With Anamudi, South India’s highest mountain, strictly off limits to trekkers for environmental reasons, its slightly smaller sibling, Meesapulimala, offers the most enticing prospect in this region for hill walkers. The ascent spans two days, with an initial approach through forest to a prettily sited campground at Rhodo Valley. From there, a pre-dawn departure is required to reach the summit before the heat and convection clouds build. The eastern flank of the massif plunges dramatically to the Tamil plains and the views of the surrounding wilderness are simply astounding.

You can add this experience to any tailor-made itinerary to Kerala.