kudremukh trek homestay

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Kudremukh Trek Guide: Homestay & Trekking Route Map

Kudremukh trek is a part of Kudremukh national park in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Kudremukh is the third highest peak after Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri. It is also among one of the famous western ghats treks in Karnataka. Kudremukh trekking information is given in full details below:

Page Contents

How to Reach Kudremukh Trek Base?

Reaching kudremukh by bus.

There are regular buses from Bangalore to Hornadu via Kalasa available to be booked online at KSRTC . There are different kinds of buses as well such as Airavat (A Better One) and Karnataka Sarige. In Airavat, the fare would be around Rs. 700 and in Karnataka Sarige, the fare would be around 325. Prefer Airavat especially when you are going on the trek. The fare gets updated from time to time.

You have to get down at the town of Kalasa . From Kalasa, you have to find transportation to Balagal . Balagal is around 10 Kms from Kalasa. You can get Auto there which charge around 500 Rupees. It also depends on your bargaining skills. Another thing that you can do is to talk in advance with your Homestay guy to pick you up from Kalasa if at all you are going to stay in Kudremukh.

Reaching to the Kudremukh Trek Base

From Balagal bus stop, there is another five Kilometer of a journey to the forest department office. You can find Jeeps there which will take you to the Kudremukh Trek base. They will charge you another 600 Rupees for the same.

Or, if you want to avoid all these troubles, it is better to talk with a homestay person and sort things in advance. For example, we stayed at Bella Homestay . They charged around 500 which included Jeep pick up from Kalasa, breakfast, packed lunch for the trek, evening dinner, homestay, warm water, campfire, tea & coffee and even next day breakfast along with that they will also help you in arranging the permission for the trek and drop you at the base of the trek and pick you up in the evening when the trek is over.  So, it is better to relax and leave all the troubles to them.

Kudremukh Entry

Now only first 50 people will get the entry for the trek to the Kudremukh. If the group size is more than seven, the new charges are Rs. 500 per person.

Kudremukh Trekking Information

• Kudremukh trek distance: 9 Km (One side)
• Kudremukh peak height: 6050 feet
• Time to trek: 4 to 5 hours (one side)
• Camping: Not allowed
• Trekking permission fee: 475/ person (Near Balagal Bus stand)

Breakdown of Kudremukh Trek Entry Fee

• Entry fee: 200
• Guide fee: 75
• Trekking fee: 75
• EDC maintenance fund: 75 (So, Total = 475)

The trekking permission needs to be taken at the Balagal itself in the blue hut shown in the picture below. Or you can ask the homestay guy to arrange the permission. They are really helpful.

Kudremukh permission at Balagal village on NH 66 in the blue hut

From Balagal, there are five Kilometers of Jeep drive to Mullodi village which is the base of the trek. Once you reach the base, your group will be assigned a guide. Most of the guides speak Kannada but they can understand Hindi or English with some endeavor. The trek has a lot of waterfalls/water streams en route. So, you can fill up the bottles wherever you want to.

Kudremukh Trek Guide in Details

Section i: from forest office to ontimara (lone tree).

Less than a kilometre of your journey will be spent strolling through open grassland before you arrive at the First Tree View Point. You can see mountain ranges and a mist-covered valley in front of you while on this trek. Soon you will be in the dense Shola forest. You’ll come across several streams of water in this woodland, the first of which you’ll cross after 15 to 20 minutes. Remarkably clean streams, you can fill your bottle with water from them.

The gentle elevation makes for enjoyable hiking in this woodland, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife. Soon enough, you’ll be exiting the forest area. The landscape opens up and you’ll be able to see the Kudremukh peak for the first time from here. You’ll be surrounded by several shrubs and ferns until you see a lonely tree, known locally as Ontimara. You can rest here for some time.

Section II: Ontimara to the zig-zag section

The initial ascent from Ontimara is level, with the Kudremukh valley on the right. Before you leave, this trail briefly becomes a forest trail with water streams. After that, you’ll spend at least an hour walking down a winding trail through an entirely open area of the countryside. You’ll be surrounded by bamboo bushes and hard ascents. You’ll be walking along the sides of hills, watching people climb up from below.

Keep an eye out for the surrounding surroundings as you hike from Ontimara to the zig-zag part because you’ll pass several stages of undulating hills and vast valleys. You might wish to grab your camera and record the constantly shifting landscapes. As you near the zig-zag section, there will be a steep ascent. This is another section where you should keep an eye out for the scenery. The whole of Kudremukh valley opens up after some point.

Section III: Ridge walk (zig-zag section) to Kudremukh peak

As you approach the summit from where the zigzag part began, you will make a complete U-turn. As the name implies, the entire 1 kilometre of your journey will be through a zigzag path. Make sure to stop at the British-era church remains, which are a detour on the right side, once the zigzagging part comes to a conclusion. Its past is intriguing because it served as a resting place for British soldiers. The building is now entirely decayed and overgrown with vegetation. Return to the trail after seeing the chapel.

You can see the route and the summit in front of you, so you’ll be travelling on a ridge from this point on. One of the most picturesque aspects of the hike is the ascent from here to the peak, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. If you’re lucky, there may also be clouds and mist all around you. From here, it takes an additional 40 minutes to get to Kudremukh peak. We finished the trek in one direction in four hours, arriving at the Kudremukh summit by noon.

The Kudremukh summit offers without a doubt the greatest views of the entire hike. A 270-degree panorama of the mountains around you is possible. You can also be surrounded by clouds and mist, depending on the weather. Additionally, you will be able to view the Kudremukh horse face in all its glory. It is a peak that resembles the face of the horse. You can try capturing the same and all the other beautiful sceneries you observe from here.  Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere and have your packed lunch.

Kudremukh Trekking Trail

Kudremukh Route map details

Kudremukh trekking tips

• Try to start your trek as early as possible because, by the time you reach near the peak and the final ascent, there will be the sun. So, it becomes harder to walk in the sun.
• Do not worry about the water. The water is available throughout the trek and even near the peak.
• Sometimes guides do not want you to ascend the peak because it will be dark if the trek starts late. So, it is better to start early.
• We saw wild cow and deer while coming back so if you are lucky you can also see that.
• Bring a small bag with you so that you leave behind other stuff at the homestay and carry things such as water bottles, camera, and food in the bag which would make the weight lighter and you will be able to walk fast.
• Wear nice shoes with a good grip because on the steep slopes, chances of slipping and falling, in the summer as well as monsoon, becomes high.

Homestays Near Kudremukh trek

There are many homestays near Kudremukh which offer good services, especially for the trekkers. These Homestays are used by the organizers such as BMC, Nature Walkers, Escape to Explore. Most of these Homestays charge around Rs. 500 per person. Here are some of the basic facilities that are provided by these homestays.

• Escorting your vehicle to the Homestay in case you are unable to find them.
• On arrival breakfast along with tea or coffee.
• Packed lunch for the trek.
• Leaving you to the Kudremukh trek base by Jeep in the morning and picking you up in the evening (Maybe Extra Chargeable)
• Arranging permission and guide for the trek in advance (Extra Chargeable)
• Campfire in the evening.
• Room stay along with the option of a tent stay.
• Hot water facility along with shared room and bathrooms.
• Dinner and next day breakfast.

Here is a list of the Homestays and a little overview of them:

Bella Homestay

Newly constructed along with nice and spacious rooms. Nearer to the Balagal Market. Rating: 4.7 (24 reviews) as on Dec’ 2017 9483800447 9480196796

Raaje Gowda’s Homestay

Very nice location and one of the oldest homestays for the Kudremukh trek. Near to Somavathi waterfalls which you can visit in the morning. The food has got some complaints about there. Rating: 4.3 (39 reviews) as on Dec’ 2017 08263-249333 / 09481179008

Satish Mullodi House

Nearer to Raaje Gowda’s Homestay. Same facilities as almost above. Rating: 3.8 (28 reviews) as on Dec’ 2017 08263-249595 / 9481074530 / 8722847688

Other treks that you might also be interested in

• – Bandipur Wildlife Safari – Kumara Parvatha Trek: the Toughest Trek of Karnataka – Kodachadri Trek – Mullayanagiri Trek: The Highest Peak of Karnataka – Tadiandmol Trek, The Highest Peak of Coorg – Brahmagiri Trek, Wayanad –  Kemmengundi, Chikmagalur – Narasimha Parvatha trek/ Agumbe Ghats Trek – Ombattu Gudda/ OG Trek – Chembra Peak/ Heart shaped Lake trek – Sakleshpur Railway trek: The Green route trek – Dudhsagar Falls trek, Goa – Bandaje Arabi falls Trek – Nishani Betta trek – Nagalapuram western Entry trek: Along the waterfalls

Kudremukh trek Pictures

Kudremukh trek along the water stream

Kudremukh peak

A signboard showing the road towards Kudremukh in Balagal

Kudremukh wildlife as seen on the trek

Kudremukh Balagal to Mullodi village by jeep

Tents at Kudremukh Mullodi house of Raje Gowda  

Did you like it? Please Rate it below:

36 replies to “kudremukh trek guide: homestay & trekking route map”.

heyy! amazing website here.Awesome contend and pictures also do check out kudremukh homestay

Add my homestay.

Staying at shola heights is a better option for the trek.

I simply want to mention I’m newbie to weblog and seriously loved your web site. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your website . You surely come with perfect articles and reviews. Appreciate it for sharing your web page.

I simply want to say I’m beginner to blogs and seriously loved you’re website. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog post . You surely come with good posts. Thank you for revealing your blog site.

Is there any trek planned for Saturday 28-29 april.

This season all the grass would have turned brown and no scenic views will be available.. Better plan for monsoon season after mid of june

and also we dont want rooms. we will stay in tents only, at the night

We are planning to go by our own vehicle, so till what point we can go by the vehicle a night before starting our trek and stay there at night and do we have any options for night stay at base camp/ trekking start point

Search on Google maps for Bella homestay Kudremukh

Now you have a better place to stay – Shola Heights. Clean good rooms and great food. They will even pick and drop you from the bus stand. Will arrange for packed food and different treks also.

what is the tarrif at Shola Heights?

Thanks for all the necessary information. If we r trekking on a public holiday, how to get permission from the forest department ? Can wr get the permission a day before or two ?

hi friends any easy trek hill foot ?// let me know plez

WHERE TO GET TENT,,SHLD V CARRY IT?

yeah you need to carry the tent

Is there a different permit fees for foreigners?

Hi Ram, Got to know all the info about the trek. Thanks a lot 🙂 Just to know, which homestay is best among the two (Rajegowda or Satish). ??

Very clearly instructed. Awesome!!! Thanks.

thank you sir

Hats off to you for writing such an informative piece of work. I must say that I have never seen such a fine work. Keep it up.

Hi where we have to stay after coming from trek…..what does basecamp means…who will arrange those base camps and per how many members one base camp and how much it costs…could u please provide this information…

Does the permit fee of 275 still hold the same. On recent enquiry a person told me it’s 475

Yeah sorry to update that.. its 475 now.. thanks

Can you please share pics of Raje gowda house.. We have been there long time ago.. I spoke to him and heard that we have new rooms built. Thanks in advance… or website which has gallery please

Is there a separate fees for foreigners?

Can we reach Balegal in bus and walk to Mullodi from there?

