Tucked away in the lush canopy of the Western Ghats, the Kurinjal Trek is a lesser-known gem that took me completely by surprise. If you're someone who’s constantly on the lookout for tranquil trails, soul-refreshing nature, and a little dash of adventure without the overwhelming tourist crowd—then Kurinjal might just become your next favorite escape.

I hadn’t heard much about it until a friend casually mentioned it as a “green paradise inside Kudremukh National Park.” And that one line was enough to set my curiosity ablaze. So I packed light, called a couple of close buddies, and off we went to explore what turned out to be one of the most peaceful and picturesque weekend treks I’ve ever done in Karnataka.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about the Kurinjal Trek—from how to get there, when to go, what to expect, and how to truly make the most of this hidden trail.

Setting the Scene: What Makes Kurinjal Trek Special?

Located within the Kudremukh National Park in Chikmagalur district, the Kurinjal Trek is about 14 km (both ways) and is considered moderately easy. But don’t let that fool you. This trail will have you walking through dense shola forests, crossing gentle streams, and eventually reaching a viewpoint that opens up to layers upon layers of mist-covered hills.

What I loved the most? The silence. Unlike the more commercial treks around Bangalore or Coorg, Kurinjal still feels untouched. The air is fresh, the trail is clean, and you can genuinely hear the forest—birds, rustling leaves, and nothing else.

The summit itself isn’t a dramatic rocky peak, but a soft grassland slope that overlooks the Kudremukh ranges, giving you panoramic views of the Western Ghats that stretch endlessly in all directions.

How to Reach Kurinjal: From Bangalore to the Base

Getting to the Kurinjal Trek starting point isn’t too complicated, but you’ll need a bit of planning.

From Bangalore, it’s roughly a 330 km drive (around 7-8 hours). We left late Friday evening and reached the forest checkpoint near Mullodi village by early Saturday morning. The nearest town is Kalsa (also spelled Kalasa), which is well-connected by buses from Chikmagalur or Mangalore.

The trail begins from the Kudremukh Forest Office, where you'll need to register and get permission. Since the trek is inside a protected wildlife zone, forest permission and a local guide are mandatory—this is both for safety and conservation.

There are small homestays in Kalsa that offer packages including stay, food, and forest permits. I highly recommend going through them—they’re not only affordable but also super hospitable. Plus, the local guides they provide know the forest inside out.

The Trekking Experience: Into the Wild Greens

We started the trek post-breakfast around 8:30 AM, after completing the forest formalities. The initial trail was a dream—flat paths flanked by tall trees, with rays of sun peeking through the thick green canopy. It felt like walking into a nature documentary.

About halfway through, the terrain began to undulate, with some mildly steep ascents. Nothing too grueling, but enough to get your heart rate up. And every time we paused to catch our breath, the view kept rewarding us—ferns, orchids, even a few wild mushrooms clinging to tree trunks.

One of the highlights was spotting a Malabar giant squirrel, bright and bushy-tailed, leaping across the branches above us. We also heard (but sadly didn’t see) barking deer and langurs deeper into the forest.

The final stretch opens into a wide grassland. That’s where the landscape changes entirely—from dense green to breezy open hills. Reaching the Kurinjal summit took us about 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. We sat there for almost an hour, soaking in the views and our packed lunch. I’ve rarely felt so at peace.

Best Time to Visit Kurinjal Trek: Seasons Matter

Hands down, October to February is the best window to do the Kurinjal Trek. Post-monsoon, the forest is at its greenest, and the skies are generally clear, making those panoramic views worth every step.

If you’re someone who enjoys the monsoon mist and doesn’t mind slippery trails, June to September offers a more mystical vibe—but be prepared for leeches, muddy paths, and heavy forest department restrictions during peak rains.

Avoid summers (March to May), as it gets humid, and the forest loses a bit of its lush charm.

Travel Tips, Safety, and Budget Advice

A few things I wish someone had told me before the trek:

• Leech socks are your best friend, especially if trekking during or post-monsoon.

• Carry a refillable water bottle; there are a few clean streams along the trail.

• Stick with your local guide—this isn’t a commercial trek with signage or crowds. Getting lost in the forest is a very real possibility.

• Don’t litter. It’s a protected zone and your footprint matters.

As for budget, the entire trip cost me around ₹2,500–₹3,000 including travel from Bangalore (shared), stay, food, and forest permits. Pretty great value for such a serene experience.

Extend Your Trip: Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring

If you’re not in a rush to head back, the region around Kurinjal is packed with natural beauty. Just 15 km away is Hanuman Gundi Falls, a spectacular waterfall inside the national park—definitely worth a visit.

You can also spend a day exploring Kudremukh Peak, one of Karnataka’s most iconic treks. Or visit Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, a serene spiritual spot tucked in the hills.

Kalsa itself is a lovely place to slow down—sit by the Bhadra River, chat with the locals, and enjoy a plate of hot neer dosa with coconut chutney at a roadside eatery.

Final Thoughts: Why Kurinjal Trek Stays With You

I’ve done a fair share of treks in the Western Ghats, but Kurinjal hits differently. It’s not about conquering peaks or chasing adrenaline—it’s about walking gently through nature, listening, feeling, and returning lighter.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just getting started, Kurinjal offers a pocket of pure, untamed beauty that’s rare to find these days. If you're planning a weekend trek from Bangalore or Chikmagalur, add Kurinjal to your list before the secret gets out.