Mist, Mountains, and Magic: My Journey to Tadiandamol Peak

Sometimes, the best therapy is a trail leading into the mountains. That’s exactly what I found on my Tadiandamol Trek—an experience that took me deep into the heart of Coorg’s emerald-green hills, up to the highest peak in Kodagu, and into the kind of peace that only the Western Ghats can offer. This wasn’t just a weekend trek; it was a soul-refreshing escape.

Getting to the Base: Chasing Greens in the Coffee Country

It all began on a Saturday morning. We left Bangalore before sunrise, heading west toward Coorg. The drive itself felt like an overture to the adventure—winding roads, misty plantations, and the smell of wet earth growing stronger as we entered Kodagu. Our destination was Kakkabe, the base village for the Tadiandamol trek.

Reaching Kakkabe around 10 AM, we were welcomed by cool breeze, thick clouds, and the laid-back vibe that Coorg is famous for. Tadiandamol stands at 1,748 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Coorg and a favorite among nature lovers and trekkers alike.

We met our local guide, grabbed a quick breakfast of akki roti and filter coffee, and were ready to begin.

The Trek Begins: Into the Wild Western Ghats

The Tadiandamol trekking trail starts gently. Wide paths lined with coffee estates gradually give way to forest trails. At first, we passed through a stretch of private estate land—tall silver oak trees, chirping birds, and mossy rocks kept us company. The cool air and filtered sunlight made it feel like walking through a dream.

As we climbed higher, the trail became narrower and more rugged. What stood out was the sheer variety of terrain—dense shola forests, slippery muddy slopes, grassy meadows, and exposed ridgelines. The Tadiandamol trek route is about 7 km one way, and while the climb isn’t extremely difficult, the trail demands stamina, especially during monsoon or post-monsoon when it gets slippery.

The higher we went, the quieter it became—except for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a langur. Every turn revealed new views—rolling green hills, distant peaks, and valleys covered in thick mist.

The Forest Stretch: Lost in the Lushness

Midway through the trek, we entered a dense forest section. The canopy above filtered the sunlight into golden-green patches, and the ground was soft with fallen leaves. This was my favorite part—not just because it was beautiful, but because it felt untouched.

We crossed a couple of small streams and rested near a fallen log, munching on trail mix and sipping from our bottles. The air was fresh, damp, and earthy—a true forest scent that you can't find anywhere else.

This section also reminded me why Western Ghats trekking is so special. The biodiversity is unmatched. We spotted colorful butterflies, heard the calls of Malabar whistling thrushes, and saw pepper creepers winding around tree trunks.

Reaching the Summit: On Top of Coorg

The final stretch to the Tadiandamol peak was steep and open. With no tree cover, the sun peeked through the clouds as we pushed ourselves toward the top. The wind picked up, and clouds rolled over the hills like waves.

And then we were there—standing on the highest point in Kodagu. The view was surreal. Hills upon hills, all blanketed in green and mist. The sky seemed close enough to touch. I stood in silence for a few moments, overwhelmed by the beauty and simplicity of it all.

We clicked pictures, laughed, lay back on the rocks, and soaked in the moment. It felt like the world had paused for a while—and I wasn’t in a rush to press play again.

The Descent: Back to Reality (Reluctantly)

After spending nearly an hour at the top, we started our descent. It was quicker, but we had to be careful on the slippery patches. The clouds began to gather, and a light drizzle followed us most of the way down. It felt like nature’s way of saying goodbye.

By late afternoon, we were back at the base. Muddy shoes, tired legs, and happy hearts. We celebrated with a big Coorgi lunch—pandi curry, rice balls, and more coffee than necessary.

Tadiandamol Trek Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking of doing the Tadiandamol trek from Bangalore? Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

Best time to visit: October to February (lush and clear post-monsoon); avoid heavy rains from June to August.

Trek distance: Approx. 14 km round trip.

Duration: 5-6 hours (up and down).

Difficulty: Moderate. Good for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers.

How to reach: 270 km from Bangalore; drive to Kakkabe or Napoklu.

Stay options: Homestays in Kakkabe or Virajpet are ideal.

What to pack: Sturdy trekking shoes, rain jacket (if monsoon), water, snacks, and a camera to capture those breathtaking views.

Permission: Needed if entering through the forest section. Guided treks are advisable for safety and navigation.

Final Thoughts: Why Tadiandamol Will Always Stay with Me

There are treks that tire you, and there are treks that heal you. For me, the Tadiandamol trek did the latter. It was more than just reaching the summit—it was about reconnecting with nature, slowing down, and feeling small in the best way possible.

If you’re craving an offbeat weekend adventure, surrounded by misty mountains and untouched forests, this is the trail for you. Trekking in Coorg doesn’t get better than this. Trust me, once you stand on that peak and watch the clouds float below you—you’ll know exactly what I mean.