A Complete Guide to the Doddabetta Trek
This is a stunning yet little-known trek in Karnataka’s Kodagu district—not to be confused with Tamil Nadu’s famous Doddabetta.
When we think of trekking in Coorg, Kumara Parvatha is the first name that comes to mind. It has earned its reputation. But just behind it lies a quiet trail that few trekkers know about. It winds through dense jungles, crosses pristine streams, climbs past waterfalls, and leads to a summit with stunning views of the Western Ghats.
The trek starts on a well-marked forest trail. Towering trees form a dense canopy, filtering sunlight into golden beams. A short walk later, the trees part, and you find yourself at the top of Mallalli Falls. Most tourists see it from below—here, you witness its plunge down from above.
From here, the trail dives back into the forest before opening to grasslands, golden in winter, green in summer. Post-monsoon, the slopes burst into wildflowers. A final climb brings you to Doddabetta’s summit. Kumara Parvatha and Pushpagiri’s forested valleys stand close, while the hills of Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur rise in the distance.
But the trek doesn’t end here. After enjoying the views, you descend into one of the trail's wildest sections. The marked path disappears, and the trees close in around you. A wrong turn and you could easily lose your way. You feel an exhilarating sense of adventure in this section. The forest floor is a mix of dried leaves and creeping vines that can trip you if you're not careful. Look closely, and you’ll find signs of wild boars, common civets, and golden jackals.
Then, just when you think the forest might never end, you stumble upon the most breathtaking sight of the trek, the hidden Abbey Vari Falls.
Surprisingly, very few trekkers know about this waterfall. Hidden deep in the jungle, this waterfall feels like a secret only a few get to witness. Watch the water trickle over sheer rock faces into hidden pools, guarded by towering trees. Pick a pool for a dip, or sit on the rocks and soak in the silence.
From here, the final stretch of the trek takes you out of the jungle, back to the village of Heggadahalli. But something about this trail stays with you. It is a rare kind of trek that is easy and accessible for beginners but also packs everything that Coorg has to offer—deep forests, golden grasslands, a nice summit, and a completely secluded secret waterfall.
Note: You can reach Abbey Vari Waterfalls directly without trekking to Doddabetta. The trailhead starts at Heggadahalli village, which is accessible by road and lies on the route from Kumaralli to Beedahalli.
Can beginners attempt the Doddabetta Trek? The Doddabetta Trek is an easy, beginner-friendly trail with gentle ascents and descents. It is short yet incredibly rewarding. Few treks offer such a perfect blend—dense forests, open grasslands, a scenic summit, and a hidden waterfall. You see all that Coorg has to offer over just 5–6 hours of easy-to-moderate trekking.
Total Trek Distance (including Abbey Vari Waterfall): 10 km
Highest Point: 3677 ft at Doddabetta Top
➤What to Watch out for
1. Forests on the Trek
The trail to Doddabetta begins on a wide forest path lined with towering Hālemara (Wrightia tinctoria), Banni mara (Acacia ferruginea), and stout strangler figs. Soon, you pass through spice plantations of cardamom, bay leaf, pepper, and coffee—hallmarks of Coorg. Beyond Giri Hole stream, the jungle thickens, and the trail fades beneath leaf litter.
You must rely on subtle markers—white arrows on rocks and yellow ribbons on branches—to navigate. If trekking between February and March, expect a forest floor painted in hues of brown, red, and green. These forests, bordering Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, are rich with native flora—wild guava, Bettada Nellikai (Indian Gooseberry), Shikakai (soap pods), and Halabada Hannu (South Indian Silverberry).
Near Abbey Vari Waterfall, the forest thickens. Strangler figs and the buttressed Ennei Mara (Dipterocarpus indicus) tower overhead. Creepers tangle underfoot—watch your step. Tracks of wild dogs and boars hint at the silent presence of wildlife.
The very first stretch of the Doddabeta Trek leads you through a beautiful forest section. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The dense forest section leading to Abbey Vari. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
2. The Waterfalls
The Mallalli Waterfall is well-known in Somwarpet, but few know you can hike to its top. The trek to Doddabetta takes you there within minutes. A quiet forest trail leads to Giri Hole, a crystal-clear stream. Step across this stream towards a serene pool at the cliff's edge. From here, you get a stunning view of the Mallalli Falls plunging deep into the valley.
