6 Sunrise Trek Routes in Coorg for Early Morning Adventurers

Coorg, often called the 'Scotland of India,' is a beautiful place filled with misty hills, green coffee farms and amazing valleys. If you don't mind waking up before the sun, these hills offer a truly special reward: watching the sunrise from the very top.

Here are six wonderful places in Coorg for Early Morning Trek

1. Mandalpatti Peak

Image credit: Capture A Trip

Mandalpatti is one of the most famous spots to see the sunrise in Coorg. It’s sometimes called the 'Market of the Clouds.' The road up is quite rough, so many people take a thrilling 4x4 jeep ride to the top. The view is absolutely worth the bumpy trip!

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium (if you hike the short part from the jeep drop-off)

• Route/Starting Point: Starts near the road leading to Abbey Falls. You must hire a jeep from the nearest main road junction (like the one near Abbey Falls) or Madikeri, as the final 18-20 km off-road stretch is difficult.

• Best for: Seeing wide, beautiful views and hills covered in clouds.

• Highlights: Standing above a soft blanket of mist as the sun rises and colors the sky. It feels like magic!

• Good to Know: You usually can't take your own car on the last part of the road. You should hire a jeep or walk the final stretch. Try to arrive by 5:30 AM to catch the moment.

Also Read: Coorg River Rafting - Everything You Need to Know!

2. Tadiandamol Peak

Image credit: Tripoto

This is the highest peak in all of Coorg. The Tadiandamol trek is a bit harder but gives you an incredible view from the top, where you can see all the green forests and hills spread out below.

• Difficulty: Medium to Hard

• Route/Starting Point: The trek officially starts from the base village of Kakkabe (about 35 km from Madikeri). Many trekkers drive/take a taxi about 4 km past Kakkabe to a point known as the Nalknad Palace or the Forest Department checkpoint to begin the hike.

• Best for: Experienced walkers and those who want to reach the very top of the region.

• Highlights: The trail takes you through thick forests, grassy areas, and coffee farms. Seeing the sunrise from the highest point is a real achievement.

• Good to Know: The whole walk is long, about 14-16 km round trip. To see the sunrise, you need to start very early (around 4 AM), perhaps after staying overnight nearby. You also need to get permission from the Forest Department first and should take a local guide.

Also Read: 9 Best Sunrise Treks in India

3. Kotebetta Peak

Image credit: Plan The Unplanned

Kotebetta means 'Fort Hill' and is the third-highest peak in Coorg. This trail is a lovely mix of walking through dense forest, passing coffee plants, and reaching open grasslands. It's often less busy than the most famous peaks, giving you a quiet sunrise.

• Difficulty: Medium

• Route/Starting Point: The most common starting point is from the village of Madapura (around 15 km from Madikeri). The entire trek is approximately 7-8 km one way.

• Best for: An exciting and peaceful walk through different types of scenery.

• Highlights: The walk ends at a small temple on the summit, where you get a full 360-degree view of the hills around Madikeri.

• Good to Know: Starting early lets you reach the peak right as the sun comes up.

Also Read: 10 Most Dangerous Treks in India

4. Nishani Motte

Image credit: praveenmusafir.com

This spot is a bit of a secret gem in the hills and is perfect if you want to avoid crowds. Nishani Motte was an important landmark long ago, and the trail takes you on a quiet journey through the forest area.

• Difficulty: Medium

• Route/Starting Point: The trek begins from the Bhagamandala or Tala Cauvery Forest Range area.

• Best for: Solitude seekers and people who want to walk alone and enjoy the quiet nature.

• Highlights: The trail passes through thick trees and open meadows, giving you fantastic views of the misty valleys when the sun rises.

• Good to Know: The trek is about 13-15 km round trip. A local guide is very helpful here, and you will need to check for any permits required by the Forest Department.

5. Kopatty Hills

Located near a small town called Cherambane, the Kopatty trek is not as well-known. This walk is special because you go right through beautiful, well-cared-for coffee plantations before climbing up the open hill.

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium

• Route/Starting Point: The trek typically begins from the village of Cherambane or a designated point near it.

• Best for: Beginners and people who love walking through farm areas.

• Highlights: The uphill walk is pretty easy, and you get rewarded with wide views of the misty hills, framed nicely by the coffee bushes.

• Good to Know: This trek is great for a shorter, half-day outing. Start early to be at the top when the sun’s first rays hit the hills.

6. Raja's Seat (Viewpoint)

This is not a long, hard trek but it is the easiest and simplest place to see a wonderful Coorg sunrise. It’s just a short walk in a well-kept park, so it's excellent for families, older visitors, or anyone who just wants a simple, great view.

• Difficulty: Very Easy (Just a short stroll)

• Route/Starting Point: Located right in the heart of Madikeri town. You just need to walk into the public park/viewpoint area.

• Best for: Easy access, families, and a guaranteed good view without much effort.

• Highlights: This is a historic spot where the Kings of Coorg used to sit. The view of the valleys and distant hills as the sun rises is truly stunning.

• Good to Know: It’s located right in the town of Madikeri. Make sure you get there early (before 6 AM) to find a good place to stand and enjoy the show!

Simple Tips for Your Sunrise Adventure

• Wake Up Early: You should plan to get to the start point at least 2-3 hours before sunrise, depending on how long and hard the walk is.

• Find a Guide: For less-known treks like Tadiandamol and Nishani Motte, a local guide is important to keep you safe and help you find the way in the dark.

• Dress Right: Wear layers of clothes (it will be cold before the sun comes up), strong walking shoes, and carry a headlamp or torch. A warm jacket and a thermos of hot coffee are always a good idea!

• Check for Permission: Always find out if you need special permission from the Forest Department, especially for treks like Tadiandamol and Nishani Motte.

• Best Time to Go: October to March is the best time, as the sky is usually clear and the views are sharp. Try to avoid the heavy rain months (Monsoon) because the paths get slippery and foggy.

Also Read: Indian Tourists Guide to Best Treks in Nepal - 2025

So there you have it! Coorg is waiting with some seriously amazing sunrises. Whether you're up for a tough climb or just a short walk to a beautiful viewpoint, setting that early alarm is totally worth it for the view you'll get. Which one of these spots are you adding to your travel plans?

Do any of these sunrise spots sound perfect for your next morning adventure?