Upcoming Treks in Karnataka

The Kudremukh trek is every orophile's dream. Kudremukh trek is through steep hills and valleys. The hills, which bear the brunt of the severe monsoon wind, preclude any tree growth as a result the landscape is covered with grass. The valleys which are tucked in, have reasonable protection from wind and a deep soil profile, as a result of which stunted evergreen forests exist creating a unique microclimate, rich with mosses, orchids, etc. The whole scenery of grassland interspersed with narrow strips of forests provide a fantastic vista for a trekker. The totally fresh air and the climb up and down invigorates the body and soothes the soul. During the trek, one can view and study several wildlife species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, etc. About Kudremukh National Park: Kudremukh National Park is spread partly over the thick hilly forests near the coastal plains on the western portion and the shola vegetation on the Western Ghats uplands, covering parts of 3 districts, viz., Chikmagalur, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada. The Kudremukh peak by which the National Park derived its name, is the highest elevation at 1892 meters. Special features of Kudremukh National Park (KNP): KNP is made of steep hills and valleys. The hills, which bear the brunt of the severe monsoon wind, preclude any tree growth as a result the landscape is covered with grass. The valleys which are tucked in, have reasonable protection from wind and a deep soil profile, as a result of which stunted evergreen forests exist creating a unique microclimate, rich with mosses, orchids, etc. The whole scenery of grassland interspersed with narrow strips of forests provide a fantastic vista for a trekker. The totally fresh air and the climb up and down, invigorates the body and soothes the soul. During the trek, one can view and study several wildlife species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, etc. Difficulty level Moderate to Difficult Approx Temperature 20 degree - 27degree Accommodation type Depending on the availability: a)  Be noted its a place in middle of nowhere, NO restrooms are accessible (one has to be dependent on natural resources) b) Dormitories: Ideally big room where people sleep in sleeping bags provided by us. There will be separate rooms for girls and guys. Washrooms Toilets Only at Base Camp. Hotwater etc, as Per Availability. Food Basic Veg Meals (2 Breakfasts, Evening Tea Snacks, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner) Transport Non A/c. Depending on number of participants it can be Tavera/Qualis, Tempo Traveller, MiniBus, Bus, others. Distance from Bangalore 340 kms (one way) Total trekking distance 20 - 22 kms approx. Attraction Beautiful landscape Few important points to note before you decide to register: Click Here read more read less

The beauty of Kodachadri trek located in the middle of Mookambika National Park has existed since time immemorial. The hill get it name from a flowering plant and is also called “Jasmine of the hills”. It is a scenic peak with dense forest cover all around it. With an altitude of 1,343m above sea level it is the 10th tallest peak in Karnataka.  At about 8 AM after freshening up, and a quick breakfast at our homestay, we will proceed to the trailhead, a quarter kilometer drive away. A quick introduction and briefing and then we enter the Jeep trail that ferries pilgrims to the temple up on the mountain. About a kilometer and a half later we deviate off the jeep trail and cross a stream to enter into the jungle (Expect leeches in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons). The trails from here on are not very clear and it is easy to lose our way if we don't remain in one group. This stretch is about 2 kilometers long and passes through thick jungle. We’ll be crossing many small streams on the way. The creatures of the forest give us occasional appearance on the trek to the waterfall. Twenty minutes of scrambling and stumbling up the path after which the trail opens up into an open field with a couple of huts and agricultural land (the last signs of civilization until we hit the peak).  Soon after the clearing we start for the falls, that is about  another 20 mins climb. The trek gets tougher as you’ll be climbing on sharp and slippery rocks on the way. Once you get past it be sure to take a dip at the waterfalls.  Soon after resting and having fun at the falls we continue on the jungle trail to the right. After 30 mins of trekking in the same jungle terrain the path opens up to the grasslands of Kodachadri. The high winds up there don’t allow for a lot of vegetation. But beware this part is very steep with the incline being close to 60 degrees at certain points.Here on, the trail overlooks panoramic views and winds up and over a couple of hills. About 45 minutes later, the trail merges with the jeep trail. We regroup here and proceed to Kodachadri peak which is a 5 minute walk away from there. We will rest and have our packed lunch on the peak, after which we start heading back to the base. Being easier on the knees and easy to navigate when we begin losing light in the evening, the Jeep trail is ideal for reaching back to the base. A 3 hour hike along the trail and we are back to the base camp for a well deserved dinner and sleep. We freshen-up, have breakfast and leave our base-camp by 8 AM and proceed to the Bidanur fort built by Shivappa Naik 30 kilometers away. The fort belonged to the Keladi dynasty of 17th century and gives a complete view of the landscape in all directions. We will spend an hour here and then proceed towards Bangalore only stopping for lunch (self-sponsored). Difficulty level Moderate to Difficult Approx Temperature 30 degree Accommodation type Dormitories: Ideally big room where people sleep in sleeping bags provided by us. There will be separate rooms for girls and guys. Washrooms Toilets Only at Base Camp. Hotwater etc, as Per Availability. Food Basic Veg Meals (2 Breakfasts, Evening Tea Snacks, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner) Transport Non A/C. Depending on number of participants it can be Tavera/Qualis, Tempo Traveller, MiniBus, Bus, others. Distance from Bangalore 380 kms (one way) Total trekking distance 20 - 22 kms approx. Attraction Beautiful landscape, Hidlumane Waterfall. Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

