About Kudremukh Peak
Kudremukh Peak is a prominent mountain peak inside Kudremukh National Park in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, part of the Western Ghats. Rising to about 1,894 metres, its name means 'horse face' in Kannada due to its distinctive shape. Notable for rolling grasslands, dense shola forests and rich biodiversity, it is a protected trekking destination managed by the Karnataka Forest Department and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site cluster.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a strenuous guided trek of about 9-10 km one way from the base village through shola forests, streams and open grasslands to the summit. The peak offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats, mist-covered valleys and the horse-face shaped ridge. There are no structures at the summit; the experience is nature-focused with opportunities for photography, birdwatching and viewing endemic flora and fauna within the national park.
Key highlights
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Distinctive horse-face shaped summit at 1,894 metres in the Western Ghats
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Trek through Kudremukh National Park with shola forests and rolling grasslands
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Panoramic views of surrounding peaks, valleys and forests
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Rich biodiversity with endemic plants, birds and wildlife
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Part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage tentative cluster
History of Kudremukh Peak
The name Kudremukh derives from Kannada 'Kudure Mukha' meaning horse face, referring to the peak's profile. The surrounding area was developed as an iron-ore mining township in the 20th century and the region was notified as Kudremukh National Park in 1987 to protect its Western Ghats biodiversity and shola-grassland ecosystem.
Culture & Context
The peak and surrounding hills are locally significant for their distinctive natural form and are associated with the cultural landscape of the Western Ghats. The nearby village of Kudremukh and Samse area have traditional temples and local folklore linked to the hills and forests.
Route
| By air |
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