Kottancheri Hills

Kottancheri Hills (celebrated across Kerala and Karnataka as the pristine 'Trekker's Paradise of Kasaragod' and a bio rich rain shadow extension of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges of Kodagu/Coorg), situated along the misty Western Ghats ridge in Malom near Kanhangad just 48 km southeast of Kasaragod town in Kerala, is one of the state's most untouched, biologically diverse, and scenic eco trekking highland ranges.

Rising to an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level along the Kerala Karnataka interstate border, Kottancheri shares its lush tropical evergreen and shola grassland ecology directly with the famous Talakaveri and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries of Coorg, earning wide renown among botanists and wilderness explorers for resembling the scenic landscapes of Kodaikanal while retaining absolute wilderness solitude.

It's the home of challenging mountain hiking trails through dense bamboo brakes and moist deciduous forests, rolling shola grasslands carpeted with wild mountain blossoms and Neela Kurinji shrubs, panoramic viewpoints overlooking the deep valleys of Kodagu and Kasaragod, fresh mountain streams and cascading waterfalls, a thriving wildlife corridor harboring wild elephants, leopards, Indian gaurs (bison), sambar deer, and barking deer, over 150 species of forest birds including the Malabar Grey Hornbill and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and the cool refreshing mountain climate where temperatures frequently dip to 15°C to 18°C amidst swirling clouds and perennial mountain mist.

It represents a rich highland, trekking, and biodiversity sanctuary where pristine Western Ghats shola ecosystems, thrilling forest ridge ascents, cool Coorg border microclimates, and untouched wilderness peace unite in Balal and Kinanoor Karinthalam grama panchayats.

Located in Malom / Konnakkad village in Vellarikundu taluk, it sits 30 km from Kanhangad Railway Station (KZE), 48 km from Kasaragod, 35 km from Nileshwar, and 95 km from Mangalore International Airport (IXE), easily accessible by jeep trails, rural KSRTC buses from Kanhangad to Konnakkad, and guided trekking expeditions.

The Brahmagiri Range Eco Trek & Shola Peaks

The trek from Konnakkad base camp ascends through dense canopy rainforests into rolling emerald shola grasslands with spectacular ridge views.

Trek lovers often refer to Kottancheri as the 'Ooty of Kasaragod' due to its cool mountain breeze, rolling green knolls, and misty weather.

Truth is, standing atop the windy summit while sea mist rolls over the Coorg mountain slopes into Kerala valleys is truly unforgettable.

Wildlife Corridor & Birdwatching Haven

Elephant & Bison Corridors: Connecting to Brahmagiri Sanctuary, herds of wild elephants and gaurs migrate through these mountain forests seasonally.

Western Ghats Avifauna: Birders can spot rare endemic birds including the Malabar Trogon, Emerald Dove, and Ceylon Frogmouth in the canopy.

Konnakkad Base Camp & Nearby Attractions

Konnakkad Village: Serving as the staging ground for treks, Konnakkad offers rustic homestays, local spice plantation tours, and friendly guides.

Ranipuram Proximity: Located just 25 km north lies Ranipuram (Mani Hill), Kasaragod's other famous high altitude shola peak.

After trekking the misty peaks of Kottancheri Hills, explore the high altitude trails of Ranipuram, visit the sacred 60 acre Kammadam Kavu, or relax at the universal peace sanctuary of Anandashram in Kanhangad.