Kudremukh National Park, one of the most beautiful parks of India, is located in the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts of the Karnataka state. It is located around 95 km south-west to Chikmagalur town. Said to be the origin of the rivers Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi, Kudremukh National Park is an expanse of untouched wildlife and greenery! A habitat of a variety of mammals and birds, the park is a wildlife lover’s dream destination for a weekend getaway.
Kudremukh town was previously an iron mining town. There used to be a government run public sector iron ore company. But later, government intervened. To stop the extensive tree cuttings and burning of agricultural practices, the Kudremukh region was declared as reserved one in the year 1916. Later in 1987, it was declared as National Park.
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site. The park offers an opportunity to the visitors for beautiful sight-seeing and also they can enjoy their holiday trip, because the presence of rivers and holy shrines provides a healthy environment. You can get the chance to see many rare varieties of bird and animals here. The mountain reserve is filled with green and semi-green forests.
Other attractions include temple of goddess bhagwathi and a 1.8 m varah image. Kadambi waterfall is one of major tourist place.
Kudremukh National Park Location
Kudremukh National Park is popular for its scenic beauty. It is located in the middle of mountains and is known for all kinds of flora and fauna spread over an area of 600.32 sq km and is 1,894.3 m above sea level. This Park was named after the eponymous peak, which is shaped like a horse face.
The park is divided into four parts Kudremukh, Kerekatte, Kalasa and Shimoga. The park is covered with thick hilly forests, mostly evergreen and semi-evergreen. The park is surrounded by Coffee and Tea plantations on the northern and eastern boundaries.
Three important rivers have their origin here namely Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi. The park is mostly covered with dense forests all around. The place is at an altitude of 1894 m above sea level.
The park encounters a heavy rainfall of 7000 mm in average. The climate is mostly humid full.
Flora and Fauna at Kudremukh National Park
When you start exploring the park, you will find huge varieties of flora and fauna. The park is covered with evergreen forests and grasslands. Splendid species of Eucalyptus, Acacia auriculiformis, casuarinas and grevelliea robusta are found here.
The variety of wildlife can also be seen here. Leopards, tigers, wild dog, Malabar giant squirrel, jackal, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, sloth bear, porcupine, spotted deer, and mongoose are few of the varieties.
The park occupies about 195 species of birds which mainly includes Malabar trogon, great pied hornbill and imperial pigeon. Reptiles like snakes and tortoise can also be found here in plenty.
How to Reach Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh is well connected to Chikmagalur by road. If you want to spend some time in the healthy environment of Kudremukh national park, you are just few miles by air, road or railways. Mangalore airport and railway station is the nearest one, just 130 km from Kudremukh.
Bangalore to Kudremukh
In recent times it is observed that the number of tourists who are travelling to Kudremukh from Bangalore is rapidly growing and thus the number of buses have also increased. Bangalore is at a distance of approximately 330 Kilometers via NH25, from Kudremukh which results 6-7 Hours of Journey which is worth travelling to experience the beauty of Kudremukh. There exist another alternate routes to reach Kudremukh from Bangalore, like if we travel by NH275, the distance is about 380 kilometers and Nh48 also help you reach Kudremukh but this is the longest route possible as it is 400 kilometers approximately.
Kudremukh National Park Entry tickets & timings
The best time to visit Kudremukh national park is after the monsoons from October to May. This time the forests are lush green and the weather is very cool and comfortable. And if you are a wildlife enthusiast then you would love to visit between December to February because it is the peek time to spot plenty of wild animals. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season from June to September because heavy shows can spoil your trip.
The park charges a small fee for entry. They charge Rs. 200/- per person to all Indian visitors and Rs. 1000/- to Foreign visitors.
The topography of this National park carries the best for its tourists. If you are planning for a holiday in greenery and between wildlife, here is the best solution. The accommodation will never be a problem. Just back your bags and get ready for a fine experience for life time.
