Kudremukh

Kudremukh, located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, is named after the distinctive horse-faced shape of its main peak, which is also the third highest peak in the state. The region is known for Kudremukh National Park, a vast protected area spanning over 600 square kilometers within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s 38 biodiversity hotspots.

The park features dense tropical wet evergreen forests and is rich in wildlife, including tigers, elephants, Malabar giant squirrels, and numerous bird species. Kudremukh is also famous for its scenic trekking routes, waterfalls, and rivers, such as the Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravati, which originate in the park.

Once a mining area, the former Kudremukh iron ore mine was shut down to preserve the environment, allowing the area to focus on conservation and eco-tourism. The park offers visitors opportunities for trekking, wildlife safaris, nature walks, and visits to mythologically significant sites like the Bhagavathi shrine and the Varaha cave, making it a popular destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.