Kotagiri Trek – Camp Amidst The Nilgiri Hills
Kotagiri
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- 2 Days 1 Nights
- Difficulty - Easy
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Summer (May, June, July)
Let us connect to the roots of raw nature and spend some time making new friends, camping, watching the beautiful sunset and stare up at the starry skies. Covered with a vast expanse of lush green forests, the Kotagiri Trek is the perfect amalgamation of nature, serenity and cuisine. A typical forest trail crosses emerald blue lakes, frothy waterfalls and a large ambit of tree plantations. It is characterised by very rich plant diversity and exotic and endemic animal species along with two endangered animals – Lion-Tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr. Pack your bags to wander in the wilderness and be mesmerised by the beauty of sheer beauty of the Nilgiri mountain range. Experience the cool weather and be bewitched by the aroma of tea gardens. Spend a night in a tent, under a star-lit sky and share some exciting stories with strangers over the barbeque. Travel! Before you run out of time.
Highlights
Day 0
Leave from Bangalore by 9:00 PM
Day 1
- Reach the Resort Campsite by 7:00 AM ( tentative ) – freshen up and have breakfast
- Trek to Catherine Falls
- Return to campsite for Lunch
- After an hour's rest, let's get rolling for a short hike to one of the beautiful ridges in Kotagiri and witness the sunset.
- Dinner
- Retire for the nigh
Day 2
- Freshen up and Breakfast
- Visit Ooty Tea & Chocolate Factory
- Depart for Bangalore, and have a self-sponsored lunch on the way
- Reach Bangalore By 11 PM
Private Vehicle
Non-AC Push Back Seats Vehicle
Meals Not Included
(No Dinner break)
We start our journey in Bangalore as strangers, but that won't last long because our fun and energetic trek leaders have some exciting icebreakers up their sleeves that will turn you all into the best of friends overnight! Some call it magic, but we just think of it as another aspect of the Plan The Unplanned experience. Once you've all gotten to know each other, spend the night playing fun games, engaging in interesting conversations, or simply relaxing and looking forward to an exciting journey ahead.
Trek
Tents
Resort Campsite
All Meals
Day 1 at Kotagiri will be an invigorating blend of natural beauty, adventurous activities, and rejuvenating moments. We'll begin our day with an early check-in, allowing us to rest and freshen up before a hearty breakfast at 8:00 AM. Fuelled and ready for exploration, we'll embark on a trek to Catherine Falls, immersing ourselves in the refreshing spray of the cascading waters and the tranquillity of the surrounding greenery. As lunchtime approaches, we'll make our way back to the campsite for a delicious meal, followed by a leisurely break to savour the serenity of our surroundings.
With renewed energy, we'll embark on the Kotagiri Ridge trek, an exhilarating journey that will reward us with breathtaking sunset views as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues. After witnessing this mesmerizing spectacle, we'll return to the campsite, where the warmth of the bonfire will beckon us to gather around, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit sky. As the evening progresses, a delectable dinner will be served, providing the perfect sustenance for our adventurous day. Finally, we'll retire to our cozy tents, lulled to sleep by the symphony of nature's sounds and the anticipation of exciting escapades that await us in the coming days
Private Vehicle
Non-AC Push Back Seats Vehicle
Stay Not Applicable
Breakfast
(Lunch self sponsered , No Dinner break)
Day 2 will mark the culmination of our Kotagiri adventure, but not without immersing ourselves in the region's rich flavors and culture. Starting with a satiating breakfast, we'll embark on a delightful excursion to the Ooty Tea Factory and Chocolate Factory. Here, we'll delve into the fascinating process of tea and chocolate production, witnessing the transformation of raw ingredients into delectable treats. As we savour the aromas and flavors of these local delicacies, we'll also gain insights into the region's agricultural heritage.
With our taste buds tantalized, we'll commence our journey back to Bangalore, taking a scenic route through the enchanting Bandipur National Park. Along the way, we'll keep our eyes peeled for glimpses of the park's diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and deer. As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, we'll arrive in Bangalore by around 11:00 PM, carrying with us a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.
Our Kotagiri adventure will have not only enriched our minds and bodies but also forged new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature. As we bid farewell to our fellow travelers, we'll cherish the moments shared and eagerly anticipate our next escapade with Plan The Unplanned.