If the trek begins with this stunning sight, it ends with an even bigger surprise. Take the Heggadahalli trail while descending from Doddabetta to reach Abbey Vari Falls. But reaching Abbey Vari Falls is trickier. It winds through dense forests, where it’s easy to lose your way without a local guide. You cross narrow streams and dry riverbeds before scrambling down to the falls.
At Abbey Vari, water tumbles down slanting rock faces, forming crystal-clear pools at different levels. Tadpoles, water spiders, and scorpions thrive in this untouched ecosystem. Explore, but tread carefully. The rocks are steep and slippery. Watch the water trickle over sheer rock faces into hidden pools, guarded by towering trees. Pick a pool for a dip, or sit on the rocks and soak in the silence.
In monsoon, the current turns dangerously strong—never trek here alone in heavy rain.
The trek takes you to the top of the Mallalli Waterfalls. You see it plunge several hundred feet into the valley below you. Photograph by Preeti Mishra.
Abbey Vari’s waters cascade over slanting rocks into crystal-clear pools, hidden beneath towering trees. Photograph by Preeti Mishra.
3. A Summit Climb through Coorg's Iconic Grasslands
As you near the summit, the forest opens up. You step into a vast, windy grassland. The grass stands waist-high. Golden in winter, it turns lush green in monsoon. To your left is the giant dome shape of Kumara Parvatha rises, with the deep valleys of Pushpagiri stretching below.
Locally, Doddabetta is often referred to as Gaaligudda, which translates to “A Windy Hill”. True to its name, the winds grow stronger as you climb. Watching the grass sway in waves is a magical sight.
A short, steep climb through these grasslands takes you to the summit. A cairn marks the top. From here, the views are endless—Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri, and the black rock slabs of Bisle Ghat. In the distance, Kote Betta, Baba Budan Hills, and even Kudremukh come into view.
On the final climb to the summit, windy grasslands open up. Photograph by Aditya Thokchom.
From the summit, you not only see the Kumara Parvatha and Bisile Ghat Viewpoint from close quarters but also see the distant hills of Chikmagaluru and Sakleshpur. Photograph by Aditya Thokchom.
➤ Suggested Itinerary
- Arrive at Somwarpet KSTRC Bus Stand by 6 AM. From there, you need to reach the Kumaralli village, the base for Doddabetta Trek. Take an auto from the Bus Stand or get transport arranged from a homestay in Kumaralli.
We recommend the Kannika Homestay (Contact- 9482220845), which is just 2 km from the trek start point. - Freshen up, have breakfast and leave by 8 am from the homestay. Have local transport drop you at the Trek Start Point near Mallalli Waterfalls.
A local guide is recommended, as the trail is easy to lose and you'll likely encounter no other trekkers along the way. Guide Charge: Rs. 1500 per group - Start the trek latest by 9 am and target reaching the Doddabetta Hilltop by 11 am. That will give you enough time to explore the Abbey Vari Waterfall.
- Start your descent from Doddabetta towards Heggadahalli Village by 12 noon. Have lunch on the way.
- Reach Heggadahalli Roadhead by 2 pm and trek towards the Abbey Vari Waterfall.
- Reach Abbey Vari by 3 PM.
- The route down to the Abbey Vari Falls is tricky and passes through dense forests. It is good to set a turnaround time of 4.30 PM. That is a cut-off time point, beyond which you begin to return no matter whether you reached the waterfall 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. - Turn around from the falls by 4.30 PM, have the local transport reach the pickup point and reach homestay by 6 PM. Fresh up and leave to Somwarpet Bus Stand to catch your bus.
➤ Detailed Trail Information
The trail to Doddabetta Peak leads to a secluded hill near Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in Kumara Parvatha’s shadow. You’ll trek through lush forests, ascend windy grasslands, and unwind by a hidden waterfall.
This trek can be divided into 5 sections :
- Mallalli Waterfalls Trailhead to the End of Forest Section: 2 km | 1 hr
- End of Forest Section to the Base of Doddabetta: 1 km | 30 mins
- Doddabetta Base to Summit and Back to Base: 2 km | 1 hr
- Doddabetta Base to Heggadahalli Village Roadhead: 2 km | 1.5 hrs
- Heggadahalli Village Roadhead to Abbey Vari Waterfalls: 3 km | 70-80 mins
Trail map of the Doddabetta Peak and Abbey Vari Waterfall Trek. This screenshot is from Google Earth. Find an interactive map, which you can use to navigate offline, embedded below.