It is absolutely possible to walk to Mullodi from there. But the walk would consume most of your time. I would better recommend you to take a vehicle. Because Kilometers on the plain does not make sense when you are intended to go for the trekking. It will not only consume your time but also make you tired.

Where to park the car at Balagal village ? planning self drive from bangalore and stay at Base camp..

Sorry sir, I am not sure that. We had a driver left in the van

ON the main road where you take the jeep to mullodi, there is plenty of place and since this is a tourist place I dont see any issue with you parking next to the road. Plus they have couple of shops who arrange for the jeep..you can ask them to look out once in a while or you can park in front of the shop itself

Very good. Thanks for your information. Perfect guide….

You are welcome shyam 🙂

Perfect guide !!! Thanks for sharing

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17 Homestays In Kudremukh

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Sugama Homestay

Home away from Home

Welcome to Sugam Homestay

Discover the enchanting beauty of Kudremukhr atSugama Homestay, where the lush greenery of the Western Ghats meets unparalleled hospitality. Our homestay in Kudremukh is a haven for those seeking a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature’s bounty.

Accommodations

Our homestay offers a range of well-appointed rooms designed to cater to the diverse needs of our guests. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, we have the perfect accommodation for you.

Double Bed Room

4 members room.

Family Room

Features of our courses.

Coffee Estate Tours

Immerse yourself in the world of coffee with guided tours through our plantations. Learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup.

Campfire Evenings

Experience the magic of Kudremukha nights with our campfire evenings. Share stories under the starlit sky with the aroma of coffee in the air.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Chikmagalur with our authentic local cuisine. Our in-house kitchen prepares delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Adventure Activities

For the adventurous souls, we offer a range of activities such as trekking and nature walks, allowing you to explore the breathtaking landscapes around us.

Sugama Homestay is strategically located to offer easy access to popular attractions in Kudremukh. Wake up to the chirping of birds and the aroma of coffee, and embark on a journey to discover the beauty that surrounds us.

InDoor Games

Outdoor Games

Basket Ball

Near By Visiting Places

Kudremukha Trekking

Netravathi Trekking

Kyathanamakki

Soormane Falls

Kurinjal Trekking

Kalasa Hanging Bridge

Bavikonda SunSet Point

Yattinabuja tracking point 70 km

Jangadikal Trecking

Shringeri sharadamba 45km

Horanadu annapurneshwri 17km

Bangalore To Chik mangalore Highway 5 km

Nestled in the heart of the Tea plantations of Kudremukh, Sugama Homestay is a family-run establishment committed to providing a unique and personalized experience for our guests. With a perfect blend of comfort and nature, our homestay is designed to make your stay memorable.

Trusted by custumers

Anshu thakur, manoj gowda.

A man who's in love with Travelling

Kudremukh Trek Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Kudremukh the “trekkers paradise” and the 3rd highest peak in Karnataka was going to be my next destination. Kudremukh which means “Horse Face” in Kannada because the peak resembles the horse’s face. Didn’t give any thought about the fitness before leaving. But trust me if you are not fit please don’t even try this trek. It has a lush green landscape which you can adore for a lifetime. Also, you can get a similar picture to the bliss theme(Windows XP wallpaper). One of the most important things is carrying your Aadhar copy for the permit which I’ll tell in detail further.

Do you like to plan your trips in advance? Have a look at these 14 Long weekends in 2024

Table of Contents

The best time to visit the Kudremukh trek

The best time to visit Kudremukh would be after the Monsoon from October to March. You can go after March as well but it starts getting hotter which makes the trekking harder. During the monsoon, a lot of leeches can be found hanging everywhere make sure to cover your full body with clothes.

How to reach from Bangalore to Kudremukh

I started my trip from Bangalore in the night. So to reach Kudremukh there are no direct buses instead we have to get down at Kalasa and from Kalasa take another bus to the base of Kudremukh Trek. There are not a lot of buses from Kalasa to the base of the Kudremukh trek, thus do check the bus timings beforehand. You can either book a seater or sleeper based on your choice. Sugama Tourist and KSRTC provide the bus to Kalasa. The price starts from ₹375 to ₹650 for seater and sleeper respectively.

I took the seater and the bus reached Kalasa in the early morning by 5 am. It was pitch dark and very cold so make sure to carry at least one woollen clothing with you. The bus drops you near the police station. Take a right from there and after going a few steps ahead you’ll find the petrol pump from where you’ll get the next bus to Kudremukh. It surely made me feel like I should settle here in the calmness of the town. The people of the town were also very simple and humble. The city buses start at 6:30 in the morning. The distance from Kalasa to the base of Kudremukh trek is approximately 10Kms. The bus charges ₹20 only.

If going with a group you can get down at Balegal.  Once you get down at Balegal you can hire a jeep, which will drop you to the forest office for permission and also take you to the base camp of the Kudremukh trek. The jeep costs Rs 150-200 per person. For solo travelers, you can directly go on the bus to Kudremukh check post forest gate 2. But you can only do the trek if you manage to find a group in which you can fit in.

Things to know about trekking in Kudremukh.

The first and the most important thing is the Aadhar copy without which you wouldn’t get the permit to trek. The permit charges are ₹425 per person which you have to pay at the forest office. Once you have the permit you can go back in the jeep to the base camp. The base camp(Mulodi) is 6 Km from Balegal. Hold on to your seat well, ’cause this is gonna be one hell of a ride. The trek is 18 km both ways and usually takes 4-5 hours one way. The trekking is not allowed after 9:30 am.

Where to stay in Kudremukh

The forest officer will say there is no place to stay near the base camp. But trust me you can stay in Raje Gowda’s home which is right at the base camp. Once you reach the base camp you can keep your luggage in his place and freshen up. If you are carrying your tent he will charge you ₹500 for pitching your tent and 4 times food(2 Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). But if you want a room in his place you will have to pay him ₹ 700.

Kudremukh trek base camp: The beginning of lush green landscapes.

On leaving the Raje Gowda’s homestay, make sure to pack some lunch for yourself. You need to have a guide for this trek or else you can’t do this trek. The guide charges ₹300 – ₹500 per person based on how good you can bargain. The trek starts from the forest office in the base camp. Please don’t litter the national park as while coming back the bags and if you have left anything on the trek they will fine you. I started the trek at 9:15 AM The start of the trek is easy, all you see is lush green mountains. On the way, you see a lot many boards which tell you about the animals in the national park. You would be lucky if you spot even one of them all, I could find was leeches(insect).

The Kudremukh permit fee is ₹ 600 per person

The first stop: picturesque tree

Trekking almost a kilometre you’ll find a tree, which is a great place for photography and you can take a 5-minute break. The peak is also seen from here. You can carry one water bottle which is sufficient as you will find many water streams from where you can drink the water directly. The Kudremukh trekking route is just amazing with the green landscape on the bottom and white clouds at the top. On going further you will cross a couple of water streams. The first 4-5 km of the trek is easy.

The second stop: Another picturesque tree

I wonder did someone planted these trees and made them resting spots or if these trees were already present and people stopped here for photography and then they became resting spots. Beyond this tree, the main trek starts. You find your first steep climb. Make sure to have a good breakfast at the start of the trek and don’t be like me. I almost gave up because I hadn’t eaten my breakfast until the guide told me to have something. So everyone went front and after finishing my breakfast I started the trek again.

You just can’t stop admiring the place. The peak looks even closer now. After every km, there is a water stream. The water is so cold and drinkable, which makes you feel so refreshed.

Almost reached the second steep, this time I felt better to climb it but then since not being fit, I did make many stops. It was already 1 pm, and our guide told us to hurry up as while getting down it would get dark.

The summit: Finally did it!

During the trek, I had given up so many times but I don’t know what still kept me going. And after almost 4 hours I did reach the summit. Had some lunch there, rested for a while, and took some photos. The peak is all covered in the clouds. No visibility because of the clouds and it gets cold as well. After taking some deserved rest and some decent photos we start to trek down. Getting down is easier but is risky as well. One wrong step and you might hurt yourself very badly.

The Descent: Kudremukh trek

The descent was again very picturesque and it took a total of 3 hours. After reaching the base the forest officers checked our bag whether we hadn’t left anything in the national park. Reaching the homestay I had some snacks and pitched my tent. Since it was almost drizzling I placed my tent on the house verandah. After having dinner early(8 pm) I dozed off. In the night it did rain heavily. Mind you there is no or less signal in the homestay.

Day 2: Time to see some falls

I got up by 8 am and started preparing for the day. I had enquired everyone about the famous Hanuman Gundi Falls. Since they have closed it I planned to go see another fall – Ellaneru Falls. After having some breakfast I left the homestay. You can tell the owner of the homestay to call the jeep. Since I preferred to walk down to click some good photos. On the way found an old man who too was walking down. And I spoke with him in Kannada. I guess I hadn’t spoken so much Kannada in the last 14 years, how much I spoke in the last 2 days. It surely made the people feel good as well.

I reached the bus stop and took the bus to Samse. The bus ticket was just ₹8.

The hidden falls: Ellaneru falls

After reaching Samse I asked one of the localite about the direction to the falls. After walking for almost 2 km, I was almost inside the forest. Very few houses could now be seen. I asked in one of the houses and they told me it’s just 1km(Which never got over). I started walking but then there came a time when there was no one seen on the path. It gets scary when you are solo traveling to places like these. After going further I found 2 bikers coming top. Upon enquiring with them they told me the falls is another 200mts. Found some relief, reached the falls, and found no one there.  I relaxed for some time there and had to rush because of a lot of leeches. On the way back stopped at some beautiful streams which had some beautiful rice fields at the back. Once you reach the main road you can take an auto to the bust stop it will just be ₹20.

The Beauty of Samse: Tea Plantation

My next stop was a tea plantation spot. It was just the next stop. It was already 3 pm and I had started to starve. I decided to finish seeing the tea plantation soon and catch the bus to Kalasa. Upon reaching there on the left you can see the water flowing and on the right is the beautiful tea plantation. It is a must-visit place if you come for the Kudremukh trek.

Final Stop Kalasa: The trip is over

After spending 30 mins at the tea plantation I took the bus back to Kalasa and had some amazing egg-fried rice at a local restaurant for 70 Rs. It was already 4:30 pm, and my bus was in the night at 9 pm. So I just stayed in the waiting space for the bus which smelled bad but didn’t have any other place to go either. The time just passed and it was already 8 pm, so preferred to have dinner soon. Had loved the fried rice so much and ordered the same thing with half a plate of chicken which cost me ₹150. And to digest everything had some Soda which was ₹25. The bus was on time and after sitting on the bus I don’t remember when I slept. Reached Bangalore early morning by 6 am. This was the end of an adventurous trip. Kudremukh trek taught me a lot of things: Try to always be fit, and never skip food while traveling. It was a great learning overall.

Kudremukh Trek: Things to know before going for the trek

• The distance between Bangalore and Kudremukh is 332 km and it takes 9 hrs
• KSRTC and Sugama tourist buses will drop you at Kalasa from where you have to take the city bus.
• The best time to visit Kudremukh is from October to March
• An Aadhar card is needed to get the permit to trek
• The permit fee is ₹425 per person
• From Balegal, Mullodi is 6 km from where the trek starts
• Trek length is 18 km both ways and it usually takes 8-9 hrs to complete the whole trek
• The jeep cost is Rs 1000 – Rs 1200
• Camping is not allowed so you can stay at Raje Gowda’s homestay(9481179008)

FAQ’s about Kudremukh Trek

Q1. Is the Kudremukh trek difficult?

