Trekking:
It is all about enjoying a great walking holiday. You can choose whichever type of trek suits you. It could just be a day trip. You could also work out a holiday where you go trekking during the day and return to the lodge in the evening for a hot meal and a good night sleep. Hills and mountains are alluring and you will feel addicted to them. Trekking is not at all a risky affair but it does require a certain level of fitness. The best preparation of trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging and long walks.

Where to Go?
Kemmannagundi and Kakkabe (Coorg) in Karnataka are hot trekking destinations.

When to Go?
The best months for trekking in the Western Ghats are December to April. During this period weather is clear and hills are covered with green coat.

What you need to know?
Trekking routes are graded on levels of difficulty. Some basic knowledge in first aid will come handy. You must be able to deal with both frostbite and sunburn.

What you must carry?
A backpack with multiple pockets, padded shoulder straps and a large zipper closure will be an ideal bag. Buy shoes, especially for hiking to give you good support. Buy a size which is slightly bigger as when you walk for hours together your feet are bound to swell. Your socks should be thick wool or synthetic blend. This prevents your feet from getting wet or blisters. First aid kit is essential along with a blanket, compass needle, Swiss army knife, topography map and a sweater.

Trekking Do’s:
• Learn to handle the equipment.
• Be sensitive to the environment
Trekking Don’ts:
• Don’t rush. Allow yourself time for altitude acclimatisation.

Duration: 1 to 2 days.

Cost per person: Rs 500 to Rs 700 per person per day. (Including travel in Bangalore)

Rock Climbing:
Rock climbing is the sport of scaling rocks, using special equipment. Learn the right way to use your climbing equipment because poor use can prove risky. Climbing calls for mental and physical strength, flexibility, agility and endurance. To help climbers practice, climbing walls have been erected in indoor and outdoor facilities worldwide. A novice to the sport would need the help of an instructor and a few training classes before the actual climb.

Where to Go?
In Karnataka the most hot spots are Kakkabe (Coorg), Hampi, Badami and Turalli near Bangalore.

When to Go?
All year round. But it is better to avoid during rainy season as the rocks are wet and slippery.

What you need to know?
Rock climbing can be risky. Falls and other accidents do occur. Hand, wrist, shoulder and elbow injuries are common.

What you must carry?
Invest in a good pair of shoes. A climbing rope, made with braided nylon fibers, comes nesxt. The rope should be extensible under tension. Carabines, soloid aluminium rings with a spring –loaded latch, hold the ropes firmly. Tabular nylon webbing is strong and inexpensive. Belays are two metal rings attached to hold the rope tightly. A spring –loaded camming device (SLCD) has a stem with an axle at one end. By anchoring this firmly to a crack, the climber can protect himself.

Trekking Do’s:
• Prevent blisters by taping fingers and using chalks.
• Replace worn out equipment immediately.
Trekking Don’ts:
• Learn from a professional trainer rather than a friend.

Duration: 1 to 5 days.

Cost per person: Rs 1200 (basic course)-Rs 12500 (advanced). Equipment rentals- About Rs 500 per day.

Hotels and Resorts

Kamalapur (Hampi), Bellary Dist - 583 22, Karnataka, India. Tel: 08394 - 41574 Fax: 08394 - 28537. Nature Nirvana (Kemmannagundi) Bynekhan and Eldorado Plantations, Baba Budhangiri Hills, Chikkamanglur. Tel: 230959. Email: naturenirvana@yahoo.com.

Hotel Mayura Chalukya Ramdurg Road, Badami , Bijapur Distt- 587 201. Karnataka, India. Tel: 08357- 65046 Honey Valley Estate Location: Three hours for Thadiyendamol Peak) Yavakapady Post, Coorg. Tel: 238339. Email: honeyvalley_2000@yahoo.com

Facilities available in this Hotel include Restaurants and Pub