Section I: Mallalli Waterfalls Trailhead to the End of Forest Section
Trek distance: 2 km
Drive duration: 1 hr
Start your day early from your homestay. From Mallali Falls Junction, drive 2 km straight. Stop about 300 metres before the Mallali Waterfall trailhead, where a dirt trail branches towards the left.
The road you drove on continues straight towards the waterfalls. But this left turn marks the start of your trek to Doddabetta.
The moment you step in, you are surrounded by tall trees on both sides. Descend carefully down this mud trail, layered with dry leaves. The dry, powdery mud is soft and can give way under your feet. But the trail stays clear, with no confusing diversions—only a series of gentle turns. Spot cardamom trees along the trail. They are iconic cash crops of the region.
As you descend along this trail, the sound of running water grows louder on your right. 500 metres into it, a fork appears. The right trail leads to the Mallali Waterfalls viewpoint, but you take the left. Beyond this bend, the giant dome shape of the Kumara Parvatha peak appears suddenly at the horizon. It’s a stunning sight.
Keep descending along this leftward branch. In 200 metres, you reach the clear, gurgling waters of Giri Hole stream. Turn right along the stream, and soon, a beautiful pool appears. Even in March, when the water is low, it looks magical.
As you hop further ahead on the big boulders, you find yourself standing at the head of the Mallali Waterfalls. The drop below is sheer, almost dizzying. Across the valley, you see cemented stairs leading to the base of the falls. This is a fantastic viewpoint. Across the Giri Hole river valley, you see the Patla Betta, Dipadakallu and Devara Betta rising in the distance.
After soaking in the views, cross the stream and re-enter the thick jungle. Look for a tree with a white arrow painted on its bark—this marks the entry point. Now, the forest gets denser. Visibility drops, and the trail becomes tricky. Be careful not to lose your way.
As you walk, notice ribbons tied to tree branches. These are useful markers, letting you know that you are on the right track. The path is a narrow dirt trail covered with fallen leaves, winding under a dense, shady canopy.
But soon, in 200 metres, the forest opens up to a big grassy clearing. On your left, a large pool of water appears, with a stream draining towards Mallali Waterfalls. This clearing is connected by a kaccha road, an alternate route for those arriving by vehicle.
Walk 150 metres through waist-high grass before re-entering the forest. If you take a right at this point, you arrive at an altar. Locals use it for the ritual sacrifice of pigs during festivals. It is a fascinating cultural insight, but your trail towards Doddabetta branches leftward into the forest from this point.
Despite the dense, shady forest, human impact is evident on this stretch. Coffee and betel nut plantations appear on both sides of the trail. In 200 metres, you cross a small mud house to your right. Around this point, several small trails start branching off into plantations. Ignore them and stay on the main path. Just 100 metres past the mud house, you reach a diversion. Take the left trail. The right one shows clear traces of vehicle movement and is used by plantation workers to transport produce.
From here, the climb gets slightly steeper and in the next 500 metres, the forest begins to thin out. You get the first glimpses of Coorg’s famous grasslands at a distance.
At the 2 km mark, you finally emerge from the forest canopy.
The landscape opens up, revealing rolling hills all around. The long ridgeline of Merankote stretches far and the sharp peak of Patla Betta stands tall. But the imposing hump of Kumara Parvatha dominates the skyline.
A quiet left turn from the tar road to Mallalli leads into a forested trail. Tall trees, soft mud, and cardamom plants welcome you on the trek to Doddabetta. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Follow the trail to Giri Hole’s clear waters, where boulders lead you to the breathtaking head of Mallali Waterfalls. Photograph by Preeti Mishra.
The head of Mallali Waterfalls is a great viewpoint with Patla Betta, Dipadakallu, and Devara Betta rising across the valley. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
You see stairs leading down the opposite hill to the base of Mallalli Waterfalls. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Trekkers hopping across the Giri Hole stream towards the forest trail leading to Doddabetta. Photograph by Krishna Chaitanya.
Cross the stream into a dense jungle, where a white-arrowed tree marks the way. Here, the trail grows wilder and harder to trace. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The forest opens up briefly into a clearing. Photograph by Anannya Mallick.
