Brahmagiri Hills, Coorg - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 85 km from Madikeri and 10 km from Irupu Falls, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka state and is part of the Western Ghats. It is situated on the border of Wayanad district of Kerala and Kodagu district in Karnataka. It is one of the famous sites for trekking in Karnataka and also one of the popular places of trekking in Coorg.

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974. Situated at an altitude of 5357 feet, the sanctuary is spread across 181 Sq. km. The sanctuary derives its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri Peak, which lies at an altitude of about 1607 m. The vegetation in the low-lying areas is predominantly evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, while shola grasslands cover the higher altitudes. The undulating terrain is dotted with several steep valleys and hillocks.

Elephant, gaur, tiger, jungle cat, leopard cat, wild dog, sloth bear, wild pig, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, Nilgiri marten, common otter, brown mongoose, civet, porcupine, and pangolin are the common wildlife spotted at the sanctuary. Python, cobra, king cobra, malabar pit viper are some of the reptiles found in the sanctuary. Birds in the sanctuary include emerald dove, black bulbul and Malabar trogon.

Brahmagiri Peak, towers over the sanctuary, is a major tourist attraction and is also quite popular among the trekkers. The hill is abundant in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The 10 km Brahmagiri trek starts from Irupu Falls. Capming is allowed only at Narimala Forest Camp which is on the mid way to Brahmagiri Peak (about 5 km from Irupu falls & 1.5 to 2 hours one way). Brahmagiri Peak is about 5 km from Narimala Camp (2 hours one way). The first part of the trek from Irupu to Narimala runs through thick forest & some grasslands and relatively moderate. The later part from Narimala to Brahmagiri Peak is mostly through grasslands & steep mountains and is little tough.

There are a lot of small streams on the trek path and water is not an issue. The usual trek itinerary involves night stay at Narimala Camp on Day 1 and visit to the Brahmagiri Peak on Day 2 including the return journey to Irupu Falls. Narimala Peak is another interesting peak about 1.5 km from Narimala Camp and can be visited on Day 1 after camping. From Brahmagiri Hills, there are different trekking paths to reach Pakshipatalam / Munikal Cave and decent on Kerala side near Thirunelly Temple. It is also possible to trek the hill and return on the same day if the permission, guide and other arrangements are made in advance. However, it would be hectic to complete this trek in one day.

Permission for trekking needs to be taken in advance from Range Forest Officer (RFO) at Srimangala village (10 km from Irupu). Guide can be hired near Irupu Falls.

Entry Fee: Rs. 275 per head for Permission & Stay