Escape the concrete jungle of Bangalore and venture into the pristine, untouched beauty of the Western Ghats with Bharat Trotters! The Karushi Gudda Trek in Chikkamagaluru is one of Karnataka's finest hidden gems—an offbeat trail that takes you through emerald rolling grasslands, quiet shola forest stretches, and ridge-line viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding misty hills.
Designed for both beginners and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful getaway, this 2-Day, 1-Night weekend expedition combines thrilling mountain hiking with rich cultural sightseeing. Alongside conquering the summit of Karushi Gudda, you'll walk through the lush green carpets of Samse Tea Estate, visit the iconic Kalasa Hanging Bridge, and marvel at the historic Hoysala architecture of the Chennakeshava Temple. Combined with authentic local cuisine, cozy homestay accommodation, and evening bonfires under the stars, Bharat Trotters promises an unforgettable weekend adventure crafted with safety, fun, and lifelong memories.
Quick overview
Trip essentials
Tour TypeTwo Day Hike
LocationChikkamagaluru Karnataka
Difficultymoderate
Highlights
What makes this trip special
Conquer Karushi Gudda Peak: Hike through offbeat shola trails, mountain streams, and endless green grasslands to reach the summit.
Breathtaking Panoramic Views: Enjoy 360-degree vistas of the Western Ghats shrouded in morning mist and clouds.
Explore Samse Tea Estate: Stroll through endless, fragrant tea plantations perfect for photography.
Kalasa Hanging Bridge: Walk across the suspension bridge above flowing river currents surrounded by lush wilderness.
Heritage Architecture: Visit the ancient Chennakeshava Temple to admire intricate Hoysala stone craft.
Cozy Malnad Homestay & Bonfire: Relax with authentic regional Malnad meals and evening campfire stories under a starry sky.
Please note
Important notes
Govt ID Requirement: Carrying a original government photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, or Voter ID) is mandatory for forest permits and homestay check-in.
Network Connectivity: Mobile network (Airtel/Jio) is intermittent once you cross Kalasa and enter the trekking trail. Treat this as a digital detox!
Atmospheric Conditions: The mountain weather changes rapidly; morning sunshine can turn into sudden light showers or dense fog. Always carry a poncho/rain jacket.
No Alcohol/Drugs: Consuming alcohol or banned substances during the trek or in public trail areas is strictly forbidden for safety and security reasons.
Plan
Itinerary
10 steps
01
10:30 PM – 12:15 AM
Day 0: Late Night Pick-up from Bangalore
Board our comfortable Non-AC vehicle from your designated pick-up location in Bangalore. Meet your fellow Bharat Trotters adventurers and trek coordinators as we begin our overnight road journey towards Chikkamagaluru.
02
06:30 AM – 08:00 AM
Day 1: Arrival & Fresh Up at Homestay
Reach our cozy homestay near Kalasa/Chikkamagaluru in the early morning. Relax, freshen up in clean washroom facilities, and get ready for an exciting trekking day ahead.
03
08:00 AM – 09:30 AM
Day 1: Breakfast & Transfer to Trek Base
Savor a hot, authentic South Indian breakfast, receive your packed summit lunch box from the team, and take a short vehicle drive to the Karushi Gudda trail base.
04
09:30 AM – 01:00 PM
Day 1: Karushi Gudda Summit Ascent
Begin the climb led by expert local guides. Wind through lush green meadows, shaded shola forest stretches, and scenic mountain ridges with sweeping views of the valley.
05
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Day 1: Summit Reach & Packed Lunch
Reach the peak of Karushi Gudda! Unwind at the top, soak in 360-degree views of the mist-clad Western Ghats, capture photos, and enjoy your packed lunch amidst the cool mountain breeze.
06
02:00 PM – 04:30 PM
Day 1: Descent to Base Point & Homestay Return
Descend back along the picturesque trail to the trailhead base and board the vehicle for your transfer back to the homestay.
07
07:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Day 1: Evening Tea, Campfire & Dinner
Relax with warm tea/coffee, gather around a cozy bonfire, participate in group games and icebreakers, and relish a delicious regional Malnad dinner spread before turning in.
08
07:00 AM – 09:00 AM
Day 2: Morning Refresh & Check-out
Wake up to fresh mountain air and hot filter coffee. Savor breakfast, pack your gear, and check out from the homestay.
