Places to Visit Near Mandalpatti

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Mandalpatti is a scenic and offbeat place in Coorg just 4 km away from the famous hidden gem Abbey Falls and 20-25 km from Madikeri Town. The Mandalpatti jeep ride has an adventurous appeal amidst nature and thrill lovers, and the peak offers scenic views of the natural beauty here. Since Mandalpatti is now quite famous, visitors are also keen on knowing the best places to visit near Mandalpatti to combine their trips and have an epic itinerary.

Mandalpatti itself offers a secluded spot for anyone looking to enjoy peace away from the crowd. Moreover, there are many such attractions near Mandalpatti, with Abbey Falls being an obvious one. With its cascading water, it offers a perfect place for a family day out. Then, there is Raja’s seat, a must-visit place to experience the serene and mesmerizing sunset or sunrise.

If you want to interact with the wildlife, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Dubare Elephant Camp, nearby Mandalpatti, are the best options. Mandalpatti, in Coorg, is best visited between November and February, so ensure to read carefully below to figure out the other attractions to visit or things to do near Mandalpatti for a memorable visit to the Western Ghats.

Best Places to Visit Near Mandalpatti

Mandalpatti is surrounded by several stunning attractions, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Nearby places include Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall perfect for a short trek, Raja’s Seat, a scenic viewpoint in Madikeri, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers.

1. Abbey Falls

Abbi or Abbey Falls is one of the best places to visit near Mandalpatti. The cascading waterfall is known for its natural beauty and for being a picnic spot for families. Formerly known as Jesse Falls, it is sandwiched between spice estates and coffee plantations. The calm and beauty here are perfect for anyone seeking peace. The monsoon season is perfect for visiting Abbey Falls, as the rainfall makes the falls glorious, and the sound of water cascading over the rocks is incredible and loud. There is a hanging bridge nearby, the best vantage point for seeing the waterfall. The temple and trekking trail nearby also appeal to adventure seekers.

Distance: 11.2 km
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Entry Fee: INR 15 and INR 10-50 (Parking fee)
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
How to Reach: Arrive in Madikeri via bus or private taxi from Mysore, Bangalore, or Mangalore. From there, you can take a local taxi to reach Abbey Falls and then continue your journey to Mandalpatti.
Highlights: Trekking near the falls, the Temple of Goddess Kali, and serene views.

2. Raja’s Seat

One of the most popular places to visit near Mandalpatti is Raja’s town in Madikeri town. The enchanting atmosphere and scenic beauty here appeal to all, whether you are a nature lover or not. Literally meaning ‘Seats of the Kings,’ it was the most favorite place of Coorg’s kings. It was a place where they could relax or view the amazing valley or get intoxicated by the splendid sunrise and sunset views, for which it is still famous. For anyone seeking peace and serenity, this is the place to be, surrounded by greenery and cool breezes. The toy train makes it a perfect place along with an amusement park for kids.

Distance: 1.9 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: INR 5/person; INR 20 for the toy train ride and INR 40 (parking).
Timings: 5:30 am to 8 pm
How to Reach: To reach Coorg, you can take a bus or train or fly to Bangalore or Mangalore, and from there, take a cab to reach Coorg. Take a jeep ride or a taxi to reach Raja’s seat from Madikeri.
Highlights: Sunset and sunrise views, a toy train ride, and proximity to Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple.

3. Omkareshwara Temple

One of the most unique attractions near Mandalpatti is situated in the town of Madikeri. The Omkareshwara temple has a famous Shiva temple built by Linga Rajendra in 1820 to attain mental peace after he killed a Brahmin. The temple was a Shivling brought from Kashi. The temple has a unique architectural style—a mix of both Gothic and Islamic styles of architecture. The temple also has a pool nearby, ideal for sitting to experience calm and peace.

Distance: 11.8 km
Best Time to Visit: between the months of October to March
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 6 am to 12 pm; 5 pm to 8 pm.
How to Reach: It is in Madikeri town, accessible by most cities of Karnataka via bus or train or even cab. From Mandalpatti, you can take a private vehicle or a jeep ride to Omkareshwara Temple.
Highlights: Peaceful vibe, lake near the temple, and its architectural style.

4. Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort, only 1.9 km from Mandalpatti, is one of the attractions or sightseeing places to visit near Mandalpatti you cannot miss. Built sometime in the 17th century by Mudduraja, it was renovated with bricks and stones by Tipu Sultan, who also named it Jaffarabad. Its history of rich battles and succession appeals to all history lovers. It underwent many transformations as every power that conquered it changed something. For instance, the Britishers added a portico and clock tower. Currently, it is used as the office of the Deputy Commissioner. In front of the fort, see two life-sized elephants. There was a temple here, but the Britishers replaced it with an Anglican church in 1855. Now, the beautiful church acts as a museum, presenting the antiques to the tourists here.

