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Kudremukh is a tiny hamlet in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Due to great range of soil ideal for coffee cultivation, it is home to some of the best coffee estates. Kudremukh translates to "horse face," as one side of the mountain resembles a horse's face. As a result, the hiking paths here provide a variety of scenery and breathtaking vistas. Streams, bamboo bushes, waterfalls, and lush greenery are just a few of 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.
In Kannada, Kudremukh means "horse's face." The unusual form of the peak has given it this name. Kudremukh trek Karnataka is also known as Samseparvath since it used to be the only way to go to Samse village.
Kudremukh is in the Chikmagalur district, in the heart of the Western Ghats. It is the third tallest mountain in Karnataka, behind Mullayyangiri and Baba Budangiri, with 6,207 feet.
Kudremukh Trek Chikmagalur has a diverse range of flora and wildlife. While trekking, you may see deer and peacocks and other animals.
It's a lovely walk through the foggy valleys and rolling green hills. During Kudremukh trekking, you'll pass through meadows, woodlands, and several minor waterways on your way there.
From the side, the Kudremukh peak trek has a peculiar structure that is similar to a horse's face. After an hour of hiking from the forest office, this horse face structure of the Kudremukh peak becomes evident. This peak appears to be closer, but it will take another three hours of hiking.
Shola refers to the grassland and shrublands seen in the Western Ghats. To reach the Kudremukh peak, you must travel through the Shola forest.
The forest is home to deer, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, leopards, common langurs, and other animals. If you're lucky, you'll see them while hiking. During the rainy season, leeches may be seen on every step in this stretch.
The waterfalls and little streams are one of the most intriguing aspects of this region. You’ll have to cross several streams on the route to the top. You may have to wet your shoes when crossing the street.
When you emerge from the Shola forest, you are greeted by a breathtaking vista of undulating hills. Green slopes and cloudy valleys treat the eyes. During the monsoon, this region may be shrouded in mist. However, the valley's hide-and-seek game between the cloud and mist cannot be missed.
Due to its location in the Western Ghats, Kudremukh receives a lot of rain from June to September. Hikers are always accompanied by thick clouds, sporadic showers, and leeches. The streams will be overflowing with water. The Kudremukh monsoon trek is well-known among hikers since it offers a unique experience. Monsoon is one of the greatest seasons to travel through Kudremukh in its natural state.
The months of October through January draw many hikers. Rainfall would have decreased, and the terrain would have been somewhat brownish. Because of the amount of rain and the high retention capacity of grasslands, there will still be plenty of water in the hills. During the day, the weather is typically suitable for climbing. The new normal is frigid evenings and even colder nights. If you want unbroken panoramic vistas of undulating hills, this is perhaps the best time for Kudremukh trek.
Clear views are available from February to May, although the forest service may close the trail to preserve it from human-caused forest fires.
The Kudremukh trek 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
In a single day, just 50 people will be granted permission. Make every effort to get to the forest office as soon as feasible. The hike begins at the forest office. The sound of falling water can be heard at Somawathi Falls, and it lingers for a while before you reach the forest trail.
Observe the swelling of the foliage as you reach the Shola forest. If you're lucky, you could see some animals here. Many leeches and earthworms live in this woodland. After 15 minutes of moderate elevation, you reach a creek crossing. If you go hiking during the monsoon, the water level will be high.
As soon as you leave the jungle, you'll notice the Ontimara beckoning you with space beneath it. A large canopy encircles the area. The route is level from Ontimara, with the Kudremukh valley on your right and a mountain on your left. You'll be travelling over grassland with a few thick trees thrown in. After an hour and a half of hiking, you arrive at the second Ontimara.
Trek Distance: 3 km
Trek Duration: 1 hour
As you reach the last stage of your walk, 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 halt. The Kudremukh valley becomes more evident as you rise.
The Kudremukh valley is the most breathtaking section of the journey! The summit is right in front of your eyes, and the anticipation of reaching the top builds.
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. At all costs, make sure you start descending at 2 p.m. sharp, regardless of where you are on your walk. It will take you at least 3 hours to descend. Also, the Forest department has restrictions after 6 pm.
Day 1:
05:30 AM - Reach Kudremukh National Park
07:30 AM - Check the homestay, have breakfast, get a brief from the Trek Leader and begin the trek
12:30 AM - Reach the top. Catch the view of Kudremukh Falls, and spend some time enjoying the enchanting views of the fall.
01:00 PM - Descend towards the homestay
05:00 PM - Reach homestay and have snacks and hot tea
08:00 PM - Dinner and campfire (optional)
Day 2:
07:00 AM - Make your breakfast and head towards Somavati falls
09:00 AM - If time permits, explore the local market at this place and buy tea powder or coffee beans
11:30 AM - 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. On the other hand, many homestays provide tent accommodations at the beginning site.
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. From there, you may refill your bottle.
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.
Rating: 4.7 (24 reviews) as of Dec 2017
Contact: 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.
Rating: 4.3 (39 reviews) as of Dec 2017
Contact: 08263-249333 / 09481179008
Raaje Gowda's Homestay is closer. Almost all of the amenities are the same as those listed above.
Rating: 3.8 (28 reviews) as of Dec 2017
Contact: 08263-249595 / 9481074530 / 8722847688
In the same region as Kudremukh, there are other hikes and waterfalls. 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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