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Best Places to Visit in Kudremukh

If flora, fauna, hills, and grasslands sound like your ideal holiday, then you can’t miss out on the National Park here. You can spot endangered plants and wildlife like rare wild dogs and leopards while taking in the lush greenery and magnificent hills.

The National Park is also home to the second highest peak in Karnataka and offers a unique luxury in the lap of nature. However, the national park does come along the trekking route and while a visit in monsoons might sound wonderful, it often gets mucky and difficult. We’d recommend a visit between October to May.

Location: Mudigere, Karnataka

Timings: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fees: Indians: Rs. 200/ Foreigners: Rs. 1000.

Called the Himalayas of the South, the Kudremukh Peak is Karnataka's third-highest peak. It offers an unparalleled 20 km long trekking experience, making it among the top places to visit in Kudremukh. As you walk through dense forests, soaking in the beauty of the national park, watch in awe, endangered species at the wildlife sanctuary.

There are also waterfalls to admire as you make your way up. Once there, you can enjoy charming views, which are nothing less than heaven on Earth! Fun Fact: 'Kudremukh' translates to 'horse face', which is precisely what one side of the mountain resembles.

Timings: Preferably before sunset

Fees: Approximately Rs. 2000 including trekking fees, guide, travel, food, and accommodation.

Tropical rainforests, gushing streams, sprawling coffee plantations, meadows and more. While making your way along the Kudremukh trek trail, the base camp offers picturesque panoramic views of it all. Being the most exciting, this experience indeed tops the list of Kudremukh tourist places.

The base camp is 9 km from the foot of the hill and the hilltop is 11 km further ahead of the base camp. Once again, permission from forest authorities is a must. Choose to visit it between October to February when the beautiful weather keeps you going.

Location: Kudremukh, 20 km long trail. Pin: 577142

Timings: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm is advisable.

Fees: Approximately Rs. 2000 including trekking, jeep travel, accommodation, and food.

Built by the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company, in the heart of Kudremukh National Park, back in 1994, the 100-metre high Lakya Dam tops our list of places to visit in Kudremukh for its pristine beauty.

Originally designed to collect silt and block contaminated mine water from flowing further, it is also used for providing the water supply for agricultural and drinking purposes.

While a trip to Lakya Dam mandates the permission from the forest authorities, which might seem like some effort, the beauty you witness eventually makes it all worth it!

Location: 6 km from Kudremukh. Pin: 577142

Timings: Weekdays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm/ Weekends 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Entry Fees: Free.

Nestled within the expansive Kudremukh National Park, Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, also referred to as the Soothanabbi Falls offers a superlative experience as it flows down 72 feet, gently onto massive rocks, looking absolutely ethereal.

The rocks below are what make it a tiered waterfall. If you enjoy a piece of nature and serene spaces, you can simply marvel at the beauty. While if you enjoy a joyful experience, feel free to take a refreshing bath under the waterfall. Ideal for everyone, this is an all-weather sightseeing spot, but we’d recommend an October to May visit, for the best experience.

Location: Kalasa Main Road, Sheerlu, Karnataka 577142

Timings: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Entry Fees: Rs. 40/-

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Horanadu is the hidden gem among Kudremukh tourist places, that should definitely be on your travel bucket-list. Popular for the Annapoorneshwari Temple, Horanadu has a lot more to offer.

At a short distance is the Bhadra River and the Sri Udbava Ganpati Temple, where free lunch and dinner is served daily. Horanadu is also popular for tea, coffee, spices and dry fruits, so don’t forget to pick some up for your folks back home. All in all, Horanadu is breathtakingly beautiful and you need to spend at least a day or two to absorb its fine beauty.

Location: Mudigere, Karnataka.

Termed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it one of the many places to visit in Kudremukh, Gangamoola lies among the Western Ghats and is the source of the Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi Rivers. It is often called the Varaha Parvata as it houses a 1.8m Lord Varaha image within the Gangamoola cave, alongside a shrine of Goddess Bhaghavathi.

