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The Kudremukha peak trek can easily be described as one of the most beautiful treks in the Western Ghats. The variety in scenery you get on this trek is not something many other treks can boast of. There are streams overflowing with water which have to be crossed, dark shola forests with crisp brown leaves fallen underneath, Bamboo shrubs tall enough to touch the sky, rolling green hills and finally the peak itself where gusty winds can blow you off your feet while the scenery below blows off your mind.
There are several routes to reach the Kudremukha peak. The route described here is through Mullodi starting from Shamse located on the main road 10kms beyond Kalasa.
Kudremukha peak lies in the Kudremukha national park which his home to several species of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open to spot deer, wild foul, peacocks amongst other wildlife. Being a national park has certain implications on trekking. Get a permit from the forest department at Kudremukha town for trekking. Camping is not allowed in the national park. This means that the trek to the peak and the return has to happen in a single day. The peak is at a distance of about 10kms from Mullodi. Pace yourself well to return by dusk.
The drive from Bangalore to the base camp - Mullodi:
Take an overnight bus from Bangalore to Kalasa or if hiring a vehicle, start by 10 p.m. The roads are not at their best and the journey can take you a good 9 hours. Kalasa is the main town of Kudremukha and the town Kudremukha itself is almost deserted now with the closure of the mining business. The forest department office is at the Kudremukha town which is 20kms after Kalasa. Head to Kudremukha only if you have not arranged the permit before hand.
If the permit is got, stop your journey on the main road at Shamse. Shamse is nothing but a cluster of 2 shops, a cross road with a bridge leading to the road. Mullodi is 6kms uphill on a dirt track. Choose to walk the 6kms or else hire a jeep from the shop at Shamse. A jeep costs Rs.500 and about 8 people can fit in the jeep. The 45 minute ride is nothing short of a roller coaster experience. Cling on to the handles in the jeep and experience a ride of your life. The fun multiplies if it has been raining and the roads slushy.
The jeep ride ends at Mullodi. Mullodi is marked by the Somavathi falls on the right and Satheesha – a localite’s house on the left. Satheesha’s house is used as a homestay by trekkers going to the peak. Finish breakfast and other activities quickly and be out on the trail to the peak latest by 9.a.m.
Turn left and follow the gradually ascending trail. The sound of the water falling at the Somavathi falls below stays with you for a distance before falling silent. The trail veers right and notice the vegetation thickening. Once inside the forest trail, cross the first stream of the trek. Avoid the mossy rocks in the water and cross over to the other side. Walk past the shrubby overgrowth under the trees and get set to encounter the second stream on the trail. Come out of the forest sticking to the trail on your right. Spot the lone tree ahead with a wide canopy and an inviting space underneath. You are now at Ontimara – or the lone tree, the first break point on your trek. The trek to Ontimara takes an hour from Mullodi.
Proceed ahead on the single track which is almost flat. Walk silently looking at the hills around for there is a chance to spot deer and other wildlife here. The open trail soon enters a dense overgrowth of trees. The trail ahead plays hide and seek for about an hour entering and leaving the forest cover. Take the next break when you reach the beginning of an open meadow with a small rocky patch at its entrance. This is another place to catch sight of wildlife.
Cross the green field ahead and at the end of it lies the Lobo house. Lobo’s house is a dilapidated building with remnants of a certain Mr. Lobo and his family who used to stay there at some point of time. If lucky, pluck Guavas from the tree in the garden and move ahead. The peak is 3 hours away from the first Lobo house. Cross the second Lobo house which follows soon on your path. Beyond the Lobo houses lie the rolling green vistas of the trek. Look at any direction and see the green carpets going up and down and shining in the sunlight. Follow the single trail ahead which soon begins to ascend.
The Kudremukha peak is visible straight ahead of you but the trail to it is through the right. Map a mental trail to the peak at this point. The path goes up, enters the forest path on the right, comes out of the forest , goes around the hill till the right most edge, climbs straight up to the ridge and goes along the ridge from the right most end to the peak on the left. Brace yourself for a stiff two hours ahead. If its nearing lunch time, it is a good idea to finish lunch before entering the forest patch.
Notice that the forest ahead is predominantly Bamboo. Cross the stream that lies at the beginning carefully as it goes down forming a small water fall. The forest ends in jiffy letting you out into the open again. Soak in the views for they get better as you move higher. The gradual climb ends and the path goes up in a zig zag way to gain height. Climb up straight if you are impatient to hit the ridge. Once on the ridge its a gradual ascent again along it. The peak lies on another hill and is a short stiff climb along the ridge. It takes about 30 minutes along the ridge to reach the peak. The peak is marked by a flag post and on a clear day it is a 270 degree panoramic view of the uneven green carpet below. Gusty winds can hit you at the peak and blow you off your feet too. Take refuge by sitting down rather than stand if that happens to be the case.
Spend about 15 minutes on the base and plan your return to reach Mullodi by dusk. Retrace your path on your way back. Keep in mind that crossing the streams can be a tricky business in receding light.
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