Mandalpatti, situated at an altitude of around 4050 feet, is a hilltop, 18 km from the town of Madikeri in Karnataka. A favorite destination for nature lovers, Mandalpatti View Point has the power to charm any tourist that visits the place and will beckon him or her to come back here again and again. This blessed region is a part of Pushpagiri reserve forest. It is famous for being a four-by-four Jeep drive spot to the top. In the local language, Mandalpatti is also known by the names of ‘Mugilu-Peth’ or ‘Mugilu-Pete’ which means Market of Cloud (Mist).
There are two routes to Mandalpatti:
- Via Abbi falls junction is around 20 km drive away. The ride is a little bumpy but it takes lesser time.
- Via Makkanduru, you drive 35 km. through coffee estates and there are a lot of small waterfalls and water streams on the way.
The best way to visit Mandalpatti is via Abbi falls junction and return via the other route. The nearest town to Mandalpatti is Madikeri. It is a distance of around 20 km, 17 km of which one can be driven to, on a vehicle. However, the Mandalpatti forest department does not allows to drive for the last 3 km. From the Mandalpatti forest checkpoint, either you can trek the hill if you are a trekking enthusiast or can take a Jeep to reach the Mandalpatti top. The drive and the trek are exciting. Fall in love with the greenery of the area. The Mandalpatti view point offers a spectacular panoramic view. Feel bliss enveloping your senses one you are here.
The best thing about Mandalpatti is that it is untouched by civilization, and is not commercialized. There is no bathroom, food or staying facility at Mandalpatti. So make sure you carry all the needed stuff with you. Make sure, you have enough water with you before going up. You can camp on your own for a date with nature.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 per person
- Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
