Things to do in Western Ghats
Discover the best attractions and experiences Western Ghats has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore fortifications and historic sites set in the Sahyadri range, spanning multiple states of the Western Ghats.
Sinhagad Fort
A legendary hill fortress near Pune offering sweeping views over the Sahyadri hills.
Pratapgad Fort
Historic hill fortress northeast of Mahad that played a pivotal role in Maratha battles.
Panhala Fort
Sea-facing ramparts with centuries of history near Kolhapur.
Madikeri Fort
A 17th‑century fort in Kodagu with a royal history and viewpoints over Madikeri.
Museums
Cultural and natural history spots that help you understand the Western Ghats' heritage.
Tata Tea Museum (Munnar)
Explore tea history and processing at the old factory, with exhibits and tea tastings.
Nilgiri Government Museum (Ooty)
Local archaeology, geology and tribal artifacts housed in a colonial building.
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery (Mysore)
An extensive art collection housed in a historic palace in Mysore.
HAL Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum (Bengaluru)
A gallery of old aircraft and aviation heritage near the heart of Karnataka.
Religious Monuments
Sacred sites ranging from ancient temples to monasteries tucked in the Western Ghats.
Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple, Bylakuppe)
Largest teaching monastery of the Nyingma tradition, set amid the hills of Karnataka.
Omkareshwara Temple (Madikeri)
Historic Krishna‑Shiva temple blending Hindu and Islamic architectural influences.
St. Philomena's Cathedral (Mysore)
One of India’s largest Gothic-style cathedrals, a landmark in Mysore.
National & Theme Parks
Protected reserves and scenic parks in the Western Ghats, ideal for wildlife and nature lovers.
Eravikulam National Park (Kerala)
Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr with rolling grasslands and scenic treks.
Nilgiri National Park (Tamil Nadu)
A core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, rich in alpine flora and fauna.
Periyar National Park (Thekkady)
India's iconic wildlife reserve surrounding a large artificial lake.
Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka)
Lush shola forests and rugged peaks in the Kudremukh range.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant hill towns and gateway villages that showcase the Ghats' character.
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Cool climes, viewpoints, and a colonial-era town center.
Munnar
Tea estates, winding roads, and hillside attractions in Kerala.
Coorg (Kodagu)
Coffee country with forested hills and coffee plantations.
Mahabaleshwar
A classic hill station with markets, lakes and historic viewpoints.
Free Things to Do
Experience the Ghats without a price tag — many viewpoints and walks are free to enjoy.
Sunset viewpoints along the Sahyadri
Watch the sun dip behind the hills from multiple free viewpoints.
Walks through spice and coffee plantations (self-guided)
Stroll through estates and watch the landscape come alive.
Exploring local markets in Mysore and Ooty
Browse spice, tea and crafts in vibrant, open markets.
Gastronomy
Signature dishes and flavors from the Western Ghats’ states.
Coorg Pandi Curry and Akki Rotti
A hearty Kodava curry with traditional flatbread.
Kerala Fish Curry with Rice
A tangy coconut-based curry served with steamed rice.
Nilgiri Tea and Snacks
A tea-heavy tasting experience with regional bite-sized snacks.
Malnad-style Fish Fry
Crispy, spicy fish prepared in Malnad region style.
Nightlife
Low-key evenings in hill towns—cafés, live music and lakeside leisure.
Live music cafés in Mysore
Casual venues with local artists and evenings under lights.
Pubs and lounges in Ooty
Relaxed bars and lounges with views of the hills.
Kodaikanal and Coorg late-night cafés
Chill spots for a night-cap and conversations after sundown.
Entertainment
Family-friendly activities and classic attractions.
Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Park)
One of India’s oldest and most renowned zoos.
Ooty Lake boat ride
Pontoon boats and a scenic stroll around a historic lake.
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery (Mysore)
Cultural displays within a historic palace complex.
Sports
Adventure and outdoor sports in the Ghats’ terrain.
Trekking to Mullayanagiri (Chikmagalur)
High-elevation trek to Karnataka’s highest peak.
Chembra Peak Trek (Wayanad/Munnar area)
Popular ridge trek with a heart-shaped lake.
White-water rafting in Barapole, Coorg
Exciting river run through forested gorges.
Off the Track
Hidden trails and authentic experiences beyond the usual sights.
Shola forest treks in Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Dense montane forest trails with wildlife chances.
Amboli Waterfalls and lookouts
Remote waterfall viewpoints in Maharashtra’s Ghats.
Homestays in Coorg's coffee hills
Immersive stays among plantations and farmland.