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Tadiandamol, the highest peak in the Kodagu district or Coorg, is a hiking trail suitable for newbies and beginners. The trek isn’t physically demanding, and one can test their fitness levels while also enjoying nature. The magnificent views of the Shola forest and the majestic mountain ranges in the Western Ghats will leave you astounded. 

So, if you’re visiting Coorg or Madikeri, check this place out, even if you must take a detour. The Tandiandamol hike is definitely worth the time and effort. If you’re sold, let us help you with everything you need. In this blog post, we will take you through all the necessary information required for you to do the hike on your own.

Tadiandamol Hiking Guide

How To Reach Tadiandamol? 

The roadway is the only way to reach Kakkabe, a small town 6 Km away from the Tadiandamol’s starting point. You can either hire an auto or go by your own vehicle from Kakkabe to reach the hiking base.

From Bangalore

Only one direct bus runs between Bangalore and Kakkabe. The private Greenline travel bus departs every day from Bangalore at around 9:30 PM and reaches Kakkabe at 6:30 AM the next morning. The same bus leaves at 8:30 AM from Kakkabe.

You can also hop onto a train to Mysore or take a bus to Virajpet and then board another bus to reach Kakkabe. This will save you some time, but you can choose based on your comfort and how much energy you’ll have when you get down and get ready for the hike.

From Mangalore & Mysore

There are no direct buses available from Mangalore and Mysore. You have to reach either Madikeri or Virajpet and hop on another bus to reach Kakkabe. You can also hop on a tuk-tuk from Madikeri or Virajpet, but that is going to cost you more as it is around 30+ Km one way.

The buses commuting to Kakkabe are not that frequent and are available once an hour. The first bus from Virajpet is around 6 AM, while the last bus to leave Kakkabe departs at 7 PM.

Network Availability

Surprisingly, Tadiandamol has good connectivity on most parts of the trail until the summit. We had good cellular networks for both Airtel and Jio.

ATM Availability

No ATMs are available in this region. You have to travel at least 10 Km to find one. You can find reliable ATMs only near Madikeri and Virajpet. 

Since the region has good network connectivity, you can rely on digital UPI payments. The forest department also accepts card payments for the entry fees. However, for emergencies, we recommend you carry sufficient cash.

Languages Spoken

The common folk in this region speak Coorgi and Kannada. Property owners and a few people can converse well in English and Hindi. So if you’re from the North or know English, you will be fine. 

Parking Availability

There is a small parking space available near the trek’s starting point. You can also park on the sides of the road as it is the last motorable road on that route.

Restroom Facilities

No restroom is available at the base of the trek. Come prepared, as you might have to answer nature’s call outdoors.

Related: Use these super helpful public restroom tips during your travels. 

Best Time To Visit Tandiandamol Peak

Tadiandamol can be hiked throughout the year, except in the monsoons. The post-monsoon months between September and December are the best time to visit the place as you’ll find lush green forests and grass all around. The surroundings are ethereal, almost devouring you and making you feel part of nature.

During the summer months, between January and May, the terrain is a mix of golden brown and green. The contrast in colors is a treat for sour eyes and perfect for the Gram!

You must avoid the monsoon months of June, July, and August as the place receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making the nearby village of Kakkabe flood and the hike extremely challenging. While you may take safety precautions, it is unsafe, so avoid planning a trip between June and August.  

Where To Eat?

There are very few restaurants and shops in Kakkabe. You can buy energy bars, snacks, liquids, and electrolytes before you start your hike. Besides the shops, bottled drinking water can also be purchased near the forest check post office.

We ate at the Shreyas Hotel, run by a very kind and welcoming couple. You’ll get dosa for breakfast, Kuska, biriyani, rice for lunch, and parotta and rice for dinner. Do not miss their Chicken Kebab. It’s truly finger-lickin’ good!

We also purchased homemade gooseberry wine and brought one extra back home. It was perfectly fermented, tasty, yet affordable. We lost ourselves in its fruity fragrance.

Where To Stay?

There are numerous cozy homestays available near Kakkabe. The West Wind Cottage is the nearest accommodation to the Tadiandamol’s starting point. If you’re looking for a luxurious space with resort-like vibes and hospitality, we recommend Palace Estate.

We stayed in a hotel (which has 6 two-sharing rooms) above Hotel Shreyas as they were budget-friendly and cost about Rs. 1000 per night for 2 people (without food). The rooms are spacious and well-maintained, and hot water is available 24*7. The only amenities we didn’t have were wifi and power backup.

