Overview
There might not be any individual in India who has not heard about Western Ghats. The gorgeous assembly of mountain ranges, flora, fauna and magical misty beauty that gloriously resides in the Western Ghats of India might not have escaped the eyes and ears of holiday planners. The Western Ghats appear to be parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula and is a go-to destination during free weekends. Karnataka is a state with immense beauty and natural splendour which often remains unexplored even by native people. There are many gorgeous mountain ranges, splendid peaks and breathe-taking waterfalls in this state. One such mountain peak is Kudremukh. Located at a distance of 360 kilometres from Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka State, it is 7 hour journey. It derives its name from the hilltop that resemblance a horse’s face. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling grasslands, Kudremukh offers a nerve-numbing sight to its visitors.
Your first stop in this province while coming from Bengaluru will be a small hamlet of Samse. It has nothing but a few shops and crossroads remaining. You can stock up essentials and arrange for a vehicle towards your journey to Kudremukha peak. From here you will be driven on a jeep safari for the first ten kilometres until you reach Mullodi. You can set up a camp in this location for an early morning trek. Kalasa is basically the main town of Kudremukha. But the town of Kudremukha is almost deserted after the closure of mining business. The forest department office is held in the Kudremukh town, which is 20 km after Kalasa. If you have not attained a permit for your trekking, this is where you need to go to obtain a permit.
The local residents of this region are warm and extremely friendly. There are many houses and families who welcome unknown strangers into their house and let them rest during their trekking expeditions. One can enjoy the fantastic hospitality of these families during the trip. The food served will be cooked out to local ingredients and the taste is unparalleled.
During this trip, you will come face to face with most refreshing lush green patches of grasslands. Greenery will be redefined in your minds as you will see different shades of green while in here. The calm open meadows will offer you peace that you always crave for in a city life. The bewitching sight of foggy clouds touching the feet of this intense green land will be a memory of your lifetime.
The Kudremukh National Park is heavily populated with wildlife that is unique to this geographic location. Visitors are mesmerised by the exquisite collection of flora and fauna in the park which includes casuarinas, acacia auriculiformis, eucalyptus and Grevillea Robusta. The wide array of wildlife of this region consists of Malabar giant squirrels, sloth bears, gaurs, common langurs, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, porcupines, jackals, giant flying squirrels, sambar, barking deer, spotted deer and mongoose. You will easily find birds like Malabar whistling thrush, imperial pigeon, great pied hornbill and the Malabar trogon.
Itinerary
Duration : 1 night ; 2 days
Day 00 : 9:00 pm. Start from Bangalore. Overnight Journey. 7 Hours.
Day 01 : 5:00 am. Reach Balgal. From Balgal to Mullodi
You will arrive at the tiny hamlet of Balgal early this morning. You will be met by our representative who will transfer by jeep to the base camp of Mullodi.
On your arrival to this small yet beautiful village, you will be shifted to a house of a local resident to freshen up. After a brief acquaintance with the tour group, and Breakfast you will start the trek towards Kudremukha carrying Pack Lunch.
The sounds of water gushing from Somavathi falls below will follow your trail. As the vegetation thickens, you will notice that you are on a forest trial. Cross the rocky stream and follow the giant green trees which lead you towards Ontimara. You may spot the wildlife from the Kudremukh National Park including Malabar giant squirrels, barking deer, spotted deer and mongoose. Going forward, you will come across endless beautiful meadows and forests while reaching the spectacular peak of Kudremukha. You can rest and indulge in photography before starting on a walk back to Mullodi to rest the night at the base camp.
Day 02 : You will wake up to the serene aura of Mullodi this morning. After freshening up, you will leave for Balgal in a pre-arranged vehicle for half an hour’s drive. From Balgal , you will proceed towards Bangalore.
Reach Bangalore by evening
Cost
Cost : ₹ 3,300/- includes 5% GST
Group Size : 11 members and above
Mode of Transport : Tempo Traveler Pushback Non-AC with video coach
Destination : Bangalore to Bangalore.
Pickup and Drop : As Bangalore is growing by the day travelling from one end to another end is becoming very hectic. Introduction of Namma metro in Bangalore has become a boon for travelling. Now metro is connected from major parts of the city and travelling has become hassle free for citizens of Bangalore. Metro services are available from 5am to 11pm and for more details Click here.
Let us travel smartly and take an oath to make Namma Bangalore Traffic free and Pollution free.
What is Included
- Forest permits and Camping charges
- Guide charges
- Simple Vegetarian food
- Beverages/snacks during stay
- Basic Accomodation and Sleeping bag if required
- Transportation by Tempo Traveler / Mini Bus Pushback Non-AC with video coach
What is Excluded
- Mineral water
- Any Beverages during journey
- Dinner during return journey
- Any Entry fees, Camera/Video charges other than included
Things to carry
How to prepare for a hike
Safety and Precautions
FAQ
Transport
We usually send the exact Pickup location and timings a couple of days before the trek date. The pick location we choose are always a well-known place and has better connectivity with rest of the city. Mostly there will be 1 to 3 pickup location for every trek.
