Treks around Chikmagalur, Not to be missed

Trekking in Chikmagalur is famous because Chikmagalur is in the heart of the famous trekking spots in Karnataka. Also, most of the trekking in Chikmagalur happen within 100 Km of the town.  Here is the list of top five trekking spots in western Ghats around Chikmagalur district of Karnataka in south India.

Mullayanagiri trek, Chikmagalur:

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. One can reach Mullayanagiri peak top by vehicle or one can also trek to Mullayanagiri peak from down via “Sarpadhari trail”. From Mullayanagiri the trek goes to Bababudangiri hills range ending at Manikhyadhara waterfalls.

Mullayanagiri peak is almost 20 kms from Chikmagalur town. The whole trek is around 12 kms involves walking at the ridge from Mullayanagiri to Bababudangiri. Here is the complete Mullayanagiri to Bababudangiri trek guide. This trek is one of the most famous trek near Chikmagalur

Kemmangundi trek, Chikmagalur:

kemmagundi trek is around 60 kms from Chikmagalur or around 2 hours of drive. kemmangundi is a part of Bhadra wildlife sanctuary in Chikmagalur district. Apart from the trek to famous Z-point, Kemmangundi is also known for small waterfalls on the way and house stays. Here is the complete Kemmangundi trekking guide, Chikmagalur

Sakleshpur railway trek:

 Sakleshpur railway trek is one of the most beautiful treks in south India near Chikmagalur. It is one of the most famous treks around Chikmagalur district. Though a district in itself, Sakleshpur is situated almost 60 kms from Chikmagalur. The railway trek start from Sakleshpur railway station along the railway line to Yedakumari railway station. 

There are a lot of waterfalls, rail girder bridge, and tunnels along the 20 km of trekking. Though Sakleshpur railway trek is banned, however, people still go there. Please be mindful that this trek is mostly in the news because trekking along the railway trek is illegal. So, do your homework before you commence on this hike. Here is the complete guide of Sakleshpur- the green route railway trek

Kumara Parvatha trek:

Kumara parvatha trek is said to be the toughest trek in Karnataka. It is also one of the famous treks around Chikmagalur. Kumara Parvatha trek begins from Subrahmanya town which is around 120 km from Chikmagalur. Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the most beautiful, toughest and scenic treks in South India. Here is the complete Kumara Parvatha trek guide.

Kudremukh trek:

Kudremukh trek is situated around 100 km from Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Though one of the famous but still not many people attempt this trek, the reason being its location. However, this should be on to do list for treks. Know here the complete Kudremukh trek.

Agumbe Ghat or Narasimha Parvatha trek:

Agumbe ghat trek also known as Narasimha parvatha trek is one of most popular among trekkers in South india because of its dense forest, snakes, and wildlife. It is also one of the famous treks around Chikmagalur. Agumbe trek starts from a point called

Agumbe trek starts from a point called Kigga which is around 90 kms from Chikmagalur district in Karnataka. Here is the complete guide about Agumbe trek.

Kurinjal Trek:

Lying in the Kudremukh national park, Kurinjal trek is another famous trek which is situated around 90 Km from Chikmagalur. Kurinjal trek is around 7 Km one side and it takes around four hours to reach the top and another three hours to come down. The Kurinjal trek can be covered in a single day.

Jenukal Gussa Trek

From Pandavar Gudda or the Betta Byraveshwara Temple, you can trek to Jenukallu Peak, the second-highest in the state. Also known as ‘honey stone mountain’ or “Hodachalli”, Jenukal Trek of 8 kilometres will challenge your skill and treat you with the coffee plantations, green woods and the views of the Arabian Sea and the peaks namely Sheshaparvata, Kumara Parvata and Ettina Bhuja. 

Jenukallu, Jenukal or Jenkal Gudda is 40 kilometres from Sakleshpur and from Betta Byraveshwara Temple, your round trip trek will take more or less 4-5 hours. the initial ascent is gradual and therefore, easy to walk along while the final stretch requires proper skill as it is very steep including a number of narrow paths running through rocky terrain with vertical fall on another side. Avoid climbing during monsoon as these paths especially become very tricky and risky, same goes for the Deepadha or Diggallu Kallu clubbed with the Jenukal Betta that remains shrouded in thick mist resulting in low visibility.