Distance: 1.9 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm (Monday closed)
How to Reach: Reach Madikeri from Kannur railway station or via bus from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore. Moreover, from Mandalpatti, you can take a private cab to the fort or cover the fort before heading for your Mandalpatti jeep ride.
Highlights: Ancient museum, architecture, and nearby attractions.

5. Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp, on the foothills of the River Kaveri, is one of the most popular attractions near Mandalpatti. The camp provides you an opportunity to be up close to elephants while engaging in other activities curated by the camp surrounding elephants. The forest department, jungle lodges, and resorts have together undertaken the ‘Elephant Camp at Dubare’ project. The elephants are trained under naturalists and offer jungle rides. Here you can engage in activities like ‘bathing the elephant’ for 45 minutes or go for a 45-minute jungle ride or feed them banana, ragi, or sugarcane.

Distance: 45.7 km
Best Time to Visit: mid-September to early March
Entry Fee: INR 1,310 per person for Indians (day visit), INR 2,250 per person for foreign tourists (day visit), INR 670 per Indian (elephant camp activities), and INR 1,447 per international tourist (elephant camp activities)
Timings: 9:00 am–11:00 am; 4:30 pm–5:30 pm
How to Reach: After reaching Coorg or from Mandalpatti, you can hire a taxi to reach the camp.
Highlights: Elephant rides to the jungle, feeding and bathing the gentle giants.

6. Talakaveri

Talakaveri, or Talacauvery, is a must-visit attraction near Mandalpatti, situated in the Brahmagiri hills. Having a religious significance, it is situated at a height of 1276 meters, and also a small spring is there known as ‘Tirtha Kundike or Brahma Kundike.’ It is also considered a water source for the Cauvery River. The shrine is close to Kundike, where you will see a massive tank for devotees to take a bath before they seek blessings from the deities. There are two temples, one honoring Lord Shiva and the other one honoring Lord Ganesha. Heading to Brahmagiri Peak from here is also an option.

Distance: 54.4 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: None exclusive of parking.
Timings: 6 am to 8:30 pm
How to Reach: You can reach Talakaveri by road from Madikeri via State Highway 88.
Highlights: Temple of Lord Shiva and trek to waterfalls.

7. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the most sought-after attractions near Mandalpatti, it is one of the 21st century’s catering to preserving the various bird species. Situated in Mandalpatti, it is known to have rare species of flora and fauna endemic to this region only. From Asian elephants to giant squirrels to Nilgiri flycatchers, you will find much diverse wildlife here. The exotic plants and multiple trekking trails make it an eye-catching attraction in Coorg.

Distance: 66.4 km
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Entry Fee: INR 75 (extra for camping)
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
How to Reach: You can reach the sanctuary from Mandalpatti (20 km) to Madikeri (30 km) to the sanctuary via road.
Highlights: Birdwatching, diverse species of butterflies, and trekking routes to Iruppu and other waterfalls.

8. Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls, or Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is nestled at a height of 170 ft and provides one of the most memorable sights ever. The cascading waterfall is known for its natural beauty and thundering sound. The falls is a refreshing experience with sounds of birds and other animals keeping you company. Known as one of the best picnic spots, you will also find a few trails here, like the trek to Barimale’s first camp and to Brahmagiri peak. You need permission from the forest department to head to this trek. Do not miss heading to the nearby temple, known for washing away your sins.

Distance: 85.9 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Entry Fee: INR 50 and INR 10 (for entry and parking).
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
How to Reach: From Madikeri, take a drive towards Kutta and follow signs for the falls. Mandalpatti to Madikeri is easy to access via road.
Highlights: Ramanatha Swamy Temple, trekking, and a peaceful vibe.

9. Bhagamandala

The Bhagamandala triveni sangam should be on your itinerary list when heading to Mandalpatti. The nature and spiritual significance of this place make it a place worth visiting. Lying at the foothill of Talacauvery, 35 km from Madikeri, it is significant because of the merger of three rivers: Kaveri, Kannike, and Sujyoti River. Sujyoti River, a mystical river believed to be flowing inside the earth, which merges with the other two rivers later and heads further. Taking a dip in the holy waters of the sangam has a spiritual significance as it can provide peace to you and the souls of your deceased ones.

Distance: 46.9 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
How to Reach: Bhagamandala is accessible from Madikeri by road, only 38 km away. The nearest railway station is in Mysore, 120 km away, and the airport is in Mangalore. From Mandalapatti, take a cab connecting Madikeri to the temple.
Highlights: Convergence point of Kaveri and two more rivers, Lord Shiva temple, and proximity to Talakaveri.

