Here’s everything you need to know about Kurinjal Peak Trek—a hidden gem of the Western Ghats located within Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka. While Kurinjal itself is a peak rather than a waterfall, the trail features several stream-fed cascades and mini-waterfalls along the way:
🌿 About Kurinjal Trek
🏞 Trail Experience
- Kurinjal Peak sits at approximately 1,100 m (3,600 ft), reachable via a 7 km/one‑way moderate trek through evergreen forests and grasslands.
- Expect to walk through shola forests, grass meadows, and traverse multiple small streams and seasonal waterfalls, especially vibrant during or just after monsoon.
⏱ Distance & Duration
- Total distance: ~14 km round trip
- Time: 5–6 hours including breaks
🌱 Flora & Fauna
- Trek through biodiversity-rich terrain—birdlife (e.g. hornbills), Malabar giant squirrels, endemic plants and orchids thrive here.
🚰 Waterfalls & Streams
Though there’s no large waterfall like Hanumana Gundi here, the trail features multiple small cascading streams that enrich the trek:
- During monsoon, several mini-waterfalls emerge beside the trail, perfect for short refreshment stops or photos.
- Some trekking groups describe discovering a natural brook, like a private spa spot, on the return leg leading up to Kurinjal Peak.
📍 Getting There
- Nearest town: Kalasa (~100 km from Mangalore or ~330 km from Bangalore).
- From Kalasa: hire a jeep to Balagal/Bhagavati Nature Camp forest check-post, where you register and obtain your permit and guide.
- A forest guide is mandatory due to park regulations—as solo trekking is prohibited.
🕒 Best Time to Visit
- Optimal window: October to February — post-monsoon greenery, clear skies, and cooler temperatures.
- Monsoon (June–Sept) offers lush forests and flowing streams, but trails become slippery and leeches are common—best avoided unless you have experience and proper gear.
🎒 What to Carry & Tips
- Essentials: trekking shoes, insect repellent (especially for leeches), rain gear (during monsoon), snacks, packed lunch, and min 2 L water.
- Eco-conscious practice: Avoid plastic packaging, stick to the trail, and carry out all trash. Guides enforce strict no-litter rules.
📋 Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Peak Elevation | ~1,100 m (~3,600 ft) |
| Trail Length | ≈ 7 km each way (~14 km total) |
| Duration | 5–6 hours round-trip |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Water Features | Several small streams, seasonal cascades on trail |
| Guide & Permit | Mandatory via forest check-post |
| Best Season | October–February |
| Nearby Attractions | Elaneeru Falls (~11 km from Kalasa), Hanumana Gundi Falls (~20 km), Kudremukh Peak, Sringeri Temple |
✅ Why Kurinjal Trek is Worth It
- Ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty—less crowded than mainstream treks like Kudremukh or Kumara Parvatha.
- Flawlessly scenic transitions—from dense forests to meadows and misty summits with panoramic views.
- A chance to walk alongside gurgling streams and waterfalls flowing through untouched terrain, especially rewarding during the monsoon.
🗺️ How to Reach Kurinjal Peak Trek (Near Kalasa)
🚌 By Road:
- From Mangalore:
- Distance: ~100 km
- Route: Mangalore → Karkala → Kalasa → Balagal → Bhagavati Nature Camp (Forest Check-post)
- Time: ~3.5 to 4 hours by car
- From Bangalore:
- Distance: ~330 km
- Route: Bangalore → Hassan → Belur → Kalasa → Balagal
- Time: ~7 to 8 hours
🚖 You can hire a cab or drive to Kalasa. From Kalasa, you need to take a local jeep or 4×4 to reach Bhagavati Forest Checkpost — the base for the Kurinjal Trek.
🚆 By Train:
- Nearest railway station:
- Mangalore Junction (MAJN) – about 100 km away
- From the station, you can take a taxi or bus to Kalasa, then proceed to the checkpost.
✈️ By Air:
- Nearest airport:
- Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – ~105 km
- From the airport, hire a cab to Kalasa or Kudremukh town.