Kurinjal

Kurinjal sits in the shadow of its more famous neighbour, and that's the point - the trail sees a fraction of Kudremukh's footfall while covering similar ground: mixed shola forest, open grass ridges, and a summit that clears above the canopy on a good day. It's shorter and gentler than the main Kudremukh climb, which makes it a sound choice if you want the feel of a Western Ghats summit without committing to a full day of hard elevation gain.

The trail begins at Bhagavathi Nature Camp on the Bhadra river, the last dependable water point before the climb. An early stretch follows a forest road before narrowing into trail proper, alternating between shola forest cover and open grassland as it gains height. A viewpoint roughly 1.5 km before the top is a natural pause on a clear day, before a steeper final push to the peak. Total distance is roughly 12-16 km out and back, depending on how the initial road-walk is counted, and most groups take 4-6 hours including breaks. Forest access, route availability and permits are governed by the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara system and can change with the season - always confirm current status before booking.

• A quieter alternative to the crowded Kudremukh summit trail, inside the same national park
• Shola forest giving way to open grassland as the trail climbs
• A viewpoint roughly 1.5 km short of the summit, worth the pause on a clear day
• The Bhadra river at the trailhead - the last reliable water source on the route

Fitness level required: moderate. Group size runs 6–14 people.

• Trekking shoes with ankle support
• Rain cover / poncho
• 2L water capacity
• Headlamp

• Trek leader carries a first-aid kit and satellite communication where network is unavailable
• Group pace is set by the slowest member, not the fastest
• Weather-based rescheduling takes priority over the itinerary

Kudremukh National Park requires a Karnataka Forest Department permit for the Kurinjal route, booked in advance through the official Aranya Vihaara portal. A certified nature guide is mandatory, and a daily cap on trekker numbers applies. Availability is seasonal and can change with forest department notifications - always confirm current access rules before booking.

A ₹1,000 Booking Advance secures your booking request. Final confirmation is issued only after operational and permit verification. The advance is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it blocks your spot in the group.

If we cancel a trek due to weather, safety, or forest department restrictions, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.

A certified nature guide is mandatory on this route per current Forest Department requirements.