Coorg Nelji Hill Trek
A Hidden Trek amidst Coorg's Iconic Forests and Grasslands
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
2 days
CLOSEST AIRPORT
Kannur- 90 km
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
10 km
BASECAMP
ACCOMODATION TYPE
Homestay
PICKUP POINT
A Hidden Trek amidst Coorg's Iconic Forests and Grasslands
In recent times, discussions about Coorg have largely been limited to the luxurious homestay experiences in Madikeri.
We have almost forgotten that Coorg or Kodagu forms an entire district of Karnataka and has far more to offer. The true essence of Coorg lies in its iconic coffee estates, lush shola forests, pristine freshwater streams, rolling grassy hills, and remarkable biodiversity.
For a long time, we searched for a trek that could showcase all these elements of Coorg. The search was challenging, but it finally led us to the Coorg Nelji Hill trek.
Tucked away in a peaceful corner near the Nelji village in Coorg, the trek takes you into the heart of the region.
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Coorg Nelji Hill Trek- Complete Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1
Arrive at Madikeri and drive to Nelji Coffee Homestay | Excursion to Perur stream
Drive Distance: 28 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Madikeri bus stand at 6:00 am
Arrive at Madikeri before 6:00 am. Indiahikes will organise pick-up to your homestay at Nelji 28 km away. This cost is included in your trek fee.
Post breakfast, you drive to Perur stream 6 km away and return to the homestay by lunch.
In the evening, you go on a guided nature walk around the campus. After dinner, retire for the night in your cozy dormitories at the Nelji Coffee Homestay.
Travelling on Your Own
You can also bring your own vehicle. Parking space is available at the homestay. The Nelji Coffee Homestay is a 270 km drive from Bangalore, which can take anywhere between 6-7 hours. You can use this Google Maps Link for hassle-free navigation.
Reach the Homestay by 7:30 AM to be able to join our Perur Stream excursion. If you reach after 7:30 AM, you shall miss the excursion.
Day 2
Trek to Makath Motte Summit, Return to Homestay and Drive to Madikeri Bus Stand
Trek Distance: 10 km round trip | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Drive Distance: 28 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Altitude Gain: 3,000 ft to 5,240 ft | Trek Difficulty: Moderate, Gradual ascent throughout the route through the trail
Start early at 6:00 am with a short vehicle ride (2 km) to the trek’s starting point. The trail begins through beautiful Shola forests, with a gradual ascent under a dense canopy of trees. Arrive back at the homestay by 4:00 pm.
You conclude your trek with meaningful reflections designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nature on a deeper level.
Indiahikes will arrange vehicle for the return journey to Madikeri. You will reach the bus stand by 7:00 pm. This cost is included in your trek fee as well.
Day 1
Arrive at Madikeri and drive to Nelji Coffee Homestay | Excursion to Perur stream
Drive Distance: 28 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Madikeri bus stand at 6:00 am
Arrive at Madikeri before 6:00 am. Indiahikes will organise pick-up to your homestay at Nelji 28 km away. This cost is included in your trek fee.
Post breakfast, you drive to Perur stream 6 km away and return to the homestay by lunch.
In the evening, you go on a guided nature walk around the campus. After dinner, retire for the night in your cozy dormitories at the Nelji Coffee Homestay.
Travelling on Your Own
You can also bring your own vehicle. Parking space is available at the homestay. The Nelji Coffee Homestay is a 270 km drive from Bangalore, which can take anywhere between 6-7 hours. You can use this Google Maps Link for hassle-free navigation.
Reach the Homestay by 7:30 AM to be able to join our Perur Stream excursion. If you reach after 7:30 AM, you shall miss the excursion.
Day 2
Trek to Makath Motte Summit, Return to Homestay and Drive to Madikeri Bus Stand
Trek Distance: 10 km round trip | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Drive Distance: 28 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours
Altitude Gain: 3,000 ft to 5,240 ft | Trek Difficulty: Moderate, Gradual ascent throughout the route through the trail
Start early at 6:00 am with a short vehicle ride (2 km) to the trek’s starting point. The trail begins through beautiful Shola forests, with a gradual ascent under a dense canopy of trees. Arrive back at the homestay by 4:00 pm.
You conclude your trek with meaningful reflections designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nature on a deeper level.
Indiahikes will arrange vehicle for the return journey to Madikeri. You will reach the bus stand by 7:00 pm. This cost is included in your trek fee as well.
