Discovering the Natural Wonders of Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a picturesque chain of hills within the middle portion of Karnataka's Western Ghats, famous not only for its green emerald-coloured hills, misty valleys, and luxuriant forest cover of vast bio-diversity but also because even the name "Kudremukh" itself means "Horse Face" in Kannada, literally so named since one of its hills has a rare shape in the form of a horse face. At about 1,894 meters (6,214 feet), Kudremukh is the state's third highest point in the Kudremukh National Park, the state's largest protected wildlife sanctuary. It's a paradise for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts. It's blanketed with grassy hills, waterfalls, shola forest, and lush flora and fauna. The trek to Kudremukh Peak is the most scenic in South India. The about 20-kilometer (round trip) trek goes through forest cover, streams, and grassland with hill and valley views. The moderately challenging trek is open to experienced and first-time trekkers.

It's situated in Kudremukh National Park, a World Heritage Site, and there are many species of fauna and flora such as tiger, leopard, wild dog, Malabar giant squirrel, and birds of extremely diverse types. It's a monsoon-rain overflow spot, and hence the whole scenery is a green heaven, albeit better on foot after monsoons, i.e., between September and February, when days are pleasant and sunny. Besides trekking, the visitors can even spot other vacation spots like Hanuman Gundi Falls, Kadambi Falls, and neighbouring coffee estates. What is special about Kudremukh is that it is virgin as per natural environment and quietness, and hence one can see the entire withdrawal here as an attempt not to pass through the city jungle.

History of Kudremukh

Kudremukh, other than its scenic trekking charm, is historically and culturally important as well. It was thus named, "Kudremukh," or "horse face" in Kannada, because the distinctive shape of one of its peaks is to be that of a horse face. It has been a coveted region since time began because of its forests, its position in the Western Ghats, and the natural resources it contains. In the past, Kudremukh existed in Karnataka's Malnad zone under a string of South Indian kingdoms like the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Though not a large town, hill cover and forest naturally protected it and were sanctified by aboriginal tribal people as sacred land. Aboriginal tribes coexisted with nature and preserved traditional means of life in forests. In the 20th century, Kudremukh was economically important because of iron ore. The government of India found enormous deposits of iron ore in the 1960s, and in 1976 government-established Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) emerged. It was a turning point in the region's history. KIOCL set up a mine complex and a township there, and Kudremukh became the largest iron ore mining complex in Asia. But over time, mining also began to create environmental issues. Kudremukh is located in the Western Ghats, which is a region of high biodiversity and ecologically sensitive catchment area.

Environmentalists raised an alarm regarding the impact of mining on the vegetation and wildlife as well as the local ecosystem of the area. Following decades of court battles and environmental protests, India's Supreme Court closed the Kudremukh mine permanently in 2005 to re-establish ecological balance in the area. After being mined, Kudremukh slowly transformed into an eco-tourism destination. Since the announcement of the Kudremukh National Park, there has been an initiative towards the restoration and preservation of its wildlife and forest cover. The destination is now conservationists', wildlife enthusiasts', and trekkers' haven. The former mining town does not exist anymore, and instead, Kudremukh today is a symbol of nature's power and a symbol of the need for sustainable tourism. The history of Kudremukh is a peculiar blend of ancient history, industrialization, green revolution, and environmentalism something that makes it a highly uncommon saga in Karnataka's history.

Kudremukh Trek Details

• Start Point: Mullodi Village, Trek from Mullodi Village begins to climb the top of Kudremukh. It is a small, village-type hamlet near Kalasa in the Chikmagalur district. The village is jeepable from the base through the forest checkpost.

• Total Distance: Approximately 18–22 km (round trip), The trek entails walking through a mix of dense shola forests, open grassland, babbles of streams, and rolling hills to offer a mixed trek experience.