It is a short 2 kms trek between the towns of Kudremukh and Sringeri, which, while you’re on, you can also stop by at the Chikmagalur Coffee Estates for a sip of fresh brew, and visit numerous temples before heading to this lovely destination. Make sure you are permitted by the forest authorities before starting off on your trek.

Location: Kalasa Main Rd, Sheerlu, Karnataka 577142

Timings: Preferably before sunset. Cannot be visited in the monsoons.

Entry Fees: Free.

Kudremukh is a gift that just keeps on giving! One such gift is Rajendra Hill among the many places to visit in Kudremukh, encircled by coffee plantations and standing tall at almost 4705 feet. One of the most important views here is the transportation of iron ore taken over a 5 km ropeway.

The hill is also home to the unique Bababudangiri Guru Dattatreya Dargah, whose doors are open to all, irrespective of caste and creed. Both the trekking routes leading up to the hill offer spectacular views all around and make for an ideal photo shoot spot. A sip of freshly brewed coffee, straight from the plantation and a bite of nature's best offerings. Sounds perfect to us!

Location: Kemmanagundi

Timings: Preferably before sunset.

Built-in 1794 by Tipu Sultan, in memory of his mother, Jamalabee, the Jamalabad Fort stands tall at 1700 ft above sea level, atop an old hill. There are approximately 1800-2000 steep granite steps leading up to the fort and the trek uphill takes approximately 90 minutes.

Once you're at the summit, you can enjoy enthralling views of the Kudremukh Range and its surroundings. You can also find tall elephant grass at the top. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek since it isn't an easy one, but one that definitely makes your trip memorable.

Location: Belthangady, Nada, Karnataka 574214

Timings: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Fees: Adults - Rs. 20/ Children - Rs. 10.

Being surrounded by the Western Ghats, dense forests and the gushing River Bhadra is what makes the Annapoorneshwari Temple location an ideal one. The vibrant entrance is beautiful and there is a spiritual aura around, which makes you feel at peace.

Annapoorneshwari, the Goddess of Food is not as popularly worshipped around India, but Kudremukh is one of them, making this temple special. While there are a few myths around the name, it literally translates to ‘feeding completely’. By providing pilgrims with free food and shelter, the management continues to stay true to its name.

Location: Mudigere – Taluk, Chikamagalur – District, Hornadu, Karnataka 577181

Timings: Morning: 6:30 am - 9:00 am/ Afternoon: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm/ Evening: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm.

Dense forests, lush greenery no matter where you turn and tranquillity all around! That’s what you get when you trek along the Kudremukh Peak, pass through the massive Kudremukh National Park and finally, as you reach the top, you lay your eyes on the gorgeous Western Ghats all around, that you have just conquered.

That’s the adrenaline rush we all love, don’t we?! The Western Ghats is among the hotspots identified for biodiversity conservation in the world, making it a must-visit! UNESCO also marked it a world heritage site and says that it is older than the Himalayas. In simpler words, don’t miss this!

Location: Mudigere, Karnataka.

Hidden within the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Falls is a marvel worth witnessing. Water cascades from a height of 550 feet and divides into big falls and small falls called the Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe, respectively.

Legend has it that the waterfall, originating from springs, is herb-infused and can cure various diseases, so make sure you take a dip or enjoy a refreshing bath while breathing in the beauty of dense forests and coffee plantations around. The spot is in close proximity to the Kalhatti Falls, so you can choose to visit them together.

Location: Chikkamagaluru District, Kesavinamane, Karnataka 577131

Timings: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fees: Rs. 400 for the jeep ride.

Lying within the Kudremukh National Park, the Kadambi Falls flow from a height of 30 feet. This is one of the finest escapades from city life and monotony. While there is plenty of sights to visit around the Kadambi Falls, we advise a trip here during the monsoons to ensure you enjoy the view in all its glory.

