Brahmagiri Peak Trek – A Hidden Gem on the Karnataka-Kerala Border

🥾 Trek Overview

• Starting Point: Iruppu (Rameshwara Temple)

• Ending Point: Brahmagiri Peak (5,240 ft)

• Trek Distance (Round Trip): ~20 km

• Time Required: 7–9 hours (depending on pace and weather)

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

🌿 Trail Highlights

1. Forest Section

The trek begins with a shaded walk through dense forests, alive with the calls of birds and the occasional rustle of a Malabar Giant Squirrel. The route follows the Laxman Teertha River, crossing wooden bridges and slippery patches—an exciting prelude to the adventure.

2. Narimale Forest Guest House

Roughly midway, you’ll come across the Narimale Guest House, a historic forest rest house. This marks the transition from deep forest to the rolling shola grasslands.

3. Shola Grasslands

As the canopy gives way, you’re greeted by sweeping meadows under an open sky. The path meanders along the Karnataka–Kerala border, giving you a sense of walking between two worlds.

4. Summit Climb

The final ascent to Brahmagiri Peak is the most demanding—500 ft elevation in 500 meters over loose gravel and steep inclines. It’s a challenge that rewards you with 360° panoramic views of major South Indian peaks like Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Kumara Parvatha, and even Chembra Peak in Kerala on a clear day.

🔰 Beginner-Friendly?

• The trek is long and involves steep ascents, especially towards the end. Fit beginners with prior short-trek experience can attempt it from the Thirunelli side in Kerala, which is shorter and comparatively easier.

• From the Iruppu side, the trek is more challenging and best suited for those with intermediate experience or better endurance.

✅ Trek Essentials

• Guided Trek Only: Due to frequent elephant sightings and presence of other wildlife, Forest Department guides are mandatory.

• Trekking Permits: Must be taken in advance from the Forest Office near Iruppu.

• Best Time to Trek: Post-monsoon to early winter (October to February). Monsoon treks are possible but slippery and leech-prone.

🧳 What to Pack

• Good trekking shoes with grip

• Light rain jacket or poncho (if trekking during monsoon)

• 2L water bottle

• Energy bars and fruits

• Camera (but protect it from moisture)

• First-aid kit with anti-leech oil or salt

• Sunscreen and sunglasses for the grassland sections

📍 How to Reach

• By Road: Iruppu Falls is ~250 km from Bangalore. The nearest town is Srimangala (20 km).

• By Public Transport: KSRTC buses run to Gonikoppal/Srimangala, from where you can take a cab to Iruppu.

• By Train/Air: Mysore is the nearest railway station (~120 km). The closest airport is in Kannur or Mysore.

🌟 After the Trek

Don’t miss nearby attractions:

• Irupu Falls (a short detour from the trail)

• Nagarhole National Park (for safari)

• Thirunelli Temple in Kerala (if descending from the Kerala side)

• Madikeri for a relaxed post-trek day in Coorg