A Complete Guide to the Brahmagiri Peak Trek

The Brahmagiri Peak Trek is one of the most rewarding treks in Karnataka. With lush forests, flowing streams, open meadows, and a thrilling summit, it offers the full Western Ghats experience.

It starts from the quaint village of Kurchi, at the southern tip of Coorg, right on the Karnataka-Kerala border. Immediately beyond the trailhead near the Rameshwara Temple at Iruppu, you enter a dense forest of tall Bedd trees and age-old strangler figs.

The trek takes you deep into the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, following the Laxman Teertha River to its source. Chirping birds, many rare species endemic to the Western Ghats, and darting Malabar Giant Squirrels welcome you from the dense canopy above. Then, suddenly, the canopies open and you stand amidst vast, rolling meadows. Trekking through a mosaic of meadows and shola forest patches, you pass the historic Narimale Forest Rest House and cross the Negilu Hole stream.

Beyond Negilu Hole, the forests fade away completely. From here, you trek entirely amidst the shola grasslands. Elephant droppings, tiger pugmarks, and galloping sambar deer—wildlife is everywhere on this stretch.

This is why having Forest Department Guides on this trek is mandatory. Do not venture alonetrust their experience and follow instructions. If the guides apprehend elephants, tigers or leopards on the track, you may have to turn back.

The Brahmagiri Peak appears suddenly beyond a bend in these grasslands. It towers above you, rising sharply from the meadows. Its steepness is striking. Tackling this final 500 ft climb after a 10 km trek to the base is a true endurance test.

But the rewards are just as magnificent. You get sweeping views of Karnataka’s highest peaks from the summit—Mullayangiri, Baba Budangiri, Kumara Parvatha—and the distant Kudremukh range. On a clear day, you can spot Tamil Nadu’s Doddabetta, Kolaribetta, Mukurthi Peak, and Kerala’s Bansura and Chembra.

Surprisingly, few trekkers know about this stunning trek.

At the Rameshwara Temple trailhead, only Iruppu Waterfalls is mentioned—there’s no sign of the Brahmagiri Peak Trek. So the trail sees just a handful of trekkers, giving you a rare sense of solitude. While we hope more trekkers experience Brahmagiri—responsibly—the seclusion it offers is a reward in itself.

Can beginners attempt the Brahmagiri Peak Trek? The Brahmagiri Peak Trek is a tough one. It’s long, with constant ascents and descents. While the meadows offer a flat stretch, the final climb to the peak is brutal—you gain over 500 ft in just 500 meters, often under the harsh mid-day sun. It’s a true test of endurance. Extremely fit beginners can attempt it, but we recommend prior trekking experience in the Western Ghats before taking on Brahmagiri. However, there is a shorter and easier access to this peak from the Thirunelly Temple in Kerala. If you are a beginner looking to do the Brahmagiri Peak Trek, try doing it from the Kerala side.

Total Trek Distance (round-trip, Iruppu to Iruppu): 20 km
Highest Point: 5,240 ft at Brahmagiri Peak

If you need a reference for assessing trek difficulty, it is similar in distance to the famous Kumara Parvatha Trek from the Kukke side. However, Kumara Parvatha involves a continuous ascent, while Brahmagiri offers long flat sections, making it slightly easier—until the final stretch. The last climb to Brahmagiri Peak is even more challenging than Kumara Parvatha’s notoriously steep final section.

Table of Content:

What to Watch out for

1.  The Beautiful Forest Section

The entire first section of the trail winds through dense forests—from the starting point to the Laskhmana Teertha River Origin Point. Towering trees and occasional streams cut through the landscape, constantly surrounding you. The forest canopy provides shade and a refreshing contrast to the open stretches ahead. In certain portions, the forest trail becomes narrow, with steep drops on one side, adding an element of thrill to the journey.

The trek to Brahmagiri Peak takes you through the pristine forests of Coorg's Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

2. The Shola Grasslands

Immediately after the Laskhmana Teertha River Origin Point, the dense forest ends and you find yourself in wide, open grasslands. This sudden shift from forests to rolling meadows is a stunning sight. Walking for hours amidst the tall grass swaying in the wind makes these grasslands one of the most memorable elements of your trek. You experience the shola grasslands at their finest, with undulating hills and dramatic skies forming a picture-perfect backdrop.

