INTRODUCTION:-

Though less known, Tadiandamol is one of the most beautiful treks of South India.Tadiandamol is the highest peak in the Coorg or Kodagu district 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 nice and comfortable,winding the Mysore highway and into the city of Mysore before entering Coorg. Includes 1 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 you take 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 you will have a comfortable ride of half an hour Follow the same route even if you are going to use your own vehicle.Drive to Virajpet and to Kabinakad Junction Bus Stop. 

The GPS will guide you all the way,but the basic route is: Bangalore —> Mysore ORR (Escape from the city) —> Hunsur —> Gonikoppal —> Virajpet —> Kabinakad Junction.The road is absolutely fine,and there are plenty of dining options on Mysore Road,as well as after.Driving in Coorg will be a treat for your eyes.

WHERE TO STAY/EAT:-

Now,once you get down at Kabbinakad Junction,you need to reach your home stay,Honey Valley You have 2 options here:Either trek till home stay (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).

Basically,you just keep walking in and around the plantation.Remember that although not to lose your way,it should not be difficult to find 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),do some bird and macro photography if you want. Relax and enjoy your stay the way you can!Let us specifically tell you about the 2 routes that lead to Tadiandamol.The longer,but more picturesque route leaves Honey Valley itself, 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 route starts near Nalkanad Mahal,which is about 3-4 kms 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, especially to support your knees while coming down.

Other things that come in handy for a trek:

a flashlight if it gets dark while coming down,hat/cap/sunguard if the clouds don’t cover it enough. The sun can be hard on you, a pair of tough 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, but 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, according to me, September to February should be a good season to enjoy the scenery there! The best time should be immediately after the rain.

IMP:-

In late 2019,Naxalites have been observed in Tadiandamol and its surrounding areas. So before deciding to go on the above trek please ask around you and be absolutely sure about your safety.