All Karnataka hikes

Chikmagalur · Chikmagalur (Byrapura)

Ettina Bhuja

A shoulder-shaped ridge with views of the Ghats — and a compulsory permit

Moderate~8 km round trip3–4 hrs

Do it yourself ~₹2,500

Permit needed

Compare operators
From Bangalore
280 km · ~6.5 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Best months
Oct–Feb
Altitude
Not published
Distance
~8 km round trip
Time on trail
3–4 hrs

A Forest Dept trail in the Chikmagalur belt named for its shoulder-shaped ridge. The online portal lists weekday and weekend fees.

  • Shoulder-shaped ridge
  • Western Ghats views
  • Quieter than Mullayanagiri

Permit & rules

Permit needed?
Yes – book in advance
Issued by
Karnataka Forest Dept (Chikmagalur)
How to book
Aranya Vihaara portal; weekday and weekend fees differ.
Fee
One travel blog quotes ₹250 weekday / ₹300 weekend for adults; verify on the portal.
Guide
Mandatory (local/registered guide)
Night trek
Not allowed
Aranya Vihaara official portal

Best time to visit

Go

Oct–Feb

Avoid

Jun–Sep (heavy rain, leeches, slippery trail; some routes officially closed)

Wildlife

  • Sambar
  • Birds
  • Leeches in wet months

What to wear

  • Trek shoes
  • Rain gear

What to carry

  • 2 L water
  • ID

Typical itinerary

  1. Morning trek with a guide, afternoon at a Chikmagalur homestay.

Operators compared

Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.

Do it yourself

Fuel/tolls, permit, guide, stay.

~₹2,500

No regular weekend packages found for this hike – it is a self-drive outing.

Local tips

  • Easier to combine with a coffee-estate stay than with other treks.

Ettina Bhuja FAQ

Do I need a permit for Ettina Bhuja?+

Yes. Aranya Vihaara portal; weekday and weekend fees differ. One travel blog quotes ₹250 weekday / ₹300 weekend for adults; verify on the portal.

What is the best time to trek Ettina Bhuja?+

Oct–Feb. Avoid: Jun–Sep (heavy rain, leeches, slippery trail; some routes officially closed).

How far is Ettina Bhuja from Bangalore?+

About 280 km by road, roughly 6.5 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹3,204 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.

How difficult is Ettina Bhuja?+

Moderate, about 8 km round trip. 3–4 hrs.

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Information compiled from public operator listings and forest department guidance, last reviewed 2026-11-01. Fees, quotas and closures change – verify on the official portal and with the operator before you travel. Operator links are provided for comparison; we do not sell treks.