Kudremukh Trek – Walking Through the Rolling Green Hills of Karnataka

Some treks make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Windows wallpaper — endless rolling hills, bright green meadows, and clouds floating so low you could almost touch them. Kudremukh Trek, tucked inside Karnataka’s Chikmagalur district, is exactly that kind of experience.

Named after its horse-face shaped peak (Kudremukh in Kannada), this trek is not just about reaching the summit at 1,894 metres — it’s about immersing yourself in one of the most beautiful landscapes the Western Ghats have to offer. I’ve done several treks across South India, but Kudremukh holds a special place in my heart for its raw, unspoilt beauty.

Why Kudremukh Trek Feels So Special

What struck me first about Kudremukh was how quickly it pulls you into nature’s embrace. Within minutes of starting, you’re surrounded by lush grasslands, shola forests, and streams so clear you can see every pebble underneath.

The trail passes through the Kudremukh National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to rare wildlife like the Malabar civet, barking deer, and a dazzling variety of birds. On misty mornings, the hills look like they’re floating on a sea of clouds.

And unlike rocky Himalayan climbs, Kudremukh’s charm lies in its rolling, carpet-like slopes — it feels more like a giant green amphitheatre than a mountain.

Best Time to Visit Kudremukh Trek

• Post-Monsoon (September – February): The most popular season. The hills are lush, the weather is cool, and visibility is generally good.
• Monsoon (June – August): For hardcore trekkers who don’t mind leeches, slippery trails, and unpredictable weather. The greenery is at its peak.
• Summer (March – May): The grass dries up, and it can get hot — not ideal for the long trek.

For the perfect mix of greenery and pleasant weather, I recommend October to December.

How to Reach Kudremukh Trek Starting Point

The trek begins from Mullodi Village, a small hamlet inside the national park.

• From Bangalore: Around 330 km (7–8 hours by road). The easiest way is to drive overnight or take a bus to Kalasa, then hire a jeep to Mullodi.
• Nearest Railway Station: Mangalore (100 km away).
• Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (115 km).

Because private vehicles aren’t allowed deep inside the park, the last stretch from Kalasa to Mullodi is done in local jeeps.

The Kudremukh Trek Experience – Step by Step

Distance: ~9–10 km one way

Duration: 5–6 hours ascent

Phase 1 – Stream Crossings:

Right from the start, you cross knee-deep streams, which in monsoon feel like nature’s welcome. It’s refreshing but also means you’ll need waterproof shoes or quick-dry sandals.

Phase 2 – Rolling Grasslands:

The first major climb brings you to vast, undulating meadows. The view here is breathtaking — green slopes stretching endlessly in every direction.

Phase 3 – Shola Forests:

These cool, shaded forests are a relief after the open grasslands. Watch for wildflowers and colourful mushrooms during monsoon.

Phase 4 – Final Ascent:

The last 1 km is a gradual climb with the horse-face peak slowly revealing itself. On a clear day, the outline of the “face” is unmistakable.

The summit offers 360-degree views of the Western Ghats — mist drifting across valleys, ridges stacked like waves, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife far below.

Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Trip

• Hanuman Gundi Falls: A beautiful waterfall inside Kudremukh National Park.
• Kalasa Town: Known for its temple dedicated to Lord Kalaseshwara.
• Hebbe Falls & Mullayanagiri: Other popular trekking and nature spots in Chikmagalur.

Travel Tips, Safety & Budgeting

• Permits: Required from the forest department. Only 50 trekkers are allowed per day, so book in advance.
• Guides: Mandatory — they help with navigation and ensure you follow eco-friendly practices.
• What to Carry:
• 2–3 litres of water
• Energy snacks
• Rain jacket (weather changes fast)
• Good trekking shoes
• Fitness Level: Moderate — the trek is long but not steep for most parts.
• Budget: ₹3,000–₹5,000 for a 2-day trip from Bangalore including transport, stay, and permits.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary for Kudremukh

Day 1:

• Overnight journey from Bangalore to Kalasa.
• Jeep ride to Mullodi, check into a basic homestay.
• Relax with views of the hills and enjoy a local dinner.

Day 2:

• Start trek early morning (6–7 AM).
• Reach summit by late morning, spend time soaking in the views.
• Descend by afternoon, freshen up, and return to Bangalore.

Why Kudremukh Will Stay With You

The Kudremukh Trek isn’t just about ticking off another peak — it’s about walking through living, breathing landscapes that change with every turn. It’s the sound of streams underfoot, the sight of endless green hills merging into the clouds, and the satisfaction of completing a long, rewarding hike.

For me, Kudremukh was a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful places aren’t the hardest to reach — they’re just the ones you take the time to truly explore. If you’re craving an escape into nature’s purest form, Kudremukh is calling.