Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

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.

The variety of landscapes on this trek is mesmerising. One moment, you’re trekking under a dense canopy, with sunlight peeking through. In the next, the forest gives way to wide grasslands, with blue hills rising in the distant horizon.

This typical forest-grassland mosaic, called shola, is seen nowhere else other than these high reaches of the Western Ghats. The Shola forests are renowned for their extraordinary floral and faunal diversity, which includes endemic species like the Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten and Lion-tailed Macaques. Some of these species aren't found anywhere else in the world.
Researchers from around the globe visit Shola forests to have a peek into this unique ecosystem. On the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek, you get to walk amidst them for hours.

Then comes the summit at the end of a magical ridge walk. The majestic Brahmagiri range rises on one side of this ridge. On the other side, you see Tadiandamol, Coorg’s tallest peak. At the top, you stand surrounded by endless greenery. It feels as if you have walked into a postcard.

If you think these transitions of landscapes are magical, you will be bowled over by the floral and faunal variety on the trail. Throughout the forest, the air is full with birdsong. You might even spot them- wagtails, drongos, sunbirds, and magpie robins. You are also sure to find signs of elephant movement throughout your trek.

What makes this trek complete is the serenity of the base camp. The homestay where you begin your journey is set on a beautiful coffee estate and surrounded by forests. You even see a crystal clear freshwater stream flowing right behind the camp.

At Indiahikes, the perfect trek in Coorg has been a long search. And the puzzles seem to have finally fallen into place with the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek. This is a magical journey into the wild heart of this region. Over a span of just two days, the trek captures every single element of Coorg in its most pristine and beautiful form.