Kudremukh, Sringeri - Timings, Trekking, Camping, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 26 Km from Kudremukh Town, 67 Km from Sringeri, and 90 Km from Chikmagalur, Kudremukh is a mountain in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the best trekking destinations in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in the Chikmagalur Adventure tour packages.

At an elevation of 1894 meters, Kudremukh stands as one of the tallest peaks in the Western Ghats and ranks as the second-highest peak in the state, following Mullayanagiri. The term Kuduremukha translates to "horse-faced" in Kannada, refering to a specific scenic view of the mountain that resembles the face of a horse. Historically, it was also known as 'Samseparvata' due to its accessibility from Samse village. This region is recognized as a biologically rich hotspot, showcasing a variety of wildlife and gaining popularity for trekking.

The peak is situated within the Kudremukh National Park, which boasts a wealth of flora and fauna. Established as a national park in 1987, this 600 square kilometer area in the Western Ghats is classified as one of the world's 38 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the second-largest tropical wet evergreen forest in the Western Ghats zone. The Kudremukh National Park is adorned with natural splendor, featuring towering peaks interspersed with a multitude of flora and fauna, alongside picturesque trekking paths that overlook lush grasslands. This area serves as a habitat for numerous endangered and endemic species of plants and animals, with mammals such as tigers, leopards, and wild dogs being the primary predators in the region.

For those who enjoy hiking and trekking, Kudremukh peak is truly a treasure. Kudremukh offers a variety of trekking routes. These paths differ in their levels of difficulty, allowing you to choose based on your personal comfort. The closest village is Kalasa, where accommodation options are available. From Kalasa, one can either hire a jeep or trek to the base camp located at Mullodi. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes by vehicle, and it is recommended to opt for a jeep due to the muddy conditions of the road. An additional highlight, alongside Kudremukh peak, is the Hanuman Gundi Falls, which you will encounter on your ascent to the highest peak.

The trek commences at the forest office situated in the quaint village of Mullodi. The peak is approximately 18 kilometers from Mullodi and typically requires 6-8 hours to complete the day trek. If camping is not permitted at the peak, it is essential to start early and return to Mullodi by evening, where home stay options are available. The trek is generally classified as moderate, although it includes some challenging segments, necessitating good physical stamina.

To undertake this trek, obtaining permission from the RFO in Kudremukh town is essential. The trekking occurs within the national park, and camping is restricted during certain seasons (it is advisable to verify with the RFO prior to planning your trek).

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 200 for Indians & Rs. 1000 for Foreigners