Yes, of course, you can board on the way if we are travelling through your location. You can get in touch with one of our out-door leader for same by sharing contact details. Although, we request you to board from the pickup locations as it would help us to coordinate, and to avoid mis-understanding or time delay.
You can contact to the number shared.. Also, we would be sharing out the contact information on the connecting email. besides, we would also be creating a Whats-app group so that we all can connect and coordinate with everyone on the trip.
Accommodation & Food
We always have separate accommodation for girls and boys. Sometimes, some participants wish to stay with their family or couple, so we request them to check with us before the trip so that we can check for the options to make your stay comfortable.
No. Not Required.We will provide you.
We believe a hot served meal after the trek is the best way to beat the tiredness and complete an awesome day. So, we always try to cater everything from first morning breakfast to the next morning breakfast but at some places we give the option to the traveler to explore the local cuisines. The trek on which we cater, we try to give local vegetarian meal. Pack lunch is provided if the trek duration is more than 5 hours.
We usually try our best to give an opportunity to the traveler to connect with nature and the locals. We mostly connect with people who can cater to out needs and eke out a living, because of which sometime our homestays are at located are remote location for examples on hills, remote areas. Also, sometime we also opt for camp with tents and sleeping bags etc and sometime in cemented homestays which contains basic comfort for a proper rest.
YES. However we recommend you to not to bring valuable Jewellery during outings. Mobile phones , chargers , Cash to be taken care by individuals. You can approach trip leader to help you.
We try to have tie up with homestays having proper amenities.That is the reason we keep the group size at a minimum.
Travelers and Group size
We will try to maximize the group size 11 members to 20 members.Keeping in mind the safety of group.
We believe age does not define a limit of a person. A person can achieve anything at any age if he has a desire. Every trek has its own difficulty level, which you can check out the Itinerary page of the every trek and can decide for yourself. Definitely a basic fitness is always required for any trek you choose, because every trek with Summiters test your ability to push yourself and get high in the mountains.
Registration and Payment
To confirm your participation, you need to click on the blue button “BOOK NOW”, which will take you to the registration page and also guide you to our payment page on which you can make the payment through net banking, credit or debit card. Once you make the payment, you will receive a payment confirmation from us confirmation about your seat on the trip. We would request you to go through the complete itinerary, description, highlights and things you need to carry before making the payment.
you can however mail us details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or be free to call us on 91 9740360365.
You can bank transfer, cash deposit or NEFT as per your convenience.
Cancellation Policy
We have tie-ups with third party vendors and the commitment is already made, regarding group size well in advance, the cancellation affect the facilities give to other participants, so, even if we don’t like to put on any policy, we might have to do it for the other participants who are coming for the trek. So, that we could be at least manage to keep the spirits high enough. The cancellation charges are as follows.
If the cancellation is done before 7th day from the trek date then FULL REFUND is applicable after the deduction of the third party vendor transaction charges.
If the cancellation is done before 3rd day from the trek date then HALF REFUND is applicable.
If the cancellation is done before 1 day from the trek date then NO REFUND is applicable.
For cancellation, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Additional FAQ's
If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! If you have specific health issues like asthma, heart issues or the likes, consult your doctor before participating in the trek.
We provide simple vegetarian/Non Veg food that is light and suitable for trekking. Don’t expect pizza hut or an Anand Bhavan - nor will you have to go hunting. You will have enough and when you are tired – anything served will taste superb!
Yes. It’s as pure as it can be. But if you are finicky – you can buy mineral water.
You cannot charge your phone on the trek. You have to get your phone charged in Bangalore before coming for the trek.
Take daily long walks or jogs.
T & C
Terms and Conditions
All about the Elusive star
Here are our conditions:
- Summiters will try to keep an optimal group size of 11 to keep the cost to a minimal. The initial fees could be collected assuming a group size of 11. However, in case the group size is smaller , Summiters will inform the participants before departure date, the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay "the difference amount" as per the current size of the group if they desire to go for trek.
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Booking must be confirmed prior to date of departure by paying the full amount – It takes lot of effort, time and money in planning the trek in remote locations. So please give us enough time to make your journey a lifetime’s journey.
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All expenses accruing from change in schedule due to weather conditions or health issues are to be borne by the participants. Summiters will not be responsible for the weather or your personal health issues.
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Cancellation policy – We plan everything for you well in advance, so that your trip is hassle-free and as smooth as possible. This means that porter fees, permits, accommodation expenses are all paid in advance. Any cancellation will mean inconvenience and loss to all the people involved in making your journey successful. Therefore, it is only fair to pass on the accrued costs to you. Our policy is:-
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- Cancellation prior to 7 days from date of departure : Full Refund
- Cancellation between 3 days prior to date of departure: 50% Refund
- Cancellation between 24 hours prior to date of departure and departure date : No Refund
- No Show : No Refund
- Cancellation has to be confirmed by sending a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Blog & Video links
Video1
Video2
- Sharath Subrahmanya's blog