10. Nisargadhama Forest Park

Kaveri Nisargadhama forest park is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Mandalpatti. Situated on an island and formed by River Kaveri, the dense forest cover is perfect. It was established in 1989 and has attracted tourists for a decade now. Spanning over 64 acres, it has an alluring natural setting for tourists to admire the River Kaveri flowing gloriously via the dense forest while hearing the chirping of the birds. You can also camp here and witness the beautiful night sky and sunrise. Elephant rides here are quite famous amongst kids and adults alike.

Distance: 36.6 km
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person, exclusive of other activities like INR 25 for an elephant ride and INR 100 for boating.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
How to Reach: From Madikeri, head to Kushalnagar, and you will find Nisargadhama around 4 km away. The nearest railway station is in Mysore (about 80 km), and the nearest airport is in Mangalore (about 150 km).
Highlights: Boating, elephant rides, and nature walks. Proximity to Dubare Elephant Camp.

11. Chiklihole Reservoir

Looking for calm and peace after witnessing some busy sightseeing spots in Coorg. Well, Chiklihole Reservoir offers the calm you are craving. The dam water flows beautifully, and the greenery around the area is quite refreshing. Situated between the twins of Kushalnagar and Madikeri, it is 15 km from both towns and 32.5 km from Mandalpatti. The reservoir is built across one tributary of the Cauvery River. It is an ideal picnic spot, and most family trips do end here.

Distance: 32.5 km
Best Time to Visit: June to March
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
How to Reach: After reaching Coorg via train or bus from nearby cities like Bangalore or Mysore, take a cab to Madikeri or Kusalnagar and local transport from there.
Highlights: Proximity to Dubare Reserve camp and picnic spot.

12. Mallalli Falls

A beautiful spectacular awaits you at the foot of the Pushpagiri hill ranges in the form of Mallalli Falls. Nestled in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat, Somwarpet, it originates from River Kumaradhara, dripping down from Pushpagiri peak from a height of 200 ft approximately. Apart from the cascading beauty of the falls, trekking here appeals to people the most. The trekking routes here are incredible. But be cautious, as you will find leeches on your route, but trekking to Pushpagiri Falls and heading to the falls will elevate your journey.

Distance: 61.9 km
Best Time to Visit: July to December
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
How to Reach: Trekking to Pushpagiri Hills to reach the falls as the roads are too narrow for vehicles. To reach the hills, get buses from Hanchinalli or Bidalli to Somwarpet. Or reach the hill destination from Mandalpatti via a cab.
Highlights: Trekking to the falls and proximity to the wildlife sanctuary.

13. Tadiandamol Peak

The second highest mountain of Karnataka, it is the highest peak of Coorg. Nestled at a height of 1746 meters, it is 35 km from Madikeri and 51.1 km from Mandalpatti. It is an ideal place for trekking, especially in winters, offering tourists scenic views of the nearby mountains and valleys, a haven for nature lovers. The most adventurous part about trekking to this peak is reaching the peak, as you can take jeeps to cover almost 1/3 of the distance. After a point, you will have to trek, and it is a bit tiresome, so go with a guide and take halts in between, especially Nalknad Palace is perfect for having a night base camp. From Tadiandamol, you can also head to Padi Igguthappa temple, holding significance for Kodavas.

Distance: 51.1 km
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
How to Reach: Take a private vehicle from your destination to the Tadiandamol trek base. From there, you have to trek up the hill.
Highlights: serene views, an adventurous trail, and the ancient Padi Igguthappa temple

14. Kotebetta Trek

Kotebetta is the 3rd highest peak in Coorg and is a popular spot to visit near Mandalpatti. Situated at a height of 1620 meters, Kotebetta is easy to trek to from Hattiole. The name Kotebetta comes from the word Kote Betta, meaning fort hill, as the hill resembles a fort. Also, at the summit, you will find a Lord Shiva temple, a serene place to seek blessings and feel calm. It is one of the best trekking trails in Coorg, and you start the trek 10 km away from Hathihole. The greenery and nearby coffee estates make trekking here ideal. You do not need a special permit to head to this trek, but hiring a local guide is a good option.

Distance: 28.3 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
How to Reach: Take a cab or local transport to Hattihole, the starting point of the trek.
Highlights: Lord Shiva Temple and Views from the Summit.