Ans. The Kudremukh trek is moderately difficult. If you don’t play any sports or do physical activities I would recommend you not to try this trek.

Q2. How Much does the Kudremukh trek permit cost?

Ans. The cost of the permit for the Kudremukh trek is Rs 425 per person.

Q3. Is Kudremukh trek open?

Ans. Kudremukh trek is open all the year. The starting point of the trek opens by 6 am and you are allowed only till 10 am. You should also be back to the starting point by 6 pm.

Further, read Gokarna Travel Guide   & Best things to do in Hampi ! The next article is also going to be about Camping in Gokarna so stay tuned! If you have any questions drop a comment or DM me at Stories of Raku .

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46 comments.

Looks like a fun and challenging hike with beautiful views.

storiesofraku

Yep it’s a tough one, but it’s all worth it in the end

Susan Franklin

Beautiful pictures – looks like a challenging trek, but well worth it.

It’s totally worth a visit.

Very good information , with good pictures…nice one👌

Thanks a lot bro, means a lot from you!

Cool. Very comprehensive and detailed!

What an incredible journey! I learned a lot from this article and really felt like I was there. Thank you so much!

Thanks a lot Jamie, it indeed was a great treak

Kinanthiayusg

It looks stunning, and I love trekking..If I ever had a chance to visit India (Bangalore) I will definitely put this on my list!thanks for sharing

Thanks, it’s totally worth once you are in Bangalore

Very comprehensive article . How can we get permission through online

You can find all the online booking details here: https://kudremukhanationalpark.in/

This hike looks intense but so fun! My husband I really like hiking!

Good to know that you should surely try it once you are in India

It’s been ages since I went for a trek. This place is very close to my place of stay, but only today I got to know about it. Thanks for sharing. 😊

It’s my pleasure i was able to tell you about this place!

What an awesome guide for hikers on how to enjoy a trek in Kudremukh!

Yes i hope it helps everyone!

This looks like a great hike! You took some cool photos, and that landscape is so pretty too.

Doesn’t it look like the old windows XP wallpaper?

What an amazing trip! Looks like a beautiful place to visit

Hey Luna thanks a lot!

I had never heard of this trek before, thanks for sharing it with us!

You should surely give it a try once you are in India!

Great photos! That hike and view is breathtaking.

Thanks Jessie

Matija Antonić

Looks like a fun hike, especially if you time it so that you can see the sunrise at the end , I did a few treks around my country and whenever I felt the need to give up i had to make myself go, just for the sunrise because it would be beautiful 😀

Unfortunately i wasn’t able to see the sunrise on this one cause it had started to rain by the time i was descenting.

The Sunny Side

Love the term ‘Ultimate Escape.’ Looks like it was quite the trek! (And oh that greenery!)

Doesn’t it remind of that old XP wallpaper?

Keshia Richmond

Such great information on Kudremukh trek. I am excited to visit!

Thanks Keshia

Neil Alvin Nicerio

Wow! Such a picturesque hike. Please do visit the Philippines too. You’d love the mountains here.

Thanks for the invite, it’s on my list!

The journey itself is amazing, loved the narrative. I stay in India would want to visit one day.

You definitely should Vimal!

The trail looks quiet challenging!! Seeing where the peak was and where you were I am amazed you didn’t give up!! Then again from the pictures it seems like the view and sight were so worth it!!

I had almost reached that stage of giving up, but something kept me going and now i realize it was just for the view from the top and wind gushing past me!

Elizabeth O

This place looks amazing… it seems like one step short of heaven… gorgeous, lush terrain, and endless skies and clear waters. I’d love to see it up close too.

Hey, thanks a lot Elizabeth, people like you make me want to explore more such places

The Moonchasers

Have heard so much about this trail but missed my chance while i was in Bangalore. Will surely go for this next time around. Stunning views!

Surely you should try it the next time you are in Bangalore

How long back did you do this trek? Is the permit fees of Rs. 275 still applicable? I have been reading across sources that it is Rs. 475

I did it last year and recently heard that the permit is available only online. I was lucky to find a group otherwise it’s very tough to get a permit for solo travellers

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Kudremukh is a mountain range and name of a peak located in Chikkamagaluru district, in Karnataka, India. It is also the name of a small hill station cum mining town situated near the mountain, about 48 kilometres from Karkalla and around 20 kilometres from Kalasa. The name Kudremukh literally means ‘horse-face’ (Kannada) and refers to a particular picturesque view of a side of the mountain that resembles a horse’s face. It was also referred to as ‘Samseparvata’, historically since it was approached from Samse village. Kudremukha is Karnataka’s 3rd highest peak after Mullayangiri and Baba Budangiri.

• Nearest Town: Kalasa
• Duration of the event: Two Day
• Grade: EASY/MODERATE/DIFFICULT: Moderate
• Total distance: 20 Km (Half Marathon Distance) Approx (Both the ways)
• Transportation: Provided by “Miles to Trek”
• Food: Provided by “Miles To Trek”2 Breakfast – 1 Lunch 1 Dinner
• Accommodation: Homestay

(Day 0) Friday night

• 09:30PM – Pick-up from Bangalore

Saturday – (Day 1)

• 05:30 AM – Reach Kudremukh National Park.
• 07:30 AM – Check the homestay, have breakfast, Brief by Trek Leader and start the trek.
• 12:30 AM – Reach the top. Catch the view of Kudremukh peak, spend some time there.
• 01:00 PM – Descend towards homestay
• 05:00 PM – Reach homestay and have snacks and hot tea.
• 08:00 PM – Dinner and campfire (optional).

Sunday – (Day 2)

• 07:00 AM – Have breakfast and head to visit nearby falls.
• 09:00 AM – If time permits we will explore the local market and buy tea powder and coffee beans for our loved ones.
• 11:30 AM – Depart for Bangalore and Reach by 10:30 PM (approx.)

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour.

• Transportation in non-ac vehicle
• Sharing basis accommodation in homestay.
• Permission from Forest Dept.
• Food – 2 Breakfast – 1 Lunch 1 Dinner
• Campfire (optional)

What is NOT included in the tour

• Any kind of insurance. Personal Expense:( snacks, mineral water etc).
• Anything not included in the inclusions above.

Important Gear required:

• Two Day backpack
• Identity proof must
• Sun Cap – Sun Glasses (your wish)
• Sunscreen cream – Hand sanitiser (your wish)
• Wear Trekking/sports Pant – Quick Dry Material
• T-shirts – Full sleeves preferred – Quick Dry Material
• Wear light coloured clothes
• Avoid wearing dark coloured clothes
• Avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments
• Trekking /sports shoes with good grip
• Avoid wearing repaired shoes or old shoes they will not last on this trek.

Things to Carry

• Sports shoes or trekking shoes in good condition
• 2 liter water bottle per person
• Energy bars, dry fruits, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks

Kodachadri trekking and camping located on the edges of Karnataka, sanctified with some of the most enchanting landscapes. Abode to abundant peaks and waterfalls. Kodachadri, the tenth highest peak of Karnataka, gets its name from Kodacha and Adri, signifying ‘home of the hill jasmine flowers’ in the local dialect. Otherwise called the Jasmine of Hills, the peak of Kodachadri is an ideal canvas to the setting of the renowned Mookambika Temple and the Mookambika National Park. Residing at the focal point of this National Park, Kodachadri bestows various opportunities to wildlife and trekking buffs. Kodachadri Trek is taking off high at a rise of 4406 feet; the Kodachadri summit is a dramatic peak with dense forest swathe surrounding it. Likewise, it is a characteristic territory to the dazzling scope of biodiversity, for example, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Languor, and Indian Rock Python , alongside mountain vegetation and indigenous fauna.

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• Going On A Kudremukh Trek One Of The Most Beautiful Trek In Karnataka

The misty peaks of Kudremukh rise majestically in the heart of Karnataka’s Western Ghats and attract adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This trekking paradise, nestled amidst lush green forests and cascading waterfalls, promises an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most biodiverse regions. The Kudremukh Trek , a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience, takes you through a chain of scenes, from verdant grasslands to rugged rocky trails, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature. With each step, you’ll be mesmerised by the region’s rich flora and fauna, including the elusive lion-tailed macaque and a kaleidoscope of vibrant wildflowers. Prepare to be spellbound as you traverse this emerald gem, where the thrill of the trek is matched only by the breathtaking vistas that await at every turn.

About Kudremukh Trek

Image Credit: Nabeelhut for Wikimedia Commons

The Kudremukh Trek, located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, India, is an adventure. Its name, “Kudremukh,” meaning “horse face” in Kannada, originates from an angle of the mountain that resembles a horse’s profile. This trek is renowned for its landscape featuring hills, shola forests, cascading waterfalls, and expansive meadows. It is a favoured destination among trekkers hailing from Bangalore and various parts of South India.

Commencing from Mullodi village 15 km from Kalasa, the Kudremukh Trek in Karnataka spans a 22 km round trip and can be completed over two days and one night. The initial day entails a climb through woodlands while the following day offers a more leisurely ascent towards the summit of Kudremukh Peak Trek. The panoramic vistas, from the peak, are truly mesmerizing as they showcase a view of the Western Ghats.

Must Read: Gokarna Beach Resorts

Kudremukh Trek: Your Day-To-Day Itinerary

Image Credit: Dhruvaraj S for Wikimedia Commons

The trek leads you to the peak of Kudremukh, where you can enjoy views of the mountains and valleys. Here is a detailed itinerary for each day to guide you through your Kudremukh Trek Karnataka adventure.

Day 1: Arrival and Trek to Base Camp

You can reach the towns of Karkala or Kudremukh by bus or car. Check into your homestay and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your arrival time, you might be able to freshen up and explore the surrounding area. Keep an eye out for the unique local coffee plantations. Head to the forest department office to obtain permits and register for the trek. You can also hire a local guide here if you don’t have one already. Local guides are not only well-versed in the trails. Still, they can also share interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the region. Your trek will begin from Mullodi, which is a short jeep ride from the homestay. The ride is an adventure, taking you through scenic landscapes with coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and gushing streams.

The beginning of the trail is quite easy, with a climb through forests. Be on the lookout for bird species and fascinating plant life. If you’re lucky you might even catch sight of some animals like deer or langurs. The soothing sound of the Somawathi Falls will accompany you for a portion of this initial trek. As you gain altitude, the vegetation will change, and you’ll enter a sholas forest characterized by stunted trees with moss-covered branches. This unique ecosystem is a haven for various insects, fungi, and other small creatures. After a few stream crossings (be prepared to get your feet wet, especially during the monsoon) and moderate climbs, you’ll reach Kudremukh National Park’s base camp, where you’ll spend the night in tents or a homestay. Depending on your chosen accommodation, you might be able to enjoy a bonfire and stargazing in the clear mountain air.