Dense forest trail beyond the first clearing. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
As the forest opens up, rolling hills surround you. Kumara Parvatha’s massive hump steals the show. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Section II: End of Forest Section to the Base of Doddabetta
Trek Distance: 1 km
Trek Duration: 30 mins
Continue along the well-marked trail as it winds through an open landscape. The towering Kumara Parvatha peak stays with you, its presence dominating the horizon. Below, the forested valleys of Pushpagiri stretch endlessly.
You pass through occasional forest patches, but the trail remains clear and easy to follow. The ascent is gentle. In about 600 metres, you reach a fork. Here, the right trail leads to private land. A pond, a fence, and an iron gate mark the boundary. Do not take this route. Instead, turn left.
The shady forests have disappeared completely. The trail is wider and the midday sun beats down hard. Keep sipping water to stay hydrated. The climb remains gentle, but the heat makes it feel tougher.
About 300 metres ahead, you reach a junction. A straight trail leads to a roadhead from Heggadahalli village—this will be your return route.
For now, take the narrow trail, branching rightwards through golden grasslands. It ascends steadily towards a huge boulder. This boulder seems like the peak of Doddabetta. But it turns out to be a false summit. The actual top of Doddabetta reveals itself only after you climb past this boulder.
The trek to Doddabetta's base winds through a mosaic of forests and open landscapes. Photography by Aditya Thokchom.
With the forest behind you, the wide trail bakes under the midday Sun. Stay hydrated to beat the heat. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The trail climbs steadily to a massive boulder. It seems like the Doddabetta peak but it is only a false summit. You see the main hill only after getting to this boulder. Screenshot from Google Earth.
Section III: Doddabetta Base to Summit and Back to Base
Trek Distance: 2 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr
As you start your climb from the base, the Kumara Parvatha peak grows larger on your left. Below, the forests and valleys of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary stretch endlessly. Behind you, the Patla Betta and Kote Betta rise in the distance.
Navigate this steep climb for 300 m. The closer you get to the huge boulder, the more it feels like the summit—until you finally reach the top. From the top of this boulder, you get your first clear view of Doddabetta’s actual summit. Take a break. Sit on the big stones, sip some water. This is also a great vantage point, offering sweeping views of Kumara Parvatha and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary’s forested valleys.
Once you trek beyond this boulder, you start feeling the wind. There is a reason this hill is also called Gaaligudda (Windy Hill). Watch as the wind sweeps through the grass, creating magical ripples across the hillside.
From the boulder, walk 250 metres on a flat trail with a slight descent until you reach a ledge. Then, follow the ledge for 300 metres to the base of the summit.
Now, the final stretch begins. Climb along the marked trail for 300 metres to the top.
If you want an alternate route, take a left off the trail around the 200-metre mark. Climb cross-country towards the hill-top summit on your left. From there, walk along a short flat ridge that leads to the main summit of Doddabetta. A small stone tower marks the top.
From the summit, a full 360-degree panorama opens up. You see Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri, and the open black slabs of Bisile Ghat Viewpoint. In the distance, Kote Betta, Baba Budan Hills, and even the Kudremukh range come into view.
There’s no shade here. The midday Sun feels intense. Spend some time at the summit, soak in the views, and then start your descent. Retrace your path back to the base.
Climb towards a big boulder from the base. But this is a false summit. Photograph by Aditya Thokchom.
First view of Doddabetta Peak after reaching the boulder. Photograph by Preeti Mishra.
Trekking through the windy grasslands is an experience in itself. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Magical views of Kumara Parvatha and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary's forested valleys open up as you climb. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The imposing shape of Doddabetta grows larger as you trek closer. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The final climb to the top. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The summit is marked by a small cairn. Photograph by Krishna Chaitanya.
Kumara Parvatha is constantly present in the backdrop even during your descent to the base. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Follow the same trail through grasslands down to the base. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Section IV: Doddabetta Base to Heggadahalli Village Roadhead
Trek distance: 2 km
Trek duration: 1.5 hrs
After you arrive at the base of the big boulder, you have two options. Take a left to retrace your steps back towards Mallali Falls. If you're heading to Abbey Vari Waterfalls via Heggadahalli, take a right.
This side of the trail is motorable and accessible to off-road vehicles. But it still winds through beautiful forest patches and makes for a great trek.
