Kotebetta is the third highest peak in Coorg after Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri. An ideal trek destination! It measures around 5,400 ft. Located in Hattihole, it is around 15 km from Madikeri, in between Somwarpet and Madikeri. The name of the hill has been derived from the Kannada word, meaning Fort Hill. Locals believe that the famous Pandava brothers spent a significant period of their exile here; so much so that they had built several stone houses that still remain in areas of Coorg. Kotebetta also has an ancient Shiva Temple and devotees during the festival season throng the premises.
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Following are the pick-up points & timings:
Considered as one the best weekend getaways from Bangalore, Kotebetta is around 282 km from the bustling city. PTU will ensure that you have an amazing time during the journey. We’ll have a brief orientation session along with some ice-breaking sessions to ensure that you get to know your fellow mates well.
Welcome to the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg! The beauty of nature will embrace you and the lush green Western Ghats will leave you spellbound. While Coorg is quite a popular town now, you’ll soon realize that your destination is still a virgin one, yet to be discovered by many!
The trail starts from the Hattihole Junction where you board jeeps and head off to the starting point of the trek. After about 8kms of a bumpy and adventurous jeep ride, you will walk along jeep trail for about 3kms. The trail is pretty dense, with a variety of flora alongside the path. You will see the coffee plantations, gusty streams and local houses along the trail.
Moving further up, you will get the first view of Coorg Valley. On one hand, you will see a scenery that is irresistible – the thick green wilderness of Mandalpatti and on the other side, you will see the beautiful meadows making way up to the hill. The birdwatchers can also spot different species of birds here.
Walking a little further, you now move into denser forests, with several water streams flowing during the monsoons. You can hear a gush of water throughout the trail, and the sweet melodious chirping of birds and quirky sounds of insects while you walk along.
A small left turn will leave you off the trail and a further right after 0.5kms, you’ll turn to a rocky path taking you to Kotebetta. This path has several rocky patches, which one has to take care of during the rainy days as they would turn slippery. You’ll then reach the ridge, where you can witness the jaw-dropping view of Coorg. Facing towards Kotebetta, on your left, you see the breathtaking beauty of Mandalpatti, Coorg and on to your right, you can see the beautiful town of Somvarpet and the turquoise waters of Harangi Dam.
After experiencing the ridge walk, you now reach Echo Valley. It’s called ‘Echo Valley’ because no matter what you say, you can hear it echoing back!
Further ahead, a small climb will take you to the Maha Dvara of Kotebetta. Maha Dvara means the entrance gate to the Shiva Temple. The Shiva Temple is just at the foot of the Kotebetta. The views of the Mother Nature from the temple will completely soothe your senses. If you walk around the Shiva Temple and tap on the rocks you will find a rock which would make an unusual noise giving you an indication of a cave beneath the surface. Well, the entrance to the cave is still a mystery! Exploring the Shiva Temple furthermore, one can also spot two small ponds – one pond used by the locals here for the rituals performed during festivals and another used by the animals. The water in these ponds is considered to be very holy and pure.
The Kotebetta Summit is now just a few steps away. Walk along the meadows and you finally be at the summit at the third highest peak in Coorg. Witness the earth kissing the sky at the horizon, and take a moment for yourself.
If you want, you can dip your feet in the pristine water of the dam.
Later, we’ll start our trek back. Reach the homestay and hot dinner will be served. Enjoy the best of your time around the campfire, with your new friends.
Come – discover nature differently with us!
Mallalli Falls lies at the foot of Pushpagiri Hill Ranges, where Kumaradhara river takes a plunge over 200 feet. The falls is situated in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet Taluk of Coorg.mallalli waterfalls Mallalli Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Coorg. One would not disagree if someone says Mallalli Falls better than Abbey Falls. This River flows down to Mangalore through Kukke Subrahmanya.
