All About Coorg Nelji Trek

It all started on Friday night as we set off from Bangalore for the Nelji Trek in Coorg. After an overnight journey, we reached the homestay around 6:30 AM. The homestay offers both dormitories and private rooms, depending on your budget. Since we booked through a trekking operator, we were assigned dormitory accommodation.

After freshening up and having breakfast, we began our trek. Nelji is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful monsoon treks in the Western Ghats. The lush green landscapes, mist-covered mountains, and continuous rainfall make the entire trail feel magical.

One thing you should be prepared for is

There are plenty of them during the monsoon, but after a while, you get used to seeing them. However, I highly recommend carrying leech socks, as they make the trek much more comfortable and help prevent leeches from getting onto your legs.

The trek involves a 4.5 km ascent, followed by the same distance for the descent. It is considered an easy trek, making it suitable even for beginners. Along the way, you'll cross several streams and water crossings, so expect your shoes to get completely wet. During our trek, it rained almost the entire time, adding an extra dose of adventure and adrenaline to the experience.

As we reached the summit, the wind was incredibly strong—so strong that it was difficult to even stand still, let alone click photos. Even though the weather didn't allow us to capture many pictures, the breathtaking views from the top made every step of the climb worthwhile.

I would definitely do this trek again. However, I strongly recommend going with a local guide or a trekking operator. The trail passes through a dense forest, and the region is known for elephant movement. Trek responsibly, stay alert, respect nature, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of this incredible adventure.