There are a number of fun things to do in Kudremukh whether you are hoping to have a quiet and relaxing getaway or an exciting trip. A mountain range as well as a small village located in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur district, it derives its name from a view of one of the peaks here that looks like a horse’s face. This region is best known for its Kudremukh National Park which is home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque and for its pristine rivers. Moreover, Kudremukh with its rocky and uneven terrain is an excellent place for trekking.
About Kudremukh
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Kudremukh is situated in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and is the name of a mountain range, a particular mountain, and a quaint hill station here. It owes its name to a mountain that, from the side, appears to resemble the face of a horse; the term kudremukha literally translates to “horse-faced” in the Kannada language. Moreover, Kudremukh is also called Samseparvata since it was accessed via Samse village.
Kudremukh happens to be the state’s second-highest peak, and its location amidst the beautiful and lush green Western Ghats makes it a place to visit without fail! One of its most popular attractions is the Kudremukh National Park, which is situated at an altitude of about 1,894 metres above sea level. Perennially green, it receives a lot of rainfall and is home to varying flora and fauna.
Must Read: Kudremukh National Park
Exciting Things To Do In And Around Kudremukh
Here are the top 5 things you can do when travelling to Kudremukh:
1. Kudremukh National Park
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Situated at a height of 1,894 metres above sea level, it was officially recognised as a national park in 1987 and is spread out over an area of about 600 square km. It is famous for its dense shola forests, sprawling grasslands and towering mountains. This national park is home to the lion-tailed macaque, an endangered species and is also said to be where the rivers Bhadra, Tunga and Netravati originate. There are several trekking trails here and numerous bird-watching opportunities since species like the Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, imperial pigeon, etc., inhabit the region. You would also find a small shrine dedicated to a Hindu goddess here.
Location: Kudremukh, Karnataka, India
Distance from Kudremukh: 11.6 km
2.Hanuman Gundi Falls
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A mesmerising waterfall, the Hanuman Gundi Falls, is found between the Lakya and Karkala dams. The waterfall is also known as the Soothanabbi or Suthanabbe Falls and gushes down from approximately 22 metres. It is a tiered waterfall and makes for a splendid sight that deserves to be captured by your camera! Some trails lead up to this stunning waterfall and make for a beautiful hiking experience. What’s more, you can go down to the waterfall’s base for a refreshing swim; you simply need to climb down 300 stone steps!
Location: Kalasa Main Rd, Sheerlu, Karnataka 577142, India
Distance from Kudremukh: 28.5 km
Suggested Read: Kudremukh Trek
3. Kadambi Falls
The Kadambi Falls is yet another scenic waterfall within the Kudremukh National Park. Falling from about 30 feet, this waterfall is a serene and gorgeous site encompassed by dense forests. The Kadambi Falls is also visible from the main road, and there is a bridge nearby where you can catch a better glimpse of it or take pictures. Getting to the waterfall is difficult but not impossible; if you can make your way through the wilderness and the rocks, you can even dip in its cold water. However, you can always set up a nice picnic nearby if you don’t want to get in the water.
Location: Kadambi Falls Bridge, Kalasa Main Rd, Karnataka 577142, India
Distance from Kudremukh: 22.1 km
4. Lakya Dam
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With the green mountains in the background, the Lakya Dam is quite a beautiful sight near Kudremukh. It was built over the river Lakya, a tributary of the Bhadra River. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company constructed it to catch any waste released due to mining activities. Besides preventing the contamination of the river, this 100-metre-high dam also serves to irrigate the fields nearby. Keep in mind that you would need permission to visit the dam.
Location: Lakya Dam Lake, Karnataka 577142, India
Distance from Kudremukh: 14.8 km
Suggested Read: Temples In Karnataka
5. Kalasa
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Kalasa is a beautiful and serene town in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, about 10 km from Kudremukh. It is situated alongside the Bhadra river and is often known as the “Temple Town” because it is home to a shrine dedicated to Varaha and Goddess Bhagavathi within a cave. There is also a Sri Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are also famous for their gorgeous South Indian, attracting many tourists and devotees.
Location: Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India
Distance from Kudremukh: 10.3 km
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Karnataka
Kudremukh is a lovely place in Karnataka, especially for those tired of the busy city life and wishing to escape to a more peaceful and less crowded place. There are some things to do in Kudremukh, making it an ideal getaway destination for those who wish to relax and destress for a few days or those who want to get lost in the region’s natural splendour. Plan a trip to Karnataka for an unforgettable journey!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Kudremukh
Is Kudremukh closer to Bangalore or to Mangalore?
Kudremukh is much closer to Mangalore than to Bangalore. It is approximately 118 km from Mangalore, about 2 hours and 45 minutes by road, and 318 km from Bangalore. It takes nearly 6 and a half hours to get there by road.
How much time does it usually take to climb to the top of the Kudremukh peak?
While the amount of time it takes for you to get to the top will eventually depend on your speed and stamina, it usually takes about 4 to 5 hours to make it to the summit and around 3 or 3 and a half hours to make it back down. It is advisable to start early in the day so you have ample time to make this trip before it gets dark.
Is the trek up to Kudremukh suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Kudremukh trek is quite suitable even for beginners since the elevation isn’t too high and the terrain, although occasionally undulating, isn’t extremely treacherous.
Do visitors have to pay in order to be able to visit Kudremukh National Park?
Yes, one needs to pay to enter this national park. The entry fee is INR 200 for Indians and INR 1,000 for foreign nationals.
Does Kudremukh have its own railway station?
Unfortunately, there is no railway station in Kudremukh so if you are planning on taking the train, you would need to go to the Mangalore Railway Station which is a little over 100 km away.
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