Wildlife & Trekking Diaries

Planning the trek Checked 27 October 2026 Start: Kumbakarai Falls reception point (Google Maps) . The route goes through Vellagavi to Kodaikanal. The climb: Trek Tamil Nadu rates this as Tough: 14 km one way, with 12 hours of trekking. We did it over two days and stayed overnight at Eagles Nest. Price: The Trek Tamil Nadu booking page showed ₹2,999 + 5% GST . This includes the permit, guide, insurance on the route, tented accommodation and three meals. Transport to the starting point is extra. Before you book: Check the dates, starting time, access, water supply and help with carrying bags. Water and the weight of my bag made a big difference on our trip. The trek from Kumbakkarai Falls through Vellagavi to Kodaikanal was one of the toughest I have done. We started at roughly 400 metres above sea level and finished near 2,150 metres, going from a hot, exposed climb to heavy rain and then a cool morning in the hills. Practical notes for this route: My trip le...

Planning the Thirunelli trek Checked 27 October 2026. My trip was in 2023. Start: The Forest Department camp shed near Thirunelli ( Google Maps ). The climb: About 10 km up and down to Brahmagiri Peak, at 1,608 m. Allow more than three hours for the steep climb. Timings: Official pages give a 7:30 a.m. start and last entry at 10 a.m., with Monday and Friday closures. Fees: The Forest Ecotourism page showed ₹3,550 for five ; Kerala Tourism showed ₹2,400 for five plus ₹315 for each additional person . The figures differ, so ask Forest Ecotourism for the amount, guide availability, access and weather conditions before you go. Tirunelli Temple(Brahmagiri peak in the background) We did this trek from Thirunelli in Wayanad in 2023. The route took us through the forest to the watchtower and then up the grassy ridge to Brahmagiri Peak. The climb was demanding, and the trekking poles helped on the way down. ...

Muthyala Maduvu: access and facilities Where: Near Anekal, about 40 km from Bengaluru. Access: Stay within the permitted waterfall area. The route beyond it is not allowed. We went farther by mistake and reached another dry falls area. Water: The flow is usually low. On my visit, there was noticeable water at the falls only when the small dam overflowed. Facilities and fees: Boating and Pearl Valley accommodation were available on my visit. Current opening hours and entry fees have not been verified. Introduction Muthyala Maduvu/Pearl Valley is a popular tourist destination located just 40 km away from Bangalore(five kms from Anekal). Offering attractions such as a small lake, boating, and waterfalls, it's a great place for a weekend getaway. This is a very important elephant corridor connecting kanakapura, Bannergheta National Park and Krishnagiri. One Sunday afternoon in February we decided to visit this place. The Waterfalls We reached the destination by 3 PM and inqu...