Trek through Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary to the top of the highest peak in Kodagu District!
Nestled in the heart of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Kodagu district at a height of 1748 M. The trek to Tadiandamol is known as one of the most scenic treks in the Western Ghats, taking you through dense forests and dreamy grasslands with the occasional stream crossings. The terrain is exciting and the views are breathtaking which makes for the perfect trekking route combo!
The trek to Tadiandamol starts from a village called Kakkabe which is at a distance of 25 kms from Virajpet, the nearest town and 272 kms from Bangalore. Tadiandamol is a one day trek that allows you to explore the deepest parts of Western Ghats and the beauty that it holds.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Tadiandamol trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Tadiandamol Trail
The trek starts from the village of Kakkabe. You can also take a jeep or auto all the way to Nalknad Palace and start your trek from there depending on your preference. You will not be missing out on much if you take a vehicle to the Palace. Autos charge around INR 400 whereas jeeps charge INR 800. You can share it with other trekkers who are headed there. This will also save you some time.
If you are starting from Kakkabe, begin your trek from Kakkabe bridge towards Virajpet road. Ask the locals if you are confused and they would be happy to help. Continue on this road for 15 minutes after which you will arrive at a junction. You will see a road to your right that will take you to Nalknad Palace.
It is a straightforward road all the way to Nalknad Palace. Being on the border of Karnataka and Kerala, you will find a lot of pepper and coffee plantations here. Betel nut trees and nutmeg are also common here. Enjoy the serene surroundings as you walk this path and soak in the rural atmosphere of the region.
You will arrive at Nalknad Palace after 45 minutes. Do not spend time exploring the Palace now, you can do it on your way back.
From the Nalknad Palace, the trail starts to gradually ascend into the forest. You will be met with a beautiful waterfall five minutes into this trail. It is slightly off the main trail but not too difficult to find. Once you check out the waterfall, come back on the main trail and continue to the base of Tadiandamol.
The terrain here is muddy with loose gravel. You will be surrounded with lush green trees and shrubs throughout this part of the trail. About 40 minutes on this path and you will arrive at a small house with a stream flowing by its side. You can refill your bottles here. The base is just a 10 minute hike from here. As you reach the base, you will see the scenery opening up to you on your right. Take a moment to soak in the panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the lush green valley below you before you make your way further up.
At the base, there are two trails. Take the trail ascending on your left to continue to the top of Tadiandamol. You will also see a forest department sign board indicating the way to the top.
You will arrive at the first stream crossing around 20 minutes into this trail. You can cross this stream barefoot and enjoy the cold water gushing over your feet. You are now trekking in dense forests which are home to abundant flora and fauna. This includes leeches. You can carry some salt or wear gaiters for protection.
A little after the stream crossing is the forest check-post. You can pay the entrance fee here and proceed forward. Your bags will also be checked at this point for any plastic items or liquor. They may discard these items if they deem fit. It is advisable to not carry such items.
Continue on your trail as views of the valley keep opening up to your right. You will arrive at the second stream crossing. This stream is smaller than the first one. Once you cross the stream, continue in the forest section for another 20 minutes. You can hear the call of various birds endemic to the region, you might even spot a snake or two!
You will see the tree cover gradually declining as you enter the grasslands. Boulder Point is a quick 10 minute walk from here.
From here, you begin your final push towards the peak of Tadiandamol. There is a well laid out trail leading the way. You are now high up in the mountain range and will be trekking through clouds and mist. The experience is surreal and is something you will remember for a long long time.
When in doubt, try to look for orange ribbons tied to trees by the forest department. This acts as indicators for the trail. The ascent is gradual and moderately difficult. You will arrive at a fort like structure after 20 minutes. Move past it and continue on the trail, maintaining right. As you move head on the trail, you will come across openings that give striking views of the surrounding mountains and the lush green carpet of vegetation over them. You can take a break here, munch on some food before you continue to the top.
The second section of forest is now close by. This part of the trail is slippery and can be difficult to get a good grip. A good pair of trekking shoes and a trekking pole will go a long way in making your trek more comfortable and easy on your knees and ankles.
As you exit the forest, a final ascent for 25 minutes will take you to the top of Tadiandamol. The weather at the top can be erratic with dense mist and cloud cover. You can spend some time here and enjoy the views of the valleys (if the clouds permit it!).
It is the same route all the way back to Nalknad Palace. Ensure you start your descent no later than 2 PM to ensure that you are back before it gets dark. It takes 3 hours to descend to the Palace.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Views of the Valleys Below
The trail to Tadiandamol offers striking views of the lush green valley below you along with the towering Western Ghats that make for the perfect landscape. The presence of mist and low lying clouds makes it even better!
2. Trekking through Dense Rain Forests
The trail takes you through some of the most dense forests in the Western Ghats that are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The musty smell in the air from the trees and the damp ground is refreshing to say the least.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trek
1. Slippery Sections in the Forest
The final climb through the forest section leading to the top is quite slippery with the presence of loose mud. This can be tricky to navigate. It is advisable to use a trekking pole and good trekking shoes to get maximum grip and avoid slipping.
2. Stream Crossings
Although not difficult in themselves, a wrong foot on a slippery rock can lead to ankle twists which no trekker wants on a trail. It is advisable to tread with caution and ensure you move slowly to avoid injuries.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Tadiandamol trek is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do this Trek
The best time to do this trek is between September to February when the forests and valleys are lush green in colour. The post monsoon months are the best to enjoy good climatic conditions and clear views of the landscape around you.
Trekking during the summer months is banned due to the risk of forest fires.
This region receives really high rainfall during the monsoon making it difficult to do the trek. You can still do it with the right gear but the difficulty level of the trail goes by a notch.
How to reach the Base
You can reach Kakkabe by your own vehicle or via public transport.
If you are reaching by public transport, you can take a KSRTC bus from Satellite Bus Stop in Bangalore to Virajpet. Take a late night bus and reach Virajpet by 5 AM. From here, you can take a bus heading towards Bhagamandala which will drop you at Kakkabe. Virajpet is 25 kms away from Kakkabe. You can also take a cab or auto if you wish to.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tadiandamol Trek
1. Is there network connectivity on the trek?
You will get an intermittent network from BSNL and JIo throughout the trail. Please note that the range is not consistent or reliable.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are a few small restaurants in Kakkabe that serve food. You can get food packed from here or carry your own food. You can also fill your bottles here. It is advisable to carry your own food and water from home.
3. Do I need a permit for this trek?
Yes, you can take the permit and pay the entrance fee at the forest check-post on the trail.
Camping is not allowed on this trail.
4. How long does the trek take?
The trek takes 7-8 hours to reach the top and return back to the base. It is advisable to start early in the morning so you can return by dusk.
There are homestays and AirBnBs in Kakkabe where you can stay the night.
5. Is this trek for beginners?
You can do this trek if you have an active lifestyle and a good fitness regimen. The trek is moderately difficult and can be challenging for beginners with a sedentary lifestyle and no prior trekking experience.
That’s all about the Tadiandamol trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to the Western Ghats, please feel free to reach out to our team.