A wide, cleared patch stretches across the grasslands for miles—that’s the border between Kerala and Karnataka. Since the Brahmagiri Peak lies right on the Kerala-Karnataka border, you walk for kilometres through these grasslands, straddling both states.

On this trek, you walk through the iconic Shola Grasslands of the Western Ghats for hours. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

3. A Thrilling Summit Climb

Towards the end of your undulating walk through the grasslands, you suddenly see the giant shape of Brahmagiri peak rising steeply from the ground. As you near the base of the peak, the steepness of this section becomes more and more evident. A small shola forest patch offers brief shade, but after a 10 km walk to the base, this final ascent is a true test of endurance. The trail is covered in loose gravel, making it slippery and unstable. Step carefully and use your hands for balance.

The climb, covering 500 meters with an elevation gain of 500 feet, is extremely demanding but the rewards are unparalleled. You get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire landscape. The flat tops of all the undulating hills on the approach to Brahmagiri are also visible. 

From Karnataka’s highest peaks—Mullayangiri, Baba Budangiri and Kumara Parvatha to the distant Kudremukh range, you see them all from the summit.  On a very clear day, you even Tamil Nadu’s Doddabetta, Kolaribetta, and Mukurthi Peak, along with Kerala’s Bansura and Chembra.

The last section to Brahmagiri Peak is extremely steep. Climbing down from this summit can be more challenging than climbing up. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

The views you get during the climb and also from the top are surreal. Photograph by Anil Yekkala.

4. Presence of Wildlife

This trek takes you into the heart of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and as soon as you enter the first forest section, the presence of wildlife becomes apparent. Solar-powered fences line the trail, set up to prevent tigers, leopards and elephants from wandering into nearby villages. You may even spot the Malabar Giant Squirrel in the canopies. As you trek further, you start encountering elephant footprints and heaps of elephant dung, some of which are just a few hours old.
Further, as you reach the grasslands beyond the Narimale guesthouse, the signs become more prominent. These high grasslands are hotspots for wildlife movement.

Our documentation team spotted tiger pugmarks and observed a herd of Sambhar deer running across the hills. While descending from the Brahmagiri summit, we even saw a lone male elephant grazing on the slopes. Beyond these charismatic mammals, you are also treated to the constant chirping of rare birds, endemic to the Western Ghats.

This is why Forest Department Guides are mandatory on this trek—trust their guidance. The presence of elephants, tigers, or leopards on the track may require you to turn back.

Our documentation team spotted the pugmarks of a tigress on the Brahmagiri Trek. Photograph by Anitej.

We also spotted an elephant on the way down from the Brahmagiri Peak. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

5. Lakshman Teertha River Origin

Everyone knows about the famous Iruppu Falls. So much so that all boards mention only Iruppu Falls and have no mention of the Brahmagiri Peak Trek. But those who decide to go on the Brahmagiri trek get the privilege of witnessing the source of the Lakshman Teertha river, which meanders through the dense forests of Brahmagiri to eventually roar down as the Iruppu waterfall. The stream, after flowing through the famous Nagarhole National Park, joins the Cauvery at Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.

When you are on the trek, do not miss sipping on the fresh, cold water of Lakshman Teertha at its origin point. It is an experience on its own. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.


Suggested Itinerary

  • Arrive at Gonikoppa by 5 AM and plan to reach your stopover near Iruppu Falls Parking Area in Kurchi village by 6 AM. There are buses to Kutta from Gonikoppa that cross Iruppu on the way but they start plying only after 7 AM. It is better to take an auto from Gonikoppa to Iruppu or hire a car and reach your trek start point as early as possible.
    There are multiple homestays around Iruppu waterfalls, as it is a popular tourist place. Have breakfast, freshen up and also remember to pack lunch for your trek, as you won’t get any food on the trail. We recommend the Sherlock Homestay (Contact- 9741819999), which is just 500 m from your trek start point.

