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Kudremukh is a tiny hamlet in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka which is widely known for its coffee plantations. Kudremukh means "horse face," because one of the mountain sides resembles a horse. It is a popular place amongst hikers for a variety of scenery and breathtaking vistas. Streams, bamboo bushes, waterfalls, and lush greenery are the Kudremukh monsoon trek highlights. In this article, our experts will provide you with all the Kudremukh trek details - distance, permissions, difficulty level, starting point, entry fee, route, and the best time for the Kudremukh trek. Scroll through to know more about the awesome adventure - the Kudremukh trek.
Kudremukh means "horse's face" because of its unique structure. The Kudremukh trek in Karnataka is also known as Samseparvath since it is the only way to go to Samse village. It lies in the Chikmagalur district, in the heart of the Western Ghats and is the third tallest mountain in Karnataka. It is situated behind Mullayyangiri and Baba Budangiri having an altitude of 6,207 feet. Kudremukh Trek Chikmagalur has a diverse range of flora and wildlife, including deers, peacocks and other animals. The foggy valleys and rolling green hills alongside the meadows, woodlands, and several minor waterways are some of the amazing aspects of Kudremukh trekking.
From the side, the Kudremukh peak trek has a peculiar structure similar to a horse's face. This horse face structure becomes evident after around three hours of hiking.
Shola refers to the grassland and shrublands on the Western Ghats. This forest is home to deer, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, leopards, common langurs, and other animals. You need to be careful during the rainy season as there are leeches seen on every step in this stretch.
After exiting the Shola forest, you will see a breathtaking view of the rolling hills which facilitates green slopes and cloudy valleys. During monsoons, the area is covered in mist.
Kudremukh is located in the Western Ghats and receives a lot of rain from June to September. Hikers always witness thick clouds, sporadic showers, and leeches. The Kudremukh monsoon trek is well-known among hikers since it offers a unique experience making it one of the best seasons to travel.
Between October to January, the rainfall decreases and the terrain is somewhat brownish. There is plenty of water retention in the hills and the weather is most suitable for climbing. Evenings are cooler and nights even colder. Hikers witness panoramic vistas of undulating hills, making it the best time for the Kudremukh trek.
Between February to May, you will notice clear views throughout the forest. However, the forest service department may close the trail to preserve it from human-caused forest fires.
The Kudremukh trek in Karnataka begins at Mullodi hamlet, about 15 kilometres from Kalasa. It is difficult to reach Mullodi directly.
You must first go 10 kilometres from Kalasa to Kudremukh Entrance. Hire a vehicle from the entrance point to Mullodi village, where the forest office is located. It is at the Mullodi village where you must obtain Kudremukh trek permissions before beginning your journey.
By car or public transportation, one may get to Kalasa and then to the Kudremukh Entrance point.
Mangalore railway station – 120 km
Mangalore International Airport – 115 km
Begin your journey in the evening from Bangalore. As there are no direct buses to Kudremukh; you must descend to Kalasa. There are also very few buses serving Kalasa. Depending on your preference, you can order a seater or a sleeper.
You will be dropped near the police station by bus. Take a right from there and go a few feet forward to the gas station, where you may catch the next bus to Kudremukh. The city buses start running around 6:30 a.m. The distance between Kalasa and the start of the Kudremukh trek is around 10 kilometres.
You can get down at Balegal if you're going with a group. You may hire a jeep once you get to Balegal.
Kudremukh is only accessible by road, with buses running regularly from Mangalore, 100 kilometres away (2 hours 15 minutes away). Mangalore is the nearest railway station, with trains connecting to several places. Mangalore is also home to the nearest airport, serviced by taxis.
The Kudremukh trek distance is 18 kilometres long. To finish the journey in a day, you'll need endurance and a little trekking expertise. The walk does not include any challenging aspects. As a result, even a physically fit novice may do this.
