Kodagu, the coffee plantation district is virtually one continuous trekking territory. Trekking in Coorg means walking through lush forests, stopping for lunch at a riverbank and swimming under waterfalls. The Coorg hills offer enthralling views of lush green valleys of abundant rosewood, silver oak and cascading waterfalls. The Kodagu region is full of trekking trails. The best season to trek is from October to the beginning of February.

The greenery in all its verdant hues round the year, the hills and forests, the plantations, the rivers Cauvery, Barapole and Lakshmanteertha and the wildlife sanctuary, Nagarahole, all concoct and form an unbelievable Utopia of natural beauty, that a mere walk anywhere is able to reassure you that Nature in its most pristine form is within the reach of your imagination and means. All one has to do is to discover and drink in this beauty — slowly.

Trekking in Thadiandamol

Visitors can trek to the top of Tadeyendamol, the highest peak in the region and view the Arabian Sea at a distance. Or else, one may simply follow the mountain trails dotted with little shrines-some beside waterfalls and others on the banks of rivers. An interesting trail leads from Chelavara village through the Emmepare Falls, Baliatra falls, Thadiandamol peak, the ruins of the Nalakkanad palace to the Iguthappa peak, which has a shrine of Lord Subramanya set in a mystical location.

Irpu Falls to the Brahmagiri Hill trek

The Brahmagiri mountain range is a popular trekking area, and the trek from Irpu Falls to the Brahmagiri Hill (at 1608 m) is famous. The 60-m high Irpu Falls look at their most astonishing just after the rainy season in November/December. Brahmagiri is the origin of the Cauvery river that runs through Karnataka, and the river's source in Talacauvery is a major pilgrimage centre.

Makutta to Neelampole trek

Another trail around the Barapole river leads from Makutta through the reserve forest to a jungle pool called Neelampole. Thick bamboo forests skirt the river banks and this is dense elephant territory. The falls present a stunning sight during the monsoons.

Trek in Pushpagiri hills

Another interesting trail leads to Pushpagiri (1712m), which is Kodagu's second highest peak. It can be climbed via the village of Heggademane to the north of Madikeri.

Nagarhole National Park trek

The favourite places for trekking are the Nagarhole National Park along with the Irpu and Abbi Falls. Those who would prefer not to do all the walking themselves can always opt for an elephant back safari in the Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park). The thick tropical forest is home to tigers and wild elephants, but langur monkeys, wild boar and deer are more common sights.

Bhagamandala trek

Another favourite locale for trekking is near one of the most magnificent temples at Bhagamandala, the place where the Cauvery, after descending the Brahmagiri Mountain, meets with the Sujoythi and the Kanike rivers.