Coorg, which is known for its verdant hills and equable climate, has many popular trekking routes that are popular among the weekend crowd from neighbouring cities. The intrepid trekker can explore the less frequented routes for a memorable weekend escapade.
Coorg is Karnataka’s south western district with Madikeri being the district headquarters .This district is in the Western Ghats, and it receives higher than average rainfall and has a dense forest cover. Coorg is famous for its coffee estates, orange groves, spice plantations, and its salubrious climate.
Travel And Accommodation in Coorg
Madikeri is 252 km by road from Bangalore along the Srirangapatna–Mysore‑Hunsur route. Regular private and State Transport buses ply to Madikeri from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore. Madikeri has clean and comfortable hotels and a host of home stay facilities and hotels for the budget traveller. It is preferable to arrange for accommodation and food in advance.
Tips For Trekking In Coorg
- Coorg gets heavy rainfall during the June‑September period . The trails become slippery, the dense vegetation, and large number of reptiles and insects make trekking a dangerous proposition in this season. Heavy mists roll in the winter months often obscuring trails. Trekking in Coorg is best enjoyed during the January‑March period when the climate is cool and pleasant.
- The reserve forests in Coorg are the habitat of wild elephants, poisonous snakes, and scorpions. Trekking trails frequently disappear due to the dense undergrowth, and it is easy for a traveller to get lost. Trekking in Coorg is best enjoyed in groups with a local guide.
- The trekker should safeguard against the inclement weather in Coorg and carry comfortable waterproof shoes, fleece jacket, raincoat, and cap for trekking.
- Leeches are common in this area; hence, long trousers are a must.
- Coorg has regular and long power cuts. Carrying a powerful torch on treks is a must.
Trekking Routes In Coorg
- Thadiyandamol: Climbing the highest peak in Coorg district is the most popular trekking route. Kakabe, which is an hour’s run by road from Madikeri, is the base for this trek. This trek takes a minimum of 5 hours and is best undertaken early in the morning
- Iruppu falls: This 4-hour trek through the Brahmagiri range starts from Virajpet. The route runs through dense jungle and is arduous. The view of the Lakshmanateertha River, the Iruppu waterfall, and sounds of the jungle make this trek worth the effort.
- Galibeedu to Subramania: This is a 30-km trek meant only for experienced trekkers. This trek should not be undertaken without a local guide as the route passes through some of the densest rain forests in this region. The base is Galibeedu village, which is 17 km away from Madikeri. The route passes private coffee plantations on to Subramania peak.
- Sanivarshante to Subramania: Sanivarsanthe is 26 km from Madikeri. This village is the base for a 35-km trek through rain forests. Small waterfalls are common along this route, which culminates at Subramania. This area form a part of elephant’s migratory corridor, and it is best to avoid this area after sunset.
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