Gangadikal Peak Trek from Bengaluru
Trek through misty shola forests, rolling grasslands and scenic mountain ridges to discover Gangadikal Peak in the beautiful Western Ghats.
Escape the city and discover the hidden beauty of the Western Ghats with Nomadller’s Tribe on the Gangadikal Peak Trek! Located in the Charmadi Ghat region of Karnataka, Gangadikal is a scenic mountain destination known for its mist-covered ridges, shola forests, rolling grasslands and panoramic views of the surrounding Western Ghats. If you're looking for an offbeat trekking experience away from crowded trails, Gangadikal offers a refreshing combination of adventure, nature and peaceful mountain scenery. Begin your journey with an overnight drive from Bengaluru towards the Kudremukh region. On the first day, explore the beautiful Samse Tea Estate, visit Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple and discover the scenic Soormane Falls. Continue to the Kalasa Hanging Bridge for photographs and views of the surrounding landscape before returning to your homestay for dinner and an overnight stay. The main adventure begins early the following morning. Travel by jeep towards the Gangadikal trek starting point, attend the trek briefing and begin your ascent through forest trails and rolling grasslands. As the trail climbs towards the peak, enjoy beautiful ridge views and the changing scenery of the Western Ghats. Reach the summit area, take in the expansive mountain views and enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by nature. After spending time at the viewpoint, begin the descent with your trek leader and return to the accommodation for refreshments before the overnight journey back to Bengaluru. Whether you're a beginner with reasonable fitness, a nature enthusiast or an experienced weekend traveller, Gangadikal offers a rewarding experience combining mountain scenery, forest exploration and cultural sightseeing. Trip highlights: Gangadikal Peak, shola forests, rolling grasslands, misty mountain ridges, Samse Tea Estate, Horanadu Temple, Soormane Falls and Kalasa Hanging Bridge. Location: Gangadikallu Gudda Peak Viewpoint, Sheerlu, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. Distance from Bengaluru: Approximately 330–350 km by road. Trek distance: Approximately 8–10 km round trip, depending on the route followed. Altitude:Approximately 1,465 m (4,806 ft) above sea level. Difficulty:Easy to Moderate. Duration: 2 Days / 2 Nights, including overnight travel. The sightseeing and trekking schedule spans the departure night through the return journey on the following morning. Recommended season:September to February is generally recommended, particularly during the post-monsoon months when weather conditions are more favourable for trekking. Forest permits are mandatory, subject to availability, and are not included in the package price. Secure the required permit before departure and carry valid identification. The route includes forest trails, grasslands and a steeper final ridge ascent. Good-grip trekking shoes, sufficient drinking water and following your authorised guide's instructions are essential.
Highlights
- Trek to Gangadikal Peak in the Western Ghats
- Explore lush shola forests and scenic mountain trails
- Walk through rolling grasslands and mist-covered ridges
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
- Experience an offbeat trek away from crowded destinations
- Visit Samse Tea Estate
- Explore Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
- Discover the scenic Soormane Falls
- Walk across the Kalasa Hanging Bridge
- Enjoy a guided group adventure from Bengaluru
How the trip runs
- DAY 0 — OVERNIGHT DEPARTURE FROM Bengaluru
- 10:00 PM: Pickup at Banashankari
- 10:15 PM: Pickup at BTM Layout
- 10:30 PM: Pickup at Silk Board
- 10:45 PM: Pickup at Bellandur
- 11:00 PM: Pickup at Marathahalli
- 11:30 PM: Pickup at Tin Factory
- 11:50 PM: Pickup at Indiranagar
- 12:00 AM: Pickup at Halasuru
- 12:10 AM: Pickup at MG Road
- 12:30 AM: Pickup at Mekhri Circle
- 12:40 AM: Pickup at Yeshwanthpur
- 12:50 AM: Pickup at Goraguntepalya
- Begin the overnight journey towards the Kudremukh and Charmadi Ghat region in a non-AC Tempo Traveller or minibus.
- DAY 1 — SAMSE TEA ESTATE, HORANADU TEMPLE & SOORMANE FALLS
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Arrive at the accommodation and check in.
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Freshen up and have breakfast.
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Visit Samse Tea Estate and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple for darshan.
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch at the temple or a nearby restaurant. Lunch is self-sponsored.
- Note: Follow the temple's dress code.
- 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit Soormane Falls.
- Note: Local jeep transfers and applicable entry charges are self-sponsored unless specifically included in your package.
- 5:30 PM: Visit Kalasa Hanging Bridge and enjoy the scenery.
- 7:00 PM: Return to the accommodation, have dinner and rest.
- DAY 2 — GANGADIKAL PEAK TREK
- 5:30 AM: Wake-up call.
- 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Freshen up, have breakfast and collect your packed lunch.
- Before departure: Confirm forest permit status and complete the required entry formalities.
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Travel by local jeep to the Gangadikal trek starting point.
- 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Trek through forest trails and grasslands towards Gangadikal Peak, enjoying the mountain scenery along the route.
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Enjoy your packed lunch amid nature.
- 2:30 PM: Begin the descent towards the forest check-post.
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Return to the accommodation and relax with tea and snacks.
- 8:00 PM: Begin the overnight return journey to Bengaluru.
- DAY 3 — ARRIVAL IN Bengaluru
- Around 5:00 AM: Arrive in Bengaluru, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Drop-off points: Same as the original pickup points.
- Please check that you have all your belongings before leaving the vehicle.
- IMPORTANT: All timings are indicative. Traffic, weather, forest access, permit availability, local jeep transfers and the group's pace may affect the itinerary. Confirm the final pickup schedule, trek reporting time and return arrangements before departure.
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Bengaluru in a non-AC vehicle
- Shared accommodation in a dormitory or designated tented stay
- Two breakfasts
- One vegetarian packed lunch on the trek day
- One vegetarian dinner
- Trek leader and group coordination
- Forest or trekking guide
- Local jeep transfer to the trek starting point
- Basic first-aid kit
Not included
- Mandatory forest entry permits
- Lunch on Day 1
- Jeep ride to Soormane Falls
- Sightseeing entry charges, where applicable
- Travel, medical or personal accident insurance
- Snacks, bottled water and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Personal medication
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pack this
- Photocopy of Aadhaar card or voter ID for forest permit requirements
- Small backpack for trekking essentials
- At least 1–2 litres of drinking water
- Reusable, non-plastic lunch box and spoon, if required
- Raincoat or poncho
- Backpack rain cover
- Good trekking shoes with strong grip
- Extra pair of socks
- Cap or hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Flip-flops for the accommodation
- Torch or headlamp with sufficient battery
- Portable charger or power bank
- Extra pair of clothes
- Waterproof bag for wet clothes
- Energy bars and light snacks
- Tissues and personal hygiene essentials
- Personal medication
- Cash for lunch, local jeep transfers and personal expenses
- Warm jacket for the early morningNo smoking on the trail. Help prevent forest fires.
- No unauthorised campfires or open flames.
- Do not litter. Carry all waste back with you.
- Avoid single-use plastics and follow forest-department waste rules.
- Do not consume alcohol during the trek.
- Follow the trek leader and forest-department instructions.
- Carry valid identification and secure all required permits before departure.
- Stay with your group and avoid unauthorised shortcuts.
- Wear sturdy trekking shoes suitable for forest paths and grassland slopes.
- Carry adequate drinking water and follow your guide's hydration advice.
- Respect wildlife, vegetation and local communities.
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell or need assistance.
- Follow all forest closures, weather advisories and route restrictions.
- Do not camp inside the national park. Overnight stays must be in authorised accommodation outside the protected trekking area.
