It was a long weekend of 15th Aug 2014 and I
planned for Kudremukh-Mullayangiri trek with HTC (Hyderabad trekking club). Now
you might wonder how did I bumped into HTC being in Bangalore, thanks to Bharath
who shared this event and invited me to join in.
I couldn’t resist signing up for this trek to ‘Horse-faced’
peak (known due to its resemblance with a horse’s face) known for the
astounding views of lush patches of grasslands and open meadows.
Plan was to reach Kudremukh by evening and camp at Mullodi
village, start trekking Kudremukh peak early morning followed by Mullayangiri
trek the next day, but at times things don’t go as planned. One must be
prepared for the unexpected and be ready for the unplanned events, remember to
live the moment and enjoy it rather being sad…this is one big lesson learnt
from my travel experiences.
 |
| The HTC group |
Day 1: Day long fun journey from Bangalore to Kalasa(around
300kms) was a good ice-breaker for all to know each other. We got late reaching
Kalasa town and hence decided to take shelter near Kudremukh national park
check post. But it being a long weekend, there were a lot of trekking groups
camping and we literally struggled to get some place to camp. All that we
wanted is some open space where we could pitch our tents and stay overnight,
but we had a hard time there to get one L
 |
| With the Kids |
Finally our SOS-a shopkeeper (Mr Bhat) near the checkpost
gave a huge room at his house for our group of 14 and we survived for the night.
I believe I was of some help here since I was the only one knowing kannada, the
local language which helped us talk and negotiate with people for a shelter J
There were small kids at house who helped us get hot water
and it’s good to end the day playing with kids and see their smiling faces. We got
a sound peaceful sleep that night after a long tiring day.
Day 2: We left early morning around 6am and reached balagal
from where we had to board the jeep to reach Mullodi village- the base camp. The
trek started with an adventurous bumpy jeep journey up the steep 7-8kms track
for about 20mins. Watch out for your heads during this ride… I had a good laugh
on the way watching and experience this thrilling ride J.
 |
| At Balagal |
After reaching Mullodi, we got our forest permits and guide-
Jagadish. The trail is pretty traceable, but you have to take the guide along
since it’s under forest jurisdiction.
We started at 8am and I hiked talking to jagadish, Bharath
and Phani getting information about the place, wildlife, camping etc. There are
various peaks in Chikmagalur owing to its mountainous terrain, but the most
spectacular is the Kudremukh Peak. This
trek is around 15-20kms trail and if you are lucky , you could spot wildlife
including bison, deer and giant squirrels.
 |
| Through the forest |
One must hike Kudremukh for the beautiful open lush green
meadows with stunning breathtaking views. We were lucky that it didn’t rain
much and it wasn’t foggy, we got clear views throughout the trail.
One cannot escape leech bites during monsoons. Best way to
get lesser bites is to keep walking and carry salt so that you can detach them
quickly and save some blood J,
but truly there’s no fun without a leech bite ;)
 |
| With Sandeep |
The dense forest with waterfalls and gushing water streams
running along with slippery rocks gets difficult to cross. I would never miss a
getting under a waterfall if I happen to encounter one… Just standing under the
waterfalls letting the chilling water hit your body is like a natural massage which
relieves you of all aches and helps you freshen up.
 |
| Phani and Bharath |
The trek tests you throughout the journey, but the last
stretch to reach the peak is the greatest challenge. You can see your
destination but a long way to go before you get there and one cannot miss the
views you get along the way, it’s beyond expressing in words.
 |
| The Green Paradise |
It was noon when
we reached the peak. We were lucky that the peak wasn’t crowded and we were the
only group there. We had fun time clicking group photos and some fun pictures in
the nature.
Jan Visit: There is a very old palace like structure nearby where the
King stayed and beautiful waterfall very near to this place. I happened to
explore those in my next hike and thanks to Jagadish who guided us to these
places then. Any place is always less
explored in one visit and can never stop surprising you with its hidden
unexplored places everytime you visit it.
 |
| Jan trek to Kudremukh |
 |
| Old fort structure |
After having our lunch, we had to reach the base early so that we could leave for Mullayangiri which was some 100kms of travel.
We reached Mullayangiri late night at 10pm, pitched our
tents and camped that night. It was freezing cold, completely foggy with little
20-30mtr visibility and all that we wanted was to get into our sleeping bags
and have a pleasant sleep after a strenuous trek day.
Day 3:
Mullayangiri peak
We had yummy pulloegare and hot coffee at a stall there and started
our walk to Mullayangiri peak. We couldn’t trek it as it was late, so we decided
to walk up the road to the top, spend time there and departed for
Bangalore.
The view on the top was
covered with fog obstructing the view.
Route: For
Kudremukh trek, you need to reach Kalasa (town located in Chikmagalur district)
by taking overnight bus from Bangalore. Hire a Jeep to reach Mullodi base camp
village which is around 14kms from Kalasa. You can arrange for your overnight
stay and dinner at Mullodi village. Nearby places to visit are Horanadu,
Sringeri, Hanumangundi falls following day before returning back to Bangalore.
Kudremukh is one of the most amazing and adventurous
experiences that you can hope to embark on during monsoon.
Click here to view more photos.
Click here to view more photos.
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Best time to Visit:
During or post monsoon
