Kudremukh National Park National Park

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.

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.

• 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.