About Kabbe Hills
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, sunrise and sunset
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Subrahmanya Road Railway Station, about 115 km away
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport, about 80 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: KSRTC Bus Stand, Virajpete, about 23 km away
The Kabbe Hills, about 1,420 meters high, are near the village of Chelavara in the lush Western Ghats. It provides a heady mix of adventure and peace for the tourists, making it a perfect addition to your Coorg tour package. You can indulge in a 30-minute walk along the trail, which goes through coffee estates and grassy ridges, ending with a view of misty hills and endless forested valleys below.
During the monsoon season, little streams and waterfalls like Chelavara come to life. Look for rare birds like the Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Parakeets, and Leafbirds that like to hang out in flowering Erythrina trees.
If you want to make things more exciting, go on a rough 4×4 Jeep ride that almost takes you to the top. The golden-hour sunsets paint the forests of Kerala and the coffee slopes of Karnataka in warm colours and provide ample photo opportunities. Kabbe Hills is a classic Coorg getaway that combines culture, peace, and beauty in a way that is both simple and deeply moving.
Kabbe Hills Highlights
• Discover the stunning Kabbe Hills, near Chelavara Falls, Coorg, surrounded by coffee estates and Shola forest.
• Embark on the Kabbe trek from the forest check‑post, with a well‑marked 20–30 minute trail, with gorgeous 360° panoramic views.
• Marvel at the biodiversity, with lush shola pockets, tiny monsoon streams, impatiens and butterflies, and bird species like the Mountain Imperial Pigeon.
• Visit the breathtaking Chelavara Falls, a 150‑ft waterfall that feeds the Kabbe Hills, located just 2 km from the summit.
How To Reach Kabbe Hills
By car/taxi: Kabbe Hills is about 38 km from the Coorg city centre, via Madikeri - Virajpet Rd. It will take you around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Kabbe Hills
Peak Season (October–March):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
- Things to Do: Trek to the Kabbe Peak, Birdwatching, coffee‑plantation strolls
Moderate Season (April–May):
- Weather Insights: Warm afternoons hitting 20 °C to 30 °C, mornings and evenings are more comfortable
- Things to do: Short treks, waterfall visits (Chelavara)
Low Season (June–September):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall and high humidity, with temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C
- Things to do: Enjoy the lush nature, nature photography
Kabbe Hills Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate shoes if you wish to trek, as it is of moderate difficulty.
- Help preserve the pristine natural beauty of the region by collecting your trash and disposing of it in designated bins.
- Carry sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun, especially during summer afternoons.
- Carry water and snacks with you, especially while trekking, as the options might be limited.
Trek to the Summit
Take a beautiful 30-minute trek from Chelavara Falls through coffee estates, shola forests, and grassy hills. The moderate climb gives you stunning views of the lush Western Ghats, distant mountains, Kerala's border, and Coorg's plantations. This is a great place to think and take pictures, making it one of the best experiences of trekking in Karnataka.
Embark on a Sunset Jeep Safari
Starting around 3 PM, you can take an exciting 4x4 Jeep ride from Madikeri. Drive along dusty forest roads, stop at hidden waterfalls, and get there just in time for the beautiful golden hour views, when the sunset alpenglow shines over layered ridges. This is both an adventure and a feast for the eyes, one of the best jeep safaris in Karnataka.
Enjoy Wildlife & Birdwatching
Take a walk along the plantation-lined roads where Erythrina shade trees grow. These trees are home to many birds, including the Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Malabar Trogon, sunbirds, leafbirds, and bulbuls. You can see them at eye level among the fruiting branches. Any nature or wildlife lover will find camera-ready views.
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Visit Chelavara Falls
Take a short diversion to Chelavara Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall that comes from Kabbe. It adds contrast to the grassy summit experience and is great for a quiet break in the middle of the noise of the water and the thick forest cover.
Tourism Board Alliances
Kabbe Hills FAQs
What is the difficulty level of the Kabbe Hills trek?
Kabbe Hills is an easy-to-moderate trek that is good for families and people who are new to hiking. The climb takes about 20 to 45 minutes and starts with a gentle stone path that gets steeper as you go. You don't need any technical skills; just bring good shoes, water, and snacks.
When is the best time to visit Kabbe Hills?
The best time for visiting is from September to December (after the monsoon) and from October to March. The area is green and full of streams during these months, and the weather is cool and nice, which is great for hiking and taking pictures.
What can I expect in terms of scenery and wildlife?
You can see the Western Ghats, misty grasslands, and the Kerala border in the distance, on a clear day. Shola forests, small waterfalls, and birds like bulbuls, sunbirds, and imperial pigeons are all examples of biodiversity.
