Mandalpatti Peak Trek - 5 Best Things to Know

If you are visiting Coorg (also called Madikeri) then a visit to Mandalpatti Peak is an absolute must. Nestled in the picturesque Sahyadris in the Western Ghats of India, The scenery and view offered by Mandalpatti Peak transports you to a different plane altogether.

By design Madikeri itself is renowned for its breathtaking views and serene surroundings, but a drive to Mandalpatti Peak will take all of this a notch higher. In fact, a visit to Mandalpatti will add that touch of adventure to your otherwise tranquil and relaxed trip to Coorg. So without much adieu, here is everything you need to know about Mandalpatti.

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How to Reach Mandalpatti Peak

Mandalpatti Peak lies inside the Forest Area and comes under the purview of the Forest Department. As such you need permits to reach the point.

From Madikeri, you can take a cab or hire a car to reach the Mandalpatti junction. The distance is about 11 km and it takes about 30 mins or half an hour. The Mandalpatti Peak is at a distance of about 5 km from Mandalpatti junction which is situated at Y junction of Abbey Falls and Mandalpatti.

Once you reach the Y junction, you can hire a jeep to Mandalpatti Peak. Alternatively, you can also drive down in your own car. But given the road, you cannot ride to the peak in just any car, you need to drive in a 4X4.

Best time to Visit Mandalpatti

If you want amazing views from Mandalpatti Peak, the ideal time to visit is monsoon. During the rainy season, the Nilgiris are covered in lush greenery, and that, against the backdrop of beautiful blue skies makes for a truly relaxing and eye-pleasing experience.

But be sure to visit only when the rain has just started like early June. During the intense monsoon season that is prevalent in the months of July to September, this road is prone to be slippery and chances of accidents are high. The last 5 km up to Mandalpatti Peak is made up of a narrow and unkempt road (since it lies inside a forest area), and the ride can get extremely dangerous. this is not the ideal time to visit with the elderly or with children.

The next best season to visit would be the winter months from November to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Mandalpatti Trek Experience

If you are traveling with the elderly or with children, please avoid the jeep ride to Mandalpatti. The road is terrible, indeed it is apt for offroading experience with ATVs and is certainly going to cause discomfort to people with back issues/ joint issues and other health issues.

Once you reach the Y junction of Abbey Falls and Mandalpatti, you can hire a jeep from there. They charge Rs. 2500 for 7 people. The 4X4 jeeps ply here. You can also take your own SUV for the drive but private vehicles other than SUVs will not be allowed(in the last 3 km of the road i.e. from the forest checkpoint). You will be required to take a permit from the Forest Department checkpost, which is on the way to Mandalpatti Peak.

The Peak is about 5 km from this junction, and it takes nearly an hour to reach there. Along the way, there is the Forest Department checkpoint where you need to take a permit for your car and also pay Rs. 50 per person for parking and entry charges near the peak.

The ride to the Peak and back can be adventurous as the road is rugged. Once you reach the Peak, there is a parking area, and the jeeps allow you about an hour to go up the steps to the viewpoint. The view from the viewpoint is truly worth the entire travel. You can see panoramic views of the Sahyadris. The entire to-and-fro journey to the peak will take about 2.5 hours.

While the most common way tourists explore Mandalpatti is via a jeep or SUV ride, there is another option of trekking up to the peak. For this, you can take your private vehicle up to the forest checkpoint, and then trek on foot for the last 3 km of the route. You will still need to pay for a permit to visit the peak.

Few Tips to make the Experience a memorable one

Timing: Consider visiting Mandalpatti during the early morning or late afternoon to catch the stunning sunrise or sunset views. The lighting during these times creates magical hues over the landscape.
Clothing and Gear: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for trekking. Carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. A light jacket or shawl might be handy as the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the higher altitudes.
Photography: Mandalpatti offers incredible panoramic views, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture mesmerizing landscapes. Ensure your devices are fully charged or carry a power bank.
Respect Nature: Mandalpatti is a pristine natural environment, so be mindful of littering and follow Leave No Trace principles. Respect the flora and fauna, and avoid disturbing the ecosystem.
Leave No Trace: Lastly, ensure you leave Mandalpatti as pristine as you found it. Dispose of waste responsibly and leave minimal impact on the environment to preserve its beauty for future visitors.

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