Day 2: Summit Push and Descent

Rise early to witness a sunrise over the mountains. The first beams of sunlight peeking over the mountain peaks and casting a hue on the landscape will be a sight. After a morning meal, enjoy delicacies such as idli, sambar, and upma to start your journey toward the peak of Kudremukh. Prepare yourself for the demanding climb that lies ahead! The path becomes steeper from this point onward, featuring some patches. Take your time select your steps wisely and utilise hiking poles for stability if available. The awe-inspiring sights will inspire you as you progress towards vantage points. After a challenging but rewarding climb, you’ll finally reach the summit of Kudremukh, standing tall at 6,207 feet. Take a moment to celebrate your achievement and soak in the panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

On a clear day, you can see neighbouring peaks, cascading waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, and sprawling valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. Capture this unforgettable moment with photos and cherish it forever. After spending some time at the summit, savouring the views and the sense of accomplishment, begin your descent back to the base camp. The descent is usually faster than the ascent, but it’s still important to be cautious on the loose gravel. Remember, Kudremukh trekking down can be as challenging as going up on your knees, so pace yourself and take breaks when needed. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients, and share stories of your trek around a bonfire with your fellow trekkers. This is a great time to bond with fellow adventurers and reminisce about the day’s experiences.

Day 3: Departure

After breakfast pack up your belongings, and plan to departure back. There’s no need to rush so take your time in the morning to cherish the memories from your hike. You can explore the surrounding areas. Visit the Kadambi Falls before you leave. The falls offer a rejuvenating view. It is a perfect spot for one last nature dip before heading back. Hop on a ride to Karkala or Kudremukh for the next leg of your journey. Depending on your itinerary you might even have time to browse through a market for souvenirs or regional delicacies.

Suggested Read: Beaches Near Udupi

Best TimeTo Visit

The recommended time to go on the Kudremukh Trek is typically from October to March. The weather is pleasant and mild during this period, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. The skies are usually clear offering a chance of rainfall. Ideal weather conditions make trekking an experience with no need to combat heat or muddy trails.

How To Reach

Image Credit: solarisgirl for Wikimedia Commons

Are you confused about how to reach to the Kudremukh trek to enjoy the vacation> There are three main ways to reach Kudremukh which is mentioned below.

• By Road : Kudremukh enjoys connectivity with cities in Karnataka and neighbouring states. Take NH75 from Bangalore towards Mangalore then turn onto the state highway leading to Chikmagalur and Kalasa. From Kalasa you can arrange for a ride to Mullodi village, the starting point of the trek. The total distance from Bangalore is 335 km.
• By Air : The nearest airport to Kudremukh is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 150 km away. You can hire a taxi or cab from Mangalore to reach Kalasa and then a jeep to Mullodi village.
• By Train : If you prefer travelling by train the closest major railway station is Hassan Junction (HAS) situated 100 km from Kudremukh. Arrange for a taxi or cab from Hassan, to Kalasa. Then proceed by jeep to Mullodi village.

After reaching Kudremukh, here’s how to get to the trek’s starting point:

• Take a bus to Kudremukh and leave at Balegal, 10.5 Km from Kalasa. A private jeep can be hired from the Balegal bus stop for about ₹600 for eight people.
• The distance from Kalasa to the base of the Kudremukh trek is about 10Kms. The bus fare is ₹20. If you’re with a group, you can get off at Balegal. The timings are 24 hours a day. From there, you can hire a jeep that will drop you off at the forest office for permission and then take you to the base camp of the Kudremukh trek.

Further Read: Places To Visit Near Udupi Within 100 Kms

With its landscapes, misty trails, and rich biodiversity, the Kudremukh Trek offers an experience for nature lovers. Whether you’re a hiker or just starting out, the Kudremukh Trek guarantees to mesmerize you with its scenery. So why wait? Get your bags ready and go on this journey through the heart of Karnataka’s marvels. Plan your trip to Karnataka now. Let the Kudremukh Trek become the highlight of your exploration!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here . Cover Image Source: Bhanurising for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Kudremukh Trek

How long is Kudremukh Trek?

The Kudremukh Trek is roughly 22 kilometres long, including the climb to the Kudremukh Peak Trek and back down. It's a moderate trek, but the distance can be challenging for some. Be prepared for a full day of hiking, with some trekkers reporting it taking up to 11 hours to complete the round trip.

Is the Kudremukh trek easy or difficult?

The Kudremukh Trek is considered to be moderately difficult. The terrain varies throughout the hike, with some sections on flat grasslands and others with steeper inclines. While there's no technical climbing involved, the overall distance and potential for uneven ground can make it demanding. Make sure you're in decent physical condition before attempting this trek.

Is Kudremukh Trek free?

No, the Kudremukh Trek is not free. It falls within Kudremukh National Park, so entry fees are associated with trekking in the park. You'll need to acquire permission from the forest department and pay an entry fee of around 600 rupees per person as of January 2024.

Why is Kudremukh called Ghost Town?

Kudremukh doesn't refer to a ghost town. Kudremukh translates to 'horse face' in Kannada, the local language. The name refers to the mountain's unique shape, which is said to resemble a horse's face from a certain viewpoint. There are no abandoned settlements or ghost stories associated with Kudremukh.

What to wear for Kudremukh Trek?

When packing for Kudremukh Trek, prioritize comfortable clothes you can easily move around in. Long pants protect against scratches from bushes and insects like leeches, which can be prevalent during monsoons. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or quick-dry materials for your upper and lower body.

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown. 

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Alone not Lonely: Kudremukh Trek on a weekday

Rolling green hills, clouds kissing the mountains, forest trails, bamboo shrubs and a dozen waterfalls, the Kudremukh Peak trek has it all; No wonder it is called the Himalayas of the south. The scenery keeps changing on the trek and will surely amaze anyone. Kudremukh is not the highest peak of Karnataka, but it is the third highest (6207 ft) and hence a good trek, it is known for the variety of scenery it offers.

Kudremukh, which literally means Horse’s Face, was on my list for quite some time and I decided to tick that off the list this year. The reason I chose Kudremukh Trek was I wanted to experience the Western Ghats, the clouds passing over the rolling green hills was a sight I wanted to see for real. Also, it was really hot and humid in Mumbai, so Kudremukh Trek seemed like the best option.

Reaching Base Village/ HomeStay:

Kudremukh peak is in the Kudremukh National park which comes in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The nearest airport is Mangalore but I got a good deal for Bangalore flight tickets and as I was planning solo, I thought it would be better to go via Bangalore. The base village for Kudremukh Trek is Mullodi, which is a remote village hence there is no direct connectivity. There are KSRTC buses to Hornadu from Bangalore bus stop; one can stop at Kalasa (you may need to request the driver to drop at the square before Kalasa). From there another vehicle or SUV to reach Kudremukh forest check post. There are many homestays around. Some homestays also arrange transport from Kalasa.

I had done my entire research and was planning to follow the same route and connect with a local person at Kalasa or any homestay. But social media is amazing, and I met Jatin from Plan the Unplanned who joined me for the trek and he has been an amazing trek lead and trek mate. We took a non-stop bus to Hassan and then another bus to Chikmagalur. From Chikmagalur to Kudremukh we went on a bike. The distance is around 95 to 97 km. It was an awesome experience on the bike, surrounded by trees, lush green patches, bamboos, jackfruit trees and coffee estates. Clouds and hills accompanied us as well. We crossed Kalasa, Kalasa main road is very cute. It seemed like a lovely quaint town. After Kalasa, we had planned a stop at a waterfall near Coffee Gudda. The area is also called Coffee Gudda, named on a famous homestay.

Coffee Gudda

The waterfall is called Elneeru. Elneeru means Sweet coconut, it is said that water is as sweet or tastes similar to coconut water. The ride to Elneeru is through muddy roads and one can drive till the motorable area. Then one has to descend down a little to reach the waterfall. On the way, came across another beautiful waterfall, it looked like a wallpaper. I was overwhelmed by that waterfall itself. Jatin had to tell me that this isn’t our final destination. :)

After further descend and a then little hike, one can hear the sound of falls in full flow and birds chirping. In some time the Elniru falls become visible. It is a huge waterfall full of energy, feeling the water on your face was a bliss. I even tasted the water, it actually tastes sweet !

After a rejuvenating break at Elniru falls, moved towards our Homestay- Bella Homestays. Bella Homestays is a beautiful cosy home away from home. It is a traditional style cottage with amazing views, surrounded by trees. The upper deck or aangan is a beautiful place for chai and the food tasted even better in such a setting. The sounds of nature are always there with you – birds chirping, crickets and the raindrops. Post some delicious home cooked food, we hit the bed as we had a long day the next day.

Bella homestay

The Trek day:

One has to start early in order to be back at the homestay on time. The forest department also advises being back before 6 at least. As we were trekking on a weekday, we had the leverage to start the trek a little late. It was a rainy night and morning, so was difficult for me to get up. ???? We had chai on the deck, got ready and packed my daypack. Had some tasty Idli and Sambhar for breakfast followed by filter coffee. We started for the base village Mullodi in a jeep. The distance is approximately 6 km to the Forest department office, from where the trek actually starts. The ride is adventurous as one crosses coffee plantations, muddy roads with waterfalls and streams as well on the way. The forest department office is a small structure where one needs to take permission and a guide. After all required permissions we started the trek, with a guide and a dog named Pandu. At the start itself, after few minutes of walking there comes a stream crossing. As it was raining heavily and continuously the flow and depth of the stream was heavy.

Kudremukh National Park Museum

After the stream crossing, there is a slight ascent on a muddy path surrounded by ferns, several shrubs and lush green grass. This continues for around 1 to 1.5 km and then there comes an elevated plain and a stand-alone tree which is called Ontimara.

On the left on Ontimara, the trail becomes flat for some time, on the right one can see the Kudremukh valley and Somavati river flowing below. The trail soon converts into a forest trail- dark shola forests with water streams. There were a lot of leeches at this point, I initially thought I am saved from them, but later realized that it’s difficult to actually avoid them. Another stream crossing there are open meadows. It was an amazing feeling to trek through dense forests, with open meadows in between. The transition of scenery played kept the thrill till the end.

Kudremukh peak becomes visible after some point. The clouds were coming closer and nearer as if to kiss and hug you. Amidst the open meadows, after further walking, there is a board by Forest Department Office stating the direction and distance (7 km) to Kudremukh peak. After another dense patch of trees, is another stream of water, and the last water source before the peak. After stream crossing, there is a steep ascent. All of us were walking at our own pace, and I achieved what I wanted to from the trek- deep connection with nature and solitude, all this mid-way itself.

It started raining heavily at around 11 am. On the right, the view was mesmerizing, clouds passing over rolling lush green hills. Tried taking few time lapses there. After further ascend you reach the second Ontimara.

Before reaching the Ontimara, I was amazed by the Kudremukh range all around me. From the ontimara, the view on the right was enthralling- rolling green hills vibrant, full of energy passing all the energy on to us. We jumped in joy and then sat there soaking in the beauty of the moment.

After the Ontimara, the trail is a mix of narrow paths between dense forests, bamboo shrubs and steep ascents.

The whole of Kudremukh valley opens up after some point. The guide tried to explain the structure of the peak in Kannada. He pointed at the part of the mountain which resembles the face of a horse and mentioned Kudre-mukha, and then pointed at the stomach and back of the horse and explained how the mountain resembles a horse. Language is not a barrier when both want to have a conversation. He also explained that we will climb the “horse’s back” part of the mountain and the climb is steep and zig-zag.

The zig-zag steep climb is difficult comparatively but the views encourage to keep going. It was raining so much, along with the winds that I felt as of the raindrops are slapping me. There were times I could not even open my eyes.

