A place where the clouds dance with us sharing our joy of conquering the peak. Situated in the so called "Scotland of India-Coorg" this peak stands tall at an altitude of about 5700feet above sea level. Its the highest mountain of the Kodagu district of Karnataka India. I did this trek with my nephew, it was his first big trek. An overnight bus journey from Bangalore to Virajpet and then another bus from Virajpet towards Kakkabe where we alighted at the Armane stop.
The one way distance starting from Armane to the peak is around 8kms which takes about 4-5 hours of climbing. The initial trail is fairly easy but steep at some points and goes through beautiful coffee estates till the forest department.
The forest department officers collect an amount of Rs50 from each trekker for the forest entry. The trail from here onwards is a mix of Shola forest, beautiful green meadows, rocky terrain and a small waterfalls near the big rock which is the last water source.
The inclination gradually increases, the trail becomes narrow and steep and view's much more enchanting. Reaching the top takes a good 2-3hrs climb from the forest department.
A few years back this was a camping site for Tadiandamol Trek but lately camping at this spot is banned because a tiger was spotted in a camera trap set near it. Exactly at the mid point of Tadiandamol Trek lies this big rock which is a resting point. The person sitting atop this huge rock is Mr. Thammaiah who works for the forest department. A very humble man with whom I had a few good talks while trekking. He has spent half his life staying on this mountain and working for the forest department and he also runs a small cafe opposite the forest office where he sells maggie, coffee, tea and few other things.
The clouds stand waiting to greet and hug us at the peak and the astonishing views from the peak is nothing but the achievement for the day which will make a place in our memories for a life time.
After climbing down back to the forest office we had to find a camping site to pitch our tent. Finding a good campsite to pitch the tent was a bit difficult. Mr. Thammaiah, the person sitting atop the big rock offered us a patch of land to pitch our tent near his abandoned old house which was very close to the forest office. He cleaned the patch of land of the dead leaves and twigs and also set a campfire. Camping in the wilderness is an amazing experience. If you planning to do this trek and need a campsite you can contact him at this number +919972483994. He will charge a very nominal amount for pitching the tent and will make sure you have an amazing camping experience
At the end I would just like to say -
Khudko Khudse Riha Karlo,
Yaha Pahaad Azaad Hai,
Yaha Baadal Azaad Hai,
Yaha Ped Azaad hai,
Yaha Panchi Azaad hai,
Tum Khudko Bhi Azaad Karlo,
Apne Aap Ko Khudse Riha Karlo...!!!