Kurinjal Trek : Best Time to Visit,How to Reach,Tips, Safety, and Budget Planning

Deep in the heart of Karnataka’s Western Ghats lies a hidden trail that few trekkers know about — the Kurinjal Trek. Located within the lush Kudremukh National Park, this trek is a perfect blend of adventure, peace, and raw natural beauty. While many people flock to the famous Kudremukh peak, Kurinjal offers an equally breathtaking experience but with fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with nature.

Imagine walking through mist-covered forests, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves, and watching the sunlight stream through dense canopies. That’s the magic of Kurinjal. The trail is around 7 km one way, making it ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. It’s not just a trek — it’s an immersion into the pure, untouched wilderness of the Ghats.

Why Kurinjal Trek Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

What makes the Kurinjal Trek so special is its diverse terrain. The trail takes you through thick evergreen forests, open grasslands, and rocky paths, each offering a different mood and view. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler and fresher, and the scenery turns from green valleys to misty mountain ridges.

The trek begins near the Kurinjal Base Camp, located about 12 km from the Kudremukh forest office. You’ll need permission from the forest department to enter, as this area is protected due to its rich biodiversity. Along the way, you might spot Malabar giant squirrels, langurs, hornbills, and even traces of deer or bison. The forest is alive with sounds — chirping birds, rustling trees, and the occasional gurgle of hidden streams.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

If you’re planning the Kurinjal Trek, make time to explore the nearby attractions around Kudremukh. A short drive away is the Kudremukh Peak Trek, one of Karnataka’s most popular trails. It’s longer and steeper than Kurinjal but equally rewarding.

You can also visit Hanuman Gundi Falls, located inside the national park. The waterfall cascades down from about 100 feet, creating a refreshing pool at the bottom where trekkers often take a dip after a long hike.

For those interested in history and architecture, the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is a peaceful stop on the way. Dedicated to the goddess Annapoorneshwari, it’s known for its serene setting amidst forested hills.

If you love coffee, don’t miss visiting a few plantations around Kalasa and Kudremukh. Many homestays here offer plantation tours, where you can learn about coffee cultivation and enjoy a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee made from locally grown beans.

Best Time to Visit Kurinjal Trek

The best time to do the Kurinjal Trek is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this period, the skies are clear, and the hills are still lush from the monsoon rains. The temperatures usually range between 15°C and 25°C — perfect for trekking.

If you’re a fan of misty landscapes and don’t mind a bit of rain, you can also plan your trek during the monsoon months (June to September). The forest looks incredibly green, and small streams appear everywhere. However, the trail can get slippery, and leeches are common, so proper trekking shoes and rain gear are a must.

Summer (April to May) is less ideal as it can get warm, especially during midday, though early morning treks remain enjoyable.

How to Reach Kurinjal Trek

Kurinjal is located inside the Kudremukh National Park, which is about 95 km from Chikmagalur and 350 km from Bangalore. Reaching the base point is quite straightforward.

By Road: If you’re driving from Bangalore, take the NH75 route via Hassan and Belur to Kalasa. From Kalasa, Kudremukh is about 20 km away, and the forest office is where you’ll get your trekking permit. Roads are in good condition and scenic throughout.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Mangalore Junction, around 110 km away. From there, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Kudremukh.

By Air: The closest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 115 km from the trek base. You can book a taxi or take a local bus from Mangalore to Kudremukh via Kalasa.

Most trekkers prefer to stay overnight in Kalasa or Kudremukh, as accommodation options near the forest are limited. Many local homestays provide food, transportation, and guidance for the trek.

Tips, Safety, and Budget Planning

The Kurinjal Trek is considered moderate in difficulty, making it suitable even for beginners with decent fitness levels. However, since it lies in a protected forest, it’s important to follow eco-friendly practices. Carry back all your waste, avoid loud noises, and respect the natural surroundings.

You’ll need to obtain permission from the Kudremukh Forest Department, and a local guide is mandatory. The entry fee usually costs around ₹400–₹500 per person, and guides charge ₹600–₹800 depending on the group size.

Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, as the trail includes muddy and rocky sections. Carry enough water, energy snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Since the forest area has limited mobile network coverage, it’s best to inform your family or friends before entering the park.

Budget-wise, Kurinjal is affordable. A weekend trip from Bangalore, including travel, stay, food, and permits, can cost around ₹3,000–₹5,000 per person, depending on how you travel and where you stay.

A Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Start from Bangalore early in the morning and reach Kalasa by afternoon. Check into a local homestay and spend the evening exploring the coffee plantations or nearby waterfalls. Enjoy a traditional Karnataka dinner and rest well for the trek ahead.

Day 2:

Leave for the Kurinjal Trek early in the morning. Get your forest permit at the Kudremukh office and meet your guide. The trek takes around 5–6 hours (both ways). Spend some time at the summit soaking in the panoramic view before descending. After the trek, have lunch at your homestay and begin your journey back to Bangalore by evening.

Why the Kurinjal Trek is Worth Every Step

The Kurinjal Trek isn’t just another hill climb — it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. It’s less crowded, incredibly scenic, and offers the kind of raw natural beauty that’s getting harder to find these days. Whether you’re looking for solitude, photography opportunities, or simply a breath of fresh mountain air, Kurinjal delivers it all.

The journey through the dense forests and grasslands of Kudremukh will remind you why the Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every step here reconnects you to nature — slow, calm, and alive.

So, if you’re planning your next trekking adventure, skip the usual trails and give Kurinjal a chance. It’s not just about reaching the peak — it’s about the peace you find along the way.

The summit itself offers a view that’s worth every step. From the top, you can see endless rolling hills covered in green, dotted with clouds drifting lazily across the horizon. It’s one of those rare moments when you feel completely at peace — just you, the wind, and the vast Western Ghats.