The best way to engulf oneself in the myriad mysteries of nature is to trek through the lush green mystery of the forests, over mesmerizing hills, across mountains, and feel nature, and enhance oneself in its essence! Given the dynamic presence of Western Ghats in the state, Karnataka though much underrated, has the best mountain peaks ideal for trekking. Here are 10 highest peaks in Karnataka that’s worth a visit.
1. Kudremukh
Kudremukh in the Kannada language means ‘horse face’ and it is so appropriately named because one side of the mountain peak, which is among the highest peaks of Karnataka, is almost shaped such that it resembles the face of a horse! Situated in the Chikmangalur district, the starting point of the trek is Samse from where the picturesque pathway leads to Lobo mane, a point just 3-4 hours from the Kudremukh Peak. Trekkers undertake another very beautiful route which starts at Kaikamba. Located within the Kudremukh National Peak, camping is not quite convenient in the area, given the conservation measures of the rare flora and fauna in the park.
(Credits: travelhi5.com )
Kudremukh attributes its popularity to the diverse and interesting wildlife found en route. Wrapped in dense green forest, the trek to Kudremukh almost puts one’s trekking ability to test, given the slippery ground, while the breathtaking waterfalls in the vicinity leaves one spellbound!
2. Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, located in the Chandra Drona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats of the Chikmagalur Taluk. With a height of 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri is one of the best trekking destinations in South India. The trek route is quite enthralling, across the beautiful deep forest, to reach atop two breathtaking waterfalls, and is a paradise for any trekking enthusiast.
(Picture Credit: hoysala homestay )
The starting point of the trek is at Sarpadhari, which as in its native meaning has a path shaped like that of a snake. The whole trek distance is around 3 kilometers to Mullayandri but it can be further extended to Bababudangiri. Camping is forbidden in the area. It takes about 6-8 hours to trek to the highest point of the peak which is at an altitude of 6333 ft.
3. Kumara Parvata
Known as the ‘trekker’s paradise’, Kumara Parvata is one of the most popular and highest peaks of Karnataka ideal for trekking, and it is the treacherous route that which makes it all the more alluring, adding to the challenge; and nonetheless the efforts are paid off given the end result, to reach a place wrapped in beauty and enveloped in calmness! The Kumara Parvata peak is located at a height of about 1712 meters.
The journey to Kumara Parvata starts at the small town called Subramanya, famous for the Kukke Subramanya temple of the snake deity which is a sacred pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The pathway is flat, surrounded by the lush green forest of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and is the perfect to go, get lost in nature!
(Picture credits: trekkerpedia )
4. Pushpagiri Hills
The Pushpagiri Hills located in the Western Ghats is also a wildlife sanctuary with rich flora and fauna. It is also known as the Subramanya Hills, which with an altitude of 5626 ft is the second highest peak in Coorg, Karnataka. Beautiful forests, valleys and hills make it one of the most ideal places for trekking expeditions. There is the Kukke Subramanya Temple in the vicinity.
The Trekking starts from the forest checkpoint at the base of the Pushpagiri Hills. 3-4 hours route across dense forest, wet grasslands, over rocky terrain. There is a small temple located at the peak dedicated to Kumara Swamy. Mostly trekkers exit through the nearby Kumara Parvatha, and camp at Girigadde.
(Picture Credits: Trek Hub )
5. Kodachadri
Located on the Shimoga District of Karnataka, the Kodachadri Peak stands out for the aesthetic view of the sunset across the Arabian Sea. Embedded in a spiritual essence, with the legends encircling the mountain, the Kodachadri Peak is one of the highest peaks of Karnataka.
(Picture Courtesy: Trip Advisor )
There are several routes to the trek, one of which starts from the Nagodi Village, another route is from Kollur which reaches Nagara in Shimoga, though it is especially used by devotees visiting the divine Mookambika Temple situated in the vicinity. Kodachadri is graced by many waterfalls, whilst, the Hidlumane waterfalls is the most thrilling. There are also the Arasinagundi Falls. The old Nagara Fort, located nearby adds an old world touch to the area, while the backwaters of the Linganamakki dam on the Saravathi River, makes up the background. The place is best for amateur trekkers.
