Kudremukh National Park

India

Karnataka's most tightly regulated, leech-infested, and breathtakingly beautiful trekking secret.

2 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹2533

Kudremukh (meaning 'Horse Face' in Kannada) is the third-highest peak in Karnataka and arguably its most beautiful trek. Located in the heart of the Western Ghats, this national pa...

Best forTrekking EnthusiastsNature LoversWeekend WarriorsFitness JunkiesDigital Detox

Moderate to Difficult

|High. You need good cardiovascular endurance to walk 22km in a single day, with steep ascents in the final 3km.

Updated 40d ago

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When to Go

May

1 trips

₹2.5K

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From Bangalore

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Honest Heads-Up

Leeches are everywhere during and right after the monsoon. If you are squeamish, do not go between June and September.
The forest department only issues 300 permits per day. If you show up on a long weekend without a pre-booked guide/homestay, you will be turned away.
There is absolutely no camping allowed at the peak. You must start descending by 2 PM.
The final stretch to the peak (the 'Z point') is steep and fully exposed to the sun. It gets brutal if you start late.
You cannot drive your own car to the trek base (Mullodi). You must park at Balagal and hire a local 4x4 jeep.

Things to Do

Hanuman Gundi Falls

1-2 hours·₹50 entry fee

Group

Kyatanamakki Offroading

2-3 hours·₹1500 - ₹2000 per jeep

Group

Elaneer Falls

2 hours·Free (Guide may charge ₹300)

Group

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple

1-2 hours·Free

Group

Kurinjal Peak Trek

4-5 hours·₹500 for permits

Group

Lakya Dam

1 hour·Free

Group

Plan Your Trip

Travel Tips

1Book a homestay that explicitly states they will handle your forest permits and guide.

2Carry sufficient cash from Bangalore or Kalasa; UPI is useless at Mullodi base camp.

3Start the trek by 6:00 AM. The afternoon sun on the exposed ridges will drain your energy fast.

4Trim your toenails before the trek to avoid pain during the steep 11km descent.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg Friendly

Don't expect restaurants. Your homestay will provide dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch (usually lemon rice or puliyogare) for the trek. Eat heavy at breakfast, you'll need the energy.

Culture & Etiquette

The region is culturally tied to the nearby temple town of Horanadu. Locals are deeply respectful of nature.
Loud music, alcohol, and partying are strictly frowned upon and illegal inside the national park.
The Malnad culture here is known for incredible hospitality; treat your homestay hosts with respect.

FAQs

Can we camp at Kudremukh peak?

Absolutely not. It is a strictly protected National Park. You must complete the trek and return to the base camp (Mullodi) before sunset. Forest guards enforce a strict turnaround time.

How do I get the trek permits?

Permits are issued at the forest office near Mullodi. However, because they are capped at 300 per day, you should book a homestay or a group tour aggregator who will secure the permit and mandatory local guide for you in advance.

Are the leeches really that bad?

During the monsoon and post-monsoon (June to October), yes. They are everywhere. Wear leech socks, carry a small pouch of salt or Dettol spray, and keep moving. Don't panic, they are harmless, just annoying.

Is the trek safe for solo female travelers?

The region is very safe, and the locals are respectful. However, you cannot trek alone—a local guide is mandatory. Joining a group tour is the best and most economical way for solo females to do this trek.

How difficult is the Kudremukh trek?

It is rated Moderate to Difficult. The distance is 22km round trip. While the incline is mostly gradual, the sheer distance and the steep final ascent to the peak require good stamina.

Are there food stalls on the trail?

No. There is zero commercial activity inside the national park. You must carry your own packed lunch (usually provided by your homestay) and bring all wrappers back with you.

Is there mobile network available?

BSNL and Jio might give you a single bar at the peak or in Kalasa town, but expect zero network at the homestays and throughout 95% of the trek. Inform your family before you reach Balagal.

Can we drive our own car to the base camp?

No. You have to park your vehicle at Balagal on the main road. From there, you must hire a local 4x4 Mahindra Jeep to take you up the extremely rugged 6km mud road to Mullodi village (base camp).

Group Trips to Kudremukh National Park

Looking for the ultimate weekend escape from Bangalore? Group tours to Kudremukh National Park offer one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Karnataka's Western Ghats. Known for its distinct horse-face shaped peak, Kudremukh is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. When you book a Kudremukh group trek, you're not just signing up for a 22-kilometer hike; you're securing those notoriously difficult forest permits, a local guide, and authentic Malnad homestay meals all in one go. Starting at just ₹2533, these packages take the headache out of logistics. You won't have to worry about negotiating with jeep drivers at Balagal or figuring out the trail from Mullodi base camp. While the monsoon months bring lush, Windows-XP-wallpaper-level green meadows, they also bring leeches, making the post-monsoon season from October to February the sweet spot for most travelers. Whether you're a solo traveler looking to make friends or a squad wanting to conquer the third highest peak in Karnataka, a guided group trip ensures you stay safe, respect the strict forest regulations, and actually enjoy the breathtaking Shola forests and river crossings without the stress of planning.

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