Tadiyandamol means highest point in Kodava language, this peak is the highest one in the Coorg district situated near Virajpet about a 30kms away on the way to Napoklu, Bhagamandala. This peak just adjacent to the Makutta forest. On the way you also get a old palace called 'Nalku Naadu Aramane'. There are apparently 18 trek routes to get to the peak, the most common one's being the 'Honey Valley route' and the 'Palace route'. The former being a longer and scenic route and the later the shorter version that leads you straight to the peak. The 'Honey Valley' route is not open to back packers and other trekking enthusiasts unless and until you have a reservation at their home stay.
At a height 1740m, Tadiyandamol is the second highest peak in Karnataka. The peak belongs to the group of taller peaks between Himalayas in the north and Nilgiris in the South. Tadiyendamol is a part of the range of Western Ghats that lie in Coorg District of Karnataka. This range experiences a salubrious climate through out the year. Elephants, bison, tigers, wild cats, and variety of birds habitat the thick vegetation. Plenty of waterfalls and natural springs adorn the valleys. The flora & fauna of Coorg add to the beauty of the valley. Most of the natural vegetation around the peak in this range is taken over by Plantation growers and converted to Plantations of coffee, pepper, cardamom, beetle leaves, and areca nut. The forest department well maintains the forest range with early burning of weeds and shrubs, planting trees to re-grow the forest and maintenance of trees. The effort of the association of forest guards and local people in maintaining this forest range is commendable
we started from bangalore at around 5:00PM due to delay by prithvi and sandeep tuppad.
Along with me, were bhagyesh and gowtham to join trek.we were late by a hour and we had to pay the price for it. By the time we reached the base of the peak it was already 11:30 AM.
To gain some distance we too the car uphill through plantation route. That saved us valuable 1and 1/2 hour climb and lot of energy too. Yes my cars clutch plate was smelling big time on uphill.
we started from bangalore at around 5:00PM due to delay by prithvi and sandeep tuppad.
Along with me, were bhagyesh and gowtham to join trek.we were late by a hour and we had to pay the price for it. By the time we reached the base of the peak it was already 11:30 AM.
To gain some distance we too the car uphill through plantation route. That saved us valuable 1and 1/2 hour climb and lot of energy too. Yes my cars clutch plate was smelling big time on uphill.
Initial climb was gradual and we too it casual thinking its too easy. I was tired of driving and no sleep and it started reflecting on my body. I had to take frequent stops even on these easy route.
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| From L to R Gowtham, Tuppad and Me. |
Bhagyesh,tuppad and gowtham were enjoying the climb. We still had one guy who did'nt cared for anyone and went to top alone.
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| Trail to the peak initially is very easy. |
We used Bhagyesh's GPS unit. We marked the hieghest point of the peak from google earth. Though it will not be accurate but can give some fair idea.
By the time it was 1:00PM I was tired of sun and was lagging behind big time
It was 1:00Pm and I started getting cramps, I drank enough of water but it was too hot to try this peak. On top of that I have been driving from 3:00AM.
After some good amount of walk there is sudden ascent through forest cover. This part protects from sun but the climb is so steep that it nullifies the effect of shade. I took more breaks in this part than usual.
After some half an hour climb through forest, gives you the glimpse of final peak. From here on it will be just grass land and direct sun and indeed quite steep.
Gowtham was with me throught and he too was tired.
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| Me and Gowtham resting en route. |
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| And finally we got glimpse of our guy who ran to top. |
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| Tuppad and prithvi just at summit. |
After struggling for another 1 hour me and gowtham reached to top. It was indeed a herculean task for both of us. I was weighing 93Kgs for this trek and with luggage and water would have mde me touch 100Kg.
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| final summit |
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| At last we made it with great difficulty |
This place is not suitable for camping on top. No water availability and heavy winds will ruin entire night. No firewood is available at near top. We started our descend at about 4:30PM which was exactly 45 minutes from arrival to peak by final guy.
it took us more 1 and half hour to reach to the place where car was parked.
Overall experience great and would like to attempt this trek in future again.
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| team without me. |
