Kudremukh Trek from Bangalore
DIFFICULTY
Moderate–Difficult
TREK SNAPSHOT
DURATION
8–9 Hours
TREK DISTANCE
16 Kms (round trip)
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
1,892 Meters
SUITABLE FOR
14 to 55 Years
REGION
Western Ghats
TRIP DURATION
2 Days-1 Night
MEALS
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
ACCOMODATION
TYPE
Homestay
Kudremukh is one of the Western Ghats' most evocative summits — a long, rolling trail through shola forests, knee-deep streams, and open grassland ridges that lead to a peak shaped quite literally like a horse's face. Standing at 1,892 metres (~6207 feet), it's the third highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri, and sits inside the UNESCO-recognised Kudremukh National Park.
This isn't a quick weekend hike you'll forget by Monday. The Kudremukh trek covers around 16 km in a single day — starting from the tiny hamlet of Mullodi, climbing through dense forest and three stream crossings, then opening out into miles of golden grassland before the final steep push to the summit. On a clear day, you can spot the Bhadra valley below and a faint shimmer of the Arabian Sea on the western horizon.
We run this trek as a small-group Kudremukh trek from Bangalore on weekdays — Tuesday departure, Wednesday trek, Thursday return. Weekend permits sell out a week in advance and the trail gets uncomfortably crowded; on a Wednesday, you'll have the forest mostly to yourself. You'll travel with a like-minded crew, stay at a warm Malnad homestay near Mullodi/Samse, drop by Soormane Falls and the Belur Chennakeshava Temple on the way back, and experience Chikkamagaluru — Wanderophile style.
Everything that needs sorting is sorted — permits, transport, guide, food, stay. Your only job is to show up with broken-in shoes and a willingness to walk.
Kudremukh Complete Trek Information
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9:00 PM: Gather at Majestic (Near Shanthala Silk House). Meet your trip captain, get introduced to the group, and load your bags onto the vehicle.
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9:30 PM: Second pick-up at Yeshwanthpura Metro Station.
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9:40 PM: Final pick-up at Goraguntepalya (Near KLE College).
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Short briefing on the trail, forest do's and don'ts, and a quick overview of the coming weekend.
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Settle into your non-AC tempo traveller / minibus — chat, plug in your earphones, or catch some sleep as Bengaluru fades and the Malnad hills get closer.
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Overnight: On the road (push-back seats, shared ride).
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6:00 AM: Arrive at your homestay in the lush foothills of Kudremukh National Park. Quick freshen-up and a hearty home-cooked breakfast.
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7:30 AM: Pack your lunch boxes, fill your water bottles, and hop into a jeep for the bumpy ride through narrow village roads to the Mullodi Forest Check-Post.
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8:00 AM: After ID checks, permit verification, and a quick group warm-up, your guided ascent begins.
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Trek through dense shola forest, cross three freshwater streams (boots will get wet — embrace it), and emerge into vast rolling grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see.
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12:30 PM (approx): Reach Kudremukh Peak (1,892 m / ~6,207 ft). Sweeping views of the Bhadra valley, ridge after ridge of the Western Ghats, and on clear days, a glimpse of the Arabian Sea. Packed lunch with the best view of your weekend.
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1:30 PM: Begin the descent through the same trail. Slower, knee-friendly pace.
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5:30 PM: Back at the homestay. Hot chai, pakodas, and a chance to thaw out tired legs.
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8:00 PM: Dinner — Malnad-style home-cooked food with rice, sambar, palya, and seasonal sides.
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Weather permitting: Bonfire with the group — music, conversation, and the day's stories swapped over a cup of something warm.
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7:00 AM: Wake to birdsong, mountain air, and the smell of fresh coffee.
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7:30 AM: Hearty breakfast at the homestay.
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8:30 AM: Say goodbye to your hosts and board the traveller for a quick drive to Soormane falls, tucked inside the Western Ghats, with a short walk through plantations leading to a cascading multi-tier waterfall. Refreshing dip if the weather and water levels permit.
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11:00 AM: Board the traveller for the return journey.
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2:00 PM (approx): Stop at the Belur Chennakeshava Temple — 12th-century Hoysala architecture, intricate stone carvings, and one of the most stunning temple complexes in Karnataka. Self-sponsored lunch nearby.
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8:00–9:30 PM: Estimated arrival in Bengaluru (traffic-dependent).
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9:30 PM: Drop-off at the original pick-up points. Hugs, sore calves, and a WhatsApp group buzzing with photos.