  • Reach the forest office at the starting point of the trek by 8 A.M. The forest office is right beside the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple.
    Get your documents verified by the forest personnel there. Follow the safety guidelines given by the forest personnel. Do not wear any red and white / bright outfits, as they attract wildlife, especially elephants. You’ll not be allowed to enter the forest wearing bright colours.

  • Guides are mandatory for this trek and available only after 8:30 AM. So, starting earlier is not logistically possible. But be fully prepared and start for the trek immediately after the guides arrive. Start the trek by 9 AM, do not delay beyond that.

    Pro-Tip: Book your permits from the Aranya Vihara Website, well in advance. Click on this link for further details on how to book your slots for your Brahmagiri Trek on the Aranya Vihara Website.
    After booking your permits online, call the Forest Office at Iruppu one or two days before your trek date. That will alert them about bookings for that particular day and arrange local guides for your team. You cannot enter this trek without the Forest Department Guides.
    Contact Details (Please call only after you have booked your permits and not before that):
    Naveen (Forest Officer): (+91) 8050521417
    Sudeep (Local Coordinator): (+91) 9663172355

    Guide Charges: Rs. 500 per guide
    One guide caters to a maximum of 8 people. If your group has more than 8 members, you must pay for multiple guides accordingly. This is mandatory.

  • Reaching the Brahmagiri peak can take anywhere between 3.5 - 4 hours. The first milestone would be the Narimale Anti-Poaching Center, which should be reached by 11 AM. Earlier, staying and camping were allowed at the Narimale Forest Rest House. This has been stopped and the entire 20 km trek from Iruppu to Iruppu must be completed on the same day.

  • From Narimale Camp, Brahmagiri Peak is around 6 km away which should be reached by 1 PM. The way back takes between 2.5 and 3.0 hours. Adding rest stops, water breaks and lunch breaks, the entire trek should be wrapped up in 8 hrs max. If you have started by 9 AM, plan to be back at the trek starting point by 5 PM.

  • Getting too late on the return might be risky. The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers and elephants. You see signs of their presence throughout the trail. So, prioritise getting back before it gets dark.

  • It is good to set a turnaround time of 1.30 PM. That is a cut-off time point, beyond which you begin to return no matter whether you have reached the summit or not.

    Setting a Turn Around Time helps because:
    1) It ensures safety on your trek by eliminating risks that come with lingering in a forested area after sundown.
    2) Having a cut-off time ensures that you manage your time better even if there are unforeseen delays in starting the trek.

  • Return to your homestay in Kurchi by 6-7 PM. Freshen up and reach Gonikoppa in time for dinner. From Gonikoppa, the last bus to Bangalore is at 11 PM, which will reach Bengaluru early morning the next day.


Detailed Trail Information


The trail to the Brahmagiri Peak takes you deep into the heart of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. You trek through beautiful forests, vast shola grasslands and cross beautiful streams. Wide open views of the Western Ghats await at the end of a thrilling summit climb. 

This trek can be divided into 4 sections :

  1. Iruppu Forest Check Post to Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point: 4 km | 1.5 hrs
  2. Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point to Negilu Hole Stream: 2.5 km | 1 hr
  3. Negilu Hole Stream to the Base of Brahmagiri Peak: 3 km | 1 hr 
  4. Steep Climb to Brahmagiri Peak: 500 m | 30-45 mins

Trail map of the Brahmagiri Peak Trek. This screenshot is from Google Earth. Find an interactive map, which you can use to navigate offline, embedded below.

Section I: Iruppu Forest Check Post to Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point

Trek distance: 4 km
Drive duration: 1.5 hrs

Your trek starts from the Forest Checkpost beside the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple. Here, the Forest Department guides will meet you to check your permits and IDs. They will give you a brief about the trek and set expectations—if you encounter wildlife like a tiger, leopard, or elephant on the trail, the trek will end, and you must turn back.

From the Forest Checkpost, the trek begins along a paved road. In 500 meters, you reach an iron bridge over a stream. This is the Lakshmana Teertha river. You will eventually see its origin point on this trek.

Immediately after crossing this bridge, cemented stairs start. They lead up to an archway that marks the entrance to Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Continuing along these stairs through the archway takes you to Iruppu Falls, but don’t take this route.

