Kurinjal Peak Trek from Bengaluru
Explore untouched forest trails, river crossings and rolling mountain ridges on an adventurous trek to Kurinjal Peak in the Western Ghats.
Escape the city and experience the wild beauty of the Western Ghats with Nomadller’s Tribe on the Kurinjal Peak Trek! Located in Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka, Kurinjal Peak is known for its peaceful forest trails, river crossings, lush grasslands and spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. This relatively less-crowded trekking destination offers an excellent combination of wilderness, adventure and natural scenery. Begin your journey with an overnight drive from Bengaluru towards the Kudremukh region. On the first day, explore the peaceful Horanadu Temple, visit Soormane Falls and enjoy the scenic Kalasa Hanging Bridge before returning to your accommodation for dinner and rest. The main adventure begins early the following morning. Travel towards the trekking starting point and set out through dense forest paths, rocky sections and stream crossings. As the trail climbs higher, the forest gradually opens into rolling grasslands and mountain ridges with beautiful views of the Kudremukh range. Continue towards Kurinjal Peak, enjoying the changing landscape and peaceful atmosphere of the forest. Take a break for your packed lunch, capture photographs of the Western Ghats and begin the descent with your trek leader. After completing the trek, return to your accommodation for refreshments before starting the overnight journey back to Bengaluru. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a reasonably fit outdoor enthusiast looking to challenge yourself, Kurinjal offers a memorable escape into one of Karnataka's beautiful forest landscapes. Trip highlights: Kurinjal Peak, dense shola forests, river crossings, rolling grasslands, panoramic ridge views, Horanadu Temple, Soormane Falls and Kalasa Hanging Bridge. Location: Kurinjal Peak, Kudremukh range, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. Altitude: Approximately 1,159 m (3,802 ft) above sea level. Trek distance: Approximately 12 km round trip. Trek duration: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on the group's pace, weather and trail conditions. Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. Duration: 2 Days / 2 Nights, including overnight travel from Bengaluru. Arrival back in Bengaluru is expected early on the following morning. Recommended season: September to February is generally recommended, particularly during the post-monsoon and cooler months. Forest access remains subject to current weather conditions and official permission. Forest permits are mandatory, subject to availability, and are not included in the package price. Permits should be arranged well in advance. The trek includes uneven forest trails, river crossings, a sustained climb and rocky ridge sections. Good physical fitness, sturdy trekking shoes and following your authorised guide's instructions are essential.
Highlights
- Trek to Kurinjal Peak inside Kudremukh National Park
- Explore lush shola forests and natural forest trails
- Cross streams and follow scenic mountain paths
- Walk through expansive grasslands and rocky ridges
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats
- Experience a peaceful trek away from crowded trails
- Visit Horanadu Temple
- Explore Soormane Falls and Kalasa Hanging Bridge
- Enjoy a guided group adventure from Bengaluru
- Capture memorable forest and mountain photographs
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 region in a non-AC Tempo Traveller or minibus.
- DAY 1 — HORANADU TEMPLE, SOORMANE FALLS & KALASA
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Arrive at the homestay and check in.
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Freshen up and have breakfast.
- 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit Horanadu Temple for darshan and explore the surroundings.
- Lunch: Self-sponsored at a nearby restaurant or through temple prasadam, where available.
- Note: Temple dress code applies.
- 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit Soormane Falls.
- Note: The local jeep ride is self-sponsored.
- 5:30 PM: Visit Kalasa Hanging Bridge and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
- 7:00 PM: Return to the homestay, have dinner and rest.
- DAY 2 — KURINJAL PEAK TREK
- 5:30 AM: Wake-up call.
- 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Freshen up, have breakfast and collect 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 Kurinjal trek starting point.
- 9:00 AM onwards: Begin the trek through forest trails, stream crossings and rocky terrain towards the peak.
- Around 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Stop for packed lunch, depending on the group's progress.
- 2:30 PM onwards: Begin the descent towards the starting point.
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Return to the accommodation for tea and snacks.
- 8:00 PM: Depart for Bengaluru. Dinner during the return journey is self-sponsored.
- 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 collected all belongings before leaving the vehicle.
- IMPORTANT: Timings are indicative. Forest access, permit availability, weather, jeep transfers, traffic and the group's pace may affect the schedule. Confirm the final reporting time and return arrangements with your organiser before departure.
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Bengaluru in a non-AC vehicle
- Shared dormitory accommodation
- Two breakfasts
- One vegetarian dinner
- One packed vegetarian lunch on the trek day
- Trek leaders from the organising team
- Forest or trekking guide
- Basic first-aid kit
Not included
- Mandatory forest entry permits
- Jeep ride to Soormane Falls
- Lunch on Day 1
- 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 2 litres of drinking water, or more as advised by the trek leader
- Lunch box and spoon for packed lunch, if required
- Raincoat or poncho
- Backpack rain cover
- Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- Extra pair of socks
- Flip-flops for the homestay
- Torch or headlamp with sufficient battery
- Portable charger or power bank
- Extra set of clothes
- Waterproof bags for wet clothes
- Energy bars and lightweight snacks
- Chocolates and dry fruits
- Electrolytes or hydration salts
- Tissues and personal hygiene essentials
- Personal medication
- Cash for meals, local transfers and personal expensesNo smoking on the trail. Help prevent forest fires.
- No unauthorised campfires or open flames.
- Do not litter. Carry all waste back with you.
- Do not consume alcohol during the trek.
- Follow your trek leader and forest-department instructions.
- Carry valid identification and secure the required forest permit before departure.
- Stay together as a group and avoid unauthorised shortcuts.
- Wear sturdy trekking shoes suitable for long forest walks and stream crossings.
- Carry sufficient drinking water and follow the guide's advice on hydration.
- Respect wildlife, forest vegetation and local communities.
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell or need assistance.
- Follow forest closures, weather advisories and all route restrictions.
- Do not enter water crossings when the guide considers them unsafe.
