Exploring Coorg’s Ample Trekking Trails

Coorg is, by far, the most luxuriant hill station of Karnataka, nestled deep into the heart of Western Ghats. With its expansive valleys and sprawling mountain ranges, it offers the best platform for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers to explore the rich natural treasures of this region. And the best way to do that is to tread the endless mountain trails that crisscross throughout Coorg. These roads pass through forests, coffee plantations, farmlands, villages, and even national park, and open up to imposing peaks and mountain ranges. If you are looking for some exciting experience in Coorg, follow any of these trek routes that will let you discover the treasures of Western Ghats.

How to reach?

Coorg is well-connected to the nearby metro of Bangalore and other cities of Karnataka. If you are traveling from any other city, you can easily get a comfortable Bangalore to Coorg taxi to take you the starting point of your trek. You can choose to stay within the town or camp near the trek bases, depending on which trek you are signing up for.

Madikeri Trek

The most popular trekking zone in Coorg, this route covers the major hotspots of Coorg. It starts from Madikeri town and takes you to the Raja’s Seat, a historic monument with a viewing point, the Madikeri Fort, and Abbey Falls. The trail passes through paddy fields, spice plantations, and small streams, exposes you the gorgeous landscape of Coorg with views of mountains peaks and lush valleys.

Trek distance: 12 KM
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Tadiandamol Trek

Tadiandamol Peak is the highest point of Coorg and the third highest peak of Karnataka. The trail that leads to this peak is highly popular among regular trekkers and campers. Sitting at 5735 feet, the peak offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and can be easily explored in a day trip. You can camp at the base in Kakkabe, about 32 KM from the main town of Coorg. The trek starts from the Nalknad Palace, and take you through dense coffee plantations, gurgling streams, and scenic viewpoints. The best time to do successfully do the Tadiandamol Trek is between November and February when the weather is at its best in Coorg, and you can get clear views of the peak and the surrounding mountains.

Trek distance: 4.5 km
Difficulty level: Easy

Iruppu Falls – Brahmagiri Trek

After Abbey Falls, Iruppu is the second most popular and most-visited waterfall of Coorg. Sitting on the edge of the dense forests of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, the Iruppu Falls offers a raw setting and makes for a scenic trek. From the waterfall area, you can also walk all the way to the Brahmagiri Peak. The trek to the waterfalls is short, but if you want to trek to the peak, it is another 9 KM. Although a short distance, the walk takes about five hours through the rugged terrain and forested lands. You can plan a two-day trek, wherein you can halt overnight at Narimale Forest Camp, which serves as the base for the trek. This tour lets you explore both mountain terrain and tropical rainforest in one trip. The best time to explore this place is after the rains or during winter and is good for both pro and hobby trekkers. Check with the Forest Range Officer at Srimangala for permits to camp and trek around the forest areas.

Trek distance: 10 KM
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Galibeedu-Subramanya Trek

While most treks within the Coorg districts lead to mountains, this one is an exception. It is also a less explored zone. So, if you like to have a unique experience, this one is highly recommended. The trail passes through the quaint village of Galibeedu and is often considered to be one of the most visually delightful locales. You will come across different landscapes from farmlands to rivers, and spice plantations; all within a single trip. This is a long walk and can take two days. You can camp at the base near the village.

Trek distance: 30 KM (approximately)
Difficulty level: Moderate

Kotebetta Trek

Also called Fort Hill, the Kotebetta Peak is the third highest in Coorg and makes for a perfect place for adventure and nature lovers. To start the trek, you have to reach Madhapur, which is another 15 KM from Madikeri. If you are booking a direct cab from Bangalore airport to Coorg, you can drive straight to trek base in Madhapur. It takes two days to cover the entire route. From the village, you will pass through plantation trails, dense forests, and then reach the open grasslands, where you can camp overnight for a detailed tour the next day. Check with the local forest department for permits for camping and exploring.

Trek distance: 20 KM
Difficulty level: Moderate

Trekking tips:
· When renting a car to reach the trek bases, ensure your vehicle can navigate the mountainous terrain
· For day treks, start your early morning, so you can finish it by sundown.
· Try to plan your treks between November and April and avoid peak summers or heavy rains.

If you have any more tips about Coorg Trekking Trails, don’t forget to leave it in the comment section.