If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation, explore the world around you at the Kudremukh National Park, which has been left undisturbed and rather less explored and get the satisfaction of seeing something very different.
An Overview of the Kudremukh National Park
The Kudremukh National Park is located at a distance of 96 km from the district of Chikmagalur in the state of Karnataka in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, the park is spread over an area of over 600 sq km at an altitude of 1,894 m above sea level.
The Kudremukh National Park derives its name from a hilltop that resembles the shape of the head of a horse. The park houses four ranges named Kudremukh, Kerekatte, Kalasa, and Shimoga. The entire park is covered by thick forests with various species of flora. It is also surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, and they provide a breathtaking experience along with a pleasant breeze.
The Wildlife in Kudremukh National Park
The Kudremukh National Park falls under the Global Tiger Conservation Priority-I, under the format developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund-USA.
It is also the origin of three very well-known rivers – the Nethravathi, the Tunga and the Bhadra. A statue of Lord Varaha at a height of six feet can be found inside an ancient cave, and a temple of goddess Bhagavathi is also present here. These attract many tourists, mainly pilgrims, here.
Kudremukh National Park is home to several species of flora and fauna. Eucalyptus, casuarinas, acacia auriculiformis and Grevillea Robusta are some of the species of flora found here. Together with a wide array of wildlife consisting of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Malabar giant squirrels, common langurs, sloth bears, gaurs, porcupines, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, jackals, giant flying squirrels and mongoose, the park is a nature lover’s delight.
The park is also home to several species of birds like the Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, great pied hornbill and the imperial pigeon.
What You Can See and Do In Kudremukh
Tourists can feast their eyes on a vast expanse of undisturbed greenery and wildlife. There are several options for accommodation near the park, and you can choose depending on your budget. Tourists can also stay at the Forest Rest Houses present.
The Kadambi waterfalls inside the Kudremukh National Park attract an equal number of tourists. The park is a haven for trekking enthusiasts with a number of winding tracks ranging from the easiest to the most challenging present. However, proper permissions have to be obtained from the park authorities before venturing on a trek.
For those seeking divine intervention, there are several pilgrimage centres near the Kudremukh National Park, like Gangamoola, Sringeri Sharadha Peetam and the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple.
How to Get There
The best time to visit the Kudremukh National Park is from October to May, the months from December to February are apt to see the wildlife in all its glory.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is in the city of Mangalore.
- By Road: Kudremukh National Park is well connected by road and is easily accessible from various cities: Bangalore (360 km), Mangalore (130 km), Chikmagalur (95 km), and Sringeri (20 km).
With a name inspired by the equine species, the Kudremukh National Park gallops in greenery and is bound to leave you wanting more than you can take in.
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