Just 100-150 metres on the trail towards Heggadahalli, you will find some shady spot under the trees on your right. This is a good place to rest and have lunch before continuing.
After your lunch break, descend gradually for the next 300 metres along a clearly marked trail. As you walk, notice the Shikakai plants lining the route. Their fruit pods are commonly used in shampoos. However, the trail is open, and the midday sun can be harsh. Hydrate well.
About 30 minutes into this descent, you re-enter a forest section. The shade of tall trees offers immediate relief from the heat. Trek through this shady stretch, navigating a gradual ascent. In about 500-600 metres, the forest opens up briefly before leading into another dense patch. Look around—you'll spot green pepper vines clinging to the trees. The trail now ascends gradually, leading to a fork. Stay on the main path and avoid the narrow mud trail veering left.
Beyond the fork, descend gently for 300 metres under the cooling shade of trees. Soon, the forest clears up, revealing the final stretch to Heggadahalli village roadhead.
Signs of human habitation grow more and more prominent. Amidst the forests and valleys of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, now you also see farmlands and villages in the distance. The trail also becomes gravelly and you can notice marks of vehicle movement on the trail.
At the 3 km mark into your descent from the top of Doddabetta, you step onto a tarred road leading to Heggadahalli village.
Getting down to Doddabetta Base. Photograph by Krishna Chaitanya.
Spring in the forests on the way to Heggadahalli Village. Photograph by Arun Divakaran.
Spot the Shikakai plants along the trail—their fruit pods are a natural ingredient in traditional shampoos. Photograph by Aditya Thokchom.
Three kilometers into your descent from Doddabetta, the trail meets a tarred road that leads to Heggadahalli village. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Section V: Heggadahalli Village Roadhead to Abbey Vari Waterfall
Trek distance: 3 km
Trek duration: 70-80 mins
If you go straight ahead along the tar road, you will reach the Heggadahalli village. But for Abbey Vari Waterfalls, take a U-turn and descend along the mud road. This route is motorable for the first 1.5 km, but you can also choose to walk. The descent is steep, and mostly follows a tarred road.
650 metres into the descent, you arrive at a fork. A tar road descends to your left, and a dirt track climbs upwards to your right. Follow the tarred road branching left. At the 1 km mark, the trail re-enters a shady canopy. The forests make the walk soothing. Continue descending for another 500 metres until the tar road ends. At this point, a mud road on the right climbs towards Kukke Subramanya Highway, but it is incomplete. Ignore this mud road and take a left.
The left branch from the junction is overgrown and hard to spot, but this is the hidden trailhead to Abbey Vari Waterfall. This is where the trek gets tricky. The trail drops into dense forests, and it is easy to get lost. Having a local guide is highly recommended. If you’re trekking without a guide, stick exactly to the recorded GPX route.
Just 100 metres down the steep trail, you reach slippery terrain. The path is covered with mossy stones and fallen leaves. Step past them with care to reach a small flat section. Massive trees with giant buttresses tower around you.
Take a right here. Navigate over fallen trees and continue descending. The forest is now so thick that the trail almost disappears under leaf litter. 300 metres past the buttressed trees, you cross a small stream by balancing on large boulders.
Beyond this stream, descend for another 100-150 metres before the trail starts climbing gently. At the end of this short ascent, you arrive at a dry, rocky nala. Take a short break before heading back into the woods. If you are trekking in monsoon, this dry nala might have water flowing through it. Take caution and plan accordingly.
Past this dry riverbed, the trail descends again and you soon hit a muddy, slippery patch. This is where you start hearing crickets, frogs, and the sound of flowing water. From hereon, the descent gets steeper. With fallen leaves underfoot, the trail becomes extremely slippery.
In 200 metres, the sound of flowing water on your left becomes unmistakable. As you step onto a big rectangular cement block, jutting out amidst dry leaves, look ahead—you will see the Abbey Vari Waterfall through the trees.
The final descent has no clear trail. Find your way down carefully.
Exploring Abbey Vari Waterfalls
Abbey Vari is completely secluded. The waterfall tumbles down in stages, forming small, clear pools at different levels. Tadpoles, water spiders, and scorpions thrive in this untouched ecosystem. Explore the area, but be cautious. The rocks are steep and slippery where the water flows. During monsoons, the water current is dangerously strong. Do not attempt this trek alone in heavy rains.
