Conquer the mist-laden peaks of Kudremukh National Park with Bharat Trotters — a 10 km weekend wilderness escape through Shola forests, rolling ridges, and serene tea estates.
Escape the urban hustle of Bangalore and step into the raw, emerald paradise of the Western Ghats with Bharat Trotters' Kurinjal Trek. Soaring to an altitude of 5,751 feet within the heart of Chikmagalur’s protected Kudremukh National Park, Kurinjal Peak offers one of Karnataka's most pristine and serene trekking trails.
Spanning a 10 km round-trip distance, this moderate trek leads you through ancient Shola forest canopies, sparkling mountain streams, and sweeping alpine grasslands. Unlike heavily crowded trails, Kurinjal retains a untouched charm where you can hear the melodies of Malabar Whistling Thrushes and catch glimpses of native wildlife.
With Bharat Trotters, your weekend getaway is completely taken care of — including comfortable round-trip transfers from Bangalore, official forest entry permits, cozy homestay accommodation, authentic local Malnad meals, and expert trek leaders. Topped off with a visit to the lush Samse Tea Estate and historical Belur Temple, this 2-day journey is the ultimate blend of adventure, nature, and cultural discovery.
Quick overview
Trip essentials
Tour TypeTwo Day Hike
LocationChikmagalur, Karnataka
DifficultyModerate to Difficult
Distance10 km
Highlights
What makes this trip special
Conquer 5,751 Ft Altitude: Summit one of Chikmagalur's most striking peaks with 360-degree views of the Kudremukh mountain range.
Dense Shola Forest Trail: Walk through thick canopy forests, natural root-paved paths, and crisp mountain streams.
Lush Rolling Grasslands: Experience green hillscapes reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands during post-monsoon and winter months.
Heritage & Plantation Visits: Explore the carpeted slopes of Samse Tea Estate and admire Hoysala architecture at the ancient Belur Temple.
Cosy Homestay & Campfire: Relax in local Malnad homestays with warm regional food and an evening bonfire under the stars.
Please note
Important notes
Trek Difficulty: Moderate. Suitable for beginners with basic stamina as well as experienced trekkers.
Total Distance: ~10 km round trip (5 km uphill, 5 km downhill).
Luggage Advice: Leave your main luggage at the homestay / transport vehicle. Carry only a light daypack (15–20L) containing water, rain gear, camera, and packed lunch during the hike.
Network Connectivity: BSNL works sporadically; Airtel and Jio have limited to zero coverage in the deep forest zones.
Plan
Itinerary
10 steps
01
07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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 embark on an exciting overnight drive towards Chikmagalur.
02
06:00 AM – 08:00 AM
Day 1: Arrival & Homestay Check-in
Reach our serene homestay nestled amidst the greenery of Chikmagalur. Freshen up in the cool mountain breeze and relish a hot, authentic South Indian breakfast to fuel up for the trek ahead.
03
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Day 1: Base Reach & Permit Formalities
Drive to the Kudremukh Forest Department Checkpost. Receive a quick briefing from your trek captain, collect packed lunch, and complete mandatory forest entry registrations.
04
09:30 AM – 01:30 PM
Day 1: Ascend Trail & Shola Canopy Hike
Begin ascending the 5 km trail towards Kurinjal Peak. Hike through thick Shola forest canopies, cross natural streams, and trek along rolling alpine ridges while taking in sweeping valley views.
05
01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
Day 1: Reach Peak & Panoramic Summit Views
Reach the summit of Kurinjal Peak at 5,751 feet. Unwind, take in mesmerising 360-degree views of the Kudremukh mountain range, and enjoy your packed lunch at the top.
06
02:30 PM – 05:30 PM
Day 1: Descent to Base & Evening Refreshments
Descend back along the trail to the base point. Board our vehicle and head back to the homestay for hot tea, coffee, and evening snacks.
07
07:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Day 1: Campfire, Games & Authentic Malnad Dinner
Gather around a warm campfire under the starry night sky. Enjoy group games, music, and engaging conversations followed by a delicious home-cooked Malnad dinner. Gather around a warm campfire under the starry night sky. Enjoy group games, music, and engaging conversations followed by a delicious home-cooked Malnad dinner.
08
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Day 2: Morning Estate Walk & Check-out
Wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy a warm breakfast, pack your bags, and complete check-out formalities at the homestay.
