Mandalpatti is a high open meadow at about 1,600 metres, reached by a rough jeep track from Abbey Falls Road just outside Madikeri. The view from the top is one of the most spectacular in Coorg — a sea of forested ridges with mist rolling up the valleys at dawn and dusk.
You cannot drive your own car here; the last 7km of track is too rough, and only registered jeeps are allowed. Hire one from the gate, plan for an early start, and bring something warm — at this altitude the wind is sharp even in summer.