Trekking is recreational activity that involves covering any specified journey on foot. It is mainly done to have an interaction with nature. Trekkers cross forest areas, mountains, deserts and face different weather conditions and topographies. The activity does not require much of planning and is usually done in groups. The travelling through isolated areas by being close to nature and surroundings; makes this activity enjoyable and worth an experience.
Trekking can be done in any part of world, although, there are some regions where it is carried out extensively. In India, trekking is mainly done in Western Himalayas and Eastern Himalayas. Down south, trekking is popular in Coorg, Chikamagalur and Kerala. The best time to undertake trekking In India is between May and October months.
With nature flourishing all around, Coorg is a year-round destination for every travel enthusiast. The picture-perfect town in Karnataka is endowed with exceptional views and make for a wonderful place to explore. If you are in the pursuit of some exciting activities, try trekking in Coorg! This is the best way you can get around exploring the vastness of the famed outdoors of the Ghats. A range of coffee and tea plantation, farms, and national parks constitute the best of nature that Coorg has to offer!
Go exploring the trails leading to Abbey waterfalls, Nagarhole National Park, and Iruppu Falls, walk up to Kumara Parvatha or take a village trail, Coorg has plenty to offer to the curious wanderers! As you walk these trails, most of which are flat and covered with lush greenery, you concur that they constitute unmatchable experience for every nature devotee.
| Region | Best Time to Trek |
|---|---|
| Coorg, Karnataka | Year-round |
Trekking Places in Coorg
Coorg is the prized possession of the Western Ghats with some of the daunting peaks and nature reserves making it more special. Club your adventures with some more endearing activities and you get the excitement you’ve been looking for all this while. Here are some of the most popular trekking places in Coorg:
Iruppu Falls Trek – Close To Nature
The trek to Iruppu Falls is endowed with gorgeous panoramic vistas with the jingling sound of the waterfall in the background. Leading through narrow ruddy pathways amidst dense green woods, the end point to the trek - that is the beautiful waterfall itself, is a pure visual delight. Besides, the region is home to some of the endangered species of plants and animals, which you can spot if lucky. This trek takes 4 - 5 hours to complete.
Tadiandamol Trek – Beautiful Location
The most popular trekking route in Coorg is the trail leading to the picturesque Tadiandamol Peak. Perched at a height of 5735 feet, the route leading to it is packed with puffy clouds, azure blue skies, tinkering streams and shiny waterfalls. The starting point of this trek is at Nalknad Palace which is 4 km off the main road and Kakkabe town is the base camp where you can relax and chill. Nestled amidst beautiful coffee estates and tea plantations, the total distance covered is 4.5 km.
Pushpagiri Trek – Picturesque Views
Also known as Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri is a mighty mountain perched at a height of 5626 m. The trek leads through beautiful green woods and offers enthralling views of the mountains in the backdrop. Besides, once at the top, the vantage point offers a panoramic bird’s eye view of the valley below. This trek will take 4 - 5 hours to be completed.
Kotebetta Trek – Beautiful Grasslands
Trek to the Kotebetta Peak, also known as the Fort Hill, is another popular trail in Coorg. Known for its scenic views and beautiful landscape all along the route. The trek starts at Madhapur which is 15 km from Madikeri. It is advisable to take a guide or an expert along on this trek.
Brahmagiri Hills Trek – Walking Among Clouds
The mesmerizing beauty and the tranquil environment of the Brahmagiri hills attract countless adventure seekers to enjoy a great trekking trip at this destination. By opting for trekking on this hill located within the Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary, you choose to experience the most amazing sights of the Western Ghats. Situated on the border of Karnataka and Kerala, the Brahmagiri hills rise up to a height of 1068 m above sea level and offer a great view of the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that surround the entire trail. The trek itself provides a mildly challenging adventure that is full of thrill and excitement and beautiful memories that will last for a lifetime. The Brahmagiri hill trek proves to be a unique experience in every respect. The zigzag trail passing over hilly terrains takes you across the majestic Shola forests, open grasslands and river streams. The beauty that surrounds you makes you feel like having been transported to a world that is completely cut off from the noise, pollution and destruction of the cities. It makes you feel relaxed and refreshed and helps you reconnect with nature at a deeper level. Upon reaching the peak of the Brahmagiri peak, Coorg, you are rewarded with an impressive view of the hills and jungles of Coorg and Wayanad.
List of Things to Carry on Trekking Trip to Coorg
Water Bottle: A savior in many ways
- No need to stress the fact that a water bottle is nothing but a very precious thing to have on any hiking or trekking trip. When you are hiking, your body dehydrates, but most times, due to cold or cool temperatures, you do not realize you are sweating. Hence, sipping water from your bottle frequently will keep you hydrated. You should always carry a water bottle and refill it whenever you get a chance from natural streams.
Munching Items: Trail Mix, Dry Fruits, Chocolates or Energy Bars
- When you are hiking or trekking, you lose energy much faster than you anticipate. Munching a few things now and then will keep your energy level optimum. I always carry a mix of items such as a pack of trail mix, some dry fruits or nuts, few chocolates like Snickers, or you can carry some energy bars too. The advantage of carrying these munching items is that they take less space and easier to carry than too much real food without worry about spillovers.
Daypack or Backpack – Travel Light & Organized
- A good daypack or a backpack always helps you keep your things well organized on any hike or a trek.
Trekking Shoes – Walk the talk on your Trek
- I believe the quality, comfort, and protection offered by a good pair of trekking shoes far outweighs any other trekking gear you may have ever purchased. The good gear includes a comfortable, lightweight, sturdy, warm, and waterproof pair of trekking shoes providing good ankle protection and a firm grip on slippery surfaces.
Torchlight or Flashlight – Find the way in the dark
- In case it gets late or dark while coming back from the day’s hike, a torchlight or flashlight can prove to be a lifesaver.
Hand Sanitizer – Kills the unwanted germs
- Your hands will keep coming in contact with unwanted spots either by falling or climbing or looking for support when you are on a hike or a trek. Hand sanitizers will help keep a check on germs and help reduce the probability of getting sick while on a multi-day trek or after coming back from a day’s hike on the nearby trail.
Trek Pants or Trousers – Feel the comfort
- Similar to a good pair of trekking shoes, I believe that one must own a comfortable, breathable, cargo styled and quick dry trek pants or trousers (preferably). In case you are planning on snow trek, you can opt for trek pants that offer built-in gaiters to get required snow protection. Quick-dry capabilities prove very satisfying in the situations of crossing water streams. Also, a good number of pockets on cargo styled trek pants help keep other things like eateries, swiss knife, etc.. handy for you while you hike.
