Kudremukh is located in the Chikamangaluru district. The word “Kudremukh” means “horse face”, and the side of the mountain resembles the shape of a horse face, hence the name. The peak is also mentioned in the historical pages as ‘Samseparvata” as it is close to Samse.
The mountain peak is the third highest peak in Karnataka. The hill station also has a National Park that is known for Tiger Preservation as well popular for rich bio-diversity. The alluring hill station has many enigmatic places that bewitch anyone. The hills, lakes, valleys, lush greenery etc. attracts many tourists to the location.
History of the Foundation of Kudremukh National Park
In the research studies by an environmentalist Dr. Ullas Karanth, the existence of lion-tailed macaque was in majority in the dense forests of Kudremukh. The forests are home to the lion-tailed macaque due to favorable habitat. The Kudremukh National Park came into existence to preserve these kinds of animals endangered. Finally, in 1987, the preserved forests became a National Park.
The Kudremukh forests with its dense jungles and shola vegetation lie in the bordering area of the Western Ghats covering three districts in Karnataka namely Chikkamagalur, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The thick shola forests are a home to a variety of flora and fauna.
The highest point in the National Park is the Kudremukh peak which is around 1892 meters high. The opulence of the soils is perfect for the growth of lush greenery, hence most of the park is filled with evergreen forests and green grasses. Many flowering plants like the Orchids are found here.
The Home to Wilderness – Kudremukh National Park
The National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The richness of the forest cannot be spotted from outside, one must go deeper into the jungles even to spot an animal. The vast areas of the National park are preserved well and away from human encroachments. It is the second largest protected region near the Western Ghats. It covers an area of 600square kilometers. One can spot leopards, giant squirrels, tigers, jackals, barking deer’s etc.
Hanumanagundi Falls. Image courtesy vinay
Kudremukh – The Pilgrimage Center
The hill station is also popular pilgrim center, with many sacred ponds located in the nearby areas, which makes it a popular pilgrim location in Chikkamangaluru. Naga theertha, Amba theertha, Varaha theertha, Vashishta theertha and Rudra theertha are some of the attractions for pilgrims. Major rivers that originate from these spectacular mountain regions of Kudremukh include Netravathi and Tunga Bhadra.
Kudremukh Peak. Image courtesy Ramesh Desai
Kudremukh Iron Ore Company and the Mining Town
Kudremukh has an Iron Ore Company located amidst the hills; the iron ore company has laid the foundation of the beautiful township. The town has a touch of the American style construction. The mountains of the Kudremukh overlook the Arabian sea and provides an overwhelming location to spend the holiday.
Things to Do in the Peak
The pristine hill station is an abode of adventure activities that one can indulge in. The peak is a trekker’s delight and one can enjoy the trekking to the dense forest. The National Park and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are famous for the tiger protection. With jungle safaris, one can get an insight into the hard work done to preserve these endangered animals. The enthralling location has three rivers that flow to nourish the mountain ranges – Tunga, Netravati, and Bhadra.
Among the lush greenery are the enthralling waterfalls of Kalhatti and Hebbe. The valleys and the grass-clad mountains lie like a chain connected to each other, which is a mesmerizing sight. The grassy lands are easy to explore location and tourists can even spot the lion-tailed macaque in these areas.
Almost 13 hiking routes are available to the peak and all are worth exploring. The trekking routes are in the range of easy to tough ones. One can choose a route as per their interests. The well-known on is the trek from Samse to the hill station, which takes around 4 days and 3 nights, covering around 40 km.
The Hanuman gundi waterfall which falls from a 100ft high mountain to a natural rock formation is a charming sight. To reach Hanuman Gundi, which is around 32km from Kalasa requires ample trekking. Best time to visit Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls is between October and February.
Kudremukh Main Road. Image courtesy Prof tpms
How to Reach Kudremukh
By Road
From Bangalore to Kudremukh is around 330 km, Karkala (50 km) and from Mangalore it is 97km. Buses by KSRTC ply from the major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore which are the most comfortable and affordable ones.
By Rail
Mangalore railway station is the nearest one available which is around 100km from the peak. Tourists can avail taxis, buses or cabs to reach the place from Mangalore which is well connected to major cities.
By Air
Mangalore airport is the closest one which is about 90km from Kudremukh. The airport is well connected to Major places both National and International. Tourists can hire a cab, taxi or a bus from here to reach the hill station.