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Section 1: Mullodi Forest Check-Post to Ontimara — 4 km | 2 hours
A gradual, gentle ascent through dense shola forest. The trail is shaded, well-defined, and laced with three stream crossings — beautiful in the dry months, gushing in the monsoon. You'll spot Malabar giant squirrels overhead and might catch the call of a lion-tailed macaque if you're lucky. The forest floor is soft underfoot in places, slippery in others. This section is your warm-up — find your rhythm here.
Section 2: Ontimara to the Ridge — 2.5 km | 1.5 hours
The forest thins out and the trail opens onto sweeping grasslands. The horse-face shape of Kudremukh becomes visible up ahead, but don't be fooled — it looks close, but it's still a good two hours away. This section is exposed: no shade, full sun, and gusty winds across the ridge. The gradient picks up, and you'll feel your calves working. Mid-morning views here are unmatched — rolling green hills as far as the horizon, valleys filled with mist below.
Section 3: The Ridge Walk to Kudremukh Peak — 1.5 km | 1 hour
The final push, and the toughest stretch. A steep ascent along a narrow ridge with the summit teasing you the entire way. Take it slow, hydrate often, and don't rush. The reward at the top is one of the finest summit views in the Western Ghats — a 360-degree panorama of the Chikkamagaluru ranges, the Bhadra valley, and on clear days, a faint silver line of the Arabian Sea.
Total one-way: about 8 km, with the round trip working out to roughly 16-17 km when you factor in stream detours, the jeep-drop walk, and the return.
Kudremukh is rated Moderate–Difficult, and it earns the rating honestly.
You're looking at about 16 km of trekking over 8–9 hours, with the entire ascent and descent done in a single day. Multiple stream crossings, a long exposed grassland stretch, and a steep final 1.5 km section where the trail kicks up sharply — this isn't a stroll. The trail moves between damp shola forest, slushy patches in monsoon, and open ridges where the sun (or the rain) can be uncompromising.
There's no technical climbing, no ropework, no scrambling. But you'll want to be at ease walking long distances with a daypack, climbing steadily for hours, and managing slippery descents. The Ontimara-to-summit stretch is where stamina counts most — and where most first-timers slow down.
This trek is right for you if:
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You've done at least one moderate trek in the Western Ghats before (Kumara Parvatha, Tadiandamol, Kodachadri, or similar)
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You can briskly walk or jog 5–6 km without struggling for breath
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You don't carry any serious knee, ankle, heart, or respiratory issues
Among Western Ghats treks near Bangalore, Kudremukh sits firmly on the harder side of the weekend bracket. Our small-group setup, experienced trip captains, and local guides mean nobody is rushed — we move together, regroup often, and look out for each other on the trail. If you've been wanting to step up from beginner hikes to something more committing, Kudremukh is the perfect next milestone.
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Kudremukh wears a different mood every season, so the "best" time depends on what you're after.
October to February (Post-monsoon & Winter):
Generally regarded as the prime trekking window. Cooler air, clearer skies, golden-tinted grasslands, and the crispest summit views you'll get all year. Streams still have a healthy flow, the hills stay lush, and leech activity drops sharply. If it's your first time at Kudremukh, this is the window.
June to September (Monsoon):
For those who love the drama of rain treks, this is when Kudremukh truly comes alive. Forests turn deep emerald, streams swell up, clouds drift through the ridges, and the whole place feels otherworldly. The flip side: very slippery trails, plenty of leeches, sudden cloudbursts that can drop visibility to zero, and stream crossings that get tricky fast. Solid rain gear, a calm head, and previous monsoon-trek experience are non-negotiable.
March to May (Summer): The region heats up significantly. Trails are dry, dusty, and the open grasslands offer almost no shade. The Forest Department often restricts access during peak summer due to wildfire risk. Generally not recommended.
Wanderophile Tip: Love mist, swollen streams, and don't mind getting drenched? Pick a monsoon date. Want stable weather, clean panoramic views, and easier walking conditions? Book between October and February.
You don't need to carry the kitchen sink, but packing smart is half the adventure. Here's what you'll need:
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Sturdy trekking shoes — broken-in and waterproof if possible. The trail has stream crossings and slushy sections; running shoes will let you down.
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Lightweight backpack (20–30L) — enough for a day pack with water, lunch, raincoat, and snacks.
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Quick-dry clothing — breathable tees, trek pants, and a light fleece for cool ridge winds.
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Rain gear — poncho or rain jacket (essential June through September), plus a backpack cover.
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Hat or cap and sunglasses — Section 2's grassland stretch is fully exposed.
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Reusable water bottle (2L minimum) — there are streams along the trail, but treat or refill at your own discretion.
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Trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, dry fruits, electrolyte sachets.