Watch the clear water trickling down steep rockfaces and flowing into secluded pools, guarded by towering trees. Pick a pool and take a dip. Or sit among the rocks and soak in the silence.
Tar road from Heggadahalli Village leading to Abbey Vari Waterfall. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Where the forest trail to Abbey Vari branches off from the tar road, you get splendid views of the Kumara Parvatha. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Climb down carefully towards the Waterfall. It is easy to lose the way. If you are trekking alone, follow the GPX track perfectly. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
You cross two dry riverbeds on the way. These crossings may get tricky in monsoon. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
The last stretch to the waterfall has no marked trail. Find your own way through the thickets. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Abbey Vari is completely secluded. The waterfall tumbles down in stages down a steep rockface. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Doddabetta visible from the top of Abbey Vari Waterfall. Photograph by Preeti Mishra.
See crystal-clear water cascade down steep rocks into hidden pools, sheltered by towering trees. Take a refreshing dip or simply sit and embrace the silence. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Heading Back from Abbey Vari
Take in the beauty of the falls, but keep track of time. Start your return trek around 4-4:30 PM.
Follow the same route back. You should reach the trailhead in about an hour.
You can arrange for a pickup vehicle from the trailhead or walk back along the tarred road to Heggadahalli village roadhead.
If you're using public transport, ask the locals about bus timings from Heggadahalli. Since it's on the Beedahalli route, you might find a bus or a passing auto. However, it's best to arrange a vehicle or auto in advance to take you back to your homestay in Kumaralli.
You see many old Ennei Mara trees and Strangler Figs in this forest section. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
Take the same trail back towards Heggadahalli Village from Abbey Vari. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.
➤ Best Time to do the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Trek
The Doddabetta Trek is accessible year-round. But we recommend September to March as the best time to do the trek.
In peak monsoon season, crossing the Giri Hole or reaching Abbey Vari Falls can be risky. We wouldn’t recommend doing it then. By September, the rains retreat, but the streams still stay full, and the forests remain lush. It is also the best time to see vibrant greenery and wildflowers in the grasslands. So September is a wonderful time.
In winter, the grasslands turn a stunning golden yellow against a clear blue sky. The trek looks breathtaking. With no water hazards, you can safely explore every stream and waterfall.
Since the trek involves walking through open landscapes, the harsh summer sun can take a toll on you. So we do not recommend trekking to Doddabetta after March.
➤ How to reach the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Trek
The Doddabetta Trek begins near the Mallalli Waterfalls, situated in the Kumaralli Village of Karnataka’s Kodagu District. The starting point of the trek is about 22 km from Somwarpet.
Somwarpet is well-connected by direct buses from Bangalore. From Somwarpet, there is a private bus that goes to Kumaralli at 7.30 am. Alternatively, if you want to get to the starting point earlier, you can take an auto or plan transport in advance that will drop you at Kumaralli.
If you're heading to Abbey Vari after Doddabetta, autos aren’t the best option. The first 1.5 km from Heggadahalli to the hidden forest trail is motorable, but autos can’t go that far. An Omni can drop you right at the trailhead, leaving just a 1.5 km trek to the falls. With an auto, you’ll have to trek an extra 3 km to and from Heggadahalli.
At Kumaralli, there are many homestays near Mallalli Waterfalls. They can arrange local guides and transport for you. You can also freshen up, have breakfast, and pack lunch for your trek.
We recommend the Kannika Homestay (Contact: 9476523787), where we stayed. This family-run establishment is managed by locals who know the region’s lesser-known hills and routes very well.
How to Reach Doddabetta from Bangalore by Car
The starting point of this trek near the Mallalli Waterfalls is well connected by roads. It is a 6-hour drive from Bangalore. If you're driving to the base, arrive a day early and rest well before the trek.
Use this link to navigate the drive on Google Maps.
How to Reach Doddabetta from Bangalore by Public Transport
To access the Doddabetta Trek by public transport, you first need to reach Somwarpet. Multiple KSRTC and private buses operate between Bengaluru and Somwarpet. We suggest taking an overnight sleeper bus from Bengaluru. This allows you to rest well before trekking to Doddabetta the next day.
From the Somwarpet Bus Stand, there is a private bus to Kumaralli that starts around 7.30 AM. The same bus leaves Kumaralli for Somwarpet at 4 PM. If you plan to take it, time your trek accordingly—there’s no other bus back.
