10 Best hikes and trails in Kudremukh National Park

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Kudremukh National Park

Best trails in Kudremukh National Park

4.5(84 reviews)

India
:
#6 of 102 national parks

Named after the tallest peak in the region, Kudermukh National Park is a beautiful National Park in the state of Karnataka. Verdant green rolling hills of the Western Ghats make up the environments of this location that are not only green but highly biodiverse as well with many different species of animals, birds, and plants to explore and observe. Tigers, leopards, gaurs, and lion-tailed macaques are just a few of the many species of animals found here, along with almost 170 species of birds. This park is also known for its population of insects and the many indigenous medicinal plants that it holds.

Top trails

The Kudremukh Range gets its name from the unique shape of its main peak. The broad hills overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to one another by deep valleys and steep precipices. It is believed that Kudremukh served as a landmark for sailors on the western coast for over 2000 years. As yet ‘undiscovered’ by tourists, Kudremukh is a trekker’s paradise. It's a wonderland of lush green forests interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes, captivating cascades, caves, and ruins that amaze as one...

#2 - Netravati Peak Trek

This is a beautiful lesser-known trek that takes one to Netravti Peak, located in the spectacular Kudermukh National Park. Verdant green environments make up the surroundings of this location that are not only green but highly biodiverse as well with chances to explore and observe the various different species of animals, birds, and plants to explore and observe. The trailhead for this particular trail lies by Netravati Trek Parking Point, which can be reached via various different modes of...

#3 - Kurinjal Peak Trek

4.3(9)

•Moderate

•5.1 mi

Kurinjal Peak is one of the other most famous peaks in Kudermukh National Park after Kudermukh. Lush green forest areas with rolling meadows make up the landscapes of this location which are dotted with many streams and waterfalls. Along with being verdant green this location is also highly biodiverse and is home to numerous indigenous species then be it in terms of animals, plants, or birds. Gaur, sambar, wild dog, lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, and wild dog are a few of the many...

Kudremukh in Kannada means Horseface. This is for a fact that the hill from certain angles looks like a Horseface. This trail attracts a lot of visitors because of the stupendous views that this location offers. Being in a national park it also houses a multifarious of species in terms of flora and fauna both. Some of the common species of animals that reside in this location are the muntjac, sambar, leopards, tigers, and wild dogs. The biggest threats that are common to this location are...

#5 - Malanduru to Kigga via Narasimha Parvatha

Malanduru to Kigga is one of the longer more endurance-focused treks that takes one deeper into the Kudermukh National Park. As common with the region verdant green environments make up the surroundings of the region with some of the most magical landscapes. Sceneries of rolling hills dotted with thick forests make up most of the sceneries with a few waterfalls and streams just enhancing the sceneries that much more. Along with the spectacular landscapes and green environments, this location...

Jamalabad Fort is an ancient hilltop fort that was built in 1794 under the tutelage of Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan developed this fort only after finding the massive Granite Rock, which, by the way, was perfect for the watch tower fort that was built here. Apart from that, this location is highly serene, with green landscapes, hilly terrains, and highly biodiverse environments, making this location perfect for all, be it nature or history buffs. The trailhead for this particular trail lies...

#7 - Narasimhaparvatha (Kigga)

This is one of the trails leading to the Narasimhaparvatha. It is the highest peak in the Agumbe region. Agumbe is a high-altitude village surrounded by the Western Ghats. This region is also known as the Cherrapunji of the South. Cherrapunji being one of the wettest places in India. Due to excessive rainfall, there are many waterfalls in the region with a very thick forest area. The initial stretch of the journey is relatively easy and can be completed pretty quickly but then the forest...

#8 - Narasimha Parvatha (Malanduru) Trail

This is one of the trails leading to the Narasimhaparvatha, which starts and ends at Malandur. It is the highest peak in the Agumbe region. Due to high rainfall, this region is often referred to as the Cherrapunji of the South, which is one of the wettest locations in India. As a result, this region is graced with numerous waterfalls and an evergreen forest. The initial stretch of the journey is relatively easy and can be completed pretty quickly but then the forest starts to thicken up...

Bandaje Falls is one of the famous falls of the region that attracts a lot of tourists. Verdant green environments make up the surroundings of this location that are not only green but highly biodiverse as well with many different species of animals, birds, and plants to explore and observe. The sound of these cascading falls can be heard from far away and the way these falls are revealed is just magical. This location can be visited throughout the year with monsoons being exceptionally...

Valikunja is one of the lesser-known peaks that lie in the Kudermukh National Park. Excellent green environments make up the surroundings of this location that are not only green but highly biodiverse as well with many different species of flora, fauna, and avifauna to explore and observe. This is an amazing trail that provides some of the most stunning views and landscapes, with layers of green running till the horizon. The trailhead for this particular trail lies near Fabulous five Water...

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Trail reviews for Kudremukh National Park

130 trailgoers Busiest in December

Amod Dani

Oct 12, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

Did the Valikunja hike on a rainy day in October 2024. Following a ride in tempo traveller and arduous 30+ min ride in open jeep, we started the hike around 9:15am. Although the hike is fairly long (17 km), most of the part is gradual & since its long jeep track, surface is clear of bushes/grass for the most part. Last part of the hike is a challenging and steep climbing which was made harder due to wet weather and lot of grass all along. Entire trek was leech infested and while anti-leech socks did help, I did end up with 10+ leech bites and we couldn't sit even for one minute due to them. Taking rest anywhere meant leeches would start climbing. Having to stand the entire time made the trek lot more tiring. Heavy downpour on the way back meant we were sort of walking through the streams all along and everyone was completely drenched. As per the guide this trek is the only one in Kudremukh range which has so many leeches. Please make sure you carry 2-3 liters of water + snacks + lunch for this trek since its a day long trek and you will get drained at the end of the day. The route mentioned on AllTrails is completely different than the one we took for this trek. Even though we couldn't get any views from top due to clouds/fog but views along the way of grasslands + forest are amazing and there are lots of flowers all along the hike.

Parking: Permit required, Entry fee, Paid

Valikunja

Jagadish Kini

Oct 20, 2024•Hiking

Good conditions

Trail is slippery but manageable with good shoes. Stunning views. Plenty of water on the way. For an average hiker takes about 6 hrs. Permit is mandatory. Permit needs to be booked in advance at https://kudremukhanationalpark.in/book_now.php. Make sure all the details are properly filled and matches Aadhar. Plan to start as early as possible as the permit verification takes time at the start of trailhead.

Conditions: Great!, Slippery

Kudremukh Trail

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kudremukh National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kudremukh National Park is Kudremukh Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 30 reviews. This trail is 10.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,265 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kudremukh National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kudremukh National Park is Kudremukh Trek. This trail is estimated to be 17.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Kudremukh National Park?

There are 18 trails in Kudremukh National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 84 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kudremukh National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Kudremukh National Park has you covered. Kudremukh Trek boasts the most elevation gain with 5,813 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Kudremukh Trail, which will get you 4,265 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kudremukh National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Kudremukh National Park and the most popular is Kudremukh Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 30 community reviews.