09
10:00 AM – 01:30 PM
Day 2: Samse Tea Estate & Belur Temple Exploration
Visit the sprawling green Samse Tea Estate for photography, then proceed to the ancient Belur Temple to witness brilliant Hoysala architecture and historic stone carvings.
10
02:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Day 2: Return Journey & Drop-off in Bangalore
Stop for a self-sponsored lunch en route. Relax during the comfortable drive back to Bangalore, reaching your respective drop-off points late in the evening with cherished memories.
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 / AC Tempo Traveler or Bus for round-trip Bangalore-to-Bangalore travel.
Accommodation: Homestay stay on a sharing basis (separate facilities for men and women).
Permits & Fees: Mandatory Forest Department entry permits and checkpost charges.
Guide & Captains: Certified Trek Leaders and local Forest Department Guides.
Sightseeing: Visits to Samse Tea Estate and Belur Temple.
Plan separately
Not included
Friday night dinner and Sunday en-route lunch.
Personal expenses, bottled water, beverages, or snacks.
Off-road jeep charges (if required due to rain/unpaved road conditions).
Anything not explicitly mentioned under Inclusions.
Before you go
Pickup & trip preparation
Meeting points
Pickup locations
1Majestic: Shanthala Silks & Sarees — 07:00 PM
2Rajajinagar: Opposite Sagar Hotel Bus Stand (Near Navrang Theatre) — 07:30 PM
3Yeshwanthpur: Metro Station Gate (Towards Tumkur Road) — 08:00 PM
4Gorguntepalya: People Tree Hospital Entrance — 08:15 PM
Packing checklist
Things to carry
Backpack: 15–20L small daypack for the trek + 1 main luggage bag for homestay.
Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good rubber grip + 2 pairs of cotton socks.
Clothing: Comfortable quick-dry trek pants, full-sleeve t-shirts, jacket/sweater for chilly evenings, and a raincoat/poncho.
Hydration & Snacks: 2 reusable water bottles (minimum 2 Liters total), ORS packets, dry fruits, energy bars, and chocolates.
Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, an
Policy
Booking and cancellation
Terms & Conditions↬ Identity Verification: All participants must carry a valid original Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving License) for Forest Checkpost verification.
↬ Forest Department Rules: Kurinjal Peak falls under the restricted Kudremukh National Park zone. Permits are issued daily by the Karnataka Forest Department on a first-come, first-served basis. Bharat Trotters is not liable if entry is restricted due to sudden government regulations or eco-zone closures.
↬ Environmental Integrity: We enforce a strict Zero-Trace & Eco-Trekking Policy. Single-use plastics, littering, alcohol consumption, and smoking during the trek are strictly prohibited.
↬ Health & Fitness: Participants must be in good physical health. If you have preexisting cardiovascular conditions, asthma, or severe joint issues, please consult a physician prior to booking.
Unforeseen Events: Itinerary timings and routes are subject to change due to weather conditions, landslides, VIP movements, or local administrative orders. Any extra expenses incurred due to unexpected delays will be borne by the participant.
Cancellation Policy↬ 30 Days or More Prior to Departure: 90% refund of the total booking amount or 100% transferrable credit voucher for future Bharat Trotters trips.
↬ 15 to 29 Days Prior to Departure: 50% refund of the total package cost.
0 to 14 Days Prior to Departure: Non-refundable (0% refund) due to pre-booked non-cancelable forest permits, transportation, and homestay slots.
↬ Transferability: You may transfer your seat to a friend/family member up to 48 hours before departure at no additional charge, provided government permit formalities allow name replacement.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
The Kurinjal Trek is a 10 km round-trip hike (5 km uphill, 5 km downhill) with a moderate difficulty rating. Beginners with reasonable fitness levels can easily complete it within 5 to 6 hours.
Yes, absolutely! Bharat Trotters ensures safety with verified trek leads, separate female accommodation at homestays, and high security protocols throughout the journey.
The best time is from September to March. Post-monsoon months offer vivid green landscapes and mist-capped valleys, while winter provides clear skies and pleasant trekking weather.
Basic washrooms are available at the base homestay and forest checkpost. There are no washroom facilities along the 10 km natural forest trail.
Yes, you can choose our "Without Transport" package variant and directly meet our group at the Chikmagalur base camp/homestay.
Route
Location
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