About Place: Ballalrayanadurga is a concealed fort on top of a dense forest in the Western Ghats which stands with shattered walls as a distant reminder of its past when it was built in 12th century by Hoysala Empire. Situated at the height of 5000 feet, the whole valley glitters with natural colors during sunsets and makes an ideal place for trekking and camping with mesmerizing views around. The immersed greenery attracts trekkers at all times of the year. Apart from its historical significance the Ballalarayana Durga fort is also famous as a trekking destination. The most frequented trek route is the one that starts at Mundaje and takes one to the Bandaje Arbi before proceeding to the ruined fort. The trek to the fort is a difficult one and presents quite a few challenges to the trekker.   Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

Uttari Betta is a 5 kms trek across a spectacular lush green landscape which offers a quite unique scenic views similar to western ghats, it is also One of  the Karnataka's greatest day hike. The trek starts from a small village, entering the fort wall and passes through seven doors of stone to reach the halfway point of the hike which has a temple of Shankareswar at the top. The view from the temple top is beautiful enough to seize your mind for a moment. Once we cross the temple, the trek continues ahead crossing a small jungle-cave, experiencing a whole new unexpected world and ends at the grassland top of the hill which is surrounded by huge boulders. After spending some time at the top with little chit-chat and pack lunch, we begin to descend back towards the base point of the trek. Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

Its locally known as Karadibetta because here one can see lots of bear's. This is one of the not-so-popular trekking destination quite close to Bangalore (Just 3 Kms from Kanakapura). At the base of the hill is the Bananthimari temple where animal sacrifices are quite common.  read more read less

Rayakottai trek - the trek to a fort on the hill top is a good one day outing from Bangalore. It’s an easy trek and beginners can complete it with ease. The fort is situated within the town of Rayakottai which is one of the ancient fortress in the Krishnagiri district. It is now one of the protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.In the 18th century Hyder Ali and Tipu sultan ruled this fort. The fort was captured by Major Gowdie during the third Anglo-Mysore War in 1791. According to the Treaty of Srirangapatna, this fort came into the hands of the British. read more read less

Gudibande is a city in Chikkaballapur District in the Indian State of Karnataka. Gudibande Fort was built by a yogi and a local chieftain called Byre Gowda some 400 odd years ago in the 17th century. It was believed that he belonged to the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire. *Caution: -Please don't register if you are very unfit or suffer from weak joints. This event requires basic fitness and a decent amount of stamina. read more read less

About Place : Chennagiri is a part of a hill range near the Nandi Hills area, about 60 km from Bengaluru. The hill range consists of a group of 3 hills is a great weekend trek for anyone who would like a very good introduction to trekking. We begin the trek by walking to the bottom of Chennagiri's ridge on the right side. From here on we will be sticking to this ridge until we near the summit. The terrain consists of arid shrub forests and volcanic boulders that are typical of the deccan plateau region. The trail is challenging and features some of the best views of the Deccan wilderness landscape. The trail ends at the temple pond at the peak. Overall Chennagiri is a 2 hour long hike to the peak with some of the most rewarding views of the untouched landscape. Other famous hills such as skandagiri and Nandi Hills are visible from the peak and make for a picture straight out of a postcard. *Caution: -Please don't register if you are unfit or suffer from weak joints. This event requires basic fitness and a decent amount of stamina Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

About Horagina Betta: Horagina Betta meaning The outside hillock (Aka Nandi One), 65 kms from Bangalore is one of the major hillocks on route to the Nandi Hill Mountain. Due to the presence of Nandi Hills which is a popular tourist destination. Horagina Betta has never been visited by trekkers. The peak hosts a very beautiful Lord Shani-Eshwara temple. A nice drive from Bangalore and good trek makes Channagiri an ideal destination for a day trip. Do carry lots of water and beware of the naughty monkeys at the temple. It is 4724ft. (1440 meters) above sea level. The terrain is very diverse, rocky at some places & evergreen forest on the slopes. The hills are very rich in birdlife making it a very popular location for birdwatchers and bird photographers. The evergreen forest patch on top of the hill being a favored wintering location for many migrant species of warblers, flycatchers and thrushes. The forest patch is also home for a relict population of the Nilgiri Woodpigeon. A breeding pair of Shaheen Falcon, the resident race of the Peregrine Falcon is also often seen here. The Malabar Whistling Thrush, Uropeltid snakes and Pill millipedes which are otherwise known only from the Western Ghats ranges are also found here. The hill slopes are the home of the Yellow-throated Bulbul, a species endemic to the hills of peninsular India. Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less