Instead, take a right turn just before the archway onto a narrow foot trail that winds through the forest. Notice the solar-powered wires hanging throughout the trail and tread carefully without touching them. These are designed to prevent wildlife from entering nearby villages and the Iruppu Falls area.

Ascend gradually along the demarcated track through the forest. At 500 meters, where the solar wires end, take a sharp left and keep climbing gradually for the next 10 minutes until you reach a stream. This stream is usually dry in other seasons but may have a significant flow during the monsoon. From here, the gradient becomes steeper.

About 700 meters from the stream, you reach a relatively flattish section. The forest gets denser, with tall trees forming a thick canopy overhead. Roots of these great trees crisscross the trail below. In 10 minutes, you arrive at another small stream, and suddenly, the canopy opens up beyond it. Tall trees vanish, and you find yourself walking through tall grass.

To your left, big hills become visible, but none of them are Brahmagiri. The sound of the Lakshmana Teertha River grows louder. This flat, open walk lasts for about 10 minutes, after which you re-enter the shady forests.

Inside this forest, the climb gets steeper. You arrive at a small muddy stream soon. Pay attention to the ground here—you might spot tracks of wild animals. You can spot deer, signs of elephants, and occasionally even tiger pugmarks in this area.

Continue along the trail for 100 meters and you will reach a point where the forest momentarily opens up on the left. For the first time, you get a clear view of the Lakshmana Teertha River, flowing through the valley below. From this point, ascend gradually for another 400 meters to reach a cement bridge, spanning over a rocky cascade.

The stream appears gentle in the drier months but transforms into a gushing waterfall during the monsoon— this is the origin point of the Lakshmana Teertha.

Your trek starts from the Iruppu Forest Check Post. The Brahmagiri Peak Trek is so less frequented that the trek is not mentioned anywhere at the Check Post. Photograph by Puneeth.

You see the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple at the trek start point. The Lakshmana Teertha stream flows right behind it. Photograph by Vivek Devadasan.

The staircase leading to Iruppu Waterfalls. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

Going straight through this archway takes you to Iruppu Waterfalls. You need to take a right from here to get on the trail to Brahmagiri. Photograph by Anil Yekkala.

Solar Wires in the forest to prevent elephants from coming into the village. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

Dense forests leading to the Lakshmana Teertha source. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

Elephant footprints in the forest. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

Cement bridge over the Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point. Photograph by Anil Yekkala.

Section II: Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point to Negilu Hole Stream

Trek Distance: 2.5 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr

Beyond the bridge over Lakshmana Teertha, the trail climbs steeply. A tangled network of roots crisscrosses the path, making the ascent more challenging. Within 10 minutes, you step out from the dense canopy under the open sky.

Vast meadows stretch out before you. Turning back, you see the thick forest canopies below. This is a stunning sight, especially in late winters when red and yellow leaves paint the landscape. Grassy hills now surround you, with the most prominent being the conical Narikonda on your right.

Climb steeply through this open expanse until you reach an exposed, windy slab. This is a nice spot to rest. You get sweeping views of Kopatti, Chamundi Hills, BR Hills, and even the famous Kumara Parvatha. Enjoy the wind and the panorama, but don’t take a very long break—the Brahmagiri Peak is still far.

Climbing past this resting spot, you reach the top of a tableland. The gradient levels out. In 300 meters, you arrive at a rusty iron watchtower. A small stream flows below this structure. Use the rough bamboo bridge, spanning across it, to carefully make your way across the stream.

Beyond the stream, you descend into shadowy canopies once more. Within five minutes after the stream crossing, you reach the Narimale Anti-Poaching Camp. It is surrounded by solar-powered electric fencing. The forest department guide will help you navigate through the fenced entrance and exit.

Just 100 meters past the camp, the forest clears, revealing expansive, open grasslands. At this transition point, you have a choice. Take a right to ascend the Narimale Peak, where you get your first sight of Brahmagiri. It looks distant and blue. From the Narimale viewpoint, you also see the Banasura Hills in Kerala and Kolaribetta in Tamil Nadu. If you prefer, skip this detour and continue straight toward Brahmagiri.

