Kudremukh National Park
National Park Biodiverse national park and mountain range in Karnataka
Protected area in Karnataka’s Western Ghats centered on the Kudremukh massif; hikers come for marked trails, montane grasslands, forested slopes and multi-day trekking routes.
Kudremukh National Park is a protected area in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, centred on the Kudremukh mountain range and associated montane ecosystems. It conserves a mix of evergreen forest, shola-grassland mosaics and rich wildlife.
The park is valued for its montane rainforest, grasslands and fauna including large mammals and a wide variety of bird species; it contains a network of trails used for day hikes and multi-hour treks to viewpoints and ridgelines. The protected area is a focus for nature-based recreation and scientific study of Western Ghats biodiversity.
The area was designated a national park in 1987 to strengthen conservation of the high-rainfall Western Ghats habitats; it has also been the subject of debates and legal action concerning iron-ore mining in and around the range. Management aims to balance biodiversity protection and regulated visitor use.
Kudremukh National Park lies in the Western Ghats of southwest India, within parts of Chikkamagaluru and neighbouring districts of Karnataka. The landscape is mountainous and forested, forming part of the broader Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
- Establishment: Declared a national park in 1987 as part of efforts to conserve Western Ghats montane forests and grasslands.
- Best time to visit: Trekking and hill walks are most commonly undertaken in the drier months from October to March when trails are more accessible.
What to See #
- Kudremukh Peak: The highest massif in the park and a common trekking target that provides panoramic views over the surrounding Western Ghats; reached via marked trails used by local trekkers.
How to Get to Kudremukh National Park #
Kudremukh National Park is in Chikmagalur/Bijapur region of Karnataka. The nearest major towns are Chikmagalur and Udupi; travel by road from Bangalore or Mangalore followed by local roads to park entry points. Public transport reaches nearby towns; private vehicles or arranged transfers are recommended for the final approach.
Tips for Visiting Kudremukh National Park #
- Hire an experienced local guide for multi-day treks and to navigate the park's remote ridgelines.
- Plan visits for the dry season (November-April) to avoid monsoon-era mud and slippery tracks.
- Carry a detailed topographic map and emergency supplies; some routes are remote and unmarked.
Best Time to Visit Kudremukh National Park #
Dry season (November-April) is the safest and most pleasant time for trekking and park access.
Weather & Climate near Kudremukh National Park #
Kudremukh National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (6672 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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May
May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (1412 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (2375 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (1785 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (537 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (228 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