Hosted by
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
Inclusions
- Accommodation in Resort (separate for men & women) on multiple sharing basis separate for men and women
- 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
- To and fro Transport from Bangalore ( Non A/c )
- Inter-state Taxes, road permits, and Tolls
- Guide and entry charges for the trek
- Campfire ( only if weather permits )
- Local Guide & Outdoor Leader from Plan The Unplanned
- Experience that you gain
Exclusions
- Any other meals not included above
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life accidental,etc )
- Anything not included above
THINGS TO CARRY
- Soft Copy of your Aadhar/Voter ID (Mandatorily required for permits)
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Power Bank
- Warm Layer
- Water bottles – 2 (1 litre each)
- Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rains
- A comfortable pair of shoes with good grip for trekking
- Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Portable chargers for your electronics
- Extra pair of clothes to change into once wet
- Polybags to pack your wet clothes
- Extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Chinnaswamy Stadium
Go to Google Maps
House of Licious Domlur
Udupi Grand, Teacher's Colony, HSR Layout
HOW TO REACH
Please select your preferred pickup point from the drop-down list while booking Any change in Pick up locations/ timings would be updated via mail 24 hours before the start of the trip Drop-off points shall be same as the pick-up points.
Policy and Terms
Refund/Cancellation Policy – Weekend Trips from Bangalore
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
Intimation Period* | Cancellation Fee** |
7 days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
Between 3-6 days | 50% of the total invoice value |
Between 0-2 days | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
Cancellations on the day of departure or a day prior due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc. would not be entertained, and no refund or transfer to further dates shall be allowed for the same.
If you are wanting to cancel out on the day of departure and move the trek to a future date an additional charge of RS 1500 would have to be incurred to make the movement to a future date. This can be availed only within 3 months from the date of the actual trip departure.
Additional charges would be deducted (based on from where you booked) if you cancel the trek at any given date (along with the scenario described above), as payment gateway/event listing charges.
Transfer of Dates Policy
If you wish to shift your date of booking due to any unforeseen circumstances, the same should be intimated to us not less than 72 hours before the date of the event. (Not valid for group or corporate bookings)
Only one transfer per booking shall be permitted. Your booking shall stand canceled if you fail to join the event on the transferred dates.
Once the option of data transfer is made, the booking amount shall be held as credits with us, and in no case will a refund be made further on.
Transfer of Dates is not valid for Bhutan, Meghalaya, Himalayan Treks, Spiti or any other event worth is above 5000/- INR.
Transfer of dates on the day of departure shall be possible at an additional charge of 1500/- per person (applicable for few events).
In the pandemic everything is unpredictable, and we are doing our best to give you the finest services. We are also abiding by guidelines laid by government for everyone’s safety. In this, if the government issues a lockdown notice 24 hours before the departure date, we will issue full refund. The money will be directly credited to your account.
In another scenario, if lockdown notice is imposed on the departure date, we will secure your amount in the form of credits that you can use for further bookings. Consider it your bank for future bookings. Your money is safe with us.
For all the above choices, you can transfer your tickets to your friends. We would be more than happy to have them on board and you could save your hard-earned money.
Himalayan/ Backpacking Trip Refund/Cancellation Policy
Intimation Period* | Cancellation Fee** |
30 days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
Between 15-29days | 50% of the total invoice value |
Between 0-14 days | 90% of the total invoice value |
*Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
**Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering a refund.
NOTE:
Last-minute cancellations due to work, health issues, etc., any kind of emergencies will not be entertained and no refund or transfer shall be allowed for the same.
You can transfer your bookings to anyone who is willing to join the event to avoid loss of money!
The tickets once booked cannot be moved to any other dates.
In the pandemic everything is unpredictable, and we are doing our best to give you the finest services. We are also abiding by guidelines laid by government for everyone’s safety. In this, if the government issues a lockdown notice 48 hours before the departure date, we will issue full refund. The money will be directly credited to your account.
In another scenario, if lockdown notice is imposed on the departure date, we will secure your amount in the form of credits that you can use for further bookings. Consider it your bank for future bookings. Your money is safe with us.
In the rare event that we cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
During/After the Trek: In case of extreme weather conditions, considering trekkers’ safety, a day can be cut or the trek can be called off altogether. There will be no refund in any case whatsoever.
Before the trek: In case we cancel a trek because of natural calamities (thunderstorms, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, forest department orders, Plan The Unplanned shall issue a VOUCHER for the full amount of your ticket.
Note: The Voucher has a validity of 1 year and it can be redeemed at any point in time.
