Kabbe Hills

In the southern part of India, Coorg is wedged in conjunction with two majestically interesting states- Karnataka and Kerala. Kabbe hills amidst the clouds offer breathtaking sights. This beautiful hill is 1.5 km from Chelavara Falls. At a distance of 2 km from Chelavara Falls and 37 km from Madikeri, Kabbe Peak is a mountain peak located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Situated near Chelavara village, it is one of the most popular hiking places in Karnataka. 

Kabbe Peak is located at an altitude of 1420 m, which is about 300 m short of the Tadiandamol peak, the tallest point in Kodagu. The Chelavara River originates as a spring in the hills of Kabbe. The spectacular Chomakundh peak (1600 m) is located to the south-east of the Kabbe Hills. Kabbe Hills come alive during the monsoon season with tiny streams, small waterfalls, and lush sholas. For adventure enthusiasts, Kabbe Hill is a trekker's paradise. One can trek to the peak of Kabbe from the Forest office, and it is an easy one that can be completed in 30 minutes. The first one-third of the trek was a gentle climb along an unevenly laid stone path. The next one-third of the trail was steeper but manageable. The trail was a continuous ascent for about 30 minutes till the summit. 

The view from the top of the peak is mind-blowing, and it takes your breath away. You can see endless stretches of verdant forests and beautiful valleys of Western Ghats filled with mist and clouds. On a clear day, one can even see the Kerala border on one side and Coorg on the other. The solitude and silence add a hint of charm to the view and the surroundings. Hiking up Kabbe Peak or going all the way to Chomakundh Peak will need prior permission from the forest department, without which visitors are only allowed up to the viewpoint. 

The turn-off to Chelavara Falls from a small town called Cheyendane leads to a picturesque drive into a valley. With a steep drop-off on the left leading down to the Chelavara River, this road offers excellent birding and photography opportunities. Thanks to the gradient, one can photograph birds at eye level as they feed in the tree tops. The plantations below the road are lined with Erythrina trees, which are used as shade for coffee and support for pepper vines. When the Erythrina trees are flowering, many species of birds come to feed on the flowers and the nectar. Golden-fronted Leafbirds, Square-tailed Bulbuls, Malabar and Plum-headed Parakeets, Vernal Hanging Parrots, White-headed and Chestnut-tailed Starlings, Golden Orioles, Nilgiri Flowerpeckers, Asian Fairy Bluebirds and barbets are some of the many species that visit these flowering trees. The road continues past plantations and streams up into the hills, going past the excellent Kabbe Holidays homestay, and finally comes to an end just below Kabbe Peak. Adjacent to a small car park is the Forest Department check-post, where the guards check for disposable plastic items and record visitor details. A few hundred meters ahead is a small pond to the left of the path, next to which a track goes up the hill. The mist-covered, grassy hillside looks like a scene out of Switzerland in the spring, with a few cattle grazing on the lush, green grass. 

Going up the path, one gets to see a dense shola forest on the left, which is home to a variety of birds, including the shy White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and, during certain times of the year, the elusive Nilgiri Woodpigeon. In the treetops, the White-bellied Treepie and Square-tailed Bulbul can be found feeding on a wide variety of wild fruits. One can hear the leaves on the ground crackling under the fruiting trees as the birds drop ripened fruit from the canopy.  

HOW TO REACH: 

Reaching Kabbe Hills, a popular trekking destination in India, typically involves a combination of travel methods. Here’s a general guide: 

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 120 km away. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the base of the hills. 

2. By Train: The nearest railway station is on Subrahmanya Road or Mangalore. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the base. 

3. By Road: If you’re driving, you can take the NH75 to reach the town of Madikeri and then follow local roads to Kabbe Hills. The roads can be winding and steep, so be cautious. 

4. Trekking: If you’re up for it, many people trek to Kabbe Hills from nearby villages. The trek can be challenging but offers beautiful scenery. 

5. Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour, which can provide transportation and a knowledgeable guide. 

Make sure to check local weather and trail conditions before your trip! The Chelavara river originates as a spring in the hills of Kabbe in Kodagu. As it flows down the steep gradient, it picks up momentum, and tiny feeder streams add to the volume, making it a fast-flowing river in the monsoons. Eventually, the river flows over a large rock and drops over 150 feet into a deep pool below before continuing its journey downstream. This waterfall, known as the Chelavara Falls, is a popular tourist destination. The beautiful feel of trekking and seeing the scenic mountains is truly mesmerizing to see and to be. 

TIMING AND ENTRY FEE:  

• Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM, winter will be the best time to visit. 

• Entry fee: free but INR 3000 for safari. 

PLACES NEARBY: 

There are several places to visit near Kabbe Hills in Coorg, Karnataka, including waterfalls, peaks, and historical sites:  

1. Tadiandamol Peak: The highest peak in Coorg,     standing at an elevation of over 5,700 feet  

2. Kumara Parvatha Hill: A hill that's covered by clouds during the monsoon  

3. Abbey Falls: A refreshing waterfall that pounds on the rocks  

4. Iruppu Falls: A stunning waterfall that captivates the beholder's eyes  

5. Raja's Seat: A place where the king of Coorg used to spend his time  

6. Chomakund Peak: A peak covered with dense shola forests located to the southeast of Kabbe Peak  

7. Nalknad Palace: A king's budget residence and historical place  

8. Igguthappa Temple: A beautiful temple in Kakkabe  

9. Kabbe Hills: Kabbe Hills is a geologic formation in Galibeedu. It's a good place for hiking and walking, and some say it's a must-trek spot.  

This place would be one of the romantic destinations for couples. And the best memorable destination with family, you can even join escape2explore. You will have a safe journey with us with transportation facilities, the best food availability, accommodation, and much more. You will get the best experience and beautiful memories with us. 

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