The three-day long Kudremukh trek is an excellent weekend getaway if you are in the state of Karnataka. Kudremukh, the peak atop which this expedition will take you, is located in the Western Ghats range, and its summit is 6207 feet high. On this tour, you will get to do extensive wilderness sighting, as the route meanders through Kudremukh National Park. You will start the trip from Bengaluru by bus, which will take you to the protected area.

Upon reaching the destination, you will avail permission to enter inside, and then your Kudremukh trekking will begin. The national park is spread across the hills of the Western Ghats, and the ecology here pertains to that of the range. Shola grasslands are found along the slopes of the hills, which are lashed by strong monsoon winds. This, clubbed with nature of the soil, prevents trees from growing on the slopes. The valleys on the other hand are surrounded by these mountains, and hence they do not experience the strong gusts. As a result, these valleys are covered by thick evergreen forests, which provide home to a number of animals.

While trekking to Kudremukh, try sighting tigers, which are the most significant beasts of the region. However, they are not the largest animals here by any means, and that tag is reserved for the gigantic Indian bison that can weigh over 1500 kg. Other than tigers, leopards, wild dogs and jackals are some other meat-eating animals of the protected territory. Herbivores commonly seen here include spotted deer, sambar deer and barking deer. Squirrels, mongooses and porcupines are among the smallest animals, living inside the park. Tortoises and several species of snakes are also found here, as are over 190 kinds of birds, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.

You have to be physically fit to undertake a Kudremukh trekking tour, as you will be required to complete a total distance of approximately 16 km. Fear of heights or breathing problems could cast a deep shadow on the possibility of you enjoying the journey, so make sure that you have none of these ailments. The temperature decreases rapidly with increasing altitude, and hence it is essential that you carry sufficiently warm clothing. Comfortable trekking shoes should be worn, and those, giving you a good grip over the soil, should be preferred. Carry energising snacks because the walking excursion will leave you exhausted.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Pick-up from Bengaluru
Arrive at a pre-fixed spot in the city at the scheduled time, and travel to the Kudremukh National Park by a coach.

Day 02: Arrival at Base camp | Trek to the Top and Back to Base camp
Upon reaching the national park, relish a delicious breakfast. Take permission to enter the territory from the on-site office of the forest department. Upon getting the permit, walk to the base camp, from where your Kudremukh trek will start. Leave here whatever luggage you deem unnecessary to be carried along further, and then begin the trip.

Kudremukh trekking begins from a point, called Mullodi, which is the final juncture, approachable by a four wheel drive Jeep. An increase in elevation is encountered as soon as the hike commences, and the track climbs above a small waterfall. After crossing some distance, the path turns right, and the vegetation starts becoming denser. You now enter a thick forest and encounter your first river crossing.

Continue your trek to Kudremukh beyond the stream and meander through a forest, laden with trees and shrubs, till you reach the second rivulet. After crossing this river, turn right and keep on the trail till you leave the thick jungles behind. You will spot a lone tree on gently sloping grasslands, and you may stop here to rest for a while. After walking on flat terrain for some time, you again enter a jungle, which you will emerge out of after walking for roughly an hour. Upon reaching a meadow with a rocky entrance, you may stop again to rest.

Post recommencing your Kudremukh trekking tour, you will reach a hut, surrounded by guava trees. Beyond the second hut, you enter the wide open Shola grasslands of the region. From here, take the trail which starts climbing. The path now ascends and you enter another thick forest. Post coming out of the dense jungle, the trail circles almost the entire hill. From the right side of the peak, there is a tough climb to a ridge. Once you complete the ascent, the terrain becomes flat, and after a while you reach a dense meadow of bamboo. After the grassland ends, you cross a stream, and then you begin to gain altitude again.

In the beginning, you encounter a straight climb, and then you ascend along a zigzag trail. You reach another ridge and encounter a straight and gradual climb yet again. After climbing for about 30 minutes, you reach the summit. Post looking at the views; retrace the path to the base camp. Enjoy a nice dinner and then go to sleep.

Day 03: Departure from Base camp
Freshen up in the morning and enjoy breakfast, and adventure sports, if possible. Later, board the coach and depart for Bengaluru.