Tadiandamol Trek

     The Tadiandamol trek is a widely popular trekking spot located in Coorg, the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Tadiandamol is largely visited by people during their trip to the famous hill town of Madikeri, or Coorg. Located in the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary of the Bhagamandala Range Forest, Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Coorg. It is at an elevation of 1748 metres above sea level. The gentle slopes, grassy terrain, the scenic charm and the serene ambience make it a paradise for trekkers. 8 kilometres away from Kakkabe town, approximately 35 kilometres from Madikeri and 260 km from Bangalore this trek is not just about reaching the summit but about enjoying the journey as well with visually pleasurable sights along the way right from pretty butterflies to a variety of flora and fauna. Tadiandamol is a must visit for anyone who loves nature and wants to take a break from their daily routine. It has been a favourite not only amongst the Trekkers but also among people who love nature, birds, and photography. Lying between the Himalayas in the North and the Nilgiris in the South, this mountain peak has witnessed many natural and man-made happenings. For all 12 months of the year, the temperature is optimal in this region, and even elephants, bison, tigers, wildcats, and various types of birds find this place to be their accurate place of abode. The valleys are adorned with numerous waterfalls and natural springs.

However, most of the natural vegetation around the Tadiandamol peak is taken over by the plantation growers who convert it into plantations of coffee, pepper, cardamom, betel leaves and areca nuts. Nonetheless, the forest department takes good care of the forest range by early burning of weeds and shrubs, planting trees to regrow the forest and taking care of the existing trees.The Nalknad Palace here is an important landmark with historical significance. This place was one of the landmarks mapped during the Great Trigonometric Survey. The trek is not too difficult and is perfect for beginners as well. The reward of hiking is just 6 kilometres away one way. One gets to this green route trek through coffee estates, sprawling grasslands, steep mountains, and scenic views of the surrounding valley as you ascend.

Additionally, Iruppu falls in Nagarhole is a part of the beauty. There is also the Padi Igguthappa temple religious site, where the main deity of the native Kodavas, Igguthapa, is worshipped as the ‘Giver of the Grain’. The region also boasts the Nalknad Palace, close to 200 years now, which was built in the late 1970s as a refuge for Kodagu ruler Chikkaveera Rajendra from the British. It is worth experiencing the excitement of trekking amidst the clouds and reaching the peak of the world. From Virajpet, Tadiandamol is about 30 km away on the way to Napoklu village, Bhagamandala. This peak is adjacent to the Makutta Forest and on the way you can also find the Nalknad Palace. To reach the Tadiandamol peak, you need to get off at the Aramane stop that comes before Kakkabe, if you’re travelling from Virajpet. The peak is 6 km away from that place. There is a road from the same place which can take you to the top . This trek is one of the easiest category treks and can be completed in 5 to 6 hours.

The trekking path is marked and well defined but a bit of the patch is steep and slippery. To get to the Tadiandamol trek start point, One has to first reach the base camp which is on the road that takes you to Kakkabe. After the base camp you will have to walk for around 1.5 kilometres to reach the forest check post. This path is a gentle climb and takes you through coffee plantations and Paddy fields. After passing to the forest checkpost, the trekking trail becomes steeper and more challenging. You will need to climb up several rocky patches and negotiate some tricky sessions before sighting the large rock after walking for about 3.5 kilometres. When you reach this rock, you can relax, rest, and enjoy the view. Over the big rock, the trail gets even steeper and tougher to trek. You will need to trek up almost more than 60-degree steep and a couple of rock patches to cross. The last part of the trek involves a 75-degree steep climb to the peak, where you can have excellent views of nearby valleys and peaks. You can also notice the sight of the Arabian Sea from the top. The peak is quiet, calm and silent. The best time to visit this peak is July-end to September(after monsoon season) as greenery is observed well in these months.