About
Kudremukh wildlife division (headquarters Karkala) comprises three protected areas, namely, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. Kudremukh National Park is situated in parts of the Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi districts. It exhibits a mosaic of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and secondary moist deciduous forests. Wildlife found in these protected areas includes tiger, panther, wild dog, bison, elephant (occasional), sambar, spotted deer (introduced in Kudremukh), sloth bear, wild boar, Lion-tailed macaque, common langur, bonnet macaque, varieties of reptiles, and birds, etc.
- Bird Watching
The expanse is an ornithologist’s paradise. Around 200 species of birds are found here. Bird watchers throng here to witness mass migrations and rare species of birds such as the imperial pigeon, great pied hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, and Malabar Trogon.
- Hiking and Trekking
For hikers and trekkers, Rising to almost 1,900 meters, it provides fantastic sceneries overlooking clear skies, rolling hills, thick forests, and rich grasslands. It can be completed easily in a day, also camping is not allowed on the premises of the park. The activity is permitted by the office of the forest ranger (mandatory permit to be obtained) from sunrise to sunset. The permit can be obtained from the Kudremukh town.
History
During the British era, the Kudremukh area was declared as a nature reserve in 1916 for protecting endangered tigers. The Kudremukh township and the nearby regions advanced primarily as a hub for iron-ore mining in the late 20th century. The public sector Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) functioned for over 30 years and established itself as one of the largest iron ore mines in the world, until 2006, when it was closed down on the grounds of environmental hazards to the Kudremukh biodiversity hotspot and issues raised by conservationists to preserve the natural charm of the region. Further propositions were made by the company to build a commercial resort and cater to eco-tourism, but these efforts were in vain due to natural, logical reasons to maintain the sanctity of the place.
Timings Kudremukh National Park
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Trekking hours
All days of the week 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Time Duration for Visiting: 3 – 4 hrs
Best time to Visit Kudremukh Park Karnataka: October to May
Trekking enquires: 08258-298183
| Kudremukh Peak | 18 km |
| Gangadikal Peak | 4 km |
| Kurinjal Peak | 7 km |
| Sita Bhumi Peak | 15 km |
| Valikunja | 14 km |
| Narsimha parvatha | 19 km |
Entry Charges
| Indians | Rs 200/- |
| Child (Indians) | Rs 200/- |
| Indian Senior Citizens | Rs 200/- |
| Foreigners | Rs 1000/- |
| Foreigner Students | Rs 1000/- |
How to Reach Kudremukh National Park?
By Air: Mangaluru International Airport – 96 km
By Train: Mangaluru Railway Station – 100 km
By Road: KSRTC Bus Stand Lalbagh – 55.7 km
Address
Kudremukh National Park, Kudremukh, Chikmagalur, Karnataka, 577101, India
Karnataka Forest Dept. Official site for Kudremukh National Park
Also Read Places to visit in Karnatak
Post Discussion