Coorg is a nature lover’s paradise. The hill station in the lap of the Western Ghats is filled with fragrant coffee and spice plantations, hills and valleys and lush green forests. The district is filled with beautiful trails, hidden amidst majestic mountains and jungles just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re an avid trekker or a newbie looking to explore the mountains around Coorg, there are several places to go trekking in Coorg.
The rugged terrain of the district offers great places to go trekking and camping in Coorg. So pack your bags and head to the hill station to walk around and explore the Western Ghats.
Also Read: Best places to visit in Coorg: where to go and what to do
The Trails You Must Explore When You Go Trekking In Coorg
1. Mandalpatti Trek: The Abode Of The Clouds
Located at an altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level, Mandalpatti is a peak on the Brahmagiri mountain range. Located a mere 25 kilometres from Madikeri town, Mandalpatti is one of the most popular places to go trekking in Coorg. The lush green mountain has beautiful trails waiting to be explored and the view from the top of the mountain is to die for. For miles in front of you, you’ll see the mountains and the valleys below swathed in masses of cloudy mists. If you plan on trekking, you’ll need to buy tickets at the base of Mandalpatti. The Forest Department charges INR 25 per person for entry.
Mandalpatti, also known as the Abode of Clouds, is the perfect place to catch a spectacular sunrise and sunset. The peak is open to visitors on all days of the week from 6 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit Mandalpatti is from March to June or October to March. It’s best to avoid trekking here during the monsoon. The roads are damaged or inaccessible due to the heavy rains and trails are slushy and slippery too. It is advisable to carry food and water, appropriate trekking gear, and other necessities as there is nothing available nearby.
2. Kotebetta Trek: The Fort Hill With Superb Views Of The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Kotebetta, which translates to Fort Hill, is the third highest peak in Coorg. The trek, which starts from Hattihole in Madapur town is a great spot for nature lovers. The trek is about 20 kilometres long and it takes two days of trekking to reach the peak. This is one of the best places to go camping in Coorg as well. The 20-kilometre trek takes you through beautiful plantation trails, the forest and open grassland near the peak. The Shiva temple at the peak offers great views of the Pushpagiri Wildlife sanctuary.
For trekking and camping enthusiasts, Kotebetta is one of the best places for trekking in Coorg. Trekkers will have to obtain permission from the Forest Department before heading into the mountain. It is recommended to have a local guide to accompany you on the trek. Trekkers will have to come prepared with a sleeping bag, tent and food and water before starting the trek. The best time to go on the Kotebetta trek is between October to March.
3. Tadiandamol Trek: Explore The Tallest peak In Kodagu
The Tadiandamol mountain is the highest peak in Kodagu district and the second-highest mountain in Karnataka. The mountain, which is in the south-eastern part of Coorg is 8 km from the town of Kakkabe and approximately 35 km from Madikeri. The peak, which is approximately 1746 metres above sea level, is one of the most popular spots for trekking in Coorg.
The view from the top is captivating. The Tadiandamol trek is an arduous one with very steep trails. But the breathtaking view of the scenery with the cool wind blowing on your face is worth the effort. The two-day trek takes you through beautiful velvety green slopes and the Shola forests. Trekkers can set up camp in the Nalknad Palace and stay the night before continuing on the trek in the morning. The historical palace in the Western Ghats is one of the best places for camping in Coorg.
Early winter is the best time to go on the Tadiandamol trek. It is advisable to go prepared with camping equipment, warm clothes and food and water. The Tadiandamol trek might be difficult, but it’s one of the best places for trekking in Coorg.
4. Brahmagiri Hills Trek: The Abode Of Brahma On The Border Of Kodagu And Kerala
Brahmagiri, which means The Abode of Brahma, is one of the mountain ranges in the Western Ghats. The Brahmagiri Hills in Coorg is the birthplace of the river Kaveri and the Lakshmana Theertha river. The hills are also very popular among trekking enthusiasts. The Brahmagiri Hills are among the tallest peaks in Karnataka, with the highest point of the range at an altitude of 1,608 metres. The mesmerising beauty and the tranquil surroundings of the Brahmagiri range attract thousands of trekking enthusiasts.
The moderately difficult trek takes you on a zig-zag trail through hilly terrain, the majestic Shola forests, open grasslands and silvery streams. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Feast your eyes on the bird’s eye view of the hills and forests of Coorg and Wayanad. Do carry food, water and other necessities with you when you go on this trek. The Brahmagiri Hills Trek is one of the best places for trekking in Coorg.
The winter months (October to March) is the best time for the Brahmagiri Hill trek. Before starting your trek, you’ll need to obtain permission from the Thirunelli Forest Range Officer and Srimangala Forest Range Officer. Trekkers cannot enter the Brahmagiri Wildlife sanctuary without a guide, you can hire a guide for about INR 200.
5. Chelavara Falls And Kabbe Hills Trek: A Beautiful Waterfall Amidst Lush Greenery
The Chelavara Falls is a natural waterfall caused by a tributary of the river Kaveri in Cheyyandane village in Coorg. The beautiful waterfall inside a coffee plantation is one of the best places to visit in Coorg. Surrounded by lush greenery, rare birds and beautiful wildflowers, Chelavara Falls is a natural paradise. The waterfall is one of the most beautiful places for trekking in Coorg. The 150-foot tall waterfall is located in the foothills of the Kabbe Hills.
The trek to Chelavara Falls and Kabbe Hills is one of the most scenic trails in Coorg. Kabbe Hills is a beautiful meadow about 10 kilometres from the waterfall. A forest trail leads you to the peak of the hills, which offers great views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is usually avoided in the monsoon as it gets slippery and dangerous. It’s a moderately easy trek and the best time to visit the waterfall and trek to Kabbe Hills is from October to March. Visitors are advised not to swim in the waters of the Chelavara Falls and the pool. The pool is deceptively deep (over 100 feet) with strong currents and people could be pulled under.
6. Kunda Betta Trek: One Of The Easiest Treks In Coorg
Kunda Betta is a small hillock in Kunda, a village near Ponnampet. The hillock with a Shiva Temple at the peak offers beautiful views of the paddy fields below and the hills in the distance. The grassy hillock is a short climb, but the last few metres of the trek is a steep, uphill climb.
If you’re new to the world of trekking and just testing the waters, this is one of the best places for trekking in Coorg. The deity of the temple on the peak, Shiva is venerated as the “protector of the land,” by the people of the village. The annual festival of the temple, when all the villagers congregate at the temple is one of the best times to visit the place. The trail can get very slippery and dangerous during the monsoon.
Also Read: How to pack light for a trek without missing the essentials
Happy, But Safe Trekking
Lying in the lap of mother nature, Coorg is a beautiful getaway to those seeking some serenity. Trekking and camping in Coorg is a beautiful experience but it has its fair share of hazards. Trekkers should carry food, water and other supplies as most of these trails are in remote areas. The trails lead through wildlife sanctuaries and dense forests, you could easily get lost in the trails. So always ask for a guide to accompany you. And lastly, please obtain the permissions required to trek in these areas from the relevant authorities before trekking in Coorg.
