Overview
Kudremukh Trek means “horse’s face” in Kannada. This name was inspired by the mountain’s distinctive shape. Because it was accessible from Samse village, it was previously known as Samseparvath. It is part of Kudremukh National Park, the western Ghats’ second-largest wildlife-protected area.
It is located at 6,207 feet and is Karnataka’s third tallest peak after Mullayyangiri and Baba Budangiri. Kudremukh Trek is home to a diverse range of flora and wildlife. You may even come across deer and peacocks while trekking! It’s a beautiful trek over rolling green hills and misty valleys. You pass through grasslands, woods, and numerous little streams.
You’ll see flowing waterfalls, meandering streams, deep forests abounding with various vegetation, and the lovely melodies of birds as you travel. When you reach the summit, prepare to be enchanted by the panoramic view and the refreshing breeze, which will leave you speechless for a time before immersing you in the wonderful charm of the place. Leave everything behind and join us on this weekend walk to Kudremukha, where you’ll rediscover yourself amidst the peace of nature if you’re looking for a break from the bustling city lights of Bangalore.
The horse-face structure of the peak
The Kudremukh Peak has an unusual structure that resembles a horse’s face from the side. This building is visible after an hour of hiking from the forest office. This appears to be closer, but it will require another 3 hours of walking.
Walking through the Shola forest
The grasslands and shrublands visible in the western ghats are known locally as shola. You must travel through shola woodland to reach Kudremukh Peak. Deer, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, leopards, common langurs, and other creatures live in this forest. You might come across them while hiking if you’re lucky. Leeches can be found at every step in this area during the monsoon season.From the side, the Kudremukh peak has a peculiar structure that resembles a horse’s face. After an hour of hiking from the forest office, this edifice is visible. This appears to be closer, but it will take another 3 hours of trekking to get there.
Stunning View of the Rolling Hills
When you emerge from the shola forest, you are greeted by a breathtaking vista of the surrounding undulating hills. Green hills and hazy valleys are extraordinary. During the monsoon season, this area may be entirely shrouded in mist. But the valley’s hide and seek in between the clouds and mist is something you should not miss.
Trail Information
Kudremukh Trek can be divided into 3 sections. The trail from the Forest office to Ontimara 2(lone tree) is a gradual ascent in the forest and on the grassland. Trek from Ontimara 2 to the Final stretch which has a steeper ascent.The Ridge Walk from the End to the Peak.
From the Forest office to Ontimara 2
To obtain authorization, go to the forest office as soon as possible. The walk begins at the forest office. The sound of flowing water may be heard at Somawathi Falls and carried with you for a little way before you reach the forest route.
Notice how the greenery thickens as you enter the Shola forest. Many leeches and earthworms live in this forest. You pass through many waterfalls and minor streams before reaching the first Ontimara.
As soon as you leave the jungle, you’ll notice the Ontimara beckoning you with room beneath. A large canopy surrounds that location. The trail from Ontimara is level, with the Kudremukh valley on your right and a mountain on your left. You’ll be walking over grassland with the odd deep forest. After an hour and a half of trekking, you arrive at the second Ontimara.
It will take 2 hours to reach the unique mark point of the second Ontimara if you calculate from the forest office.
Ontimara 2 to the Final Stretch
The hike from the second Ontimara includes both a mild slope and a sharp ascent as you reach the final stage of your journey. This stretch is very lovely, with views of the gorgeous rolling green hills. The terrain becomes steeper after 20 minutes of moderate progress from the first stop. Kudremukh Valley becomes more obvious as you begin to ascent. This is the most breathtaking portion of the journey! The peak is directly in front of you, and the excitement builds as you approach the summit, Kudremukh Peak.
The final section
From here, you can see the back of the Kudremukh vista. You’ve arrived in the center of the Kudremukh valley. The trail leading to the Peak is seen. Another 35 minutes of climbing to the top from here. At the peak, there is a board and many stones stacked up. If you’re lucky, you can see the 270-degree vista of the uneven green carpets. Most of the time, you will be surrounded by clouds and mist at the peak. There isn’t much of a window to catch the view. Be patient and enjoy the cloud play. If you’re lucky, the breathtaking scenery will be something you remember from the journey.
How to reach Kudremukh Trek
The Kudremukh walk begins in Mullodi village, about 15 kilometers from Kalasa. It is difficult to reach Mullodi directly. You must first go around 10 kilometers from Kalasa to the Kudremukh Entrance. Hire a vehicle from the access point to Mullodi village, which houses the forest office. This is where you must obtain authorization and begin your journey. One can drive or use public transit to Kalasa and then to the Kudremukh Entrance point.
Best Time for the Kudremukh Trek
Kudremukh is best visited between June and February. The weather in the Kalasa region, on the other hand, is nice all year. Many little streams, black shola forests, bamboo shrubs tall enough to touch the sky, and rolling green hills can be seen during the monsoon and winter.
Some aspects of the walk take place under the open sky. As a result, summer trekking is not advised.
Trek Difficulty
The walk to Kudremukh is moderately challenging. You must travel 9 kilometers one way. There are no particularly challenging sections, but there are a few things to bear in mind while trekking. Trekking into the wilderness might be dangerous. Wear appropriate trekking shoes and a trekking pole. The tricky part is crossing the little streams in the forest. The mossy rocks in the river might be dangerously slippery. The trail from the second Ontimara until the last stretch climbs steeply for 3 kilometers. If you want to enjoy the vista, you should be in good enough shape to travel across those areas.
Conclusion
Kudremukh hiking is a life-changing adventure that takes you on a journey through nature’s splendor. The ethereal beauty of the scenery, the sense of adventure as you conquer the peaks, and the immersion in local culture combine to make this walk an unforgettable adventure. You’ll develop a profound understanding of Kudremukh’s beauties as you explore the stunning trails, appreciate the biodiversity, and engage with the local communities.
Furthermore, the dedication to conservation and sustainability guarantees that this natural wonderland is conserved for future generations to enjoy. Pack your rucksack, put on your hiking boots, and set out on a trek that will leave you in awe of nature’s splendor in Kudremukh.