Descend from the viewpoint to rejoin the main Brahmagiri trail at a small shady forest stretch.  Just before entering this forest patch, a right diversion leads to Munikal Caves. But separate permits are required to do this trek. To reach Brahmagiri, follow the straight path, cross the forest patch and step onto vast open Shola Grasslands.

From here, the next hour-long walk to the base of Brahmagiri is entirely through undulating grasslands, with hills surrounding you in every direction. Follow the well-marked trail for another 10-15 minutes until you reach a stream, with a fallen log acting as a makeshift bridge.

This is Negilu Hole, the last water source on the way to the Brahmagiri Peak. It is a magical stream with crystal-clear water. Green algae coat the riverbed, and fallen leaves drift in the gentle current. But be cautious—crossing over the stream requires stepping on a fallen log. The water is deep, and a misstep can leave you completely drenched.

Fill your bottles here. It will keep you hydrated for the rest of the trek to the summit. The trail ahead passes entirely through open meadows with very little shade.

The meadows beyond Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point. Photograph by Vivek Devadasan.

After arriving in the open meadows from the forests, turn back to see the thick canopies below you. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

Narikonda Peak from the windy, rocky rest point. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

The Narimale Anti Poaching Camp. Photograph by Anil Yekkala.

Forests ahead of Narimale Camp, leading towards the Narimale viewpoint. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

Climbing to the Narimale Viewpoint. There, you see the Brahmagiri Peak for the first time. It appears blue in the distance. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

Crossing the Negilu Hole stream over a fallen log. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

Section III: Negilu Hole Stream to Base of Brahmagiri Peak

Trek Distance: 3 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr

Beyond Negilu Hole, the trail follows a fireline. Firelines are cleared stretches created by the forest department through controlled burning to prevent the spread of forest fires. You will see the ash beneath the grass as you walk on it.

Continue along the fireline for about half an hour. Since it is a flat walk, you will cover more than 2 km in that span and arrive at a fork. Take the left. Going straight leads into Kerala and not to Brahmagiri. As the trek is inching closer and closer to the Kerala border, you will see the state boundary marked by long, clear patches of land amidst the green rolling hills.

A few hundred meters after the fork, the Brahmagiri peak suddenly appears, towering to your right. This is the first close-up view of the peak since you first saw it from the Narimale Viewpoint. The climb ahead looks incredibly steep and daunting.

The wide trail through the grasslands narrows into a ledge walk, leading you to the base of the Brahmagiri Peak. After a 3 km walk from Negilu Hole, you now finally stand at the foot of Brahmagiri.

The final section looks intimidating. When you look up from the base, you just see the steep trail rising straight. The top of the hill is nowhere in sight—it feels almost unclimbable.

The open landscape beyond Negilu Hole. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

Walking along the fireline towards the base of Brahmagiri Peak. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

The grassy ledge walk after which Brahmagiri Peak appears on your right. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

The giant shape of Brahmagiri Peak rises from the meadows. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

Looking up at the steep climb leading to Brahmagiri Peak. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

Section IV: Steep Climb to Brahmagiri Peak

Trek distance: 500 m
Trek duration: 30-45 mins

The climb to Brahmagiri’s summit is steep, almost at a 45–50 degree incline. Within the first 100 meters, you enter a small patch of shola forest. Its shade provides some relief, but the trail becomes even steeper—now over 60 degrees. The gravel is also loose and slippery and you need to use your hands to maintain balance on this stretch.

Go slow, but stay steady. That is the only way to navigate this climb.

The small forest section ends within the next 150 meters. The remaining 250 meters to the summit is completely open, with no shade. The sun can be relentless, making the ascent even harder. Trust yourself. Just focus on the next step. In this final 500-meter stretch, you gain nearly 500 feet in elevation. It’s exhausting, but the effort is worth it.  When you finally reach the summit, the sense of achievement is incomparable.

The view from the top of Brahmagiri peak is breathtaking—360 degrees of rolling hills and towering peaks. On a clear day, you can see all the major summits of Karnataka, from Mullayangiri and Baba Budangiri to Kumara Parvatha, Tadiandamol, and even the distant Kudremukh range. You can also spot the tallest peaks of neighboring states—Doddabetta, Kolaribetta, and Mukurthi in Tamil Nadu, as well as the Banasura and Chembra in Kerala.

