Brief About Tadiandamol Trek
Located within the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary of the Bhagamandala Range Forest, the Tadiandamol trek offers a thrilling experience. Tadiyendamol, the highest peak in Coorg and the second highest in Karnataka, captivated me with its gentle slopes, grassy terrain, and serene atmosphere.
As I explored this trekker’s paradise, I discovered the Padi Igguthappa Temple, where the main deity of the native Kodavas, Igguthappa, is worshipped as the ‘Giver of Grain’. The region also boasts Nalaknad Palace, built in the late 1790s as a refuge for Kodagu Ruler Chikka Veera Rajendra from the British.
The trek from Nalaknad Palace to Tadiandamol peak is a popular adventure in Kodagu, spanning about 7 km one way and easily completed in a day. While camping isn’t allowed, the breathtaking views of the Shola forest range and valleys more than make up for it. The Tadiandamol trek is a favorite amongst both beginners and experienced trekkers in Southern India, often mentioned in conversations about exploring the Western Ghats.
Traversing through thick Shola forests with stream crossings and lush grasslands, I felt the excitement of trekking amidst the clouds. Though the trek can test your endurance, fit beginners can give it a shot. Just make sure to check out tips and detailed information to plan it out well!
Key details of the Tadiandamol Trek:
- Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 1-2 days (Can be covered in 1 day if one is quick)
- Trek Distance: 12 km one way
- Trek Altitude Range: 5700 feet
- Starting Point: Kakkabe Village
- Nearest Railway Station: Kannapuram Station (41 km)
- Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (90 km)
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit During Tadiandamol Trek
I was struck by the breathtaking view of rolling green hills extending in all directions. The valleys are filled with evergreen forests, though during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, clouds often obscure the scenery. To catch clear views, I recommend visiting just before the start of the summer season.
Trekking through the splendid evergreen Shola forests, I discovered a hotspot for diverse flora and fauna. Coffee estates, pepper plantations, betel nut trees, nutmeg trees, and fishtail palms are just a few examples of the vegetation I encountered. If you keep your eyes open, you might spot millipedes, Calotes Versicolor lizards, butterflies, or even a snake crossing the trail. But beware of leeches during monsoon or post-monsoon seasons! If you’re up for a two-day journey, consider combining Tadiandamol with the nearby Kopatty trek in Cherambane village, staying overnight in Bhagamandala.
While in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit Bhagamandala, a sacred pilgrimage site on the river Kaveri in the Kodagu district. Madikeri, or Coorg, is another nearby attraction, located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. This charming hill town is popular for its coffee plantations and pleasant weather throughout the year. Make sure to take your time exploring both of these captivating places!
What is the best time to visit Tadiandamol Trek
I was struck by the breathtaking view of rolling green hills extending in all directions. The valleys are filled with evergreen forests, though during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, clouds often obscure the scenery. To catch clear views, I recommend visiting just before the start of the summer season.
Trekking through the splendid evergreen Shola forests, I discovered a hotspot for diverse flora and fauna. Coffee estates, pepper plantations, betel nut trees, nutmeg trees, and fishtail palms are just a few examples of the vegetation I encountered. If you keep your eyes open, you might spot millipedes, Calotes Versicolor lizards, butterflies, or even a snake crossing the trail. But beware of leeches during monsoon or post-monsoon seasons! If you’re up for a two-day journey, consider combining Tadiandamol with the nearby Kopatty trek in Cherambane village, staying overnight in Bhagamandala.
While in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit Bhagamandala, a sacred pilgrimage site on the river Kaveri in the Kodagu district. Madikeri, or Coorg, is another nearby attraction, located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. This charming hill town is popular for its coffee plantations and pleasant weather throughout the year. Make sure to take your time exploring both of these captivating places!
How to reach the starting point of the trek?
The Tadiandamol trek begins in the quaint village of Kakkabe, around 25 km from Virajpet in Madikeri, Karnataka, near the Karnataka-Kerala border.
If you’re driving from Bangalore, follow the Bangalore-Mysore highway, bypassing the main town of Mysore, and head towards Virajpet. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming small towns and villages like Bilikere. From Virajpet, take the Virajpet-Byndoor road, then turn left onto the Virajpet-Talakaveri road at the Kadanoor junction. The drive offers stunning views of the Brahmagiri Sanctuary’s periphery before reaching either the Aramane junction or Kakkabe village.
Reaching Kakkabe via public transport can be slightly challenging, but still doable. Catch a late-night bus from Bangalore to Virajpet, which arrives around 5 am. From there, you have a few options: take a taxi (Rs 900) or auto-rickshaw (Rs 450) directly to Kakkabe, or opt for a more budget-friendly local bus (about Rs 60 per person).
Local buses to Talacauvery run from Virajpet after 6 am, with options going to Napoklu or Bhagamandala. The latter is ideal since it goes directly via Kakkabe. On Sundays, local buses have limited schedules, starting only after 6:45 am, but you can still reach Kakkabe by 9:30 am. For the return journey, the last bus from Kakkabe to Bhagamandala departs around 5:45 pm, and to Virajpet, at around 6 pm.
Availability of accommodations and food near the trek
Food:
Kakkabe is the last reliable spot for food. It offers a small hotel and a tiny eatery near the junction of Aramane and Kakkabe on the trail, although the latter may not be dependable. For water, you can either fill your bottles from the clean, freshwater streams and waterfall found on the trail during the monsoon or post-monsoon season or bring extra water from Kakkabe town.
Accommodation:
There are several options available before the trek’s starting point, including Airbnbs, Oyo rooms, homestays, and resorts. A pro tip: choose a place after the junction of Aramane and Kakkabe, where you’ll find 4 or 5 cottages on the main trail towards Nalknad Palace.
The Difficulty level of the Tadiandamol Trek
The Tadiandamol trek is moderately difficult. It will test your endurance as you cover around 23-24 km in a day. Though there aren’t any notably challenging sections, the forest terrain can be slippery, so wear proper trekking shoes and carry two trekking poles. Crossing streams and navigating moss-covered rocks require extra caution, especially during the monsoon season. Despite the varying steepness, the trek is suitable for anyone with basic fitness levels and no prior experience, making it an exciting adventure for all.
Is Camping Allowed On Tadiandamol Trek?
Camping on the Tadiandamol trek is no longer permitted. While trekkers could previously camp near the big boulder point until 2016, increased sightings of elephants and other wildlife led authorities to put a stop to camping on this trek. So, be prepared for a thrilling, yet safe adventure!
Nearby Destinations you may want to explore:
- Kudremukh Trek near Chikmagalur, Karnataka
- Bandaje Falls Trek via Ballarayana Durga Fort, Karnataka
- 12 Amazing Tourist Places To Visit in Kerala
