Kumbakarai - Vellagavi - Kodaikanal- (Camp stay)
Kumbakarai - Vellagavi - Kodaikanal- (Camp stay)
Tough
14.0 KM
One way
12 Hours
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the scenic Western Ghats as you trek from Kumbakarai Falls to the tranquil village of Vellagavi and onward to the misty hills of Kodaikanal. This trail takes you through lush forests, coffee plantations, and charming mountain villages, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The route is known for its steep ascents and rocky paths—ideal for those who enjoy a bit of challenge amid breathtaking landscapes. Experience the warmth of camp life under a starlit sky, surrounded by nature’s serenity. Along the way, spot exotic birds, soak in panoramic views from Dolphin’s Nose, and witness the simplicity of Vellagavi, where villagers walk barefoot as a mark of their harmony with nature.
⇒ Explore Trek Atlas of Kumbakarai - Vellagavi - Kodaikanal
KEY ATTRACTIONS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
- Pine forests
- Guna caves
- Berijam Lake
- Kurinji Trail
- Poombarai
Maximum Elevation: 1997 MSL(Approx.) Meters
Forest Type: South Indian sub-tropical hill savannah
Nearby Medical Facility: periyakulam GH - 8 km
Nearby Bus Stand: periyakulam - 8 km
Nearby Airport: Madurai - 105 km
Nearby Railway Station: Dindigul - 28 km / Theni - 27 km
Parking Facilities: Yes
- Leopard
- Indian Gaur
- Python
- Daypack or small hiking backpack
- Hiking boots or trail shoes as per your convenience
- Reusable water bottle
- Breathable and quick-drying Clothes are best for changing conditions
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Sun hat or caps
- Trail mix, energy bars, nuts, dried fruits
- Personal medication
- Personal Identity Card
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Trash Bag
- Water-Resistant Wrap for Electronic Devices for rain protection
- Leech socks
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- Sunglasses with UV protection
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Guests
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Know Your Package
Included
Excluded
Your transport upto reception point prior to the trek
Everything that falls outside the inclusions stated above
Things to remember before you book a trek
- Trekking in forests invariably requires physical endurance depending upon the category of the trek.
- Right planning and adequate preparations will make treks immersive and memorable.
- Pick the right trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
- Research your trek destination, be aware of local weather conditions and prepare for it.
- Know the Rules before you embark on the trek.
- Camouflage is the key to observe wildlife; Striking colours, aromatic sprays and Noise will easily give you away.
- Follow appropriate dress code and wear comfortable trekking shoes.
- Carry your backpack: water, snacks, jacket, personal medication etc.
- Please be aware that amenities at the destinations may be offering minimal comfort.
- Pay attention to instructions of the trek leader/ guide.
- Maintain lane discipline and stay with the group; short cuts may turn adverse.
- Observe carefully and do not miss out the little surprises and signs of the animal world.
- It's not a race, listen to your body and take adequate breaks as and when required.
- Selfies at your own risk.
- Refrain from picking wild plants and flowers though they may attract you.
- Treat wildlife with respect: approaching and feeding wild animals can endanger yours and group’s safety.
- Enjoy the scenic view of forest streams & waterfalls; Bathing is prohibited.
- Be a responsible trekker and leave no trash.
