Mandalpatti

Overlooking the grassy knolls of Pushpagiri forests in the Western Ghats, Mandalpatti is a spectacular and unique vantage point in Coorg, Karnataka. Huddled at an altitude of 1800 m, this place mesmerises all those who visit it. Also known by the name of ‘Muguli-Peth’ (translated in English as the market of clouds), the place’s relentless tranquility and inexhaustible wonder will soothe you and make you want to visit over and over. There’s nothing quite like perching atop this mountain as you watch birds hovering over distant hills. The spot is especially famous for the view it offers at sunrise and sunset, when the distinct red and pink hue of the sun rays filters through numerous clouds, making the sight unearthly yet beautiful.

If you're making a visit to Coorg and have come to enjoy your experience with the place but are still left wanting for more, take a bumpy ride through coffee estates and tricky bends to this charming pocket of nature and add a perfect finishing touch to your memorable trip!

Things to Do

1. Trekking

If you're thrilled by the adrenaline rush of scaling tricky mountains on foot, then trekking all the way from the base to the hilltop of Mandalpatti is the right activity for you. The trek is about 200 m high, but don't let that relatively small height let you underestimate the difficulty! The winds in these parts are fierce and you might have difficulty staying afoot, so be careful. Nevertheless, trekking to Mandalpatti as you get to pause at whim and soak in the vast panorama of hills nearby is an experience of its own!

2. Jeep Ride

Mandalpatti is prominently associated with the 4x4 jeep rides the Forest Department recommends all tourists to the hilltop take. This, of course, the classic way of making it to the vantage point. The appeal of a lurching jeep ride as the engine thrums and the vehicle snakes through the sharp bends amidst coffee plantations and forests is irresistible! Even if you end up trekking on the way up, it is nevertheless recommended that you don't miss out on the experience of this jeep ride. The Jeep Ride cost INR 1700 per jeep.

3. Nature Sightseeing

Once you have made your way to the top, you can observe the distant hills from the watchtower built by the forest department. This is the much famed vantage point where the views at sunrise and sunset are breathtaking. There is an entry fees of INR 25 here. If you're fond of nature photography, then this is your call to bring out your cameras!

Accomodation and Conveyance

Mandalpatti is on the fringes of civilisation and is easily the remotest tourist spot in Coorg. Subsequently, there is not many places to lodge at. Those eager to extend the length of their stay can camp at night, although the presence of wild animals in the forests nearby perhaps makes it inadvisable to do so. Furthermore, the closest eateries from here all lie on the way from Madikeri, so it is best to carry one's own food and water as well as other supplies while visiting Mandalpatti. Furthermore, take care to time your travel so that you are able to reach between 6 AM and 6 PM the site remains closed at all other times in the day.

The perfect icing on the cake of your trip to Coorg, an excursion to the tranquil and scenic Mandalpatti is your chance to get mesmerised by some of the most gorgeous hillscapes that Indian tourism has to offer!