After the end of the zig-zag point, paused for some time to look and appreciate how far I have come. The rolling hills, lush green and full of life, the open meadows, the grasslands everything on the trail was just perfect, why go to Scotland when you can experience this in India itself.

At the end of zig zag point, there is a rock cluster with a blue arrow mark showing the direction to the peak. Jatin pointed at some ruins and mentioned there used to be a British Rest house there. The last part of the trek is not a steep climb because of the shape of the mountain. It is a level walk past green fields.

Kudremukha Peak

As we went closer to the highest point, the rains kept increasing. It stopped for sometime when we reached the peak. At the peak, there is Forest Department Board as well showing the details of Kudremukh peak and other peaks of Kudremukh national park. As it was raining continuously, there was no visibility, all I could see was clouds below.

Kudremukh Peak Top

Waited sometime there to see the hills and clouds play peek-a-boo. After sometime started the descent, capturing and soaking in as much as possible. The descent was a fast one, as we wanted to reach on time and I was hungry as well. We crossed a skull as well near a stream. Jatin saw a wild boar running ahead as well. We reached back till the jeep drop point by 4:30 pm.

Leech bites, heavy rains, gusty winds nothing could stop us to conquer the peak. It was just us at the peak. Kudremukh trek is otherwise a popular trek but as it was a weekday, it was only we three on the entire trail. At many points, I was walking alone and got answers to many questions. I was alone, but not lonely; Inspired by ontimara and nature.

Straight From My Heart,

Prakriti Singh

https://prakritisingh.com/

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Kudremukh trek guide: The best rolling hills you’ll ever see

Would you like to experience an adventurous trek which has the best rolling green hills you’ll ever see, get engulfed in clouds and mist and walk through an evergreen forest full of water streams?

Then you must try the Kudremukh trek.

Known as the mini ‘Scotland of India ‘,  the Kudremukh trek is one of the best treks in Karnataka that exposes you to diverse natural sceneries and landscapes within the Kudremukh National Park. 

It is also home to the third-highest peak in Karnataka and the best part is that you can do it on your own even if you’re a beginner.

I did the Kudremukh trek from Mangalore and in this guide, I would like to tell you the itinerary I followed so that you can plan an effective solo trek to Kudremukh. 

• Section III: Ridge walk (zig-zag section) to Kudremukh peak

Which Kudremukh trek packages can I sign up for?

Where is kudremukh.

Kudremukh is also a small hill station cum mining town located 100 km from Chikmagalur.

It derives its name from its Kannada name  Kuduremukha  meaning horse-faced which is how the Kudremukh peak appears.

The Kudremukh trek happens inside the Kudremukh National Park which is home to several endangered and endemic species like lion-tailed macaque, leopard and gaur. 

Why should you do the Kudremukh trek?

The Kudremukh trek is ideal for nature lovers who want to experience a different side of Karnataka. The following are the 3 reasons why you should do the Kudremukh trek:

1. The best rolling hills you’ll ever see on a trek

Kudremukh has the best rolling hills you’ll ever see on a trek in the Western Ghats. They appear as if they’re taken from a Windows wallpaper. The best view is from the Kudremukh peak where you can see a range of never-ending rolling hills.

2 .  Ridge walk surrounded by clouds and mist

The last section of the trek wherein you walk through a ridge has some of the best views as you get to see sweeping valleys and mountain ranges all around you. To add to that, you’ll also be engulfed in clouds and mist if you trek after the monsoon season.

3. Hike through evergreen forests filled with water streams

The initial walk through the shola forest is filled with adventure as you’ll be crossing several water streams and surrounding yourself with a variety of trees and birds. If lucky, you can also spot several endangered and endemic species like the Malabar giant squirrel, lion-tailed macaque and deer.

How to reach Kudremukh?

The starting point for the Kudremukh trek is Mullodi which is a small village with few houses. It houses the Kudremukh Trek Forest Office from where you need to get a ticket for the Kudremukh trek.

Mullodi lies between Kudremukh and Kalasa, a nearby town which is accessible by public transport.

The two nearest cities to Kudremukh are Mangalore (100 km) and Bangalore (330 km). As such, it’s always ideal that you start your journey from these two cities as you’ll find various options for transport.

The Mangalore airport is the nearest airport to Kudremukh at 90 km followed by the Bangalore airport which is at a distance of 351 km. Both the airports are well-connected to all the major airports in the country.

The Mangalore railway station is 100 km from Kudremukh, followed by the Bangalore railway station which is at a distance of 330 km. 

If you’re travelling from Mangalore, there are limited buses from Mangalore to Kudremukh. There is one bus in the afternoon around 12-1 pm which leaves for Kalasa from the Mangalore private bus stand, also known as the State Bank Bus Stand.

As an alternative, you can take a bus to Karkala. From Karkala, you can find frequent buses to Kalasa.

Once you reach Kalasa, you can get another local bus/auto to the Balagal bus stop (10 km away). From here, you can hire a jeep to go to Mullodi, which is 5 km away.

If you’re travelling from Bangalore to Kudremukh, you can book an overnight bus from Bangalore to Horanadu via Kalasa from the  KSRTC website . You’ll reach Kalasa around 6 am. From Kalasa, you can take another bus/auto to the Balagal bus stop and then hire a jeep to go to Mullodi.

How to do the Kudremukh trek on your own?

There are two ways to do the Kudremukh trek as a solo traveller. 

The first way is to book an overnight bus to Horannadu via Kalasa (if you’re travelling from Bangalore), start your trek the next morning and leave by evening. This is ideal if you only have a day to spare.

But for the best experience, I recommend sparing two days for the Kudremukh trek. It ensures that you have a relaxed and hassle-free experience. If you choose this option, you can also book your stay with the Bella homestay, the best homestay in Kudremukh according to the internet and my personal experience. 

The advantage is that Bella homestay provides food and accommodation, and arranges your jeep to the base camp, your entry ticket for the Kudremukh trek and a trekking guide. 

It is what I did for my solo trek to the Kudremukh peak.

Chandan, the owner of Bella homestay, was beneficial in making sure that I had an amazing trek to the Kudremukh peak.

Before you start your trek, make sure you call Chandan to enquire about the availability of the Bella homestay for your dates. 

Search for ‘Bella Homestay Kudremukh’ on Google to get his number. You can also ask him for other details about the trek, transport options, accommodation options, etc. and he’ll be happy to help you out.

You need to pay a token amount to Chandan online to confirm your booking. 

Your DIY Kudremukh Trekking Itinerary

I’ll be talking about my solo Kudremukh trekking experience in great detail in the upcoming sections so that you too can follow the same itinerary. As mentioned, I booked my stay at Bella Homestay before I went for the trek.

I started my journey from Mangalore to Kudremukh for this trek. I chose this option as starting a journey from Bangalore would have taken more time.

Note : If you’re travelling from Bangalore to Kudremukh, you can book an overnight bus to Horanadu via Kalasa from the KSRTC website and start the trek after freshening up.

I reached Mangalore by 10 am via train, ate breakfast at one of the restaurants and went to the Mangalore private bus stand, also known as the State Bank Bus Stand. 

There is a bus which leaves at around 12-1 pm for Kalasa. You can enquire about this bus from anyone there (as I did). I boarded this bus and had a comfortable journey as the crowd was less and the roads were tidy. 

As we start nearing Kalasa, the air becomes cooler and the landscape becomes greener.

I finally reached Kalasa by 5 pm and got down at one particular location where Chandan (the owner of Bella Homestay) had told me to get down.

Chandan was there waiting for me and he took me to his homestay via his bike. 

The Bella Homestay is ideally located in a remote area surrounded by mountain ranges.

The homestay itself is well-maintained with options for rooms and camping. You get home-cooked food, free wifi and amazing hospitality from the hosts.

I occupied one of their tents, freshened up and had black tea with their homemade snacks. More people checked in as the sun sets in, and Chandan set up the campfire at night. 

Major tour operators like Plan the Unplanned and Bangalore Mountain Club also book their accommodation with the Bella Homestay for their Kudremukh trek packages.

At 8-9 pm, we had home-cooked dinner after which all of the guests retired for the night.

Note : If you love stargazing, you’ll in for a treat as you’ll observe clear skies with stars all over the place.

The next day, I woke up by 6:00 am, freshened up and had breakfast. We were also given packed lunches for the Kudremukh trek.

Chandan clubbed me with a group of five people for the Kudremukh trek. They were also staying in the same homestay.

We boarded a jeep and by 7 am, we departed for Mullondi, the starting point of the Kudremukh trek. It took almost half an hour for us to reach the starting point as the terrain was rugged and untarred. 

You’ll enjoy this ride as you get the first glimpse of what you can expect from the trek. You’ll cross coffee plantations and muddy roads with streams on the way. 

At the starting point, you’ll find the Kudremukh Trek forest office. This office is open from 6 am to 6 pm.

Here, you have to pay for the entry fees, guide and DSLR/camera (if you’re carrying any). Your bags will also be checked as you aren’t allowed to carry any plastic inside the Kudremukh National Park (including plastic-packed biscuits and snacks).

Note:  Only 50 people will get permission in a day. If you haven’t taken the help of a homestay, make sure you reach the forest office as early as possible.

From the forest office, you need to trek for 9 km to reach the Kudremukh peak. You can divide this trek into 3 parts:

1. Forest office to Ontimara (lone tree)

2. Ontimara to the zig-zag section

3. Ridge walk (zig-zag section) to Kudremukh peak

Section I: From Forest office to Ontimara (lone tree)

We started the Kudremukh trek by 8 am.

You’ll be walking through open grassland for less than a kilometre before you reach the First Tree View Point. During this walk, you’ll be able to observe mountain ranges and a valley in front of you covered in mist.

You’ll soon enter the Shola thick forest. In this forest, you’ll find multiple streams of water, the first of which you’ll cross after 15-20 minutes.

Note : You can fill your bottle with water from these streams as they’re very clean.

You’ll enjoy trekking through this forest because the ascent is gradual and if you’re lucky, you may even spot some animals.

Soon enough, you’ll be exiting the forest area. The landscape opens up and you’ll be able to see the Kudremukh peak for the first time from here. You’ll be surrounded by several shrubs and ferns until you see a lonely tree, known locally as Ontimara.

You can rest here for some time.

Section II: Ontimara to the zig-zag section

From Ontimara, the initial ascent is flat with the Kudremukh valley on the right. This trail soon enters a forest trail for some time with water streams before you exit it. 

After this, you’ll be trekking in a completely open landscape through a narrow path for at least an hour. There will be steep ascents and bamboo shrubs surrounding you.

You’ll be walking along the edges of hills as you observe people who are ascending from below.

While you trek from Ontimara to the zig-zag section, keep an eye out on the surrounding landscapes as you’ll observe rolling hills and sweeping valleys at different stages. You may want to take out your camera and capture the sceneries that keep changing.

As you near the zig-zag section, there will be a steep ascent. This is another section where you should keep an eye out for the scenery. The whole of Kudremukh valley opens up after some point.

Section III: Ridge walk (zig-zag section) to Kudremukh peak

From the start of the zig-zag section, you’ll be taking a complete u-turn as you got towards the peak. As the name suggests, you will be trekking through a zig-zag trail for 1 km.

After the zig-zag section ends, make sure you visit the ruins of the British era church which is a diversion on the right side. It has an interesting history as it used to be a resting house for the Britishers.

