Kakkabe

State

Kakkabe is 38 kms from Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg, and is situated in Karnataka's Western Ghats. It is the largest producer of honey in South East Asia. It is a sleepy little town and a perfect get away for a weekend. Kakkabe is flourishing and has developed to a popular tourist destination. Nalnad palace and Padi Igguthappa temple the holiest Kodava shrine, Thadiyendamol Coorg's highest peak are the main attractions here. And also trek to the scenic Kabbe Pass and Chelavara Falls.

Kakkabe is a small picturesque village in the Coorg district and is surrounded by thickly wooded rain forests and coffee and cardamom plantations. This small hamlet is home to the ethnic Kodavas tribe among several other communities, whose unique culture and beliefs are still evident in their everyday lives.
Kakkabe is a trekker’s paradise. There are almost 28 trek routes that one can explore and enjoy from here, the most famous being the trek to Thadiyendamol Peak(5730 feet), the 2nd highest peak in the state of Karnataka.
Kakkabe also has wide variety of wildlife and bird life due to its high grasslands and Shola forest which dominates its surroundings. Barking deer, flying squirrel and pangolin are some of the animals found here. Many rare orchids and plants are also found here.

The main ethnic dwellers are Kodavas, living with flustered culture and beliefs. A popular base for rain forest treks, Kakkabe is abode to some uncommon and extraordinary orchids and plants.These woodlands are famous for some wildlife species like pangolin, barking deer, various varieties of birds and flying squirrel.

Accessibility

Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is 135 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international Airport, which is 250 km away. Cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore and Rs 4000 from Bangalore. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

Rail: The nearest rail heads are Mysore (125km), Hassan (115 km) and Kannur (110 km). Mangalore is the major junction nearest to Kakkabe. Manglore is well connected to all cities in India. Taxi cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore to Kakkabe.

Road: Kakkabe is well connected by KSRTC buses; these buses touch all major cities in and around Kakkabe. Many tourist buses from Mangalore and Kozhikode passes through Kakkabe and it cost about Rs 3 – Rs 4 per kilometer.

Things to do

Rock Climbing: A fast growing adventurous sport, Rock climbing, is packed with excitement and if one wants to experience this thrilling sport, Thadiyendamol in Kakkabe invites with its full vibrancy. This sport is a real challenging one, straining and pushing out all your energies out of you. This hill provides easy and convenient access to climbers.

In Kakkabe, Rock climbing will feel almost like mountaineering except that instead of snow there are rocks involved in this adventure sport. If you are good at climbing, then you can definitely try out this sport in Thadiyendamol, but certain climbs can often prove grueling, merciless and tough, but the fancy and magic of the surrounding mountains in Kakkabe will keep spirits high up to sky.

Recommended time to Rock climbing is September to May.

Trekking: Kakkabe is a trekker’s pleasure to those people seeking for serenity, as there a number of treks small and medium and of varying grades that is apt for most visitors. Though most trails are parasite infected during the monsoon.

The most admired trek is the one to the undulated Thadiyendamol peak - it has the prestige of being the second highest peak in Karnataka. It is a long trek and the view from the hill top is imposing and breathtaking. Trek to the waterfalls nearby through the coffee plantations. The well laid trekking trails in Thadiandamol is challenging and enjoyable.

Another fascinating trekking trail starts from Chelavara village and leads through the various waterfalls including Baliatra falls, Emmepare Falls, Thadiandamol peak and the ruined structures of Nalakkanad palace and ends at the Iguthappa peak. It is really a thrilling experience to trek through these stunning and appealing forests of Kakkabe.

Recommended time for Trekking is September to May.

District
Kodagu
STD Code
08272
Termperature
Summer 23-31°C, Winter 16-26°C
Best time to visit
September and May