Autos are available at the Somwarpet Bus Stand early in the morning. Autos charge around Rs 600 per vehicle to drop you off at Mallalli. It 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 Somwarpet Bus Stand.
For the return journey, you can take any overnight bus from Somwarpet to Bangalore. The last bus to Bangalore leaves from Somwarpet at 10 PM.
➤ Frequently Asked Questions about the Doddabeta-Abbey Vari Waterfall Trek
1. Is there any permission required to do the Doddabetta Trek?
No. Although the trek is very close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, it lies completely outside the protected forest area. You do not need any permits to do this trek.
2. How difficult is the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Trek?
The total trek distance including the waterfalls is about 10 km, which is not too long. The ascents and descents on the trek are also quite gradual. Except for the last stretch to Abbey Vari, there are no tricky sections either. This makes it an Easy-Moderate Trek that is perfect for beginners.
3. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Trek ?
There are no food stalls on this Trek. The Giri Hole stream and Abbey Vari Waterfalls are great water sources. However, there are no other water sources along the way. So, we strongly recommend you to carry enough water (2-3 litres) with you for the entire trek.
5. What is the distance of Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Trek from Bangalore?
Kumaralli village, which acts as base for the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Waterfall trek, is about 280 km from Bangalore and is accessible by both private and public transportation means.
6. Can I do the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Trek alone?
Yes. But it is easy to lose your way in the forests leading to Abbey Vari Waterfall. We strongly recommend going with a local guide. However, you can attempt the Doddabetta Hill alone.
What to pack for the Doddabetta Trek
➤ Places to Visit After Completing the Doddabetta-Abbey Vari Waterfall Trek
- Madikeri: Madikeri, the main hub of Coorg, is just 35 km from Somwarpet. This hill town is known for its coffee estates, spice plantations, and misty landscapes. Catch a sunset at Raja’s Seat, visit Abbey Falls, or trek to Mandalpatti for stunning views. Don’t miss Coorg’s famous filter coffee, homemade chocolates, and wild honey. You can also visit the Madikeri Fort, originally built by Mudduraja in the late 17th century and later renovated by Tipu Sultan.
- The Namdroling Monastery: The famous Namdroling Monastery is just 38 km from Somwarpet. This serene Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe is famous for its stunning golden Buddha statues, intricate murals, and peaceful ambiance. Explore the monastery, witness monks in prayer, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
- Mallalli Falls: Just a short drive from Kumaralli, the Mallalli Waterfall is a popular destination in Coorg. Witness the beauty of Mallalli Falls as the water cascades down with full force. You can also explore the surrounding forests and hills on foot.
- Honnamana Kere Lake: Just 8 km from Somwarpet, the Honnamana Kere Lake is a peaceful escape. You can explore nearby trekking trails or try rock climbing. It is perfect for beginners.
Note: Verify any restrictions on rock climbing activities before your visit.
➤ Other Treks in the Region
- Kote betta: Kote Betta stands 15 km from Somwarpet. The trek to its 5,300 ft high summit is a very rewarding experience. Along the way, explore ancient rock-cut houses. At the top, visit an old Shiva temple tucked into the hillside. The trail offers stunning views of Coorg, making every step worth it.Trek between October and February for the best weather.
- Kumara Parvatha trek: The Beedahallli trailhead to Kumara Parvatha is just 20 km from Somwarpet. The trek takes you through the dense forests of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The climb is tough but rewards you with breathtaking views.Trek between November and February to avoid the heavy monsoon rains.
Note: Obtain permits from the Aaranya Vihara Website before going for this trek. - Patla Betta and Merankote: Both hills are easily accessible from Kumaralli, the base for the Doddabetta trek. These trails have everything you’d expect from a classic Coorg trek—dense forests, open grasslands, summit climbs, and hidden streams. And the best part is that they are far less crowded than the popular peaks.
➤ Trek Contribution
Trek documented and written by Upayan Chatterjee, Aditya Thokchom and Indiahikes Trekking Club Members (Amrutha, Anannya, Arun, Krishna Chaitanya B, Krishna C, Nagavishnu, Nandita, Naveen, Nikhil, Preeti, Shravya and Vinayak)
Banner Image by Krishna Chaitanya