Trekking

TADIYANDAMOL

Tadiyandamol peak (1,745 meters) is the highest peak in Coorg and poses an exciting challenge to seasoned trekkers. The peak is located in the south-eastern part of Coorg and is 8 km from the town of Kakkabe which is 35 km from Madikeri. The NALAKNAD PALACE, built by Dodda Veerarajendra in 1792, serves as the base camp for trekkers who can make an overnight stay before climbing the Tadiyandamol peak in the morning.

It is worth recalling a brief history of the Nalaknad Palace. The two-storied structure is situated on a precipitous ridge and not easily accessible. It provided a safe shelter for the rajas from invading armies. Presently maintained by the state archaeology department, the building houses a bee-keeping center.

A steep serpentine path from the Nalaknad Palace, leads to the Tadiyandamol peak. When the sky is clear, one can view the distant Arabian Sea. A few kilometers away from Tadiyandamol peak is Padi Igguthappa temple, one of the holiest temples for the Coorgs. In the neighbouring Yavakapadi village is the temple of Pannagalathamme, believed to be the sister of Lord Igguthappa.

BRAHMAGIRI

Coorg is full of trekking trails. Besides the Tadiyandamol, the other famous trekking trail is in the Brahmagiri ranges of southern Coorg, where a forest trail from the Irpu Falls leads to the Brahmagiri peak. For the permit to enter the Brahmagiri range, trekkers can approach the office of the deputy conservator of forests, wildlife division, Hunsur, Mysore district.

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PUSHPAGIRI (1,712 meters)

Pushpagiri is the second highest peak in Coorg and one of the important trekking trails which can be reached from the village of Heggademane to the north of Madikeri.