Introduction
Kudremukh translates from the Kannada word for “horse’s face,” which is kudre. The peak’s unusual profile inspired its naming. Historically, people travelling here from Same village referred to it as Samseparvath.
Kudremukh, located in the Chikkamagaluru district, is right in the middle of the western ghats. Kudremukh National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats, includes this area.
Located at an elevation of 1,893 metres (6,207 feet), it is Karnataka’s third-highest summit after Mullayyangiri and Baba Budangiri.
Many species of plants and animals make their homes in Kudremukh. While hiking, you may come across a variety of wildlife, including deer and peacocks.
A walk across the lush, verdant hills and ethereal valleys is a sight to behold. You go through a variety of landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and a number of brooks and rivers.
You can also try Shilhaandara Resort, and relax for a day.
Irregularities to Keep an Eye Out for
The summit has a Horse’s Face shape.
When viewed from the side, the Kudremukh peak has a peculiar shape that resembles a horse’s face. Getting to this building from the forest service office takes about one hour of hiking. It may appear to be closer, but you still have three hours of hiking to do.
Trekking in Karnataka, India, during the monsoons; highlights include the Horse’s Face and the Kudremukh climbs on the western ghats.
hikes
There is a horse’s face formation on the way up. Photo by Ranjith Naik.
A hike deep into the Shola forest
Grassland and shrublands in the western ghats are referred to as shola by the locals. In order to reach the top of Kudremukh, you’ll need to make your way through a shola forest.
Deer, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, leopards, common langurs, and many other species of flora and fauna call this forest home. In a best-case scenario, you’ll see them while out hiking. During the monsoon season, leeches will be present on each and every step in this area.
Waterfalls and brooks add to the scenic beauty of this region. Getting to the summit requires fording a number of streams. To avoid slipping, wetting your shoes before crossing is a good idea.
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Those who venture deep into the Shola forest on foot will come across a number of picturesque waterfalls and trickling streams. Drawing by Soumini Ramesh
The breathtaking panorama of rolling hills.
The vista of the surrounding hills is breathtaking when you emerge from the shola forest. The foggy valleys and verdant mountains are otherworldly. It’s possible that the monsoon will bring thick fog to this area. However, the valley’s game of hide-and-seek with the clouds and mist is not to be missed.
How to reach Kudremukh Trek
Kudremukh is a walk that begins about 15 kilometres outside of Kalasa, in the town of Mullodi. It’s difficult to get in touch with Mullodi directly.
Getting to the Kudremukh Entrance, which is around 10 kilometres away from Kalasa, is the first order of business. You can take a hired jeep from the Entrance point to the forest office in Mullodi hamlet. Take permission from the authorities and then set out on your journey from here.
One can reach Kalasa by personal vehicle or by public transportation and from there to Kudremukh Entrance point. Listed below is more data for your perusal.
There are a number of ways to get from Bangalore to Kalasa. If you can, you should take the Hasan way.
Best route
The town of Kottigehara is reached by continuing along the Chikkamagaluru route. You may approach the Kalasa police station by sticking to the same road till you get there. From the intersection by the police station, head left in the direction of Balagal; this will bring you to the Kudremukh Entrance.
The road leading to the forest service office is in poor condition. Therefore, leave your car near the entrance shops and board the jeep there. Lots of jeeps will be waiting in the lobby. You can arrange for them to drop you off at the forest office or at any homestay you’ve reserved in advance. You should expect to pay about Rs 150 ($2.
Homestay
A helpful hint is to contact a homestay proprietor the day before your planned departure in order to set up transportation (a jeep). Compared to making a reservation when you get there, this option will save you money. The total cost, including pickup and drop-off as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner packs, is approximately Rs 600.
When is the optimal time to begin the Kudremukh trek?
When doing the Kudremukh, it’s best to get an early start. It will take you four to five hours to reach the summit and two and a half hours to get back down.
The forest service prohibits hiking after 6 o’clock in the evening. Your return to the homestay is required at that time.
Winds pick up on the western ghats after 2 p.m., too. Get to the peak by 1 p.m., and be sure to head back down before 6 p.m.
