Gangadikal Trek from Bangalore (2026) – Kudremukh National Park, Shola Forest & Booking Guide
Discover Gangadikal's unexplored beauty with our trek from Bangalore. Ideal for nature enthusiasts. Book now for special trekking offers!
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₹4,999
₹2,999/ person
Trek at a Glance
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Max Altitude
6,217 ft (1,455 m)
Distance
10 km
Difficulty
Easy
Pickup → Drop
Bangalore → Bangalore
Category
Western Ghats Trek
Gangadikal Trek Highlights
Gangadikal Peak at 6,217 ft (1,455 m) — summit one of Kudremukh National Park's quieter peaks for solitude, panoramic Western Ghats views, and pristine Shola forest wilderness
10 km trek through Shola forest — traverse dense Shola grasslands and montane evergreen forest in the heart of Kudremukh National Park with rich biodiversity and rolling hill views
Somavathi Waterfall & Samse Tea Estate — Day 2 sightseeing includes a scenic waterfall and a picturesque working tea plantation in the Chikmagalur hills
Belur Chennakeshava Temple — visit one of Karnataka's finest 12th-century Hoysala masterpieces with unparalleled intricate stone carvings
Homestay with bonfire evening — stay in a cozy forest homestay near Kudremukh with home-cooked meals, a bonfire, and starlit Western Ghats skies
Forest permit included in ₹2,999 — Karnataka Forest Department permit is covered in the base price (40% off from ₹4,999)
Gangadikal Trek from Bangalore – Kudremukh National Park, Shola Forest, Peak Views & Booking Guide
Gangadikal Trek is a hidden gem among Karnataka treks — a 10 km round-trip journey through the Shola forests of Kudremukh National Park to a 6,217 ft peak that rewards trekkers with sweeping Western Ghats panoramas and rare forest solitude.
Why Gangadikal Trek Is Worth Doing — While Kudremukh Peak gets most of the attention, Gangadikal offers a quieter, equally stunning alternative within the same national park. The trail is less frequented, well-shaded, and packed with biodiversity.
Trek Distance and Difficulty — The trek covers 10 km through Kudremukh National Park's Shola forest and is rated Easy, accessible for beginners and families with basic fitness.
Altitude — The summit is at 6,217 ft (1,455 m) — high enough for cool temperatures and cloud-level views without the demands of higher altitude treks.
Duration — 2 Days / 1 Night. Depart overnight from Bangalore on Friday, trek on Day 1, sightsee on Day 2, and return by 10:00 PM.
Shola Forest of Kudremukh — The Shola forest ecosystem is one of South India's most biodiverse habitats — montane evergreen forest interspersed with rolling grasslands, home to leopards, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, and hundreds of endemic bird species.
Gangadikal Peak Views — The summit offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Western Ghats — rolling forested hills, valley mist, and clear-day vistas across Chikmagalur's coffee and tea landscapes.
Somavathi Waterfall — On Day 2, visit the scenic Somavathi Waterfall in the Chikmagalur region, a refreshing and photogenic stop after the trek day.
Samse Tea Estate — A picturesque working tea plantation in the Chikmagalur hills, offering serene rows of manicured tea bushes and a peek into Karnataka's tea industry.
Belur Chennakeshava Temple — A 12th-century Hoysala masterpiece, the Belur Chennakeshava Temple features some of the most intricate stone carvings in India — a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Forest Permit — A Karnataka Forest Department entry permit is required and included in the base price. Trekking in Kudremukh National Park is regulated — groups must stay on designated trails and follow park guidelines.
Best Time for Gangadikal Trek — The ideal season is September to February. Post-monsoon (Sept–Nov) brings lush green landscapes; winter (Dec–Feb) offers clear skies and crisp trekking temperatures.
Gangadikal Trek Price — ₹2,999 per person (40% off from ₹4,999), inclusive of transport, accommodation, meals, and forest permit.
Accommodation — Overnight stay in a homestay near the Kudremukh forest base with dorm or twin-sharing rooms, home-cooked meals, and a bonfire evening.
Gangadikal from Bangalore Distance — Approximately 350–380 km via NH75 through Chikmagalur, covered overnight by non-AC pushback seater.
Pickup Points from Bangalore — Indiranagar – Karachi Bakery, Domlur – Union Bank, Yeshwantpur – Metro Station Market Exit, Gorguntepalya – People Tree Hospital. Exact pickup time confirmed after booking.
Is Gangadikal Trek Good for Beginners? — Yes. The 10 km shaded forest trail, guided group format, jeep access to base, and all-inclusive package make it an excellent first forest trek from Bangalore.
Booking the Gangadikal Trek — Book directly on the Backpackers United website. Select your departure date and contact the team at +91 83108 22183.