The entire structure is now completely dilapidated and covered with plants. After visiting the church, come back to the trail.

From here on, you’ll be walking on a ridge as you can see the trail and also the peak right in front of you. The walk from here to the peak is one of the most beautiful parts of the trek as you can see panoramic views of the valleys and hills around you.

If you’re lucky, you might also be surrounded by clouds and mist. It takes another 40 minutes from here to reach the Kudremukh peak.

We reached the Kudremukh peak by noon i.e. it took us four hours in total to complete the trek in one direction.

Without a doubt, the best view of the entire trek comes from the Kudremukh peak. You can get a 270-degree view of all the mountains surrounding you. Depending on the weather, you may also be engulfed in clouds and mist.

You will also be able to see the Kudremukh horse face in all its glory. It is a peak that resembles the face of the horse. You can try capturing the same and all the other beautiful sceneries you observe from here. 

Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere and have your packed lunch.

After spending a couple of hours at the top, we started trekking back (at 2 pm) to Mullodi via the same route. 

Note : Make sure you leave by 2 pm so that you’re able to reach the Kudremukh Forest Check Post before 6 pm.

Be careful while descending because some sections can be tricky. We reached back at the Kudremukh forest check post by 5 pm i.e. it took us 3 hours to descend back.

In total, we covered 9+9=18 km for the entire trek. At the check post, Chandan was there waiting for me. He picked me up as I went back to the homestay.

From thereon, I clubbed with another person I met on the trek as we went back to Mangalore together.

You can also go to Kalasa from where you can get frequent buses to Bangalore and connecting buses to Mangalore. Be sure to ask your host about the bus timings in advance so that you plan properly.

How difficult is the Kudremukh trek? 

The Kudremukh trek is a beginner’s trek that can be done by anyone with reasonable fitness. During the 18 km hike to the top and back, there will be some sections where the ascent might be steep but in general, it will be a gradual increase.

Best time for the Kudremukh trek

The Kudremukh trek is one of those treks where the trekking season plays a vital role. And hence, I suggest you trek after the monsoon season or during winters i.e September to February.  

The weather in Kudremukh during these months enhances the beauty of the Kudremukh trek. The landscape is greener and you’ll have pleasant weather throughout the trek with mist and clouds surrounding you.

You can also give the monsoon season a shot but the problem is that the terrains become slippery and there will be the added problem of leaches.

The summer season has to be avoided at any cost as the scorching heat of the sun drains your energy

Essential things to carry for the Kudremukh trek

The following are some essential things you must carry to ensure you have a pleasant experience on the Kudremukh trek.

• An ID Card to verify your details
• Sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
• A water bottle
• Dry fruits and nuts for the trek
• Quick-dry t-shirts to absorb the sweat
• Poncho, in case it rains
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Trekking poles to support your ascent/descent
• Strong backpack (Preferably waterproof)
• Mosquito Repellent Cream
• Camera (Optional)
• Salt to take care of leeches
• Shoes with good grip for trekking
• A small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
• A warm jacket for the night’s stay
• Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
• Flip-flops for the homestay
• Extra pair of clothes to change after the trek

Where to stay for the Kudremukh trek?

If you have two days to spare and want a stress-free and organized trek, it’s always best that you sign up with one of the homestays in Kudremukh. It is why I signed up with Bella Homestay. 

Like hundreds of other people who have given great reviews about the Bella Homestay, I can also vouch for it. Chandan, his brother and his staff go to great lengths to ensure that you have a comfortable stay, a great trek and an overall memorable experience.

However, if you need more options, I can suggest the following homestays in Kudremukh that have a good reputation as well:

1. Bella Homestay Kudremukh (the best homestay in Kudremukh according to the ratings/reviews)

2. Raaje Gowda’s Home Stay

3. Sathish Mullodi House

Google for them online and you’ll find their contact number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to trek kudremukh.

It can take 4-5 hours to do the trek from the Kudremukh Trek Forest Office (the starting point of the trek) to the Kudremukh Peak. While returning, it will take 3-4 hours.

So in total, you can take 7-9 hours to complete the entire trek depending on your speed.

Can we trek Kudremukh alone?

Yes, you can trek alone to Kudremukh. However, you’ll still need to arrange your entry tickets from the forest office (limited to 50 tickets per day) which might be difficult to get as a lot of homestays nearby have tie-ups with the forest office. 

Hence, I suggest that you sign up for one of these homestays. It ensures that you get your tickets in advance while you also get to trek alone. It is what I did as I trekked solo to Kudremukh but with the help of a homestay.

Do note that camping in Kudremukh is not allowed.

Which is the best time to visit Kudremukh?

The best time to visit Kudremukh is during the post-monsoon and winter months i.e. from September to February. During these months, the landscape is greener and the weather is cooler which makes the entire Kudremukh landscape appealing.   As a bonus, you’ll also be engulfed in mists and clouds in certain sections of the trek. Hence, ensure that you do the trek when the weather in Kudremukh is ideal.

You can sign up with tour operators like  Plan The Unplanned  (PTU) and  Bangalore Mountaineering Club  (BMC). They organise the Kudremukh trek and their packages include food, accommodation, transport to and from Bangalore, a jeep ride to base camp, the entry fees for the trek and a guide. 

Alternatively, you can sign up with homestays in Kudremukh like the Bella Homestay or Raaje Gowda’s Home Stay which also provide everything except the transport to and from Bangalore. Here too, you’ll be able to meet like-minded people who, just like you, have come for the Kudremukh trek.

I had an amazing time trekking to the Kudremukh peak as a solo traveller. The sights and sounds of nature along with the people I met on the trek made it an engaging experience. 

The best thing about the Kudremukh trek is that it is a beginner’s trek that can be completed within a day or two. 

If you’re coming from Bangalore, take an overnight bus and complete the trek on the same day. Alternatively, you can reach Kudremukh via bus in the afternoon, check in to a homestay there, and do the trek the next day. 

If you’re coming from Mangalore, I suggest you leave for Kudremukh in the morning/afternoon, check in to your homestay and do the trek the next day.

I strongly recommend staying at the Bella Homestay as they’re very helpful in ensuring that you have an amazing trek to the Kudremukh peak.

Choose the right season, ensure you’re fit and carry the essential things you need for the trek so that you have the best possible experience.

Rest assured, the Kudremukh National Park gives you access to some of the best natural sceneries you’ll see in Karnataka.

If you’ve more time before/after the Kudremukh trek, I suggest that you spend a couple of days in Chikmagalur as well as it also has some breathtaking sceneries that’ll blow your mind.

The distance from Chikmagalur to Kudremukh is barely 100 km and you’ll also enjoy the road trip between these two popular hill stations in Karnataka.

With that said, I hope you found this guide useful. Let me know if you have any doubts!

Jerry quit his 9-5 job to become a digital nomad and travel the world. Through Framedventures, he helps people have experiential and immersive travel adventures across India. He has travelled to 15+ states/UTs in India so far. Besides travelling, he's also passionate about landscape photography. Connect with him on his social media channels to get his latest travel updates!

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GANESH KRISHNA

Nice.we stayed in chandan’s brother’s doddamane home stay which is also best place and awesome home food. This was during may month.

Awesome Ganesh! 😃

SANTOSH KUMAR

Can you please share the contact details of the bella homestay, google is giving too many numbers

Here you go: +91-9483800447

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Welcome to Kurdremukh Trekkers' homestay

• ಕನ್ನಡ ಆವೃತ್ತಿ
• English Version

Kudremukh & Netravathi Peak Trekkers Homestay-Jarkuni

Are you looking for a perfect place to relax , here it is ...

Welcome to   Kudremukh Trekkerś homestay 

Discover the true untouched beauty & splendour of the enchanting Western Ghats.

Chirping of birds begins the day with the pleasant weather

the walk through the thick coffee estates adds to your joy. kudremukh trekkers homestay

Location and Accessibility:

  We are located at Jarkuni village which is sited in foothills of Kudremukh peak, just 15 kms away from Kalasa town. Samse -mullodi road, Samse, Mudigere, Taluk, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka. 

The proud fact

Kudremukh Trekkers’ homestay was established in the year 2017. From the day inception the people visited here hailed our location and the services that we provided to them. the proud fact is that they wished and visited here frequently.

 The calm, serene environment of the plantation allows you to relax and get your mind off the rest of the world!

Surrounded by Cardamom, Pepper, Coffee estates greenery paddy fields,

True untouched beauty & splendour of the enchanting Western Ghats.

Chirping of birds begins the day with the pleasant weather, makes our place to be in your memory forever.

Arrangements made for the Kudremukh Trekkers

Drop and pickup Arrangements has been made from our homestay to Kudremukh Trek stating point, by jeep/cab.

We shell get the required period permission from Forest Dept. officials, for the trekkers to undertake trekking to  Kudremukh peak.

While trekking an expert guide will be accompanied with the trekkers. 

The Exotic places to visit nearby

Kyathanamakki hills, somavathi falls, bhadra river rifting, yalaneer falls, hanging bridge, horanadu temple, amba teertha.

  1x 2 bed two cottage houses are fitted with amenities such as television, hot/cold water,  

 Bed linen Extra pillows and blankets First aid kit Lock on bedroom door Private room can be locked for safety and privacy  

Temporary Tents

 attached bathroom and various other essential bathroom toiletries 

Access to common areas

in addition to Cottages   21 tents are also available 

The homestay also has a beautiful front garden so you get abundant space and beautiful spots to spend some quality with your loved ones. where you can indulge in several outdoor activities.

About the Meals

You can enjoy mouth-watering food of local delicacy that's freshly prepared on the premises as all the meals are included in the package. 

About safety

 Watch the night put your feet up with music, dance and merrymaking around a safety ensured bonfire. 

 We are very much concerned about your safety in this pandemic situation. The homestay premises are properly sanitized before the check-in. we make sure of maintaining hygienic conditions throughout your stay. So, we request you to enjoy a relaxed vacation and a comfortable stay in an isolated location without any possibilities of contamination. 

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.

Kurdremukh Trekkers' stay home

Kudremukh Trekkers' home stay-Jarkuni, Balagal Mullodi Road, Samse, Karnataka, India

Copyright © 2024 Kurdremukh Trekkers' stay home - All Rights Reserved.

Maintained by Poorna Infotec

Ravindra Joisa

Photographer | Traveler | Trekker | YouTuber | IT Engineer

Kudremukh Trek – Truly a trekkers paradise

Kudremukh trek is a must-see if you’re in Bangalore, and it’s well-known among trekkers for its stunning scenery. This is a round journey that includes more than 10 streams to cross as well as wide meadows. Kudremukh means “horse’s face” in Kannada. The unusual form of the summit inspired its name. Historically, this was known as Samseparvath because it was accessible from Samse village. Kudremukh is located in the Chikkamagaluru district, in the heart of the Western Ghats. It is part of the Kudremukh National Park, which is the western ghats’ second-largest wildlife protected area.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is the best time to visit Kudremukh?

The best time to visit this wonderful location is during the monsoon and winter. You may come at any time of year, although it is most beautiful during the monsoon season. If you’re lucky, you could glimpse “Neelakurinji” purplish-blue flowers during the monsoon, which bloom just once every 12 years. We were quite fortunate to witness this since the entire mountain range was blanketed with either green or purple-blue flowers.

