Kudremukh Trek from Bangalore
5500
Starting price
23 Hrs
Stay Duration
Western Ghats · Karnataka · India
Kudremukh Trek —
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about trekking Kudremukh — one of South India's most awe-inspiring peaks, deep inside a UNESCO World Heritage forest.
Overview
What is Kudremukh — and Why Every Trekker Must Go
Kudremukh is a breathtaking mountain peak and national park in Karnataka's Western Ghats. Its name means "horse face" in Kannada — because from certain angles, the mountain's silhouette looks exactly like a horse's face.
Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, Kudremukh is far more than a trek destination. It sits at the heart of the Kudremukh National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. This means you're trekking through some of the most biologically rich terrain on the planet.
The Kudremukh hills are draped in ancient Shola forests, rolling grasslands, and a network of mountain streams feeding three major rivers — the Tunga, the Bhadra, and the Netravati. The trail takes you through misty meadows, dense evergreen canopy, and open ridgelines with jaw-dropping views of the Sahyadri ranges.
Did you know? Kudremukh is famous for being the origin point of the Bhadra River — one of Karnataka's most important river systems. The peak is also home to rare wildlife including the lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, sambar deer, and the Indian leopard.
Kudremukh National Park
Inside One of India's Most Precious Forests
Kudremukh National Park covers over 600 sq km of protected rainforest in Karnataka's Western Ghats — one of the largest and most significant national parks in South India.
Established in 1987, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. It shelters over 300 bird species, nearly 200 butterfly species, and rare mammals like the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Indian leopard, and giant Malabar squirrel.
Trekking inside the national park requires a permit from the Forest Department, and only guided treks are allowed — which is one more reason to join an organised group tour rather than attempting this independently. The park's terrain transitions beautifully from moist deciduous forest at lower elevations to dense Shola forest at mid-altitudes and sweeping montane grasslands near the summit.
Kudremukh Trekking
Kudremukh Trek: Everything You Need to Know
The Kudremukh trek is a full-day adventure from the base village of Mullodi, through lush forest and open grasslands, to the summit at 1,894 metres. Here's a complete breakdown.
Kudremukh Trek Distance
The total Kudremukh trek distance is approximately 22 kilometres — around 11 km ascent and 11 km descent. Most trekkers complete the full round trip in 7 to 9 hours, depending on pace and rest stops. It's a long trail, so an early start from base is essential.
Altitude & Elevation Gain
The trek starts at roughly 950 metres at Mullodi village and climbs to the Kudremukh peak at 1,894 metres — an elevation gain of approximately 950 metres. Most of the climb is gradual, with a steeper push in the final section to the summit.
Trail Route
The trek begins at Mullodi, a small village near Kalasa. Forest permits are verified here. The trail enters the national park right from the start.
The first section passes through dense Shola forest — cool, mossy, and alive with birdsong. Look out for Malabar whistling thrushes and Nilgiri flycatchers.
The trail opens up into sweeping montane grasslands with panoramic views of the Sahyadri ranges. This is where the horse-face silhouette is most visible.
The last ascent follows the ridge to the Kudremukh peak. On clear days, views stretch endlessly over the Western Ghats — and on exceptional days, all the way to the Arabian Sea coast.
The descent follows the same trail. The changing light through the afternoon makes the return feel completely different — equally memorable.
What to Carry
Pack light but smart: 3–4 litres of water, high-energy snacks, a lightweight rain jacket, trekking shoes with ankle support, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit. Carry a packed lunch — there are no food stalls on the trail.
Permit required: The Kudremukh trek requires a forest permit from the Karnataka Forest Department. Trekkers must be accompanied by a registered local guide — solo trekking is not permitted. Our group tours from Bangalore handle all permits and guide arrangements.
Best Time to Visit Kudremukh
When to Visit Kudremukh
Timing your visit makes an enormous difference to the quality of the trek. Here's exactly what to expect in each season.
Post-monsoon lushness with clear skies. Grasslands are vibrant green, waterfalls are full, and summit views are stunning. Peak trekking season.
Warmer and drier. Landscape turns golden. Fewer crowds and good visibility — carry extra water as lower sections get hot.
Peak monsoon. Park often restricts access. Trails become dangerously slippery, leeches are abundant, and visibility is nearly zero.
Travelling from Bangalore? The November–January window offers the most comfortable conditions — cool temperatures, clear skies, and maximum chance of unobstructed summit views. For the most dramatic green landscapes, visit in October right after the monsoon retreats.