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Small first-aid kit — band-aids, muscle spray, personal meds, Crocin.
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Personal toiletries — eco-friendly soap, hand sanitiser, quick-dry towel.
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Sunscreen and insect repellent — Ghats sun is sneaky even on cloudy days.
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Trekking pole (optional) — your knees will thank you on the descent.
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Extra socks — wet socks on a 16 km trek are a special kind of misery.
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Plastic dry bags — for wet gear, phones, muddy shoes. Carry all your waste back.
Wanderophile Tip: Wear your trekking shoes on the bus from Bangalore — don't pack them. Lacing up fresh shoes on a 6 AM forest trail with cold fingers is no fun.
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Kudremukh is roughly 330 km from Bangalore and takes 8–9 hours by road. The base village for the trek is Mullodi, near Kalasa, in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.
By road (with Wanderophile): This is the simplest option. We start with an overnight drive from Bangalore on Tuesday night, arriving at the Mullodi/Samse homestay by 6 AM Wednesday. All transport, navigation, and stops are sorted.
By road (self-drive or private cab): Take NH75 from Bengaluru via Hassan and Belur, then on to Kalasa via Mudigere. From Kalasa, it's about 20 km to Mullodi village along narrow country roads. Total drive time is around 8 hours one-way.
By bus: KSRTC operates overnight buses from Bengaluru to Kalasa via Belur and Mudigere. From Kalasa Bus Stand, you'll need to arrange a local jeep or taxi to Mullodi (around 20 km, typically ₹600–₹800 one-way).
By train + road: The nearest railway stations are Kadur (around 110 km from Kalasa) and Mangaluru (around 130 km). From either, take a bus or taxi to Kalasa, then onward to Mullodi.
By air + road: Mangaluru International Airport is the closest airport (about 110 km from Kudremukh). Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is roughly 350 km away. From either airport, road transport is the only onward option.
For most Bangalore trekkers, joining a guided Kudremukh trek package from Bangalore is significantly easier than DIY — permits are restricted, the base village is remote, and self-arranged stays during peak season can be hit-or-miss.
The Kudremukh trek is one of the few in Karnataka with a strictly controlled daily permit cap. Only a limited number of trekkers are allowed inside the National Park each day, issued through the Karnataka Forest Department via the Aranya Vihaara portal (under Chikkamagaluru District treks). Weekend slots routinely sell out 12-15 days in advance during the June-to-December peak season — which is exactly why we run our Kudremukh departures Tuesday to Thursday. Weekday permit availability is far more reliable, and mid-week trails are blissfully less-crowded.
When you book your Kudremukh trek with Wanderophile, the entire permit process is handled for you. We secure slots well ahead of departure, coordinate the mandatory local guide assignment at the forest office, and ensure your group reaches Mullodi with all paperwork sorted. No portal logins, no last-minute disappointments at the check-post, no worrying about availability.
A few things to know:
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All trekkers must carry a valid government photo ID (Driving Licence/Voter ID).
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The Forest Department mandates a registered local guide for every group of up to 10 trekkers. This is non-negotiable.
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The check-post opens at 6 AM and closes for entry by 11 AM. All trekkers must exit the park by 5 PM.
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Camping, drones, loud music, plastic, and straying off the marked trail are strictly prohibited.
For first-time trekkers especially, booking through an organised group like Wanderophile is the most reliable way to actually do this trek without permit headaches.
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Yes. The entire trail falls inside Kudremukh National Park, a protected biodiversity zone within the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trekkers need permission from the Karnataka Forest Department, and only 300 trekkers are allowed each day. When you book with Wanderophile, all permits and paperwork are handled for you in advance.
Booking the Kudremukh trek with Wanderophile is straightforward — click the "Book Now" button on this page, drop us a WhatsApp message, or fill in the enquiry form. We confirm slot availability, share trip details, and add you to a pre-trek WhatsApp group. Permits, guides, transport, stay — everything is included in your package.
The Kudremukh trek has a daily permit cap of around 300 trekkers. On weekends, permits sell out 12-15 days in advance, the forest check-post queue can take 45-60 minutes, and you'll share the trail with hundreds of others. We run our Kudremukh departures on Tuesdays, so you get reliable permit access, a quieter trail, more time at the summit, and a better overall experience. If you can take Wednesday & Thursday off, you'll thank yourself.
No. Tented camping and bonfires inside the National Park are strictly prohibited to protect the fragile shola–grassland ecosystem. The trek must be completed within daylight hours, and overnight stays are limited to licensed homestays at the base village. We stay at a verified homestay near Mullodi/Samse.
