Nishani Motte - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 9 km from Bhagamandala and 40 km from Madikeri, Nishani Motte is a mountain peak in Karnataka. It is an ideal weekend trekking trail for the people living in Bangalore and one of the lesser-known places to visit in Coorg.

Situated at an altitude of 4167 feet, the peak of Nishani Motte is a part of Tala Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to many wildlife animals like elephants and leopards. The place is best known for its scintillating views of misty mountains, green forest cover, lush green open meadows and rare species of flora and fauna. It is also a popular trekking destination amidst the avid trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

This approximately 15 km moderate-trek starts from Bhagamandala forest range right after the jeep trail amidst the Shola forest. The trail is not a well-trodden pathway so it is necessary to have a trained guide accompany you. The trail goes through soft ridges, sprawling meadows, aromatic coffee estates, and small rivulets and streams. The gradual ascent to the top takes about half a day. Although the initial trekking trail is not steep and is an easy climb, the pathway is laced with leeches, snakes and other animals. The final Blue Ridge uphill trek of 1 Km is a bit challenging and not very well marked.

From the summit, one can get a 360◦ view of the stunning landscape with the emerald Western Ghats making a perfect backdrop. Since it is a long-distance walking trail amidst dense forest, it is recommended that you start around 9 AM from the Tala Cauvery base so that you may reach the summit before 3 PM when there is still some light around. For this trek, trekkers need permits from the Forest Department. One can obtain these permits from the FRH Office in Bhagamandala.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM