Mahindra Peak Trek, Araku Valley - Timings, Trekking, Camping, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 10 km from Araku Valley Bus Stand, Mahindra Peak is a mountain peak situated near Sunkarimetta, Araku. It is one of the must-include places in Araku Valley adventure tour.

The trek to Mahindra Peak remains relatively uncharted within this area, as there is no clearly defined path leading to the summit. Consequently, undertaking this trek necessitates the assistance of a local guide. The journey commences from Sunkarametta village and can be segmented into three distinct phases: the initial segment from Sunkarametta village to the stream (approximately 15 minutes), the stream to the meadow (around 1 hour and 30 minutes), and finally, the meadow to the peak of Mahindra (about 20 minutes). Each phase presents a unique type of terrain.

The trek begins at the Sunkarametta Baptist Church, one of the region's oldest churches, constructed by the British between 1936 and 1939. This church features Gothic architectural elements and was built without the use of sand. From the church, one must proceed approximately 300 meters into Sunkarametta village until reaching a sharp right turn. The trek officially starts from the trail located on the left side. The path from this point to the stream is relatively straightforward, consisting of around 300 stone steps that lead to a small hut near the stream. This segment takes roughly 15 minutes to complete.

From the stream, the trail becomes steeper and may be slippery during the monsoon season. There is a steep rock patch that has to be climbed up very carefully, utilizing a rope for safety. Once this rock section is conquered, a narrow path appears, connecting to the adjacent hill, which is enveloped in dense vegetation. Beyond this point, there is no clearly marked trail, making reliance on a GPX file or a guide essential for navigation.

Upon reaching the summit of this hill, you will encounter the third hill that requires your ascent. This hill features a vast meadow. A ridge extends from this point, leading to Mahindra Peak. After approximately 800 meters of a gentle climb, you will arrive at the pinnacle of Mahindra Peak. From this vantage point, one can admire the verdant Araku Valley and the Galikonda Valley on the opposite side.

The optimal time to undertake this trek is between August and January. During this period, the hills of the Eastern Ghats are adorned in lush greenery. It is advisable to avoid the peak monsoon season, as the trail can become treacherous due to slipperiness and strong winds at the summit. Additionally, the summer months are not ideal for trekking in the Eastern Ghats, as the excessively high temperatures can detract from the overall experience.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free