15. Harangi Dam

Harangi Dam is an interesting spot to include in your itinerary while planning a visit to Mandalpatti. It is an ideal place for connecting with nature, situated near Kushalnagar and built on the River Cauvery. From Madikeri, it is 36 km, and from Mandalpatti, the distance is 42 km. The dam supplies water for irrigation, necessary for agriculture, the main occupation of the locals here. The reservoir’s height is 47 meters, its length is 846 meters, and its capacity is 8.50 TMC ft. It is known as a picnic spot with mesmerizing views of the hills keeping you happy.

Distance: 42.4 km
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Entry Fee: INR 10 (adult), INR 5 (children), INR 10 (parking)
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
How to Reach: Reach Coorg via bus or car and take a local taxi or bus to Harangi Dam.
Highlights: Enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby lush greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best place to visit near Mandalpatti for nature lovers?

One of the best attractions near Mandalpatti for nature lovers is Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Only 12 km away from Mandalpatti, it offers stunning views of the rich biodiversity and dense forests with peaceful walking trails. There are few other places ideal for nature lovers like the ‘Kote Betta’ and ‘Chelavara Falls.’ It offers stunning views of the natural landscape and is perfect for spending some time in the peace and untouched beauty.

Can I Visit Mandalpatti and Abbey Falls on the Same Day?

Definitely, visiting both Mandalpatti and Abbey Falls in one day is quite doable. Abbey Falls, a hidden gem, is around 10-11 km from Madikeri, a scenic stop and also the middle point for both Mandalpatti and Abbey Falls. To cover these two beautiful places, start your day early and head to Abbey Falls and then go on to Mandalpatti via a jeep ride to enjoy scenic experiences. Within 4-5 hours, you can explore both these stunning places.

Are there any offbeat places near Mandalpatti?

Chelavara Falls: A stunning fall located deep in the dense forests of Virajpet, it is a peaceful getaway amidst cascading waters. Hiking to the falls is an adventure in itself and is also a great place for birdwatchers. It is 47.5 km from Mandalpatti.
Tadiandamol Peak: It is around 30 km from Mandalpatti and is Coorg’s highest point. It is one of the best places to visit near Mandalpatti, making a thrilling trek via dense forest and splendid views of nature.
Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple: It is situated in Kudige and honors Maa Durga. It is a blissful offbeat place near Mandalpatti, 148 km.
Kutta: One of the most offbeat places near Mandalpatti is Kutta, 85 km away. Here you can experience the local Kodava culture while exploring the rich local heritage and trying traditional meals.

Which adventure activities are available near Mandalpatti?

Trekking to Kumara Parvatha: 12.5 km away, it is one of the best trekking trails with impressive views of the Western Ghats.
White-water rafting: Go to the Barapole River, ideal for adrenaline junkies and to enjoy the rapids here.
Jeep safari to Mandalpatti: From Madikeri, take a jeep safari to Mandalpatti; the ride is thrilling with scenic views of the forest keeping you company.
Mountain Biking: Near Mandalpatti, you will have many paths for mountain biking, a surreal adventure to indulge in.

Is it Safe to Travel to These Places During the Monsoon?

It is safe to travel during the monsoon season but only if you are cautious and go with a local guide. The entire region of Mandalpatti looks beautiful and is full of greenery. But since it is a hilly area, you will also experience unpredictable weather, slippery trails and landslide risks. Therefore, it is best to ensure you have a local guide with you and also keep an eye on the weather.

What are the Best Places to Visit Near Mandalpatti for Adventure Lovers?

Tadiandamol Peak: It is one of the best treks in Coorg and ideal for adventure lovers as you trail through a challenging trail with rewarding views.
Barapole River: It is ideal for white-water rafting experiences, perfect for water sports lovers.
Nisargadhama: It is best for anyone who enjoys nature walks and bamboo rafting.
Kote Betta: This stunning place offers you a chance to try rock climbing, perfect for photography and adventure both.

What are the best places near Mandalpatti for photography?

Mandalpatti is a haven for photography lovers; the stunning views of the Western Ghats, misty mornings, and lush valleys make it a beautiful backdrop for photography. The places to visit near Mandalpatti for photography include Abbey Falls. The cascading waterfall, along with the tropical foliage, makes for a stunning backdrop and is ideal for nature photographers.

If you want to capture a serene sunset or sunrise, head to Raja’s seat and try to capture the moment in your lens forever. On the other hand, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for wildlife photographers as it has diverse flora and fauna here.

Are there any permit requirements to visit Mandalpatti and nearby areas?

No, you do not require any special permits for visiting Mandalpatti or any nearby places like Abbey Falls or Madikeri Fort or so on. But there are a few places, like Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the trekking route to Tadiandamol Trek, that can require you to get a permit from the forest department or local authorities. Also, to reach the top of Mandalpatti, you need to hire a jeep, as it is located off the beaten path, so asking the requirement for the same is necessary for a smooth trip.