• Trek duration: 8–10 hours (there and back). Depending on the pace at which you walk and how hot the sun gets in the afternoon, the entire hike would take you 4–5 hours of walking uphill and 3–4 hours of walking downhill. You will need to wake up early morning so that you are back good before sunset.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate. Kudremukh trekking can be done by novice as well as experienced trekkers. The gradient is moderate but physically demanding in terms of distance travelled and walking time.

• Highest Point:- Approximately 1,894 meters (6,214 feet) above mean sea level. There is a wide panorama of the undulating Western Ghats and the valleys enclosing the summit on good weather days.

Places to visit around Kudremukh

1. Hanuman Gundi Falls: Located in the Kudremukh National Park, this lovely waterfall falls from a height of about 22 meters into a valley of rocks. Unwind and relax after your hike at this perfect place. Best scenic during the post-monsoons when the falls are in full glory.

2. Kadambi Falls: The second magnificent waterfall along the way to Kudremukh is Kadambi Falls in between two dense forests and is a nice photography point and quick halt on the way there.

3. Kalasa: It is a temple town, a small village in extent, about 20 km from Kudremukh and has a very ancient Shiva temple by the name of Kalaseshwara Temple. They are coffee plantations, hills, river Bhadra and the town, and with their peaceful distraction.

4. Horanadu (Annapoorneshwari Temple): It's about 35 km away from Kudremukh and is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. It is a serene spiritual centre in Western Ghats and provides free food for all pilgrims.

5. Kudremukh National Park: Trekking only touches a corner of it, while the park is huge with mixed vegetation and wildlife. The place is a paradise for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and wildlife lovers.

6. Soormane Falls: A mysterious gem near Mullodi, the weird waterfall is off-road but a serene and icy oasis in thick cover.

7. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: 80 km from Kudremukh, the wildlife sanctuary is a refuge for nature enthusiasts. Tigers, leopards, elephants, and some birds are here. Jungle safaris and boat cruises on the Bhadra River are also game pets.

8. Chikmagalur Coffee Plantations: If you are not returning, then head towards the green coffee plantations of Chikmagalur. There are a few of them who have homestays where you can relax and see how coffee is planted.

Best Time to Visit Kudremukh

• Post-Monsoon (September-November): This would be the most scenic time to trek Kudremukh. The rains during the monsoon have coloured the entire landscape green. Waterfalls and streams are brimming with water, and forests teem with birds and animals.

• Winter (December-February): The dry cold climate and clear visibility at the summit make winter an excellent time to visit. Mornings are chilly and foggy but afternoons are perfect for taking long treks.

• Monsoon (June to August): When nature is transformed into a rainforest paradise, trekking is closed or avoided due to showers, leech invasion, and slush trails. The Forest Department is likely to close the site during the peak monsoon.

• Summer (March to May): It becomes warm and grasslands get parched. The beauty of the place is lost to some extent, and sunbathing and trekking turns tiresome.

How to Reach Kudremukh

By Road

From Bengaluru

• Distance: 330 km

• Travel Time: 7–8 hours

• Route: Bengaluru → Hassan → Belur → Kalasa → Mullodi

• Drive or taxi. Alternatively, KSRTC Bengaluru to Kalasa bus also operate.

• Kalasa local jeeps drop you at Mullodi (trekking point).

From Mangalore

• Distance: 100 km

• Travel Time: 3–4 hours

• Route: Mangalore → Karkala → Kalasa → Mullodi

• Nearest big town to Kudremukh. Buses and private taxis are available.

By Train

• No direct train to Kudremukh. The nearest railway stations are:

• Mangalore Junction (MAJN): 100 km

• Closest Railway Station: Udupi Railway Station: 90 km

By Airport

• Closest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – 100 km

It is the closest airport to fly in from with good connectivity from other Indian cities. Travel to Mangalore and on reaching there, get down at Kalasa by bus or taxi and then jeep at Mullodi.

Why Book with escape2explore

When it comes to exploring Kudremukh and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

•  Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Kudremukh that not many get to encounter.