(Picture Credits: Trek Earth )
A town in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Madhugiri is famous for a hill which has the second largest monolithic rock hill in the Asian continent. With an altitude of 3,930 feet, the hill in Madhugiri has become a popular destination for trekkers. On the hill slopes, there is the Madhugiri fort, named aptly so because of the honey bee colonies abundant back in the day, while a ruined temple is located at the top.
The trek starts at Tumkur and deviates into two, one of which is Koratagere and another via Siddara Betta, both of lead to Madhugiri.
7. Agumbe
Agumbe is very popular destination for trekking expeditions, with its rich flora and fauna, which makes up for a beautiful route. Known as the ‘Cherrapunjee of the South’, Agumbe receives the heaviest rainfall in the region. Agumbe attracts adrenaline junkies, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, all in their own right!
(Picture credits: Trek Hub)
Well connected by road, rail and air, Agumbe has two wildlife sanctuaries, the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. Agumbe offers a fascinating sight of the setting sun paint a beautiful picture across the Arabian Sea at the sunset point. There are many waterfalls located in and around Agumbe like the Barkana Falls, Onaki Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls, all making up picturesque picnic spots. The Varahi River forms the Kunchikal Falls which is the second highest in the country. The Gopalakrishna temple, with its intricate and magnificent architecture, adds to the beauty of the place.
8. Brahmagiri Hills
A mountain range in the Western Ghats, the Brahmagiri Hills is in the borderline of the Karnataka state in the north and Kerala in the south. Located at a height of 1608 meters, Brahmagiri along with being one of the highest peaks of Karnataka is also a scenic tourist destination, wrapped in dense forest and interesting wildlife. There is an ancient temple with giant pillars, the Thirunelli Temple, situated in the Kerala side of the Brahmagiri Range, which is much revered by the Hindus.
(Picture Credits: Holiday Mango )
Pakshipathalam located at an altitude of 1740 meters at the Brahmagiri Hills, also is good for trekking and even has the Munikal cave that adds some dynamic essence. The beautiful Iruppu Falls formed by the Lakshmana Tirtha River is located in the vicinity. Mythological tales encircle this mountain range which offers quite a few vibrant trekking options.
(Picture Credits: My free wandering spirit )
One of the highest peaks in Karnataka, Tadiandamol literally means the highest point in the Kodava language and is actually the highest point in Kodagu. Located at a distance of more than 250 kilometers from Bangalore, Tadiandamol is one of the most challenging treks, given its topography.
The trek begins at Virajpete; en route there are the remains of an old palace, popularly known as ‘Nalku Naadu Aramane’, where there is a stopover place known as the Aramane stop, while the peak is at a distance of 6 kilometers from there. The best time to visit the peak is at winter when the hill slopes are enveloped in hanging clouds, adding a mysterious allure to the trek route. There are many mountain streams forming small waterfalls through hill nooks, which add an aura of beauty to the place.
10. Kalavaarahalli Betta
Just a few kilometers from Bangalore, located off the road from Bellary, the Kalavarahalli Betta is situated at a much lesser altitude. It is situated quite close to the Nandi hills and the Chikkaballapura and derives its name from the village of the same name where it is located. The place is sought after by trekkers because the peak offers a spectacular night trek, after which trekkers can watch the sunrise at dawn.
Furthermore, the fort of the dynamic Tipu Sultan is a major tourist attraction, which exits even today. There are two caves located in the vicinity and at the end of the cave; there is a temple, revered by the local people. With the clouds lingering over, hanging on to peak, blanketing it in white beauty, the Kalavarahalli is indeed a heaven on earth!
(Picture Courtesy: Chaukhat.com)
Frequent searches leading to this page:-
highest peak in Karnataka, pushpagiri hills, mountain peak sequence, top 10 districts in Karnataka, Karnataka tourism packages, Karnataka tour packages from Delhi with flight, Best places to visit in Karnataka, top things to do in Karnataka
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
