Kudremukh Trek

The Kudremukh National Park is named this due to the unique shape of the Kudremukh peak, horseface. The broad Kudremukh hills overlook the majestic Arabian Sea, with steep precipices and deep valleys chaining the hills together. Spanning over 600.57 square kilometres between Dakshina, Kannada, and Chikmagalur districts. This houses many wildlife like leopard, sloth bear, sambar, mongoose, sloth bear, gaur, and more. One of the most sought-after animals to spot here is the tiger and elephant. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is declared as one of the 34 biological hotspots in the entire world. It is because of the tropical biological richness here.

Kudremukh National Park Safari is the most sought-after, exposing you to much wildlife and rich vegetation here. Apart from this, you also get to witness the beautiful waterfalls, take a dip in the natural pool, or go trekking through the various trails like the Netravati or Kudremukh peak trek, Gangadikal, and Seethabhumi peak. Moreover, you should also head to the Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and the 1.8-meter-high Varahha image in the cave.

One of the major attractions in Kudremukh National Park is the trekking trails you will find here. Many trek lovers come here to enjoy the Kudremukh trails, exposing them to beautiful views and wildlife. The landscape is adorned with rolling hills, diverse flora & fauna, and lush vegetation, making it an ideal place for trekking. One of the best trekking trails here is Kudremukh Peak, the third-highest peak in Karnataka. Here are a few details about trekking via Kudremukh National Park.

The Kudremukh National Park was designated the title of natural reserve in 1916 during British rule safeguarding the endangered tigers. In the late 20th century, the Kudremukh township and the nearby areas grew primarily as iron-ore mining centers. The public sector Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited, or KIOCL, was one of the largest iron ore companies in the world until 2006. It was shut down after operating for over 30 years as it was a threat to the Kudremukh biodiversity hotspot. The conservationists are concerned about preserving the region’s beauty along with the animals. Cut to today, it is now one of the best and most sought-after national parks in Karnataka.

The fauna of Kudremukh National Park is equally impressive, with a wide range of species inhabiting the area. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, and the great Indian hornbill being commonly sighted. Mammals such as the Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boar, and the elusive leopard can also be spotted in the park. Reptiles like the king cobra, Indian rock python, and several species of frogs and lizards add to the park’s biodiversity.

The vegetation here is abundant. The area receives over 7000 mm of rainfall every year. This is the reason why it is a dense forest cover populated by semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. There are six types of vegetation, including shola, dense forest, and high grasslands. There are also 89 species of plants and 12 sub-species. The grasslands are spread beautifully, and the National Park of Kudremukh is the largest area of high-altitude grasslands. Also, you will find many endemic or endangered species of fauna. Rare plant species like South Indian Jewel Orchid and Nilambur Cobra Lily, on the verge of extinction, are preserved in this national park.

Kudremukh National Park has a temperate climate as it is engulfed by magnificent hills and lush greenery. The temperature of the national park is somewhere between 25°C and 19°C. The place is ideal for visiting year-round, but to ensure you have the best time here, you should head here between October and May. During this time, the park is beautiful and glorious. However, if your sole motive for the trip is taking wildlife photography or spotting animals, then head here between December and February.

Kudremukh National Park has a tropical monsoon climate. You will witness heavy rainfall and moderate temperatures year-round. The monsoon season starts from June to September, bringing in the most rain and creating lush green landscapes. The average temperature in the winter season from November to February is usually 15 °C. Moreover, the summer months from March to May have a temperature of 25 °C. The misty mornings, cool afternoons, and evenings add to the serene atmosphere of the park. The high altitude around Kudremukh Peak results in cooler weather compared to the nearby lowlands. The best time to visit Kudremukh National Park is from October to May or December to February. These months are ideal not just for wildlife safaris but also for trekking and hiking.