Nishani Motte is a hill located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, close to the well-known religious places of Bhagamandala and Talakaveri. This trek is slowly gaining popularity, especially after the Forest Department enabled online registration.
The peak stands at an elevation of around 1,270 meters above sea level and lies inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Unlike other treks, this one still feels relatively less visited — simple trail, thick forest, and wide grasslands near the top.
Why is it called “Nishani Motte”?
In Kannada, “Nishani” means “mark” or “symbol,” and “Motte” refers to a bald/egg or bare hilltop. The peak gets its name from the distinctive bald summit that stands out like a landmark among the surrounding forested hills. From a distance, the exposed grassy top looks like a marked point in the landscape — hence the name.
Booking and Reaching Bhagamandala
Booking on the Forest Department website was straightforward. However, there was no clear information about the exact starting or registration point. The website mentions Talakaveri as the starting point, which is not accurate. The PDF document even points to the Kumaraparvatha trek, adding to the confusion.
After watching a few YouTube videos, I understood that we first need to report to the Forest Office at Bhagamandala.
At Bhagamandala
We reached Bhagamandala a day before the trek. We stayed at the KSTDC Mayura hotel, which is a budget option. However, their restaurant opens only after 8:30 AM, which was not helpful for an early start. So we had breakfast at a local hotel in Bhagamandala and packed lunch for the trek. Food options in Bhagamandala are limited, and quality is average at best.
We reached the Forest Department office at 8:15 AM. Many trekkers had already arrived. We were assigned a guide. Unlike the Kudremukh region, the guides here are from the Forest Department itself.
Despite a large area, the forest office does not have facilities like luggage storage, toilets, or drinking water for trekkers.
From the office, we had to drive about 6 km to reach the starting point of the trek. The last kilometer is a narrow jeep track. At the end of the drive, there is a reasonably large parking area. During the rainy season, it may not be possible to drive this last muddy stretch.
After parking the car, we started our trek.
We quickly realized that the guides do not actively guide the group. Our guide simply moved ahead with the fastest group. He did ensure that we paid the “guide charge” at the end of the trek. Fortunately, the trail is clear in most places and there were many trekkers that day, so navigation was not an issue.
The Trek – Three Sections
The trek can be divided into three sections
1. Walk on the Jeep Track
This is the easiest part of the trek with very little elevation gain. It was a pleasant morning walk. After about 10–15 minutes, we passed the last house before entering the forest area. There are a couple of trail deviations here, which can be confusing if you are not careful.
2. Walk Through the Forest
As we entered the forest, we started gaining altitude gradually. The forest is dense and shaded, typical of the Western Ghats. We noticed elephant dung along the way, indicating recent movement.
After some time, we reached a small open patch with views of the surrounding hills before re-entering the forest. The climb here is continuous but gradual. It is not very steep, but it demands steady walking.
3. Final Climb to the Peak
The end of the forest opens into a wide grassland area. From here, we could clearly see Nishani Motte in front of us. There was a steep climb waiting.
We climbed slowly, taking frequent breaks. With every few steps, the views kept getting better. I expected the day to be hot, but thanks to sporadic clouds, we had long stretches of shade.
After about 2.5 hours of trekking, we reached the top.
The summit has a long ridge with enough space to sit and rest. The views are expansive — rolling hills of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary on one side and layers of Western Ghats fading into the horizon on the other. On a clear day, you can see deep valleys and forest stretches that seem endless.
We found a comfortable spot, rested, and enjoyed our packed lunch. The “guide” wanted us to start descending immediately, but we politely told him we would leave when we felt like it.
Getting Down
Descending felt longer due to the pressure on the knees. We almost took the same amount of time as the ascent. We were not in a hurry and maintained a steady, relaxed pace.
The forest section on the way down was pleasant, and the jeep track felt longer than it did in the morning.
Information and Tips
- Carry enough water. There are no water sources on the way (at least in January).
- Even though 7 AM is the starting time of trek registration, nothing happens till 8 AM.
- Wear proper trekking shoes. The final grassland climb can be slippery during monsoon.
- KSTDC Mayura is a budget option for stay. There are also a few homestays in and around Bhagamandala.
- Food options in Bhagamandala are limited. Plan accordingly and pack lunch.
Overall, Nishani Motte is a simple but rewarding trek — not extremely difficult, but scenic and peaceful.
Leave a Reply