The surrounding lush greenery and soft white waters flowing down gently make for an enthralling view, while the crowds around bring along an unmatched joyous feel! Make sure you carry an extra pair of clothes because you will certainly want to take a dip here!

Location: Kalasa Main Rd, Karnataka 577142.

While areas of Kudremukh have numerous Shiva temples, this main Shiva Temple is situated within the town of Kudremukh. Mythology says that when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, Saint Agastya was upset about missing out on the wedding.

Lord Shiva granted his wish and asked him to view the wedding through his vision or 'drishti'. While it is not much here, it continues to be among the top places to visit in Kudremukh, for its ancient history and myths.

Location: Kalasa Main Rd, Karnataka 577142

Timings: 5 am to 8 pm

Entry Fees: Free.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend-long adventure with friends and family, then Kyatanamakki is the place to be! Rugged roads beckon you and once you reach the hilltop, an enchanting panoramic view of the city of Kalasa awaits!

You can opt for a jeep if your car isn’t made for rough roads and if you’re a seasoned biker, you’re going to love the journey! That’s all you really have to do here. Enjoy the journey and sit atop the hill, finding your inner peace.

Location: Horanadu, 22 km from Kudremukh. Pin: 577181

Timings: Weekdays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm/ Weekends 9:30 am - 5:30 pm.

There’s a lot you’re missing out on if you trek through Kudremukh and do not pay the Kalhatti Falls a visit! Among the top places to visit in Kudremukh, Kalhatti is the perfect amalgamation of serenity meeting spirituality. The water cascades over a height of 120 meters and falls right in front of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, where the statue of Lord Shiva resides.

You will also notice three stone carvings of elephants, which lends this sightseeing spot its name. Water gushes along the sides of these massive carvings and if you're lucky enough, you'll spot monkeys and bears for real.

Location: Manchethevaru, Karnataka 577129

Timings: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. Avoid travelling in April-May.

Entry Fees: Free.

Quite far from the populated areas of Kudremukh, lie the remains of the old Kudremukh Church, built way back during the British era. The church also houses a range of murals, etched steeply in history, that seems to be fading with time.

The stand-alone building doesn't have much to offer in terms of architecture, but we'd recommend visiting around Christmas to get a glimpse of the decor within. There aren't many people around, but offering prayers in absolute tranquillity with nature's music nearby is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Location: Kudremukha, Karnataka 577142

Timings: Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 7:00 pm/ Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Entry Fees: Free.

Among the many Kudremukh tourist places, this is by far, one spot that kids, seniors, and people of all ages enjoy equally! Designed to preserve nature's bounty, the Rock Garden is a man-made park offering an array of vibrant flowers and blossoms, which are an absolute treat to the eyes.

You can also watch the deep valleys and mountains encompassing the Bhadra Reservoir, when at the Rock Garden. While you're close to the Bhadra River, make sure to go rafting and get a dose of the adventure Kudremukh has to offer.

Location: Kemmanagundi

Timings: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Entry Fees: Free.

Although a small town, Kudremukh does offer a range of souvenirs to shop for at Janta Market. It is one of the prime shopping locations where you can find the finest locally grown coffee, cereals, and indigenous products, specific only to Kudremukh.

Don’t forget to stop by here and take back a bit of the Southern lifestyle with you.

Location: Kudremukh.

Along the banks of River Bhadra, Kalasa, called the temple town of Karnataka, is a must if you’re looking for a holy experience. The intricate architecture and design leave one spell-bound, while the plethora of dynasties and cultures are worth delving into.

While the main tourist attraction here continues to be the Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kalasa also comprises the Girijamba Temple, the Venkataramana Temple, the Hanuman Temple, the Amba Teertha and a lot more.

Legend has it that Saint Agasthya resided in Kalasa when Lord Shiva married Parvati and pilgrims and local devotees, celebrate the auspicious occasion in the town, till date. The interesting history is what makes this a must among places to visit in Kudremukh.

Location: 22 km from Kudremukh.