There are many places around India which are less explored or less popular in the western/foreign crowd and one of them is definitely the state of karnataka.
Travel is often restricted to the northern part of India specially Delhi,Taj mahal(Agra) Jaipur and max Mumbai, even though the Himalayas have gained popularity amongst trekkers and mountain lovers, the northeast and the southern part of India in always overseen as a person from Southern side of India I would love to show you some breathtaking and ‘worth the visit’ places as much as I can.
In this blog I will be covering one such place which has been a local favorite and I believe should be reaching a wider range of people.
What are the offbeat places I can visit in and around Kudremukha?
Didupe Falls –
A pristine falls nestled between the depth of western ghats, Didupe lies in the Belthangdi Taluk not far from the famous Dharmastala – A famous cultural center and temple located in Karnataka.
Though not a very famous falls Didupe has only mesmerized the eyes of it’s viewers, specially during the monsoon it’s a place to really be at!
Around 26km from the town of Belthangdy the falls is situated in the village of Didupe and small hike through the forests for around 1.5km to 2km it takes us to the falls.
Best Season to visit : October to December would be the best time to visit the place as monsoon time would have extreme flow during this season and summer gets quite hot in the region and best avoided.
How to reach:Leave from banglore via KSRTC/Durgamaba/Sugama and reach Ujire and take a local transport to Didupe which is 23kms away form Ujire and then take a local guide to the falls
Time required for trek: 30 minutes
Entry fees – Free
Cost: Bus 1000 + Taxi/jeep 1000 = Rs.2000
Contact info
Kadama homestay: +91 +91 9481755206
Image courtesy- Mohit Sudhakar
“A serene waterfall cascading down rugged cliffs, a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace.”
Gangadikal Trek –
Gangadikal trek is an offbeat trek not yet as popular as it’s sister peaks like Kudremukh,Kurinjal,Bandajae etc
Starting from the kerekatte forest check post Gangadikal trek will be around 6-7kms from the starting point even though it’s quite easy trial which goes through typically Shola forests and Shola grasslands.
For a seasoned trekker typically 2:30-3 hours would be enough at a good pace with some small breaks taken in between,
As for a beginner he/she would need 4-4:30 hours for reaching the peak as it might be a little overwhelming with all the rain,slushiness and the adrenaline rush altogether it’s quite an experience for a new person entering into an addiction called ‘Trekking’.
Best season to visit : June to October would be the best time to visit this monsoon wonder
More details on this trek will be posted on another blog.
Time required for trek: 4-5 hours ( As a beginner)
Cost :Bus 1000+ Jeep 200 + Trek fees 500 + Guide 100 = Rs.2000 (Per person for a group )
How to reach : The best way to reach to the starting point as of now is by taking a jeep from a local homestay your staying at typically it would cost 2000-3000 for the jeep services for to and fro which can be split between the number of people in the jeep
Contact Info: This is the homestay which I personally prefer and have been visiting since almost 8 years and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND it from my side
Bella Homestay :+91 9110684643/9483800447
Image Courtesy- Aswin
“Cloud filled trial of Gangadikal”
Kalchukki/Hulimane/Badmikonda –
There are couple of treks which are around the Bamikonda region which lies in the southeastern border of the park there are multiple treks like Hulimane, kalchukki and Bamikonda viewpoint etc most of these treks relate to the the estate or the homestay which reside in it’s foothills and offer an authentic side of the ‘Malenadu’ style stay and food experience which can be cherished for a long time.
Many of these homestay’s provide a variety of local delicacy like Akki Roti with Cocunut Chutney, Puliyogare etc also they work as local guides for some of the treks which are held nearby.
What makes this a unique experience is actually the kind of peace and quiet it offers and also with a lesser crowd compared to other treks around the area makes it a perfect weekend getaway form Bengaluru.
Best time to visit : October to February would be the perfect time to visit the hilltop as monsoon makes it extremely slippery and difficult while descending the hill even though ascending is still possible it’s best avoided.
