At an altitude of 1,620 m above sea level, Kotebetta is the third highest peak in Coorg. This is one of the destinations in Karnataka that will please a trekking enthusiast. Located near Madapur village, Kotebetta provides you some fantastic views of the western ghats with the hills surrounded by coffee plantations, grasslands and fog and dense forests in the plains at the foot of the peak. If you are a nature lover and photographer and have an eye to appreciate the mountain, a trek at Kotebetta would serve you right as it would give you the right blend of a close look at the mountain while being close to nature. Major Attractions: Kotebetta Peak, Western Ghats, forests, panoramic viewpointsTop Activities: Trekking, camping, photography, birdwatching, nature walksDuration: 5–6 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to FebruaryA trek to the peak includes coffee estates, grasslands, patches of forests and rocky paths, none of which would seem difficult for a trekkers’ level of fitness and is thus also suitable for a beginner trekker. As you trek up the paths, you’ll be welcomed with a cool breeze, butterflies and many species of birds. Moving higher up, you’ll encounter large grasslands, thick forests, and coffee plantations of Coorg before you ascend the Kotebetta peak. At the summit, the view of rolling hills stretching to infinity and valleys extending as far as your eye can see is breathtaking. In fact, a trek to see the sunrise is an extremely popular attraction here as the plains at dawn are often blanketed in clouds making it appear like an ocean of white, which attracts photographers from all over Karnataka. It’s a popular choice to camp at the base of the mountain and trek up in the early morning. The ideal season for a trek at Kotebetta is the winter months, since during the monsoons, the paths are extremely slippery. While packing, don’t forget to pack water and food, trekking shoes, and appropriate clothing for a hike.
