The short answer
Tadiandamol Trek: what visitors should know first
Go if you are fit for about 12 km return with a steep summit section, and book on Aranya Vihaara. Start early: no one may pass the forest checkpost after 2.30 pm. Older parents can visit Nalknad Palace at the foot of the hill instead.
History and context
The story behind Tadiandamol Trek
Tadiandamol, at 1,748 m, is the highest peak in Kodagu and the third highest in Karnataka. Its name is loosely translated from Kodava as 'broad hill'; the Nalknad Palace stands at its foot.
Useful facts
Tadiandamol Trek facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Kakkabe, Madikeri taluk, Kodagu
- Altitude
- 1,748 m (5,735 ft)
- Experience type
- Summit trek
- Known for
- Highest peak in Kodagu, shola and grassland
- Time or schedule
- About 12 km return; no entry after 2.30 pm
Why it matters
Why Tadiandamol Trek is worth your time
Tadiandamol is the highest point in Kodagu and one of the classic Western Ghats day treks, with a mix of plantation, shola forest and grassland that shows the region's layers in a single walk.
Karnataka has tightened forest trekking rules in recent years, with online booking, fixed hours, a checkpost cut-off and closure in the fire season. Following them, and staying on the marked path, matters for safety as much as for the forest.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Nalknad Palace
The old palace at the foot of the hill makes a good start or a gentle alternative.
- 02
Shola forest
Patches of stunted mountain forest shelter streams in the folds of the hill.
- 03
Summit ridge
The grassy top is the highest point in Kodagu.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Most people start from the road near Nalknad Palace, above Kakkabe; vehicles can shorten the first stretch of road. From the forest checkpost the trail climbs through coffee and pepper estates into shola forest, then on to open grassland ridges, with the Forest Department's orange markers on the trees.
The round trip is about 12 km, with roughly four to five hours up and three down. The final climb to the summit, at 1,748 m (5,735 ft), is steep and grassy. On a clear day the views run over the Kodagu hills and the coastal plains.
Carry plenty of water, food and a rain layer, and be at the checkpost well before 2.30 pm; aim to be back at the base by dusk. Camping on the hill has been banned since 2016.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book on Aranya Vihaara at least a day ahead
- Reach the checkpost early; no entry after 2.30 pm
- Carry ID, water and a rain layer
- Follow the orange trail markers
- Closed around April to June for fire risk
- No camping on the hill
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Kakkabe and Nalknad Palace, Madikeri taluk
- Time needed
- A full day; about 6 to 7 hours return
- Best time
- September to February; trekking is closed from about April to June for fire risk, and the monsoon is wet and leech-prone
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The trail is long, with a steep, exposed final climb and a knee-testing descent, so older travellers should attempt it only if they are very fit. The easy option is Nalknad Palace and the coffee country around Kakkabe at the foot of the hill, where older parents can wait while the rest of the family climbs.
- Tickets and access
- Booking is through the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara portal (Kodagu district, listed as Tadiyandmole Trek), at least a day ahead. Show ID at the forest checkpost. Trekking hours are about 6 am to 6 pm, and entry past the checkpost closes at 2.30 pm. The trek is closed in the fire season (around April to June). Confirm current fees, guide rules and dates on the portal.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tadiandamol Trek
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The trail is long, with a steep, exposed final climb and a knee-testing descent, so older travellers should attempt it only if they are very fit. The easy option is Nalknad Palace and the coffee country around Kakkabe at the foot of the hill, where older parents can wait while the rest of the family climbs.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long is the Tadiandamol trek?
About 12 km return from near Nalknad Palace, taking six to seven hours.
Is Tadiandamol open now?
It is booked through Aranya Vihaara and closes in the fire season, around April to June. In October 2026 the portal showed slots available; check before you travel.
Can you camp on Tadiandamol?
No. Camping has been banned since 2016, and you must be back at the base by dusk.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Tadiandamol
- Kerala Kaumudi: Tadiandamol trek guide
- Aranya Vihaara (Karnataka Forest Department booking)
- Elneeru: Aranya Vihaara trek availability
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
