The Trekkers’ Paradise at Wayanad
Text: Deepa NP
Photography: Ali Malapuram
Brahmagiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of South India, a scenic tourist attraction. It is situated on the border between Kodagu district in Karnataka and Wayanad district in Kerala. One among the highest peaks of Kerala, Brahmagiri is rich in flora and fauna and offers the nature lovers many sights to explore. The hills rise up to the height of 5276 feet above sea level and offer a great view of the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that surround the hills. It is one of the most formidable, most beautiful peaks of Kerala.
If you are a trekker, embark on an exciting trek to the lovely hills of Brahmagiri to experience the essence of adventure. Of course, it is a trekkers’ paradise.
The trek begins at Thirunelli, home to the famous South Indian Thirunelli Temple. Permission must be taken by the Forest Range Officer prior to the trek.
Book accommodation at KTDC Resort, Thirunelli. There are a couple of homestays which can be used as the base camp of trekking. The Forest Guesthouse at Thirunelli is also a decent alternative.
The trekking starts around 9am and lasts for about six to seven hours. No one is allowed to go inside the reserved forest or start the trek without a guide. Trekking fees is Rs. 275 per person with an additional Rs. 200 as guide charge. You can have breakfast at the base camp and carry something as packed lunch. Out of the 6 km trekking distance, you walk through the evergreen dense forest for the first 3 km. The area encompasses of mainly evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and as the altitude increases you can find grasslands with shola forest patches
En route you are welcomed by battalions of leeches which you can overcome with the help of leech socks or tobacco powder.
Brahmagiri is a home to large herds of elephants. Elephant sightings are very common. You may also see the sambar deer, bison, tigers or leopards if you are lucky enough
After 3 km, you reach the Forest Department’s AntiPoaching Camp near the Watch Tower where you can rest and relax a little.
From the Watch Tower, the climb is a little steep for another 3 km but is full of awesome views. Every direction you turn to and you see marvellous views of green mountain ranges. As such, it’s really a photographer’s heaven. Sometimes the area gets misty and this makes it more wonderful
And from the top of the hill, you can have a panoramic view of both Karnataka and Kerala. Since there is no night camping at the peak, one needs to trek back to the base camp on the same day.
If you are enthusiastic about a Monsoon Trek, trek Brahmagiri during monsoon but, be equipped with a raincoat and other waterproof materials. Otherwise, go just after monsoon starting from mid-September. However, grasses wither from November and the sun could be warmer after December.
Thirunelli, the base camp of Brahmagiri is situated in Wayanad district of Kerala. The nearest town Mananthavady is 30 km away. Take a drive from Mananthavady to Thirunelly on the Mysore Road and take a turn from Kattikulam. It is worth an experience as it goes through dense forests and elephant sanctuaries
Being located at the border, Thirunelli can be accessed both from Kerala and Karnataka alike. It is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Kozhikode and 300 km from Kochi
Photographers and nature enthusiasts can visit the nearby Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary also. Kuruvadweep, a 950-acre protected river delta on the Kabini River is 27 km away. One can also visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with its four ranges namely Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty.
Iruppu Waterfalls in Karnataka is situated at a distance of 31km. The Laxman Tirtha, a tributary of Kaveri River originates from here.