Time required for trek: 5-6 Hours
How to reach: Reach kalasa travelling overnight from banglore via bus KSRTC/Durgamaba/Sugama
Cost : Bus 1000 + Trek 500 + Guide 100 = Rs.1600
Contact info :
Shola Heights,Baamikonda
+91 9449620070
Kalchukki Homestay
+91 8317477379
“The heart shaped farm ” – At Shola Heights
Gadiakallu Gudda/Jamalu Gudda –
Perched atop the rugged slopes of the Western Ghats, Gadaikallu or Jamalu Gudda stands as a silent sentinel of Karnataka’s rich history. This imposing monolithic rock, once home to Jamalabad Fort built by Tipu Sultan Jamalbee being his mother’s name it is said this fort was named in honor of her, the hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. A challenging trek to its summit rewards adventurers with remnants of the ancient fort and a deep connection to the region’s strategic past. Steeped in history and myth, Gadaikallu is not just a trekker’s delight but a window into the forgotten tales of a bygone era.
Best time to visit : October to February would be the perfect time to visit the hilltop as monsoon makes it extremely slippery and difficult while descending the hill even though ascending is still possible it’s best avoided.
Time required for trek: 1.5hours
How to reach: Reach Ujire or belthangady via bus from banglore KSRTC/Durgamaba/Sugama and take a taxi from the bus station to Gadaikallu which is around 8kms.
Entry fee – Rs.40
Cost : Bus 1000 + Entry 40 + Taxi 300-400 = Rs.1340 (per person for group of 4)
Contact info :
Nisaraga Homestay,Dharmastala
+91 8971407736
Image courtesy- Google
“A winter light in the ghats”
Bhagwathi Nature Camp-
The stay at bhagwathi nature camp which is located inside of the the Kudremukh national park on the kalasa main road is an excellent option to explore the surrounding hills and also gain some incredible knowledge about the local flora and fauna from the amazing guides present in the camp, it’s a true abode of beauty right in middle of the national park.
As a part of the Jungle Lodges and resorts family which is a eco-tourism chain of ‘Luxury’ resorts which is run by forest department of karnataka promoting eco-tourism and sustainable travel and been a success since the 1980s
Best time to visit : June to December would be the perfect time to visit the hilltop as monsoon makes it extremely slippery and difficult while descending the hill even though ascending is still possible it’s best avoided.
How to reach: Reach kalasa from banglore in a overnight bus KSRTC/Durgamaba/Sugama and request for a ride from the property they would pick you up for free if you’re lucky! or might be charged around 1000-1200 for taxi.
How to book the stay : You can book the stay through booking.com or tripadvisor websites but the bets way to book is to book through the official website of Jungle lodges and resort
Bhagawathi Nature Camp (Click on this for redirection of the booking website)
Cost : Bus 1200 + Treks 500 = Rs.1700
Contact Info:
Bhagvathi Nature camp JLR
Manager: Mr.Shivanand G Harikantra
Contact Number: 9449597875/6360940069
Email: bhagavathi@junglelodges.com
Image courtesy- Jungle Lodges and resorts
“Serenity amidst chaos”
Kodige Falls –
Kodige falls is situated in the quaint coffee estates amongst the village of Durgadahalli which is also a place another beautiful viewpoint in the region called Rani Jhari,Though it’s a popular waterfalls in the local travel agencies it’s still widely infamous with the general crowd
Best season to visit: Ideal time would be monsoon or post monsoon as the mist filled morning would look something from a dream land
How to reach: A local bus towards Sunksaale get of at Rani Jhari coffee shop and hire a Jeep which would cost around 1000Rs with a capacity of around 15-18 people per jeep and the drive is just about 4km from the coffee shop.
Entry fees: Rs.30
Cost : Bus 1200 + Local bus 30 + Jeep 150 + Entry fees 30 = Rs.1700
Contact info :
For jeep service
Mahesh – +91 9148899859
Ganesh – +91 9480491878
Image courtesy: Aswin
“A monsoon paradise “
I know there are many more offbeat places around kudremukha feel free to comment on the post so me and many more people who are really interested could visit the places.