Looking down, you see the flat tops of the undulating hills that surround you on the way up. At 5,300 feet, you are now above all of them.  

Take a well-deserved break. Have lunch. Rest for a while before beginning the descent.

The way down is more challenging than the climb. Go slow. Trekking poles can be a huge help here. Once back at the base, take some time to recover before retracing your long journey back to the forest office.

The steep climb on gravel and loose stone. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

The climb is tiring but equally rewarding. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

The 360-degree view from the top. On a clear day, you can see all the major summits of Karnataka, from Mullayangiri and Baba Budangiri to Kumara Parvatha, Tadiandamol, and even the distant Kudremukh range. Photograph by Manasa Neechadi.

The Return

Returning to the base takes at least three hours. Stop at Negilu Hole and Lakshmana Teertha on the way back. Dip your hands in the cool, refreshing water—it washes away all the exhaustion. If time permits, visit Iruppu Falls. Otherwise, head straight back to the forest office. Make sure to reach by 6 PM. It’s unsafe to be in the forest after dark.

Descending from the peak can be more challenging than climbing up. Navigate this section with extra caution. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

Fill your bottles with the cool, refreshing water of the Negilu Hole stream while returning. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.


Best Time to do the Brahmagiri Trek

The Brahmagiri Peak is open from September till the end of February, but we recommend November to mid-February as the best time to do the trek.

During rains, crossing multiple streams becomes difficult and risky. The final 500m steep section to the summit is also extremely slippery right after the monsoons. With no support to hold onto, the climb and descent become even more challenging.

Since the monsoons retreat by October, it’s best to wait until November for drier trails. December onwards is the ideal time for this trek.

The trek involves walking through open meadows for almost 7-8 km at a stretch. So, in late February, the harsh summer sun can take its toll.

How to reach the Brahmagiri Trek


The Brahmagiri Trek starts from the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple in Kurchi Village, about 32 km from Gonikoppal. To reach the starting point, first arrive at the Gonikoppal Bus Stand. From there, take an auto or hire a cab that will drop you at Iruppu.

Gonikoppal is accessible by car or public transport. From Gonikoppal, buses to Kutta pass through Iruppu but they start plying only after 7 AM. It is better to reach Gonikoppal early and find your own transfer to Iruppu.

At Kurchi, there are many homestays near Iruppu Waterfalls where you freshen-up, have breakfast and even pack lunch for the trek. We recommend the Sherlock Homestay (Contact- 9741819999), which is just 500m from your trek start point.


How to Reach Brahmagiri Peak Trek from Bangalore by Car

Iruppu Rameshwara Temple, the starting point of the trek, is easily accessible by roads. There are many routes to reach Iruppu if you are driving from Bangalore. But we recommend driving via Kattikulam and Mananthevady. Even though this route is slightly longer than the usual route via Gonikoppal, the drive takes you through the forests of Begur and Nagarhole National Park. You even get magical views of the Kabini Reservoir.
Use this link to navigate the drive on Google Maps

How to Reach Brahmagiri Peak Trek from Bangalore by Public Transport

To reach the Iruppu Rameshwara Temple by bus, you first need to reach Gonikoppal. Multiple KSRTC and private buses operate between Bengaluru and Gonikoppal. We suggest taking an overnight Sleeper Bus from Bengaluru. This allows you to rest well before trekking to Brahmagiri the next day.

From Gonikoppal, there are buses to Kutta that pass through Iruppu but they start plying only after 7 AM. It is better to not wait for the bus and take your transfer to Iruppu as early as possible.

You will find autos at the Gonikoppal Bus Stand early in the morning. They charge anywhere between Rs 900 to Rs 1200 per vehicle to drop you at Iruppu. This can be shared by 3 team members.

Save the auto driver's contact. You can call them after the trek to drop you back at Gonikoppal Bus Stand. For the return journey, you can take any overnight bus from Gonikoppal to Bangalore. The last bus leaves from Gonikoppal at 11 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Brahmagiri Peak Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Brahmagiri Trek?