The standard route from Mullodi Forest Check-Post to the peak and back is around 16 km, completed in a single day across 8–9 hours including breaks. The trail has steady ascents, three stream crossings, and a steep final 1.5 km push — manageable for fit trekkers but tough for those with no prior experience.
The recommended trekking season is June to February. Monsoon months of June-September brings the lushest landscapes (and the leeches), while October to February offers the most stable weather and clearest views. Summer treks are generally avoided due to heat and forest fire risk.
Yes. Forest Department rules mandate a registered local guide for every group of up to 10 trekkers inside Kudremukh National Park. With Wanderophile, you trek with both a trip captain and a registered local guide who knows the streams, weather patterns, and exit points well.
The trek begins and ends at the Mullodi Forest Check-Post, reached by jeep from the homestay. Kalasa (around 20 km away) is the nearest small town and is often used as the reference point for the Kudremukh trek package.
Yes. The Forest Department allows trekking only between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Entry to the check-post closes by 11 AM, and all trekkers must clear the forest gates before sunset. We typically start by 8:00 AM to ensure enough buffer time for breaks, photos, and a comfortable descent.
No. There are no shops, stalls, or eateries anywhere on the trail. We have breakfast at the homestay and carry packed lunch for the summit. The streams along the route do have flowing water in season, but we recommend carrying at least 2 litres from the start.
Fit beginners can, but Kudremukh shouldn't be your first physical activity in months. The 16 km distance, steady ascents, and stream crossings demand real stamina. If you can comfortably walk or jog 5–6 km and don't have major joint, heart, or breathing issues, you should manage with some basic preparation.
We recommend this trek for ages 14 to 55. The combined distance, ascents, and slippery patches can be hard on younger children and older adults. If anyone above 50 wants to join, please get in touch first — we'll discuss fitness, medical history, and whether this is the right trek for them.
Our Kudremukh trek package starts at ₹4,399 per person, all-inclusive of transport from Bangalore, homestay, meals, permits, jeep transfer, and guide charges. No hidden costs at the base.
Leeches are common in monsoon — wear high socks, sturdy shoes, and apply Dettol or salt around your shoes to reduce contact.
The park is home to lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, sambar deer, gaur, leopards, and over 250 bird species. Major wildlife sightings on the main trail during the day are rare, but we strictly follow forest rules: no littering, no loud music, no feeding animals, no straying off the marked trail.
READ THE REVIEWS
Natesh J
Went on the Gangadikal, Merthi Gudda, and Kurinjal treks with Wanderophile, and it was a fabulous experience. The treks were organized really well, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Our trek leader Nagabhushan was very friendly, approachable, and shared a lot of knowledge about the Western Ghats, which made the journey even more enjoyable.
The stay arranged was comfortable, and the food was homely and delicious—a perfect way to end long days of trekking. Overall, Wanderophile made the whole trip fun, safe, and memorable. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for well-planned treks around the Western Ghats!
Shruthi A S
This was my 3rd trek through trekking groups. I must say it was the best one so far. They organized it so well. If you are going solo you never feel it because they conduct some activities foe ice-breaking. I would recommend to take a trip through them.
Anuradha
Amazing trek experience! very well planned and organised... always fun to trek with Wanderophile
KUDREMUKH TREK PHOTO GALLERY
KUDREMUKH TREK LOCATION
General FAQs
Once your booking is confirmed, our team will reach out within a few days via email and WhatsApp to share trip essentials, travel instructions, emergency contact info, and preparation tips. Expect clear communication and support all the way to departure!
A few days before your trek, we’ll create a WhatsApp group for registered participants and the Wanderophile team. It’s your space to ask questions, access important updates, arrange carpools, and start making friends in advance.
Yes, many of our guests join solo! Our trips are designed for open-minded solo travelers and small groups alike, with an environment that’s welcoming, safe, and community-driven. It’s common to leave with new friendships and great memories.
Definitely. We focus on group safety, choose trusted lodgings, and ensure experienced trek leaders accompany every group. From check-in to return, we’ve got thorough plans in place for everyone’s peace of mind.
Occasionally, we announce flash sales on the Wanderophile website and social channels. Repeat travelers and those booking for multiple people can get in touch for group discounts or loyalty perks.
Of course—you can safely store bags at our main accommodation before heading out for the trek. Please leave valuables at home, as we cannot be responsible for lost items.
Most Wanderophile treks require moderate physical fitness: enough to walk for hours on hilly terrain with a light backpack. If you’re unsure, drop us a message and we’ll help match a trek to your comfort and experience level.
We offer a transparent and fair policy for cancellations and refunds—see our website’s policy section or contact us for details before you book. Please read through to understand timings and possible deductions.