Trek distance~ 15 km approx
Terrain~ steep and grassy slopes
Trek start point~ Nalknad palace, Kakkabe
Level~ Easy to Moderate
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| Tadiandamol trek highlights (a blog) |
Lounging in the hammock of my hotel at Virajpet, I dreamed of the distant hills of Tadiandamol. A trekking group from Bangalore was expected this weekend, so I had enough time to scrape the dirt of previous treks off my boots. I also had time to read about, and talk to people about the nearby mountains~ and this is what I found out...
Tip~ Virajpet is a more touristy town of Coorg, due to a constant flow of trekkers. I found many stay options on hotel booking sites, and also closer to Nalknad palace, were many more unlisted homestays.
The Coorg region is famous for its world-class coffee and spice plantations. One can clearly see many tea and coffee estates as you pass by.
Just then our owner Mrs. Muthanna arrived with a boiled egg, bread butter, some veggies on a plate and a. mug of hot steaming coffee. Breakfast at the hotel was complimentary.
There was another guy from New Zealand who had just arrived this afternoon. We talked at dinner and he too showed interest in joining the trek.
Tadiandamol trek highlights
The initial trail is a plain walk through shrubs for about 2/ 3 kms, and then it got steep.
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| Tadiandamol's initial trail through beautiful foliage |
There is such a thing called the power of experience. This is my 7th trek in the Western Ghats, and I've noticed that my feet now have a mind of their own. I have literally developed instincts and techniques by sheer experience. However, contrary to my balance and techniques, I still feel just as tired and breathless as my first trek and I'm not sure why!
Tip~ trekking in the Western Ghats is best done during winter months, so that it's less tiring.
As the trek progressed, we passed by more trekking groups. The steepness continued until we reached a point with large boulders. We took our first break here.
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| Soaking in the views from atop Tadiandamol peak, Coorg Karnataka |
The steep gradient as we climbed uphill was 40- 50 deg in most places, but there was plenty of foot grip due to the vegetation of the shola grasslands. And so we continued till we reached the peak ✌️. After a quick lunch break, we sat there soaking in the views of the grand mountains.
Tip~ I cannot stress enough the comfort level of trekking with a reputable and experienced trekking group, as there are high chances of taking a wrong trail.
The descent to the bottom is a long way down, and I just can't express what wonders it will do for your inner thighs and calves the next day.
Chelavara falls and exploring coffee plantations
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| Chelavara waterfalls, Coorg Karnataka |
Next day, we visited Chelavara falls. Seeing the falls at a distance, was disappointing, since I imagined it would be closer to step into. So after taking some pics, we quickly left. We later stopped at a small food joint where we sampled a locally made meal~ dumpling (like idlis), thicker dosas with tasty chutney and tea. We drove some more, until we reached a stream that was flowing past. It seemed like a nice peaceful place so we spent some time, and finally got our feet wet here.
The aroma of freshly-ground coffee
Tip~ Eco-friendly homestays amidst tea and pepper plantations is a bit more expensive, but another worthwhile stay option.
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| breakfast of toast eggs and black coffee |
'What is so special about Coorg coffee?' I asked Mrs.Muthanna the next day at breakfast. She replied, it's the soil which is imbued with the goodness of flora, fauna and spices native to this region. Besides the use of pesticides, she says~ is to the bare minimum. The flavor and richness of the coffee was indeed delicious.
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