The trail is clean and is plastic-free . The peak is at an altitude of 1894 meters above sea level. The meadows are so beautiful that it reminds me of my Himalayan trek to Roopkund , on day two we had to cross Asia’s largest high altitude meadows – the famous Bedni Bugyal which has some amazing campsites.

How long does it take to trek Kudremukh?

The Kudremukh trek is an easy to moderate hike that takes around 11.5 kilometers one way from Mullodi to the peak. Because you are not permitted to camp or remain overnight, you must return all the way to Mullodi. So, a total of around 23 kilometers must be accomplished in one day, which is achievable. Can novices attempt the Kudremukh Trek? – Yes, of course. This hike is suitable for first-time hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Kudremukh trekking package

It’s not that difficult to complete the Kudremukh trek. I would strongly advise you to undertake this on your own because it is more of a DIY trek and a one-day journey. Kalasa/Kudremukh is the nearest town, and there are direct buses from Mangalore, Bangalore, and Udupi. The distance from Bangalore is 340 kilometers. As a result, board an overnight bus to Kalasa or Kudremukh. From Kalasa Bus, you may trek on your own or contact the base camp owner (homestay) – Raje Gowda (Ph: 9481179008), who can organize pickup and drop-off at the base camp/homestay as well as an overnight stay if you wish to stay for a long time and depart the next day.

Kudremukh Trek Route

Kudremukh trek begins at the base camp/Mullodi guesthouse, where the forest department headquarters is located. Purchase admission tickets to the forest. This is the last home before the trek begins. You will have to cross more than ten creeks. The Kudremukh trek trail features a 30-degree incline.

Carry a raincoat during the Kudremukh trek and be prepared for severe rain and cold wind once you reach the summit. There is no need to bring an extra water bottle because there are several streams even as you reach the summit. When you reach the top, bring a packed lunch, spend some time there, and then return the same way to the base camp around 5 or 6:00 p.m. During the monsoon season, you should pack salt and soak your socks in saltwater before wearing them to keep the leech away. There are also creams that are readily available at any medical store.

The Kudremukh hike is a one-day excursion. Here’s how to plan for the Kudremukh trek and have a fun weekend. Leave Bangalore on Friday night at 10:00-10:30 p.m. via Karnataka Sarige (about 500 rupees)/Volvo bus from Kempegowda Bus Stand. Arrive at the Kalasa Bus Stop around 5:00 a.m.

You may reserve a jeep in advance by calling Raje Gowda, as well as the Kudremukh trek. The jeep trip (Rs. 500 to 700 – one way for 5 people) takes about an hour to reach the base camp/Mullodi guesthouse. There are two large rooms, each with its own bathroom. After breakfast, freshen up at base camp and be ready to start hiking by 8:00 a.m.

How to plan for Kudremukh trek

When you return from your journey from the Kudremukh trek, have a hot water bath at the base camp, followed by warm food and tea, and prepare for the campfire. You may either spend the night at the homestay and depart the next day for Bangalore, or you can leave the same day. From 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., buses leave from the Kalasa Bus Stand. You will arrive in Bangalore around 4:00 a.m. Raje Gowda would charge Rs 650 for breakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks, supper, overnight lodging, hot water, and breakfast the next day (as of 2014).

Don’t forget to obtain forest department clearance by paying Rs. 275; else, as the locals would warn you, you may end up in trouble. Because this is a national park, the forest authority is tough about poaching. You must submit your information and pay the fee at the homestay. The aforementioned fee is current as of this writing and is subject to change. Mobile signal quality may be an issue at base camp, but as you climb higher, you should expect full signal strength.

Kudremukh National Park – Kurinjal

In brief, the Kudremukh trek may be completed in one day. The next day, in addition to the Kudremukh trek, you could wish to explore another famous hiking track, Kurinjal Peak, which is a bit shorter but is a perfect weekend trip from here.

Kurinjal is a lesser-known peak in the Kuduremukh National Park, that acts as the perfect destination for people seeking a respite from the fast-paced and stressful city life. The trekking trail abounds in a mesmerizing natural beauty that is further enhanced by the calm and peaceful ambiance of the region.

Undertaking the trek takes the participants to another world, where the noise and pollution of the concrete jungles are replaced by picturesque surroundings, a breathtaking landscape, and an enchanting environment. As raw nature unravels itself at every step of the Kurinjal trek, it tickles the drowsy nerves of the participants and makes them feel truly alive besides redefining their concept of beauty and satisfaction.

Places near Kudremukh

Other places that we visited include the Somavathi waterfall, Kalasa temple, Hornadu temple, Tea Estate, and a hanging bridge. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog spot and watching my videos. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and you may buy me a coffee to support my work. Also, join my FriendZone by signing up for a free newsletter.

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Resorts and Homestays In Kudremukh

“the land where you have more mountains and less stress”.

The navigational aid for mariners on the western shore, with its unique shape of a side facing horse at its major summit, became the reason for the naming of the ranges as, Kudremukh (Horse Face).

The navigational aid for mariners on the western shore, with its unique shape of a side facing horse at its major summit, became the reason for the naming of the ranges as, Kudremukh (Horse Face). Kudremukh being the second highest peak of Karnataka and a ‘Biological Hotspot’ makes it a prime tourist spot in Karnataka and Maland Region, in-turn resulting in Resorts and Homestays in Kudremukh by Malnad Stays. Kudremukh National Park, is one of the best places in Kudremukh, nestles some of the most diverse flora and fauna within its gorgeous peaks. One could find endangered and nearly extinct flora and fauna while on an exhilarating trek through these mountain ranges. Rich in biodiversity and minerals Kudremukh once had an Iron Ore Company that was shut down in 2006 to preserve the biodiversity hotspot.

What to do in Kudremukh? Best things to do in Kudremukh

Hiking and Trekking the Kudremukh summit needs prior permission at the Reserve Forest Office in Kudremukh town for a single day with camping being completely prohibited. Bird Watching, spotting wildlife are few additional things one could do on the ranges. Places to Visit in Kudremukh are Kudremukh National Park, Kudremukh Peak, Kadambi Waterfalls, Hanumangundi Falls, Yelaneeru Falls and many other spots.

A must visit place in Kudremukh National Park is the Gangamoola Hill (Varaha Parvata) in the Bhagawathi Jungle where 3 rivers: The Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravati originate. The Goddess Bhagavathi Temple and the Varaha figure inside a cave are also found on the way.

The coffee and tea plantations throughout calls for a definite walk amongst the lush green.

Resorts and Homestays in Kudremukh by Malnad Stays are one of the most sought after, trending, in demand properties (A-Frame Cottage/Breeze Cottages, Heritage Luxury Stay (food is served in banana leaves in the traditional way). Sky Bed, Private Waterfalls, Bonfire, Music, Short treks, jeep rides, group activities, malnad cuisine are few of the many offerings by Malnad Stays.

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Kudremukh Trek With Kodige Waterfalls – Starts From Bangalore

• Group Size: 8 - 12

Hello Trekkers!

Kudremukh is the 3rd  highest peak of Karnataka , located in the heart of Kudremukh National Park. The name Kudremukh is derived from the side view of this mountain that resembles the Horse face. If trekking in the dense green Western Ghats is in your wish list, Kudremukh is the trek for you. 

Kudremukh attracts trekkers from all over India. Trekkers have to mark our attendance at the forest check post to start their hike towards  King Kudremukh . Because of the heavy rush, the forest department has even restricted number of trekkers per day.

The initial part of the trek passes through  dense forests  interspersed with  flowing streams  of crystal clear water. Crossing these streams is fun, with slippery rocks and chilling water wetting our shoes. This jungle is followed by green carpets of endless  grasslands  welcoming trekkers onto smooth hill slopes, one above another as if they are meticulously arranged by nature.

Kudremukh trek is a serene experience, in spite of the challenge it offers. After all, finishing a  20 Km  (up and down)  mountain hike in the diverse terrain of Kudremukh is no mean feat for trekkers. It can take up to 4-5 hours to reach the peak. So it’s better travelers has prior trekking experience or fit enough body to finish the trek.

Along with Kudremukh trek, we will also visit an interesting place named Janivara kere, a huge lake with water sports near to Shravanabelagola. Time permits, we will give a visit to monolithic statue of Bhagwan Bahubali which is said to be more than 1000 year old.

Come, let’s experience the Western Ghats in it’s full glory at the Horse Face mountain named Kudremukh!

Highlights of the trip:

• The rolling hills of Kudremukha range
• Crossing streams enroute trek
• Western ghats at it’s very best during monsoons
• Trip to beautiful Kodige Waterfalls
• Travel (Tempo or Mini Bus, Non AC)
• Stay at trekkers homestay (separate dormitory for guys and girls) or campsite – based on the availability for that weekend
• Food: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Evening snacks (all veg)
• Kudremukh trek permissions, Forest department fees
• Jeep Ride to Kudremukh base point
• Trek Leader(s)
• Forest guide
• Bonfire (if it doesn’t rain)
• Visit to Kodige Waterfalls, entry tickets
• A lot of entertainment through out the trip 🙂
• Lunch while traveling back to Bangalore
• Any misc. expenses not mentioned in the inclusions above.

Day 0 - Night journey to Kudremukh Base

• Start from Bangalore, an overnight journey to Kudremukh base village.

Day 1 - Kudremukh Trek

• Reach homestay, freshen up
• Fuel up with Breakfast for the 20 Km intense Kudremukh Trek.
• Grab your pack of Lunch from the trekkers homestay.
• A Jeep will transport trekkers to the base of Kudremukh forest check post.
• Start hiking up after getting necessary trek permissions.
• Cross plenty of streams, lush green meadows and steep mountains to scale easily the most beautiful peak in Western Ghats – Kudremukh.
• Finish Lunch at the top, relax for some time enjoying the fresh breeze and pure air.
• Keeping our deadline of 6 PM in mind, carefully hike down and reach back to our homestay to freshen up, and change.
• Savor evening snacks with tea.
• Weather permits, we will lighten up the bonfire.
• Social gathering with group activities.
• Finish Dinner and well deserved rest on the cozy beds.

Day 2 - Back home!

• Wake up, freshen up, and have breakfast.
• Kudremukh Trek will surely give you sore body parts when you wake up.
• Say bye-bye to our homestay.
• Visit extremely pretty Kodige waterfalls and play in the water.
• Start journey towards Bangalore, Lunch stop on the way.
• Reach home by night (before dinner time).

Pickup/Drop Points:

Silk Board / HSR Layout: 8:00 PM

• In front of Udupi Grand restaurant on Service road
• https://goo.gl/maps/fNAsT9jPbgpDTarV8

Sarjapur Signal: 8:15 PM

• Ibbalur Lake Bus Stop
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/LGEGGz7UKMiaLBEk7

Bellandur / Kadabishanahalli: 8:20 PM

• Bus Stop in front of JP Morgan
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/3AnDAiQ1zA1J6GrU7

Marathahalli: 8:35 PM

• In front of Mahindra Showroom
• https://goo.gl/maps/ArLDJVvWQZMpXvrk6

Tin Factory: 8:50 PM

• Tin Factory Bus Stop towards HP petrol pump
• https://goo.gl/maps/5WEvhNpkAFjJdNbv9

Hebbal: 9:15 PM

• In front of Traffic Police Station (below flyover)
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/DZeJZ3b638f24wZf9

Goraguntepalya: 9:45 or later (based on traffic)

• Metro Station Bus Stop towards People’s Tree Hospital
• https://goo.gl/maps/GXjxyMHhAm92

What to Expect

About trip:.

