappelling and camping. Typically, the trek takes you to the summit of the hills, where you can pitch your tents for the night. The climb is moderately easy but it has its challenging areas that really test your agility and patience. Camping here at night can be fun with friends, or, you can just ditch the conversation, perch on a boulder, and stare at the vast, endless sky. It is the time to let go of your tiredness, and your baggage of hurt, hurt and heartbreaks…take the night trek, you’ll know just what we meant!
Other popular treks, which can also be done at night, include the Vikatgad Trek in Raigad, which passes entirely through the dense forests, the Korigad Trek near Pune, which is one of the popular night trekking destinations in India, or the light trek up the Naina Peak in Nainital, which offers beautiful views of Nainital, all lit up after evening. If you know about other treks that might make it to the top night trekking destinations in India, do comment and let us know!
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