EXPLORE THE FORESTS OF KUDREMUKH

Kudremukh is a small hill town, located on the Kudremukh mountain ranges of Chikmaglur district in Karnataka. Owning a striking natural landscape full of thick green forests that are abundant in wildlife, makes it an exciting destination for forest exploration treks. Natural pathways descending the rolling hills of Western Ghats look exceptionally beautiful with a rare collection of orchids and interspersing rivers-The Nethravathi, Tunga and Bhadra.

A lesser-known paradise, Kudremukh is called so because of its 'horse-face' like mountain range situated here. This secluded hill station is situated at a height of 1894 mts, 95 km from the Chikmaglur town in South India. It calls travelers to explore its lovely caves placed in the tropical wet green forests and the hints of civilization that can be found on its virgin lands.

The scenic splendor of the cross-linked peaks here transforms into a mystical aura when tourists navigate the deep valleys blanketed by thicks forests, which is home to many wild creatures including the lion tailed Macaques. For the daredevils, the advice would be to venture out in the Kudremukh National Park, which is home to scary Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs and Sambars. The National Park was formed in 1987 and is a Wildlife Protected Area.

Adding to the wildlife charm, there are also a multitude of avi-fauna species that make the trip more exciting for avid bird-watchers and bird lovers. There are around 195 species of birds that can be spotted here including Malabar Whistling Thrush, Imperial Pegion and the Malabar Trogon. There are several camping facilities provided in the park too, that are fully equipped with tented accommodations and dormitories. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company, India's largest iron ore mining company, is also situated within the park.

Apart from the wild attraction, the mesmerizing view of the Hanuman Gundi Falls, which descends from a height of more that 100 ft, will also win you over. Its the immaculate scene and the peaceful silence, broken only by the gushing sound of the waterfall, that makes you surrender to the unmatchable surroundings.

The holy city of Hornadu, located close to Kudremukh, is known for the temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the one who bestows food. The shrine holds a gold statue of the deity, and also a recently added statue of Goddess Adi Shakti. Another holy site is Gangamoola, which is known as the Varaha Parvat. At an altitude of 1458 m, it is the point where the three rivers, Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi, originate. It is also enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

While your trip to Kudremukh, don't miss to check out the Lakya Dam, constructed at a height of 100 m above the sea level, by Kudremukh Iron Ore Company. The place attracts quite a large number of visitors, who get attracted by the picturesque surroundings beautified by hills, forests and rivers.

-by Shikha Priyadarshini