The Kudremukh trek map can be divided into 3 sections. They are:
Trek Distance: 5 km
Trek Duration: 2 hours
Only 50 people are granted permission in a single day. Therefore, book your journeys in advance. The hike begins at the forest office where you can easily hear the sound of falling water at Somawathi Falls. You will also notice the foliage as you reach the Shola forest. If you're lucky, you could see some animals here. After 15 minutes of moderate elevation, you reach a creek crossing. As soon as you leave the jungle, you'll notice the Ontimara and a large canopy encircling the area. The route is level from Ontimara, with the Kudremukh valley on your right and a mountain on your left. After an hour and a half of hiking, you arrive at the second Ontimara.
Trek Distance: 3 km
Trek Duration: 1 hour
The trek from the second Ontimara combines trekking along a mild incline with a sharp rise. This portion is charming, with gorgeous rolling green hills can be seen. The route steepens after 20 minutes of a moderate hike from the first half. The Kudremukh valley becomes more evident as you rise.
Trek Distance: 1 km
Trek Duration: 30 minutes
If you start your hike at 8 a.m., you should arrive at this spot at about noon. Drink some water and take a rest. Take in the scenery. From here, one can see the rear of the Kudremukh. You are currently travelling in the heart of the Kudremukh valley, where the route to the Peak can be seen. After then, it's another 35 minutes of climbing to the peak. Your turnaround time (TAT) should be at 2 p.m. It takes nearly 4 hours to come back and the Forest department has restrictions after 6 pm.
Reach Kudremukh National Park
Check the homestay, have breakfast, get a brief from the Trek Leader and begin the trek
Reach the top. Catch the view of Kudremukh Falls, and spend some time enjoying the enchanting views of the fall.
Descend towards the homestay
Reach homestay and have snacks and hot tea
Dinner and campfire (optional)
Make your breakfast and head towards Somavati falls
If time permits, explore the local market at this place and buy tea powder or coffee beans
Depart and reach home by 9:30 PM
The walk to Kudremukh is moderately challenging. You must travel 9 kilometres one way. There are no particularly challenging areas; however, there are a few things to remember when trekking.
Kudremukh trek requires permission because it is part of the Kudremukh national park in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district. The cost of admission is Rs 600 per person. Only the first 50 people will be granted permission in a single day. You can ask the homestay’s owner for assistance obtaining permission if you are staying there. Alternatively, you must obtain authorisation from the forest office early in the morning. Camping is not permitted on the Kudremukh trip.
The trekkers are fed in homestays in Mullodi hamlet (near the forest office). It must, however, be reserved in advance. Breakfast and a packed lunch will set you back roughly Rs 200. Many streams and waterfalls may be seen on the path during the monsoon season. Fill the water bottle at the homestay if you are not comfortable drinking groundwater. Make sure you have at least 2 litres of water with you.
Near Kudremukh, several homestays provide excellent services, particularly to hikers. Organisers such as BMC, Nature Walkers, and Escape to Explore employ these Homestays. The majority of these Homestays charge between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 per person. The following are some of the essential services provided by these homestays.
Here is a list of the stays for you and your loved ones:
The building is very new, and the rooms are pleasant and extensive.
4.7 (24 reviews) as of Dec 2017
9483800447/9480196796
One of the oldest homestays on the Kudremukh trek in a beautiful setting. In the morning, you may visit the Somavathi waterfalls. There have been several complaints regarding the cuisine.
4.3 (39 reviews) as of Dec 2017
08263-249333 / 09481179008
Raaje Gowda's Homestay is closer. Almost all of the amenities are the same as those listed above.
3.8 (28 reviews) as of Dec 2017
08263-249595 / 9481074530 / 8722847688
If you want to see additional destinations and embark on further treks after Kudremukh, check out the list below:
These were all the facts about the Kudremukh trekking adventure in India. We hope that this comprehensive information will assist you in properly planning your Kudremukh trek Karnataka. However, before finalising anything on their trip, our experts highly urge readers to obtain the most up-to-date status of numerous elements.
Yes, the Kudremukh trek is open now for camping and trekking activities.
Yes, the trek has a moderate difficulty level and is apt for beginners.
Kudremukh Trek is approximately 20-22 km in the distance.
Undoubtedly, Monsoon is the best time for the Kudremukh trek.
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