A prior intimation as regards which trek you wish to join can be communicated to us over mail or phone
In a case where we cancel your trek, due to a limited number of bookings for a particular batch or we do not have the minimum number of required people:
PLAN THE UNPLANNED shall offer a 100% refund of the trek fee ( No transactional/internet handling charges shall be deducted)
On/After the Trek
New Year Event Cancellation Policy
Weekend Trips from Bangalore ( 30th Dec -3rd Jan New Year Events )
All the events from Bangalore under the following link shall be applicable for the below-mentioned policy
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
Intimation Period* | Cancellation Fee** |
10 days or more | 15% of the total invoice value |
Between 5-10 days | 50% of the total invoice value |
Between 0- 10 days | 100 % of the total invoice value |
*Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
**Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
NOTE:
We shall not accept any reasons whatsoever for the cancellation, we request everyone to abide by the policy.
There shall be no transfer of dates possible for any reason if you cannot make it to the event once the booking is confirmed.
The tickets are transferrable to any person, in case you cannot attend the event.
If Plan The Unplanned cancels the trek due to limited/no bookings for the trek, we shall offer a full refund and the same shall be credited to the original mode of payment within 7 days from the date of initiation of refund.
In the rare event that we cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
During/After the Trek: In case of extreme weather conditions, considering trekkers’ safety, a day can be cut or the trek can be called off altogether. There will be no refund in any case whatsoever.
Before the trek: In case we cancel a trek because of natural calamities (thunderstorms, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, forest department orders, the announcement of a lockdown Plan The Unplanned shall issue a 50% refund of the overall amount and remaining 50% shall be given as a VOUCHER to use it in the future.
For Instance:
Trek Amount is Rs 100, Rs 50 shall be refunded back to your account and trek voucher of Rs 50 shall be given to be used anytime in future.
Terms and Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by PLAN THE UNPLANNED (hereinafter referred as ‘PTU’) constitutes a contractual arrangement between PTU (‘First Party’) and Client (hereinafter referred as ‘You’) (‘Second Party’). Booking of services with PTU represents your unconditional acceptance of the terms & conditions set out herein. These terms and conditions shall be binding on you and all the travel companions booked by you.
Trekking and other outdoor activities provided by the PTU depend on various factors and have inherent risks associated with life. PTU does its best to reduce all types of risks, discomfort, and hazard to the best of its ability (within financial constraints), yet there are chances of accidents, mishaps, and deficiency in service.
Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these terms prior to confirming your booking.
Promotions
Pictures used on the website and collateral are meant for marketing purposes. These do not imply the inclusion of the pictorial content to be a part of your vacation or any guarantee that you will experience, encounter or view whatever is depicted through the pictures.
Fitness Responsibility
PTU offers trip(s) and trek(s) that require varying levels of fitness. The level of difficulty can be based on the extent of physical stress, the terrain, weather, and/or climate. The degree of difficulty for some trips can be physically demanding. To enable you to choose appropriately and prepare accordingly, carefully review the level of difficulty of each trip before booking the same.
PTU doesn’t have any medical expert(s) and it is your responsibility to obtain medical advice, latest health requirements including inoculations and vaccines before you join a trip. PTU takes no responsibility for your inability to cope with the level of difficulty on a trip. While there is no age limitation on any PTU trips, any disability, pregnancy, mental or physical, or any other medical condition that may affect your fitness to complete the trek must be revealed at the time of booking the trip to PTU. You also undertake that you and Your travel companions, for whom You have signed up, do not suffer from any condition or disability that could create a hazard to Your own wellbeing or to others on a trip.
Program Dates
You are solely responsible for verifying the correct dates mentioned on the travel documents.
Itinerary
PTU reserves the right to modify or cancel the trip or part of the trip under circumstances, including but not limiting to Acts of God, road blockage, political unrest, sickness, accidents, events beyond PTU’s control etc. Any extra cost arising from such circumstances shall be borne by you on the spot. Wherever possible, PTU shall intimate you of such changes in advance or while on the trip.
Luggage Responsibility
Baggage and personal effects are at your risk throughout the trip. You are solely responsible for your personal belongings while on the trip. PTU is not responsible for the loss of baggage, goods, air tickets, passport, cash, traveler’s cheques, or any other travel document or item owned by you while on tour, whatever the cause.
On-trip Behaviour
You are required to behave in a manner that is acceptable and conducive to group travel. PTU reserves the right to terminate your trip (if you are found to be causing distress/annoyance to co-travelers, endanger/damage property of any supplier or of other traveling companions), without assigning any reason whatsoever. No refund for unused services is possible in such cases.
You also agree to abide by the authority of the group leader designated by PTU. The decision of the tour leader is binding on all participants on matters that affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. Behavior that causes danger, distress, or annoyance to others, or interferes with the mobility of the group can result in the group leader terminating your participation from the trip, with no right to refund for missed or unused services.
