Kudremukh National Park in Chikmangalur
· Summer: March-May (23°C - 25°C)
· Winter: December-February (19°C - 25°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
November-February
Opening Time: N/A
Closing Time: N/A
Weekly Holiday: N/A
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 200
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 1000
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Introduction
Kudremukh National Park perched at an altitude of 1894 m. above the sea level in Chikmangalur in Karnataka is famous for some very good reasons. Named after a hill top that is shaped like the head of a horse, this national park spreads across 600 sq.km.
Tucked deep into the Western Ghats, Kudremukh National Park is made up of four different ranges of Kudremukh, Kerekatte, Kalasa, and Shimoga. The verdant valleys and the lush green tea and coffee plantations around give the park an ethereal beauty sans parallel. The grassy landscape dotted with patches of thickly wooded forests offer an enchanting sight to the visitors.
The park is home to a diverse flora and fauna and is categorized under the Global Tiger Conservation Priority-I, as per the format developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund-USA. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife including tigers, Malabar giant squirrels, langurs, porcupines, wild dogs and gaurs among others, some of which are highly endangered. Kudremukh National Park also holds the distinction of being the origin of three rivers the Nethravathi, the Tunga and the Bhadra. The ancient cave temples of Varaha and Bhagavati attract scores of pilgrims from far and wide.
Adventure lovers would find trekking to the Kudremukh peak an exciting activity. Trekkers are allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls (open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm) is another essential stopover here. Guided walks are the best possible options to explore the park and the surroundings.
Connectivites
Road:
The easiest way toreach Kudremukh by bus is from the state capital Bangalore(360 km.). Both state buses andprivate buses conduct regular services. However, there is no direct bus service from Bangalore to Kudremukh. You have to disembark at Mangalore, Karkala or Kalasa and take buses from there to reach the National Park. Taxis can be hired from either Bangalore or Mangalore to reach the Park comfortably. Cabs can however be expensive and it is recommended to negotiate the rates beforehand.
Railway:
Mangalore railway station (120 km.) is the nearest rail head station. Taxis are available to the park.
Airway:
The closest domestic airport is at Mangalore (130 km.). The nearest International airport is at Bangalore(350 km.).