Places to Visit in Kudremukh
Beyond the Trek: Must-Visit Places in Kudremukh
Kudremukh has more to offer than just the summit. Here are the top places to visit in and around Kudremukh for a complete weekend experience.
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1Kudremukh Peak
The iconic 1,894-metre summit with its distinctive horse-face silhouette. Panoramic views spanning the full Western Ghats — and on clear days, glimpses of the Arabian Sea coast. The single best reason to make the trip.
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2Hebbe Falls
One of Karnataka's most spectacular waterfalls — a two-tiered cascade plunging approximately 168 metres into a forested gorge near Kemmannugundi. Located about 35 km from Kudremukh town, Hebbe Falls is best visited between October and January when flow is at its peak. The drive through coffee and cardamom estates to reach the falls is a highlight in itself.
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3Kudremukh National Park
Even beyond the main trek trail, the national park rewards wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts. Early morning walks near the park periphery can yield sightings of sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels, and a remarkable variety of endemic birds — over 300 species call this park home.
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4Bhadra River Origin
Kudremukh is where the Bhadra River begins. Visiting the upper reaches — where crystal-clear mountain streams tumble over boulders through Shola forest — is one of the quietest and most magical experiences in all of Karnataka.
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5Gangamoola
A sacred and stunning location deep inside the national park, where three rivers — the Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravati — all originate. Access requires a special permit but is a remarkable experience for trekkers who want to go further.
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6Kalasa & Horanadu Temples
The nearby pilgrimage towns of Kalasa (Sri Kalaseshwara Temple) and Horanadu (Annapoorneshwari Temple) add a cultural dimension to any weekend trip. Both are within 30–40 km of the trek base and make for a meaningful addition to your Sunday itinerary.
Bangalore to Kudremukh
How to Reach Kudremukh from Bangalore
Kudremukh is approximately 350–380 km from Bangalore — about 8 to 9 hours by road. Here are your options.
The final stretch to Mullodi involves narrow forest roads that are best navigated by a driver familiar with the route. Joining our group tour from Bangalore means zero stress — transport, permits, guide, and meals are all sorted before you arrive.
Weekend Group Tours from Bangalore
Every Friday Night, We Head to the Mountains
We run small-group treks to Kudremukh every weekend — departing Friday night from Bangalore and returning Sunday night. Transport, forest permits, accommodation, meals, and a certified local guide are all included. You just pack your bag and show up.
Our groups are kept deliberately small — typically 8 to 15 people — so the experience stays personal, unhurried, and genuinely enjoyable.
What's Included
- Return transport from Bangalore
- Certified local trek guide
- All forest entry permits
- Friday & Saturday night stay
- All meals during the trek
- First-aid kit & safety briefing
- Small group (max 15 people)
- Wildlife expert on select dates
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Kudremukh is located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, in the central Western Ghats. It's about 350–380 km from Bangalore and roughly 100 km east of Mangaluru. The nearest town is Kalasa, about 18 km from the trek base at Mullodi village.
The Kudremukh trek distance is approximately 22 km for the full round trip — 11 km ascending to the peak and 11 km back down. Most trekkers complete it in 7 to 9 hours including rest breaks.
The best time to visit Kudremukh is October to February. October and November offer lush post-monsoon greenery with clear skies; December through February gives cooler, more comfortable trekking temperatures. Avoid June to September when monsoon rains make the trail dangerous and the park often restricts access.
Yes — since the trail passes through Kudremukh National Park, a forest permit is mandatory. Trekkers must also be accompanied by a registered local guide. Solo trekking is not permitted inside the park. Our group tours handle all permits and guide arrangements for you.
Kudremukh is a moderate trek — not recommended for absolute beginners with no prior trekking experience, given the 22 km distance and 950-metre elevation gain. However, if you have a reasonable level of fitness and have done some shorter hikes before, Kudremukh is very achievable with a guided group and proper preparation.
Hebbe Falls is about 35 km from Kudremukh town, near Kemmannugundi. It's a stunning two-tiered waterfall dropping approximately 168 metres. Most Kudremukh weekend trips can include Hebbe Falls — we typically fit it into the Sunday return itinerary.
Skandagiri (about 70 km from Bangalore) is a shorter night trek great for beginners — famous for its sea of clouds. Kudremukh is significantly longer, wilder, and ecologically richer — a full-day trek inside a national park. If you've done Skandagiri and are ready for the next level, Kudremukh is the natural progression.
You can book through our weekend group tour page — we run departures every Friday night from Bangalore. Spots fill quickly for the October–January season, so we recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance. Use the booking button above or contact us directly to check upcoming dates.
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