Kurinjal Trek – The Hidden Forest Trail of Kudremukh You’ll Fall in Love With

There’s a certain magic in walking through misty forests where every step feels like a journey back in time—far from traffic, screens, and noise. That’s exactly what the Kurinjal Trek offers. Nestled in the heart of Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka, Kurinjal is a quiet, offbeat trail that welcomes you with open skies, rolling meadows, dense forests, and a peaceful summit with views that stretch for miles.

Unlike its more popular cousin Kudremukh Peak, the Kurinjal Trek remains under the radar—making it ideal for those who seek solitude and raw nature. If you're planning a weekend escape into the wild, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Kurinjal Trek is Perfect for Nature Lovers

The Kurinjal trail is part of the Kudremukh Wildlife Division, known for its rich biodiversity and lush greenery. The trek is approximately 7–8 km one way, making it doable in a single day. It’s not too demanding, so beginners with average fitness can enjoy it, while experienced trekkers will still find the scenery and silence refreshing.

You’ll pass through shola forests, open valleys, and hilly ridges with panoramic views. On clear days, the distant Arabian Sea is faintly visible from the summit—a surreal experience you wouldn’t expect from a mid-level trek.

Most importantly, it’s still untouched. No crowds, no litter—just you, your guide, and the forest.

How to Reach Kurinjal Trek Base

Kalasa, a small town in the Chikmagalur district, is your gateway to Kurinjal. From Kalasa, you’ll head to Balagal, where the Forest Department check post is located. This is the official start point for the trek.

Getting there:

From Bangalore (330 km): Overnight KSRTC or private buses to Kalasa are available daily.

By Car: Drive via Hassan – Belur – Kalasa for a scenic journey through the Western Ghats.

Nearest Railway Station: Chikmagalur or Mangalore, followed by a cab or bus to Kalasa.

Important: You must get permission from the Forest Department and hire a registered guide. The trek is inside a protected area, and solo entry is not allowed.

The Trail Experience – Forests, Meadows, and Serenity

We began our trek just after sunrise. The forest was damp from the night’s dew, and the silence was unreal—broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or a bird call echoing through the trees.

The first stretch is through dense forest, where sunlight filters through tall trees, and the trail is soft underfoot. You can expect to see butterflies, ferns, and even wild orchids along the way. After about an hour, the forest thins out into meadows with panoramic views of surrounding hills.

The trail gradually climbs, but it’s not too steep. A few ridgeline walks and rocky patches later, you’ll reach the Kurinjal Peak—a quiet, open summit with sweeping views of the Kudremukh range and valleys below.

We stayed there for a while—sharing snacks, taking photos, and just breathing in the fresh mountain air. The descent took less than 2 hours, and we were back by late afternoon.

Best Time to Visit Kurinjal Trek

The ideal time for Kurinjal is October to February, when the monsoon has passed and the forest is lush and fresh. The temperature stays cool, and the views are crisp.

Monsoon (June to September): The trail is at its greenest but also slippery, with lots of leeches. Only recommended for experienced trekkers.

Summer (March to May): Warmer and drier, but manageable with an early morning start.

We trekked in early December, and it couldn’t have been better—clear skies, green trails, and cool weather all day long.

Budget, Stay, and Trekking Essentials

Stay Options: Kalasa and nearby villages offer plenty of homestays—warm hospitality, basic comforts, and delicious local food. Many homestays also help with permits and guides.

Budget estimate (per person):

Bangalore to Kalasa bus (round trip): ₹1,200

Homestay (1 night, including meals): ₹800–₹1,200

Forest entry + guide fee: ₹300–₹500

Jeep to Balagal (shared): ₹200

What to Pack:

Comfortable trekking shoes with grip

2L water bottle

Rain jacket (if trekking in monsoon season)

Sunglasses, cap, and sunscreen

Trail snacks and packed lunch

Basic first aid and insect repellent

Light backpack (20–30L is ideal)

Safety Tips: Mobile signal vanishes after Balagal. Stick with your guide, don’t stray from the trail, and always inform someone of your plans before entering the forest.

Weekend Itinerary for Kurinjal Trek

Day 1 (Friday night):

Leave Bangalore by overnight bus to Kalasa.

Day 2 (Saturday):

Reach Kalasa by 6 AM

Freshen up and have breakfast at your homestay

Take a jeep to Balagal Forest Office

Start trek by 9 AM

Reach summit by 12:30 PM, rest and enjoy lunch

Descend and return by 4 PM

Relax and stay overnight in Kalasa

Day 3 (Sunday):

Explore nearby attractions like Hanuman Gundi Falls or Kudremukh Peak viewpoint

Start return journey and reach Bangalore by evening

Final Thoughts: Why Kurinjal Is Worth Every Step

The Kurinjal Trek may not be the longest or most difficult trail out there, but it leaves a lasting impression. It’s for those who find peace in silence, joy in untouched forests, and beauty in simple things like walking through a dewy meadow with friends or sitting on a quiet summit.