Yes. The Brahmagiri Peak falls inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. You need to book your slot from the Aranya Vihara portal, managed by the Karnataka State Government. It is listed under treks in Kodagu District. Only 300 slots are available per day and each permit cost Rs 350. Click on this link for further details on how to book your slots for your Brahmagiri Trek on the Aranya Vihara Website.

2. How difficult is the Brahmagiri Peak Trek?

The trek to Brahmagiri is about 10 km one-way. The final climb is extremely steep. Prior experience of trekking in the Western Ghats is recommended. If you need a reference for assessing trek difficulty, it is similar in distance to the famous Kumara Parvatha Trek from the Kukke side. However, Kumara Parvatha involves a continuous ascent, while Brahmagiri offers long flat sections, making it slightly easier—until the final stretch. The last climb to Brahmagiri Peak is even more challenging than Kumara Parvatha’s notoriously steep final section.

3. Can we camp in Brahmagiri?

No. You are not allowed to camp anywhere inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Brahmagiri trek?

There are no food stalls on the Brahmagiri Trek. The last food stalls are near the Iruppu Forest Check Post. Though there are two great water sources, the Lakshmana Teertha Origin Point and the Negilu Hole Stream, we strongly recommend you to carry enough water (2-3 litres) with you for the entire trek.

Tip: Carry purification tablets or life straw bottles in case you must drink from the sources along the way.

5. What is the distance of Brahmagiri Trek from Bangalore?

Kurchi village, which acts as base for the Brahmagiri trek, is about 260 km from Bangalore and is accessible by both private and public transportation means.

6. Can I do the Brahmagiri Trek alone?

No. Forest Department Guides are mandatory on this trek.

What to pack for the Brahmagiri Trek

Places to Visit After Completing the Brahmagiri Peak Trek

  1. Iruppu Waterfalls: The Iruppu Waterfalls is also known as Lakshmana Tirtha falls, as it carries the waters of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the famous Cauvery River. There is a hike of about 1 Km from the parking area to reach the falls. The starting point of the Waterfall hike is the same as the trek to Brahmagiri up to the point where you reach an arch. The trek to the peak trail deviates to the right from the arch while the straight path leads to the waterfall.
  2. Nagarhole National Park: Nagarhole National Park (the entry gate at Kutta is just 12 Kms from Iruppu) is a Tiger and Elephant habitat covering around 847 Sq. Kms and offers safari rides in the national park. You can choose between Jeep and Bus for the ride. The rates may also vary accordingly. Tickets can be booked online
  3. Thirunelly Sree Mahavishnu Temple: Located 30 km from Iruppu near the Brahmagiri Hills, this renowned Mahavishnu Temple sits beside the sacred Papanasini stream. Devotees take holy dips and perform prayers, including cremation rites, to cleanse sins. You can also take a short hike from the temple premises to the river stream through a beautiful forest section.
  4. Iruppu Sri Rameshwara Temple: Situated near the forest checkpost, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws many devotees during Sivaratri. The Lakshman Theertha stream flows behind the temple.
  5. Glenlorna Tea Estate and White Water Rafting: The Glenlorna Tea Estate, just 15 km from Iruppu, is a popular tourist destination. The estate also offers white water rafting experience on the Barapole Left Tributary stream in specific seasons.
  6. Tholpetty Eco Tourism: Tholpetty Eco Tourism Centre falls under the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and is approximately 15 kms from Iruppu. It is also home to various wildlife such as Elephants and Tigers.
    Note: The safari was said to be closed after the landslide in Wayanad in 2024. Please check with the locals/forest officials regarding the availability.

Trek Contribution

Trek documented by Manasa Neechadi, Upayan Chatterjee, Vivek Devadasan, Gautam Singh, Yogesh Chandran and Indiahikes Trekking Club Members (Anil, Naveen, John, Nikhil, Suresh, Vismitha, Shoubhik, Anitej, Isha, Naksha, Vinayak, Apurv, Kuldeep, Mahesh, Puneeth and Vijay)

Trek written by Upayan Chatterjee, Manasa Neechadi, Vivek Devadasan and Indiahikes Trekking Club Members (Puneeth, Shoubhik, Vismitha, Naksha and Apurv)

Banner Image by Upayan Chatterjee

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