Protect The Environment
The entire trip/ trek would be through natural trails and we would spend most of the time in eerie forests, serene valleys, soothing hillsides, or at golden beaches. You should know that it’s your duty to protect the environment and not create nuisances on the way by throwing your plastic materials and other wastes like packets of chips or wrappers of chocolates. PTU shall not consider any such behavior towards nature. We expect you to be responsible and aware adults.
No Smoking Or Alcohol Consumption
PTU doesn’t support smoking or any sort of alcohol consumption during the journey and as a team, we earnestly request you to not indulge in those practices while you are with us. Smoking is not only injurious to your health but also equally bad for nature. We should ensure that there’s sustainable natural conservation and our acts, in no way, hampers that. Also, alcohol consumption might ruin your experience as well as cause discomfort to your fellow mates. No action of smoking or drinking shall be tolerated by PTU during the trip/trek.
Amenities
PTU makes every effort to ensure the comfort of our guests, but PTU requests you to understand that the amenities around the trekking region may not be the same as the ones you are accustomed to, at home. Weather is another factor that will have a direct impact on your journey. Hence, you are requested to have patience, enthusiasm and be prepared for compromising, before you choose to undertake this journey.
Awareness
You accept that the very nature of active, adventure travel requires a degree of personal risk. You are likely to visit places where political, cultural, and geographical attributes might pose certain risks, dangers, and physical challenges. By booking a tour with PTU, you accept that you are aware of the personal risks, dangers, and challenges that might arise and that you are aware of the risks involved. You hereby assume all such risk and release PTU from all claims and causes of action arising from such damages or injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with customs, weather conditions, physical challenges, and laws in effect as well as your local embassy contacts in each destination.
Emergency Situations
In the event you fall ill or suffer an accident during the trip, all hospital expenses, doctor fees, repatriation expenses, evacuation from road or mountain, any other charges incurred as a direct or indirect result of your illness/accident are your responsibility.
Photography Rights
PTU reserves the right to take photographs of you during the trip and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a trip with us, you automatically grant us a royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide, and irrevocable license for using your images in photographs and videos that may be used for promotional material, website, social media, collateral, and any other marketing and publicity materials.
Frequest Questions
Q: I have booked the trek when will I get further updates regarding the trek?
A: Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all the further updates.
Q: Would I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trek is confirmed?
A: Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travelers and outdoor leaders.
Q: I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?
A: The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips.
Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/
Q: Is it safe for Women/Girls?
A: Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.
Q: Do I have to carry luggage all the way during trekking?
A: Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)
Q: Do you have Washrooms during the trek?
A: Well, you are in the mountains and none of our trails have a washroom facility during the trek.
Q: Do I have any other boarding points apart from the ones mentioned?
A: Yes, we do have options for picking a traveller on board with a few locations provided they are on the route to our destination. The following are the same:
- Croma Store, Sony World Signal
- Trinity Circle Metro Station
- Yeshwanthpur Metro Station
- Goraguntepalya Metro Station
- Nayanadahalli Metro Station
Q: How do I avail discounts?
A: Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/
Q: What is "Without Travel" option during my booking process?
A: Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.
Q: Would I be able to postpone to a future in case I do not attend the trek on the day of departure?
A: We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever ( family/health/work emergencies ). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same
Q: I've never gone on a hike before, so can I do this one?
A: The Kotagiri trek is an easy trek, with the majority of the track passing through tea farms and river trails. It can be done without difficulty by men, women, and children who are physically fit.
Q: Can we leave the luggage at the homestay/tents?
A: Yes, it is possible to leave your luggage at the homestay/tents and carry the necessary things on your trek.
Q: What about Kotagiri’s cellphone network and connectivity?
A: You may not have cellphone network coverage for a significant portion of your walk to Kotagiri. The only cellphone networks that usually function along the journey are Vodafone, BSNL, and Airtel. Even yet, there are irregularities in these networks. Because Kotagiri is at a decent height, only a few spots along the trail have unreliable network coverage.
Q: Is the trail filled with leeches?
A: No, it is not filled with leeches.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kotagiri?
A: The months of December to May are regarded as the best for trekking in Kotagiri since the weather is mild and pleasant. The misty environment, cloudy skies, and moist walking routes all add to the entire experience.
Q: Is it possible to camp anywhere along the trail?
A: No, you cannot camp anywhere along the trail.
Q: Is it possible to trek to Kotagiri during the monsoon season?
A: Yes, it is possible to trek Kotagiri during the monsoon season.
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