All Karnataka hikes

Chikmagalur

Kudremukh Peak

Rolling Western Ghats grassland that looks like a horse-face ridge

Easy–Moderate~20 km round trip1 day

From ₹3,999 per person

Permit needed

Compare operators
From Bangalore
340 km · ~7.5 h
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Best months
Oct–Feb
Altitude
1,894 m
Distance
~20 km round trip
Time on trail
1 day

A gentle-gradient trail over open shola-grassland ridges inside Kudremukh National Park, with a horse-face-shaped silhouette at the top. Long but not steep, which is why it is the most popular first big trek from Bangalore.

  • Open grassland ridges
  • Kudremukh National Park shola forest
  • Kodige Waterfalls (add-on)
  • Easy gradient, long distance

Permit & rules

Permit needed?
Yes – book in advance
Issued by
Karnataka Forest Dept – Kudremukh Wildlife Division
How to book
Online only via the Aranya Vihaara portal; no walk-in permits. Daily slots are capped (about 50 trekkers/day has been reported).
Fee
Online entry + conservation fee has been quoted between ₹275 and ₹575 per adult depending on source/date – verify on the portal.
Guide
Mandatory (local/registered guide)
Night trek
Not allowed
Note
Registered local guide is compulsory. Book weeks ahead for long weekends.
Aranya Vihaara official portal

Best time to visit

Go

Oct–Feb (green grasslands also Jul–Sep when permitted)

Avoid

Mar–May (hot, fire-closures); trekking is periodically suspended in the dry season

Wildlife

  • Sambar and gaur
  • Lion-tailed macaque
  • Leopard and tiger (very rare sightings)
  • King cobra
  • Leeches in monsoon

What to wear

  • Light full-sleeve layers (sun + grass cuts)
  • Trek shoes with grip
  • Cap, sunglasses
  • Light jacket for early mornings
  • Leech socks if going Jul–Sep

What to carry

  • 2–3 L water
  • Packed lunch (usually provided by operators)
  • Sunscreen
  • Govt ID matching the booking

Typical itinerary

  1. Fri night: depart Bangalore.
  2. Sat: reach Kalasa / Mullodi, breakfast, trek to the peak and return; dinner and homestay.
  3. Sun: optional Kodige/Kudremukh waterfalls, drive back to Bangalore.

Operators compared

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

Do it yourself

Fuel/tolls for ~680 km round trip split by 2, permit + guide, one homestay night.

~₹3,000

Backpackers UnitedLowest listed

2D/1N · Friday-night bus/tempo-traveller, homestay or dorm, guide + permits usually bundled

₹3,999

Included
Pickup & drop, dorm/tent stay, off-road vehicle; entry fees usually extra
Trip experience
Frequent departures, many pickup points; check that entry fees are not extra on your batch.
Price source: listings seen 2025–26View on Backpackers United

Bikat Adventures

3D/2N · Capped groups, fixed itinerary, price + 5% GST

₹3,950

+5% GST ≈ ₹4,148

Included
Transport, stay, meals, guide
Trip experience
Max group of ~15 with a fixed schedule – feels organised; ~10 km each way from Mullodi.
Price source: listings seen 2025–26View on Bikat Adventures

Treks & Trails

2D/1N · Homestay stays, per-person pricing

₹4,200

Included
Transport, homestay, meals
Trip experience
Homestay-based = warmer, more comfortable night than tents; priciest of the listed options.
Price source: listings seen 2025–26View on Treks & Trails

Muddie Trails

2D/1N · Small groups, forest permits bundled, add-ons like waterfalls

Check price

Included
Transport, permits, guide, Kodige waterfalls
Trip experience
Small groups (8–12) and a waterfall bundle.
Price source: listings seen 2025–26View on Muddie Trails

BMC Adventures

2D/1N · Multiple departure days, published cancellation tiers

Check price

Included
Transport, stay, meals
Trip experience
Offers a Saturday departure variant, handy if you cannot leave Friday night.
Price source: listings seen 2025–26View on BMC Adventures

Thrillophilia

2D/1N · Marketplace – operator varies by batch, tent/homestay options

Check price

Included
Shared transfers from Bangalore, tent/homestay
Trip experience
Marketplace – the actual operator and group size vary by batch; read the batch details.
Price source: listings seen 2025–26View on Thrillophilia

Namma Trip

2 days / 1 night · Day and weekend batches, transport optional on some treks, forest permit sometimes excluded

Check price

Included
Guide, sightseeing, parking, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner; permits not included
Trip experience
Check the page for the current price.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Namma Trip

Tripbae

2 days · Overnight bus from Bangalore, homestay or camping, discounted list prices

Check price

Included
See listing
Trip experience
The page shows two prices (about Rs 1,125 and Rs 1,655) without saying which applies; confirm on the page.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Tripbae

Local tips

  • Weekday slots are far easier to get than weekends.
  • Carry a rain cover for your bag even in winter – mist is constant.
  • Booking through an operator removes the portal hassle, but price-check against the DIY cost.

Kudremukh Peak FAQ

Do I need a permit for Kudremukh Peak?+

Yes. Online only via the Aranya Vihaara portal; no walk-in permits. Daily slots are capped (about 50 trekkers/day has been reported). Online entry + conservation fee has been quoted between ₹275 and ₹575 per adult depending on source/date – verify on the portal.

What is the best time to trek Kudremukh Peak?+

Oct–Feb (green grasslands also Jul–Sep when permitted). Avoid: Mar–May (hot, fire-closures); trekking is periodically suspended in the dry season.

How far is Kudremukh Peak from Bangalore?+

About 340 km by road, roughly 7.5 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹3,891 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.

How difficult is Kudremukh Peak?+

Easy–Moderate, about 20 km round trip. 1 day (6–8 hrs) from Mullodi base.

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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.