Arrive at Madikeri and Drive to Nelji Coffee Homestay. Excursion to Perur stream.
Drive to Nelji: 28 km | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Excursion to Perur: 6 km | Drive Duration: 20 minutes
Water available at all times at the Homestay
Reach Madikeri early in the morning, by 5:00 am. At 6:00 am, Indiahikes will take care of the pick-up for the 28 km drive to the basecamp at Nelji.
If you are coming in your own vehicle, there is plenty of parking available at the Nelji Coffee Homestay property. However, plan to reach the homestay latest by 7:30 am to be in time for the Perur stream excursion.
The Coffee Homestay set on a hill slope and is surrounded by coffee plantations, farmland and jungle. Relax, unwind and spend some quiet time with your own self.
After breakfast, pack your day packs and get ready for a drive to the Perur stream 6 km away. A professional Indiahikes Trek Leader will accompany you on this excursion to facilitate activities that help you connect meaningfully with the natural elements.
Head back to the homestay by lunchtime. After lunch, you can choose to rest. You can also spend some time exploring the area around the homestay on your own.
Late afternoons are also a great time for birdwatching. You can even spot migratory birds, especially in winter (December to February). Spotting rarities like the Malabar Whistling Thrush or the Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher is also not out of the question.
In the evening, your trek leader will take you on a guided nature walk. Visit a nearby stream surrounded by palm trees and grasslands. Enjoy the sunset with freshly prepared evening snacks.
After dinner, look up at the stars. The sky here is clear and free of light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing. Retire for the day in your cozy dorm-beds at the Nelji Coffee Homestay.
This day is all about relaxing and connecting with nature. It gives you the time to settle in and prepare for the trek the next day.
Reach Madikeri early in the morning, by 5:00 am. At 6:00 am, Indiahikes will take care of the pick-up for the 28 km drive to the basecamp at Nelji.
If you are coming in your own vehicle, there is plenty of parking available at the Nelji Coffee Homestay property. However, plan to reach the homestay latest by 7:30 am to be in time for the Perur stream excursion.
The Coffee Homestay set on a hill slope and is surrounded by coffee plantations, farmland and jungle. Relax, unwind and spend some quiet time with your own self.
After breakfast, pack your day packs and get ready for a drive to the Perur stream 6 km away. A professional Indiahikes Trek Leader will accompany you on this excursion to facilitate activities that help you connect meaningfully with the natural elements.
Head back to the homestay by lunchtime. After lunch, you can choose to rest. You can also spend some time exploring the area around the homestay on your own.
Late afternoons are also a great time for birdwatching. You can even spot migratory birds, especially in winter (December to February). Spotting rarities like the Malabar Whistling Thrush or the Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher is also not out of the question.
In the evening, your trek leader will take you on a guided nature walk. Visit a nearby stream surrounded by palm trees and grasslands. Enjoy the sunset with freshly prepared evening snacks.
After dinner, look up at the stars. The sky here is clear and free of light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing. Retire for the day in your cozy dorm-beds at the Nelji Coffee Homestay.
This day is all about relaxing and connecting with nature. It gives you the time to settle in and prepare for the trek the next day.
Trek to Maakath Motte Summit and Return
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs | Drive Distance: 28 km | Drive Duration: 1 hr
Altitude Gain: 3,000 ft to 5,240 ft
Moderate-difficult: The whole trek is ascents and descents with very little plain sections
Two forest streams on the trail
Start your day early at 6:00 am with an energizing breakfast. A short 2 km drive will take you to the starting point of the trek.
The trail begins with a walk through beautiful shola forests. These are dense forests with sunlight filtering through the canopy. The first 30 minutes are steep and can feel challenging, but the forest around you is magical. Walk on a wide, muddy trail surrounded by tall trees like Wild Jackfruit, Palm, and Mountain Gooseberry.
After 1 km, you cross a crystal clear water stream. Refill your bottles here. The trail continues to climb steadily, offering stunning views as the tree line gives way to open grasslands. On your left, is the viewpoint of Oddh. On your right are the golden-yellow slopes of Manje Motte.
The ridge walk to Maakath Motte is the biggest highlight of the trek. Here you walk amidst the sweeping views of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary on one side and the Tadiandamol peak and on the other. The final stretch to the summit is equally rewarding, with wide grasslands and a unique forest patch filled with moss-covered trees.
At the summit, you can rest and enjoy the view. The ridge you climbed comes into full view, and the scenery around is breathtaking. Have your packed lunch here and soak in the beauty.