09
09:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Day 2: Samse Tea Estate & Hanging Bridge Visit
Walk through the picturesque green tea carpet slopes at Samse Tea Estate and visit the famous Kalasa Hanging Bridge over flowing river currents.
10
12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Day 2: Temple Exploration & Return Journey
Marvel at ancient Hoysala stone architecture at Chennakeshava Temple, enjoy a self-sponsored lunch en route, and relax during the scenic drive back to Bangalore, reaching by late evening.
Tickets
Ticket options
Full Tour Package (With Transport)
4499
Per person
Includes round-trip Bangalore transport
Stay
Forest permits
Meals
Guides
Sightseeing
Trip details
Inclusions & exclusions
Included in your trip
What you get
Transportation: Non-AC push-back vehicle for Bangalore-to-Bangalore round trip.
Accommodation: 1 Night stay in clean, cozy homestay rooms/dormitories (separate arrangements for male and female groups).
Rain Protection: Poncho or lightweight raincoat (essential during monsoon/post-monsoon months).
Hydration & Snacks: 2-liter reusable water bottle, energy bars, dry fruits, and ORS packets.
Toiletries & Persona
Policy
Booking and cancellation
Terms & Conditions↬ Minimum Group Size: A minimum batch strength of 10–12 participants is required to execute the trip. In the event of insufficient bookings, Bharat Trotters reserves the right to offer an alternative trek or reschedule your departure.
↬ Permit Restrictions: Forest permissions are regulated strictly by government authorities. If forest permits are unavailable or restricted on Day 1, the trek may be rescheduled to Day 2 or substituted with a comparable local trek/sightseeing itinerary.
↬ Itinerary Flexibility: The timing and sequence of the itinerary may be adjusted on-ground due to extreme weather, heavy traffic, safety advisories, or road conditions.
↬ Accommodation Standards: Stays are clean, rustic, and basic homestays/campsites designed to provide an authentic nature experience. Single or private rooms incur additional charges and are strictly subject to availability. Standard room sharing is separated by gender.
↬ Participant Fitness: Participants must possess basic physical fitness to handle 4–5 hours of outdoor walking. Bharat Trotters is not responsible if a participant is unable to complete the summit climb due to personal physical limitations.
↬ Personal Belongings: Every traveler is responsible for their own luggage, cash, and electronic gadgets. Bharat Trotters assumes no liability for lost or damaged personal items.
Eco-Responsibility & Code of Conduct: Littering, plastics dumping, or harming flora/fauna is strictly prohibited. Respect local customs and team leader instructions at all times.
Cancellation Policy↬ 5+ Days Prior to Departure: 100% refund or full credit roll-over for a future Bharat Trotters trip.
↬ 3 to 4 Days Prior to Departure: 50% cancellation fee applies; 50% partial refund or trip transfer.
↬ Less Than 72 Hours Prior to Departure: Strictly non-refundable and non-transferable due to pre-booked transport, permits, and homestay arrangements.
↬ Cancellations by Operator: If Bharat Trotters cancels the event due to extreme weather, force majeure, or government restrictions, full refunds (processed within 5–7 working days) or alternate trek options will be provided.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Karushi Gudda is a moderate, beginner-friendly trek with a gradual incline through open grasslands and shola forests. Anyone with average daily fitness can easily complete the hike.
100% safe. Bharat Trotters prioritizes safety and inclusivity. We have experienced trek captains on every batch, separate room accommodations for female travelers, and a welcoming group vibe.
We serve fresh, hot, and hygienic local vegetarian meals including traditional Karnataka breakfast (Idli/Vada/Dosa/Pulao), packed lunch items during the hike, and a full dinner spread at the homestay.
Forest entry permits are regulated by local authorities. In rare cases of sudden environmental closures or permit delays, Bharat Trotters provides an alternative offbeat trek in the same region or adjusts the sightseeing schedule to ensure you get a full adventure experience.
Clean and well-maintained washroom facilities are available at our homestay where you freshen up before and after the trek. On the hiking trail itself, natural outdoor breaks are taken in designated forest zones.
Route
Location
Bharat Trotters · secure booking
Choose your departure
Select an available departure, package and pickup point.