• This trip involves  basic facilities  in terms of food, travel, and stay without any luxury, whatsoever.
• This is a group trip with shared model. It may not suit everyone – especially for those expecting privacy and comfort. It best suits for people who wish to  socialize .
• Please do not book this trip if you are not okay with above points.
• Tempo Traveler or Mini Bus (with push back seats).
• Note: This trip involves overnight journey on a push back Seater (Not sleeper or semi-sleeper).
• We request you to book this trip only if you can handle slight discomfort (especially last row of the vehicle).
• Trekkers homestay or campsite – based on the availability for that weekend
• Separate dormitories for Men and Women.
• We even have covered Tent stay. Contact booking team to check availability.
• 2 times Breakfast, 1 packed Lunch, Evening snacks, Dinner (all veg) are included at our homestay.
• Food is basic local cuisine.
• Meals during journey is self sponsored
• Please check Inclusions,   Exclusions of Kudremukh trek package below for complete list of things included in your trip cost.
• Kudremukh Trek Distance: 20+ Km (up & down).
• Time taken: Usually 8 to 9 hours.
• Difficulty level: Moderate to Hard.
• Terrain type: Mountain climbing, Forest, Grassland.
• Can beginners attempt this trek? Only if you are fit and don’t have any knee/ankle/back issues. If you already have trekking experience in Western Ghats or Himalayas, then surely you can attempt Kudremukh as well.

Seasonal Variations:

• June to Oct (monsoon): The most beautiful time to trek Kudremukh is in the monsoons. Persistent rains make it a challenging hike but at the same time, present misty fresh weather that can give an unparalleled experience. Expect lots of leeches waiting to latch on.
• Nov to Feb (winter): Clouds will make way to clear blue skies. Nights will be colder. The landscapes are still amazing to trek. Kudremukh attracts lots of trekkers in the winter months.
• Mar to May (summer): Dry climate. The Forest department usually discontinues Kudremukh to prevent human-triggered forest fires. 

Things to carry

• Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste
• A lightweight large Backpack for the trip (no suitcase, no trolley)
• A small backpack for the trek, waterproof (to carry a water bottle, lunch packet, towel, etc)
• Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID)
• Poncho or rainproof jacket with a hood (from June to October, based on weather forecast)
• Cap/Hat/Sunscreen (to protect yourself from Sun)
• Sunglasses (to keep your eyes fresh)
• Power bank, charger, camera (if you wish to)
• Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our campsite
• Disposable garbage covers (To separate used/unused, dry/wet clothes)
• Good grip trekking shoes or sandals
• Your personal medications, if any
• Carrying a handwash/sanitizer/tissues will help during the trip
• Carry your jerkin/sweater – it can get cold at night
• Carry a lil bit of cash for Sunday lunch and misc. expenses
• Don’t carry expensive items. You are responsible for your own belongings.

What's next after booking your trip?

• A Whatsapp group shall be created on the trip day and Vehicle & Trip Leader details will be shared.
• It is mandatory to share your personal information with the team along with a copy of your government approved ID card.
• You will need to share your co-traveler(s) details if you have booked more than one seat.
• Live location of the vehicle will be sent in the group once it starts at the first point.

Terms & Conditions

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Do not give advice(s) to the Trip Leader(s) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the organizer(s) in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travelers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Don’t indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to you or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: It may happen we do not cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest department, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the organizer(s) will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip a place altogether.
• Absolutely no littering. We swear to protect our environment.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the campsite/homestay for interested people.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help each other. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/organizer(s), and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• The event will stand canceled if less than 8 travelers signed up for the trip/trek which will be informed 24 hours before the trip start time.
• Every traveler is expected to sign a liability/waiver form given by the organizer(s) after boarding the vehicle. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by traveler.

• 80% refund/100% postponement if you inform about your cancellation before 48 hours of the event start time. An email has to be sent to [email protected] to raise a cancellation request.
• No refund/postponing is allowed within 48 hours of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, Accident, Covid, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund/postponing is allowed even if you booked within 48 hours.
• Alternatively, you may postpone your ticket to the future event 48 hours before the event start time.  (Allowed once per booking ONLY)
• No refund/postponing is allowed for partial payment – booking fee – which is done to book your slot.
• No refund during/after the event.

Cancellation by Muddie Trails

Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 8 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.

What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip? We have 2 options in this case: Option 1: Complete refund. Option 2: Switch to any other trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.

Cancellation due to external factors

Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.

In these scenarios:

• No Refund is allowed.
• 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
• Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

• Republic of Chechnya

Most people in the West have probably heard of Grozny (and this cannot be said for many Russian cities), however unfortunately its fame is mainly due to more tragic reasons - having been virtually destroyed during the two Russian-Chechen Wars in the last decade of the 20th century and the first of the 21st. 

However today Grozny has been completely rebuilt since the war and the city is now home to a magnificent mosque, which is often referred to as the Heart of Chechnya, and a business centre. Although many Western governments still advise against all travel to Chechnya, security has also been restored in Grozny and it is now considered one of the safest cities in the North Caucasus. The city has become a popular destination for a day trip from Kislovodsk and other Mineral Waters resorts, but there are also regular flights from Moscow .

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Yuri Kozyrev: Photographing 15 Years of Chechnya’s Troubled History

Yuri Kozyrev recalls the winter of 1999 as one of the most trying and tragic of his career as a photographer. It was the eve of Vladimir Putin’s ascent to the Russian presidency, and the height of the Russian bombardment of Chechnya, when entire towns in that breakaway republic were, as the Russians often put it, “made level with the earth.”

Kozyrev, a native of Moscow, documented both of Chechnya’s wars against Russia in the 1990s. The first one, fought between 1994 and 1996, had resulted in a humiliating defeat for Russia. But the carnage was far worse when the conflict resumed under Putin in 1999.

Arriving in Chechnya that fall, Kozyrev’s plan was to find and photograph two men amid the chaos of the Russian invasion. The first was Major General Alexander Ivanovich Otrakovsky, who was then commanding the Russian marines from his encampment near the town of Tsentaroy, a key stronghold of the Chechen separatists. The second was the general’s son, Captain Ivan Otrakovsky, who was serving on the front lines not far from the base, in one of the most hotly contested patches of territory.

The aim, says Kozyrev, was to document the two generations of Russian servicemen involved in the conflict – the elder brought up at the height of Soviet power during the Cold War, the younger in the dying years of Moscow’s empire. After weeks of negotiations, he finally managed to embed with the marines and to track down their general, a stocky man with a sly smile and a distinctive mole on the right side of his nose.

At the time, his command center was in an abandoned storage facility for crude oil, Chechnya’s most plentiful and lucrative commodity – and one of the main reasons why Russia refused to allow the region to secede. “It was incredible,” Kozyrev says of his first encounter with the general. “Here were these commanders living inside of a giant oil bunker.”

He recalls Otrakovsky as a kindly intellectual, nothing like the Russian cutthroats who would later be accused of committing atrocities in Chechnya. The general, whose troops referred to him affectionately as Dyed, or Grandpa, was willing to help Kozyrev. But he explained that reaching his son on the front lines would be extremely dangerous, as it would require passing through enemy territory around Tsentaroy.

That town was well known in Chechnya as the home of the Kadyrov clan, an extended family of rebel fighters whose patriarch, the mufti Akhmad Kadyrov, had served as the religious leader of the rebellion. During the first war for independence in the 1990s, he had even declared a state of jihad against Russia, instructing all Chechens that it was their duty to “kill as many Russians as they could.”

At the start of the second war, however, Kadyrov switched sides and agreed to help the Russians, causing a fateful split within the rebel ranks. While the more recalcitrant insurgents had turned to the tactics of terrorism and the ideology of radical Islam, Akhmad Kadyrov abandoned his previous calls for jihad and agreed to serve as Putin’s proxy leader in Chechnya in the fall of 1999.

That did not stop the fighting around his home village, as various insurgent groups continued attacking Russian and loyalist forces positioned around Tsentaroy. So none of the Russian marines were especially keen to move around the area unless they had good reason, and it took Kozyrev days to convince the Russian commander to allow him to reach the front lines. Eventually Gen. Otrakovsky consented, providing the photographer with an escort of about ten marines and two armored personnel carriers.

They set out on what Kozyrev recalls as an especially cold day, rumbling through fog or mist that made it difficult to see the surrounding terrain. As the general had feared, the group was ambushed. From multiple directions, Chechen fighters opened fire with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, forcing the convoy to retreat from Tsentaroy. One of the marines was killed in the firefight; three others were wounded.

When they returned to the base, it was clear from the glares of the troops that they all blamed Kozyrev for the fiasco, he says, and Gen. Otrakovsky advised the photographer to leave in the morning. “He said it may not be safe anymore for me to stay among his men,” Kozyrev remembers.

The trauma of that incident has lingered, weighing heaviest during his later assignments in Chechnya. Today, the region is ruled by Kadyrov’s son Ramzan, who took over after his father was assassinated in 2004. His native village of Tsentaroy has since enjoyed a generous stream of aid for redevelopment, including the construction of a beautiful mosque dedicated to Ramzan Kadyrov’s mother.

The rest of Chechnya has been rebuilt with similar largesse from Moscow, which has poured billions of dollars into the reconstruction of the cities and towns it had destroyed. When Kozyrev returned to Chechnya in 2009, nearly a decade after the end of the war, he says, “It blew my mind. The place is unrecognizable.”

The Chechen capital of Grozny – which the U.N. deemed “the most destroyed city on earth” in 2003 – is now a gleaming metropolis. Its center is packed with skyscrapers, sporting arenas, shopping plazas and an enormous mosque, the largest in Europe, dedicated to the memory of Akhmad Kadyrov.

His clan now rules the region unchallenged, having sidelined all of its local rivals with Moscow’s unflinching support. Throughout the region, portraits of Putin and the Kadyrovs are now plastered on the facades of buildings and along highways. Among the more ostentatious is a gigantic picture of Akhmad Kadyrov astride a rearing stallion, which adorns a building at the end of the city’s main drag – the Avenue of V.V. Putin.

The strangeness of the transformation, and of its architects, still seems astounding to Kozyrev, who last went on assignment to Chechnya for TIME in April. The trips always remind him of Gen. Otrakovsy, who died of a heart attack while commanding the marines in southern Chechnya, about four months after the young photographer had shown up to ask for his help. The general’s son, whom Kozyrev never did manage to find, went on to become a right-wing politician in Russia with close ties to Orthodox Christian conservative groups.

These were the men who executed the war that helped bring Putin to power. “But it was all the decision of one man to bring Chechnya back under control in ‘99. Putin decided to do that,” Kozyrev says. “And it’s incredible, when you think about it. But the men of Tsentaroy turned out to be his most loyal helpers.”

Yuri Kozyrev is a photojournalist and a TIME contract photographer. He is represented by Noor . In 2000, he received two World Press Photo photojournalism awards for his coverage of the second Chechen war in 1999.

Alice Gabriner , who edited this photo essay, is TIME’s International Photo Editor.

Simon Shuster is a reporter for TIME based in Moscow.

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