Begin your descent by 12:00 pm. The return journey feels quicker as you retrace your steps through the grasslands and forests. You’ll reach the homestay by 4:00 pm.
After reaching the homestay, you conclude your trek with meaningful reflections designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nature on a deeper level.
After a brief rest, Indiahikes will arrange vehicle for the return journey. You will reach Madikeri Bus Stand by 7:00 pm. Please plan your onward journeys accordingly.
Start your day early at 6:00 am with an energizing breakfast. A short 2 km drive will take you to the starting point of the trek.
The trail begins with a walk through beautiful shola forests. These are dense forests with sunlight filtering through the canopy. The first 30 minutes are steep and can feel challenging, but the forest around you is magical. Walk on a wide, muddy trail surrounded by tall trees like Wild Jackfruit, Palm, and Mountain Gooseberry.
After 1 km, you cross a crystal clear water stream. Refill your bottles here. The trail continues to climb steadily, offering stunning views as the tree line gives way to open grasslands. On your left, is the viewpoint of Oddh. On your right are the golden-yellow slopes of Manje Motte.
The ridge walk to Maakath Motte is the biggest highlight of the trek. Here you walk amidst the sweeping views of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary on one side and the Tadiandamol peak and on the other. The final stretch to the summit is equally rewarding, with wide grasslands and a unique forest patch filled with moss-covered trees.
At the summit, you can rest and enjoy the view. The ridge you climbed comes into full view, and the scenery around is breathtaking. Have your packed lunch here and soak in the beauty.
Begin your descent by 12:00 pm. The return journey feels quicker as you retrace your steps through the grasslands and forests. You’ll reach the homestay by 4:00 pm.
After reaching the homestay, you conclude your trek with meaningful reflections designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nature on a deeper level.
After a brief rest, Indiahikes will arrange vehicle for the return journey. You will reach Madikeri Bus Stand by 7:00 pm. Please plan your onward journeys accordingly.
Moderate
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
The Coorg Nelji Hill trek has a good amount of ascent to the Maakath Motte summit, first through forests, then through tall grasses and finally in an exposed section. If it rains, you will find slippery sections and leeches as well.
Having said that, it is perfectly doable for beginners and even families.
It's best if you have a fit and active lifestyle since you have a 5 km ascent, followed by a 5 km descent. You should be prepared to trek from early morning until the evening.
For those familiar with trekking, this trek is similar in difficulty to Kudremukh, but it's slightly easier.
The basecamp is situated at Nelji. This is the only exit point on this trek. It is well connected by tar roads. The closest hospital is Govt. Hospital Napoklu.
If you want to go to a bigger hospital, you have to reach Madikeri. There are two institutions that we trust.
- Govt. Hospital Madikeri, CP9R+GH8, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201
- Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Mysore Madikeri Main Road, Near G.Thimmaiah Circle, Karnataka 571201
Coorg Nelji Hill Trek lies besides the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests around this region are shola and semi-evergreen forests. Along with the combination of montane grasslands.
This trek is accessible for 9 months of the year except March, April and May. However, this trek cannot be done on your own. You will need the permission of locals as many parts of the trek fall under private ownership.
Coorg Nelji Hill Trek in Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb)
Day time: Around 25 °C and 28 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 18 °C and 22 °C.
Warm layers required: One sweater or a fleece jacket
This is the best season to trek in these regions. There might be occasional rains. Early mornings and late nights will be chilly. However, you might feel the heat occasionally in the afternoons.
Winter is the best time to spot migratory birds.
In the month of February, Dragon's eye tree and Malabar tamarind bring out their new leaves that are pink in colour. If you're lucky, you might also spot Malabar giant squirrel feeding on these new leaves.
Coorg Nelji Hill Trek in Monsoon (July-mid Aug)
Day time: Around 24 °C and 26 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 18 °C and 20 °C.
Warm layers required: One fleece jacket or a wind cheater
This is a very exciting time to trek here. This is the time when the rainfall will be heaviest. Poncho or rain jacket on the trek is compulsory.
The shola forests on the trek are evergreen rainforests. But they truly come alive in these rains. The streams will be gushing. It is truly a delight to spot a variety of insects like painted snail, pill millipedes, and gorgeous caterpillars.
However, along this joy comes along with a challenge. In the monsoon, leeches become very active. You will need leech-proof socks to trek without any worry.
