NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Kudremukh National Park is located in the districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur in the Karnataka state. Nestled in the Western Ghats its area ranges from Jamalabad Fort (in the south) in Belthangady Taluk to Narasimha Parvatha (in the north) in Sringeri Taluk. The total area of the park is approximately 600 sq km.

About the park
The park was established in 1916 as a Reserved Forest and was later declared a national park in 1987. It is named after the eponymous peak which looks like a horse face. The three famous rivers of south India - the Bhadra, the Tunga, and Nethravathi have their origin here in this national park.

Flora
The flora of the reserve mainly consists of gum trees, northern black wattle, silky oak, and casuarinas.

Fauna
The reserve is home to several animals such as leopard, tiger, malabar giant squirrel, porcupine, barking deer, giant flying squirrel, mongoose, barking deer, jackal, etc. Tortoises and snakes are prominent reptile species of the park.

Avian-Fauna
Kudremukh National Park is home to several beautiful and enchanting birds such as Malabar whistling thrush, Malabar trogon, imperial pigeon, great pied hornbill, etc.

Reaching there
The nearest railway station and the nearest airport are both located in Mangalore, which is about 130 km away from the park.
From Bangalore one can avail the private or KSRTC operated bus services to reach the reserve. The routes for the bus journeys can be either: Bangalore - Mangalore - Kudremukh; Bangalore - Kalasa - Kudremukh; or Bangalore - Karkala - Kudremukh.

Tourist guidance
Forest Rest Houses located inside the reserve offer quality accommodation facilities. Lodging facilities are also available at Karkala (50 km), Kalasa (20 km) and Sringeri (20 km). The park also offers conducive conditions for trekking. Of course necessary permission for trekking is required from the Range Officers. Kadambi Waterfalls is another major attraction here.

Tourist information
Address: Kudremukh National Park, Udupi district, Karkala - 574104, Karnataka.
Phone: 08258-731183.
Ideal time for visiting: December to February
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm