Offbeat destinations in Western Ghats perfect for November

The Western Ghats is not an ordinary mountain range. It is an ancient and rugged terrain adorned with lush tropical forests, picturesque hill stations, cascading waterfalls, and a diverse range of flora and fauna that stretches for about 1,600 kilometers along the western coast of the Indian subcontinent. The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has earned a reputation for its rich biodiversity. Here we are going to explore some offbeat locations in the Western Ghats that need to be on our travel wishlist.

Chikmagalur is easily one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka. Far from the crowd, Chikmagalur’s endless rolling hills are not just so pretty to look at, but they also offer some of the best trekking opportunities. Kudremukh is one of the best places to explore in Chikmagalur.

Also known as the Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe is a rainforest haven. It's a great place for wildlife and nature photography. For those interested in herping, Agumbe is a reptile and amphibian paradise.

This lesser-known hill range offers a mix of trekking, wildlife, and the opportunity to explore the local tribal culture. This place also offers numerous places where you can go offroading.

Unlike more popular hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, Matheran remains relatively untouched. It's a Car-Free Zone with numerous viewpoints, forest trails, and serene surroundings.

Nestled in the Sahyadri range, Bhandardara is a tranquil destination with serene lakes and waterfalls. This area lights up with millions of fireflies just before monsoon, around the months of May and June. But temperature-wise, winter is the best time to visit the place. It may even go down to 10 degrees C.

Located on the eastern part of the Western Ghats, Kemmangundi is a serene place with almost untouched hills and valleys. Kemmangundi offers lush green landscapes, beautiful gardens, and numerous trekking options.

Dandeli is famous for adventure activities like white-water rafting, but it's also home to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. You can go birdwatching, jungle safaris, and explore caves in the region.

This untouched wilderness is one of the least-visited national parks in India. It's known for its pristine rainforests and diverse flora and fauna. The forest is very dense here.

Those visiting Goa easily miss out on the wonders of Chorla Ghats. This is away from the beaches and lets you experience the traditional Goan village life and a much-cooler temperature. The mountain views are breathtakingly beautiful and the forests are full of birds.