Best Hiking Trails in India's Top Cities

When people think of hiking in India, they imagine remote Himalayan passes or multi-day treks in Ladakh. But you don’t need to fly across the country to find a good trail. Hiking trails near cities, short, accessible walks that start just outside urban centers and lead into hills, forests, or rocky ridges. Also known as urban hiking, these routes let you escape the noise without leaving the city behind. Cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai sit right next to natural escape routes—some as close as 30 minutes from your hotel. These aren’t just paths for fitness buffs. They’re places where you can hear birds instead of traffic, feel real wind instead of AC, and see stars without filters.

What makes these trails special is how they blend convenience with challenge. Kuari Pass, a beginner-friendly high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand, is often recommended for first-timers, but you don’t need to go that far. Just outside Bangalore, the Nandi Hills, a historic hilltop with sunrise views and ancient temples, draws locals and tourists alike. Near Pune, Lohagad Fort, a 17th-century stone fortress reached by a steep but short climb offers history, views, and a real sense of adventure—all under four hours from the city center. And in Delhi, the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected patch of dry forest with hidden trails and peacocks lets you hike without leaving the metro.

These trails aren’t about breaking records. They’re about breaking routine. You can climb Lohagad after work, watch the sun rise over Nandi Hills on a Sunday, or spot deer at Asola on your lunch break. No permits, no gear checklist, no five-day commitment. Just a pair of shoes and the urge to move. The posts below pull from real experiences—people who found peace on trails near cities, not deep in the mountains. You’ll find guides to the easiest climbs, the best times to go, and how to avoid crowds. Whether you’re in India for a week or a year, you don’t need to travel far to feel like you’ve escaped.