INTRODUCTION:
Though less known, Tadiandamol is one of the most beautiful treks in South India. Tadiandamol is the highest peak in the Kodagu district or Coorg of Karnataka. HOW TO REACH:-When using public transport from Bangalore, you will need to take a bus to Virajpet.AC Volvo buses are available, and they take half a day. The drive is quite lovely and comfortable, winding the Mysore highway and into the city of Mysore before entering Coorg. Includes one pit stop for breakfast.
There are government buses from Virajpet to Kabinakad Junction (your last stop), but their timing is fixed. If you are getting late, I suggest taking a private bus right outside the bus stand. Ask around, and you’ll know. These buses are very well maintained, and the crowds are not that much so that you will have a comfortable ride of half an hour. Follow the same route even if you are going to use your vehicle. Drive to Virajpet and Kabinakad Junction Bus Stop.
The GPS will guide you all the way, but the primary route is Bangalore —> Mysore ORR (Escape from the city) —> Hunsur —> Gonikoppal —> Virajpet —> Kabinakad Junction. The road is excellent, and there are plenty of dining options on Mysore Road and after. Driving in the Coorg will be a treat for your eyes.
WHERE TO STAY/EAT:
Once you get down at Kabbinakad Junction, you need to reach your homestay, Honey Valley. You have two options: Either trek till homestay (uphill 3 to 4 km) or hail a paid jeep service from them. There are quite a few trekking trails near Home Stay, so if you decide not to take the slightly arduous Tadiandamol trek, you have many other options that can be done (with family too).
You have just kept walking in and around the plantation. Remember that it should not be difficult to find your way, although not to lose your way. Hope you find someone local to help you;-) The food here is nutritious but vegetarian. However, you can also treat yourself to made-to-order non-vegetarian stuff. There aren’t many options.
WHAT TO DO:
Enjoy vegetables, walk/trek a lot (including the famous Tadiandamol peak), and do some bird and macro photography. Relax and enjoy your stay the way you can! Let us specifically tell you about the two routes that lead to Tadiandamol. The longer but more picturesque route leaves Honey Valley and takes about 3-3.5 hours to reach the peak.
You need a guide to trek this route, and you will be paid from Honey Valley (Rs 500/-). The shorter and more popular course starts near Nalkanad Mahal, about 3-4 km from Honey Valley. A popular place to stay here is the Palace Estate. These two routes meet at some point, and this is where the actual 1-hour trek begins. The views start to get better and better, while the climb gets faster and faster at the same time. Recommend a walking stick, primarily to support your knees while coming down.
Other things that come in handy for a trek:
If it gets dark while coming down, a flashlight, hat/cap/sun guard if the clouds don’t cover it enough. The sun can be brutal on you. A pair of rugged trekking shoes, Good pairing, 2 liters of water, your medications if needed, anti-leech socks. I recommend going down the short and easy route. Once in the foothills, spend some time enjoying the views of Nalknad Palace. Although it is not much of a structure, it is still a palace, and you would do well to admire its construction and read some information about its history.
One such story is about the last king of this region. Who had to take refuge here from the British before being exiled to North India. Just take the wiki article with you. One can enjoy reading inside the palace. You can also take it as an opportunity for some much-needed rest. Last but not least. You can request to give you a jeep ride while coming down the peak from Honey Valley on the other ‘easier’ way, but you came here to trek.
WHEN TO GO:
Avoid the summer months as the climb can be hot, and the view may not be cloudy and green. The rainy season also has its share of unpleasantness (leeches and slippery roads, not to mention difficulties if it starts to rain during your trek and you don’t have much room to hide). So, in my opinion, September to February should be an excellent season to enjoy the scenery there! The best time should be immediately after the rain.
IMP:
In late 2019, Naxalites were observed in Tadiandamol and its surrounding areas. So before deciding to go on the above trek, please ask around you and be sure about your safety.