So often, we trek up the mountains to disconnect from the city din, and while we are enjoying the grand panorama from the heights, we stumble upon a discarded plastic bottle, or a polythene bag flutters on a tree. While it is the fault of visitors who litter the pristine environment, Brahmagiri is one such place where you will not encounter any plastic.
A no-garbage zone in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Brahmagiri is aptly named as the abode of the Gods. The trail passes through shola forests watered by several more streams, the dense groves clinging to the hills.
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Brahmagiri is an Ayurvedic hot spot, dense with trees of medicinal value that render the air with crystal freshness. Approximately 2,015 of the flowering species are endemic, or native to this limited geographical area.
While you trek up this forested trail, you have to keep a look out for a pungent smell, which is a warning that tuskers are in the vicinity. Elephants frequently cross the hiking trail, and you might be lucky to see some infants frolic as they accompany the herd. There are also jackals, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars and a variety of bird species.
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The trek commences at Kodagu’s Iruppu Falls, 50 kilometres south of Virajpet, a nondescript town on the Mysore-Kannur highway. From the falls it is a steep uphill trek for five kilometres along a jungle track. You can spend the night at a quaint British era forest guest house. This is the best spot to completely disconnect from all social media and internet connections.
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The trek up to the Brahmagiri peak is steep, and the last patch may not be for the faint hearted. Still, it is thoroughly enjoyable, with numerous waterfalls that acquire renewed vigour in the monsoon season. While the peak offers amazing panoramic views of Kerala and Karnataka, the cliff faces a drop of few thousand feet. The entire view is breath taking and magical.
You can acquire the permit to trek to Brahmagiri from the Range Forest Officer (RFO) at Srimangala. It is best accessible from Bengaluru, which is 270 km drive away.
So, pack your boots for an amazing trek in the Western Ghats.
Read Also: Have You Tried Trekking Through The Braganza Hills Of Western Ghats