How to reach Nelji in Coorg?
Nelji is a small village in Coorg, 28 km from the main town of Madikeri. Madikeri is easily accessible by overnight buses from most main cities in South India. Even though both KSRTC and private buses ply every 30 minutes from most cities, we recommend booking your bus online in advance.
If you'd like to opt for the Indiahikes transport (recommended):
We organise transport from Madikeri to Nelji at 6.00 am for Indiahikes trekkers.
This cost is included in the trek fee.
If you'd like to travel to Nelji on your own:
There's ample parking space available at our base camp. If you'd like to drive on your own, that's perfectly alright.
The Nelji Coffee Homestay is a 270 km drive from Bangalore, which can take anywhere between 6-7 hours. You can use this Google Maps Link for hassle-free navigation.
Reach the Homestay by 7:30 AM to be able to join our Perur Stream excursion. This means you would need to plan an overnight drive if you are travelling from Bangalore. If you reach after 7:30 AM, you shall miss the excursion.
However, even if you cannot reach by 7:30 AM , please ensure that you reach the homestay latest by 12:00 noon and not any later than that.
At what time should you plan your return journey?
On Day 2, you will complete your trek and return to the homestay by 4 pm.
We will drop you to Madikeri by 7:00 pm. Book your return buses after 7:00 pm. (This cost is also included in the trek fee)
Alternatively, if you have come by your own vehicle, you should be able to leave Nelji by 6:00 pm.
Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.
If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters, and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while traveling.
Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you:
- A 30L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice. (Available for rent)
- 2 dri-fit T-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek
- 1 Quick-dry trek pant
- An extra pair of trousers – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are thorns along all the trails.
- Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip
- One jacket or fleece sweater
- Rain Jacket/Poncho (mandatory) (Available for rent)
- Headlamp (Available for rent)
- Trek Pole (Available for rent)
- Sun cap
- Sunglasses
- 2 pairs of socks (for the trek) + 1 extra pair
- A light towel
- Two 1-litre bottles (reusable) (Available for rent)
- Your lunch box, coffee mug, and spoon (Available for rent)
- A small toilet kit (only essentials)
- Insect repellant
Note: Trek pole, tiffin box, spoon, 800 ml water bottle, 30L backpack, headlamp, and mug are all available for rent. Once your registration is completed, click on this link and fill out the form to rent the required gear.
PRO TIPS
- As the trail is exposed, with very little tree cover, make sure you cover yourself well while trekking. Carry a full-sleeve t-shirt/shirt and full trekking pants for this trek.
- Keep a pair of sandals to walk around the campsite.
- Disposable cutlery, plates, glasses, etc
- Packaged foods and snacks
- Wet wipes
Along with this, smoking, drinking, and taking drugs are strictly prohibited.
- Original and photocopy of identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read it carefully, and fill and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download Disclaimer certificate
- A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined in this document. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate
- Personal Medical Record (mandatory for trekkers under 58): All trekkers are required to complete this document and submit it to the trek leader at the base camp - Download the Personal Medical Record form
Please carry the above documents with you. The documents need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
No, you cannot do the Coorg Nelji Hill trek on your own. The whole forest is spread on private lands. The initial trail is too. Therefore, you cannot do this trek on your own.
Either you do it with Indiahikes or take permission from the local land owners.
Yes, you get network at any point on the trek. Airtel, BSNL and Jio are the strongest networks here.
The homestay has common bathrooms and toilets that you can use. Please take bath only if you really feel the need to. It is important to conserve water in dryer months. Especially because you will be trekking in group sizes of 20-25 people.
Yes, there are chances of you spotting a snake on this trek. The homestay is surrounded by jungles and coffee plantations. However, they tend to stay away from human presence. But always wear a shoe whenever you are walking outside your room.
You will find the nearest ATM at a town called Napoklu 6 km away from the homestay.
Yes, there will be mosquitoes on the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek. It is strongly recommended to wear full sleeves at all times. Along with it, carry a tube of odomos or any other similar mosquito repellant.
You will find leeches everytime it rains. Indiahikes will provide leech proof socks if the trek leader feels the need to. (We have not made it mandatory since hiking in these socks are not very comfortable.)
After you cross Mysuru city, there are two routes to reach Nelji. The first one is Madikeri-Napoklu route to Nelji. And the other one is Virajpet-Kakkabe to Nelji route.
If you are coming in your own vehicle, you can take the 2nd route mentioned here.
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