Since we started from Mysore, we rented a two-wheeler and reached Kakkabe. You can do the same as the public transport buses are not frequent. Ensure you book your vehicle and accommodation in advance, as you can’t get bookings during the holiday season and weekends.

Things To Do In Tadiandamol

Hiking to the Tadiandamol peak is a popular activity in the region. You can also explore the coffee and pepper estates in the area. However, most of them are privately owned, so you’ll need permission to enter them.

Tandiandamol Hike Details

Distance to the base: 133 Km from Mysore, 166 Km from Mangalore, and about 270 Km from Bangalore.

Cost: Rs. 250 per adult, Rs. 150 per child below 12 years, and Rs. 1000 per foreign citizen for forest entry.

Registration: No registration or pre-online booking is required.

Permission: Since the Tadiandamol Peak is located in the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, permission is required to summit this peak. 

Timings: From 7 AM to 5 PM. Last entry is allowed until 2 PM

Duration: 3-4 hours for the ascend and 2-3 hours to descend.

Summit Height: 836 m (confirmed after recording using GPS file). Although many websites claim the max altitude to be 1748 m, we did not reach this altitude at any point of the hike.

Hike Distance: 4 Km, one way

Difficulty Level: Easy or Moderate – highly subject to your fitness level.

Terrain: Open grasslands, waterfall, valley, and stones.

Hiking Route:

You can start your trek either directly from the Tadiandamol hike starting point or from the Nalkanad Palace. We began our trek from the starting point as there was a motorable road till the point, thus making our commute simpler.

A 15-minute walk (850 m) from the Tadiandamol hike starting point will lead you to the forest check post office. Pay the forest entry fees, and get your bags checked. They usually check for flammable and prohibited items, so ensure you are not carrying any. Once you fulfill these formalities, you can continue the hike.

After a few meters, you’ll cross a freshwater stream that dries in summer. Please note that this is the only water source on the entire hike.

Walk further in the shaded route for 1.5 Km until you reach the first pit stop. You’ll see a huge boulder where you can rest before continuing to the summit.

The two tall hills will be visible on either side, but those are not your destinations. Walk past those hills, and your actual hike will begin.

The open terrain of the Shola forest will last for another Km. At first, the trail will be on a relatively flat surface but slowly get steeper and more slippery. So ensure you have a pair of hiking boots with a good grip. You can take small detours to enjoy the view from the hills at certain places. 

The grasslands alongside the trail and the strong winds brushing against your face will be your companions for a while. The trail would soon take you through a dense forest where the sun’s rays barely penetrate the canopy of trees. While you might have climbed rocks and boulders during various hikes, you will have to climb tree branches here. So be careful.

The trail again takes you to open grasslands after 500 m. The last stretch is easy with medium steepness. However, the wind’s force might seem stronger, and you’ll have to expend more energy to reach the top.

At The Tadiandamol Summit:

Unlike several peaks you might have trekked in the past, the Tandiandamol Peak has no pile of stones at the top to mark the summit. However, you will get a 360° view of the valleys and multiple layers of surrounding mountains as far as you can see.

In fact, you might even see hills that are in and around the Kerala border. Although there is no shade at the top, you can enjoy and soak in the breathtaking views. Take the same route back to reach the base and complete your hike.

Cost Breakdown For One Person

• Breakfast in Hotel Shreyas – Rs. 50 (Dosa)
• Lunch – Rs. 150 (Rice + kebab)
• Water bottle – Rs. 50 (for 2 liters)
• Forest entry fee – Rs. 250
• Energy bars, snacks – Rs. 100

Total for the hike = Rs. 600

Bus from Bangalore – Kakkabe – Bangalore costs Rs. 1320 (Greenline Travels – non AC sleeper)

Grand Total = Rs. 1920

*Price not included for commuting from Kakkabe to the hike starting point as we had our own two-wheeler.

Note: Since the Tadiandamol hike can be done in a day, the stay is optional and hence not included in the cost breakdown.

Important Things To Remember

• A guide is not required to hike the Tadiandamol peak.
• The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste with you and dispose of it in proper dedicated bins.
• Illegal trekking is strictly prohibited, and trespassers will be prosecuted.
• Leeches can be found during the rains. Learn how to treat leeches the right way.

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 1 L of water per person.
• Take sufficient snacks and energy bars, as there are no shops nearby. Fill your snack box at Kakkabe itself.
• Have your first aid kit handy.
• Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
• Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
• Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.

Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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