Guest reviews
Kumbakarai to Vattakanal via Vellagavi - Tough uphill trek
This is an awesome trail, historic and used for a long time by the villagers of Vellagavi. The uphill trek is only for fit and trained people, DONOT try this if you cannot climb continously for 4-6 hours. The 2 day 14KM trek has an total elevation gain of around 1800m, and the uphill trek is relentless, its steep all the way. You start at Kumbakarai Checkpost (for public transport - reach there using an auto from Periyakulam), the first day is 7-8km (depending on the Campsite chosen). Ensure to carry less luggage, but enough water for the first day - most seasons there won't be any water source on the trail. You can refill at Vellagavi Campsite. Old Kodai Camping (or Eagle Nest camping) - both offer peaceful stay, nice views of the Kodai Valley - you can see all the way from the Periyakulam/VaigaiDam, to Coakers walk, Kodai town, Green Valley view and Guna Caves. Morning sunrise on clear days would be a bliss. Second day trek from Vellagavi to Dolphin nose and then to Vattakanal - its still tough and steep, but easier than the first day. Now there are roads laid upto Dolphin nose, so you will see commercial shops from near Dolphin Nose. Ensure your pickup vehicle reaches Vattakanal, narrow lane it can get crowded and traffic jam during peak season. Else, you need to walk up to the bridge or Church or Bryant Park (3-4 km additional) - this is a good option on good weather days. Or you could rent a van/taxi from Vattakanal to Kodai lake/Bus Stand. Overall, great experience. Choose this uphill trek only if you are fit and strong. The same downhill trek - might look easier while trekking, but will lead to leg pain for a long time. PLEASE do not litter on the trails, carry back all your garbage - there is no one on the hills to pickup your trash. THANKS.
Wonderful experience !!
This was my first trek and it was an amazing experience. The guides, members of the Vellagavi Village, were knowledgeable of route. The food provided during the trek was good. I stayed at Eagles nest and enjoyed it. The bonfire in the night was an added joy. PS: There were cab drivers who drove the car from Kumbakarai to Kodaikanal for a fee. It made the return journey convenient.
Absolutely rewarding and warm experience with Trek tamilnadu
The trek was relentless and really challenged me personally but the guide (Mr. Muthu Swamy) were always warm and reminded me I can keep my own steady slow pace. The nature was breathtaking (literally) and reminded me of all the wonderful efforts of the people of Vellagavi to keep this trail open to people who wish to experience its beauty. The camp at Eagle's nest was especially good. The warmth and reception at Vellagavi and the professional hospitality extended to us at Eagle's nest is what made the experience so good after a hard day's trek. It is safe for families, couples or any group. They served good protein rich food, tea and even guided us for a special hike up the mountain for the sunrise. I highly recommend this to anyone.
Good
Pakka adventure
Awesome experience! We did it!
Awesome Eagle Nest! Nice food, water, tent accommodation, fire camp and toilet facilities at camp. Enough Charging points for mobile. Sunrise was awesome experience. The service and hospitality by every one including guides and Camp organizer were great. Never saw a tensed face even while guests making them uncomfortable and not following their instructions. Even if you would choose a modern resort you would not feel this much respect and love on guests. Don't do mistakes what we did and saw in others: 1. Timely Arrival: Reach the start point on time at 8AM, so that you would complete half of the distance before the Sun start sucking your energy. We(5) reached 9.30 and happened to wait for another 6 people. So started at 10:45AM and roasted by Sun and lost all our energy just in 3kms and reached3.15PM. If you delay it will also impact others including the guides. Thanks to the Guide where still he was helping, encouraging and gave some lemon and coffee. 2. Plan under best climate/season. 3. Don't carry more things, even one single extra T-shirt would make you feel heavy. We would Suggest to take one towel, 1 set of light dress(if you want to change for next day), Jacket/Jerkin(light weight), a pocket rain coat(depends on climate). Please carry sprain bam or spray. 4. Water bottles must: Depends on climate or fate, you might not see water until you reach first 6kms. Please carry 2 water bottles/per head. Mix of glucose or sweet lemon juice would be great. Manage water intake by drinking in sips. 5. Save nature: Hope no need to explain this as we have common sense and proper education. 6. Plan the pickup plans at vattakanal, due to high traffic we had to extend the trek for 5kms to Kodaikanal Busstand :D Go Head: If you have good stamina and will power, and having habit of daily physical activities for 1hr, still this would not be easy but can be achievable, enjoyable and you would have heartful moments. Please don't come/choose this: If this is your first trekking, if you don't have regular physical activities in you daily routine and don't have good stamina, it would be like a life threat and sure you would not enjoy this. Prefer some easy or moderate categories. Please don't agree even if anyone compel/pull you, as they are going to carry you. 100% this is not for Everyone!
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