Gangadikal Trek Itinerary
The following itinerary gives a day-by-day breakdown of the Gangadikal Trek. Day 0 covers the overnight departure from Bangalore. Day 1 is the 10 km trek through Kudremukh National Park's Shola forest to Gangadikal Peak at 6,217 ft. Day 2 covers sightseeing at Somavathi Waterfall, Samse Tea Estate, and Belur Chennakeshava Temple before the return drive to Bangalore.
Overnight Departure from Bangalore
Board your overnight non-AC pushback seater from Bangalore at the designated pickup points. Your trek lead will be present at each stop to confirm attendance.
Pickup points in order:
Indiranagar – Karachi Bakery (approximately 10:00 PM)
Domlur – Union Bank (approximately 10:20 PM)
Yeshwantpur – Metro Station Market Exit (approximately 11:00 PM)
Gorguntepalya – People Tree Hospital (approximately 11:20 PM)
Travel overnight via NH75 through Chikmagalur toward Kudremukh National Park. Arrive at the homestay in the early morning hours of Day 1.
Gangadikal Peak Trek – 10 km through Shola Forest
Early morning jeep ride from the homestay to the Kudremukh National Park Forest Check Post. After permit verification, begin the 10 km trek to Gangadikal Peak through the Shola forest:
Forest Check Post to Shola Forest Entry — Trek begins through rolling grasslands into dense Shola forest canopy; watch for Malabar giant squirrel, hornbills, and endemic Western Ghats flora
Shola Forest to Mid-trail Ridgeline — Steady ascent through alternating Shola canopy and open grass ridges with panoramic views of the Kudremukh range gradually opening up
Packed lunch break — Pause at a scenic rest point along the trail for packed lunch with Western Ghats views
Summit — Gangadikal Peak (6,217 ft / 1,455 m) — Reach the summit for sweeping 360-degree views of rolling forested hills, deep valleys, and the Western Ghats skyline
Descent back to base — Return along the same trail through the Shola forest; reach homestay base around 5:00 PM
Evening at the homestay: freshen up, enjoy a hot dinner, and gather around the bonfire for stories and light music under the forest sky.
Somavathi Waterfall, Samse Tea Estate, Belur Temple & Return
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Begin the morning with breakfast at the homestay before checking out for a full day of sightseeing in the Chikmagalur region:
Somavathi Waterfall — A scenic waterfall in the Chikmagalur hills — a refreshing and photogenic stop after the trek day
Samse Tea Estate — Walk through manicured rows of tea bushes at the Samse Tea Estate in the rolling hills of Chikmagalur; one of Karnataka's most picturesque plantation landscapes
Belur Chennakeshava Temple — Visit the 12th-century Hoysala masterpiece celebrated for its intricate carvings, sculpted pillars, and architectural perfection (entry fee self-funded)
Self-sponsored lunch — Stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the return route
Begin the drive back to Bangalore in the afternoon. Arrive in Bangalore around 10:00 PM, completing a memorable two-day Western Ghats forest trek.
Best Time to Visit for Gangadikal Trek
The best time for the Gangadikal Trek is September to February when the Shola forest is lush post-monsoon and the Western Ghats winter brings crisp trekking temperatures and clear summit views. The Karnataka Forest Department restricts trekking in Kudremukh National Park during the peak monsoon months of June to August due to heavy rain and slippery trails. Plan your booking between September and May for the best experience.
Sep – Feb
Best Season
The ideal window for Gangadikal Trek. September to November brings lush green Shola forest scenery and cool misty mornings after the monsoon rains. December to February offers clear skies, crisp trekking temperatures, and the best visibility for panoramic summit views. Forest trails are well-defined and leech activity is minimal in winter months. Highly recommended for first-timers and families.
Mar – May
Warm Season
Temperatures rise to 25°C–32°C across the Chikmagalur region. The trek is operational but warmer. The Shola forest remains green in early months and drier trails mean less leech activity. Early morning start is recommended to avoid afternoon heat on the open ridge sections. Carry extra water and sunscreen.
Jun – Aug
Restricted
The Karnataka Forest Department restricts or closes trekking in Kudremukh National Park during peak monsoon months due to heavy rainfall, slippery Shola forest trails, and flash flood risk. Avoid planning a Gangadikal Trek between June and August. The forest reopens in September — plan for post-monsoon for the most vibrant landscape conditions.
Trek Route Breakdown
The Gangadikal Trek route is a 10 km round-trip forest trail inside Kudremukh National Park starting from the Forest Check Post. The trail passes through dense Shola forest and open grassland ridges before reaching the Gangadikal Peak summit at 6,217 ft. The terrain is gradual throughout with no technical sections, making it manageable for beginners with basic fitness.
Forest Check Post to Shola Forest Entry
~2 km ~45 minThe trek begins at the Kudremukh National Park check post after permit verification. The trail opens through rolling grasslands into the dense Shola forest canopy. This section is relatively flat and sets the rhythm for the day with views of the surrounding Western Ghats hills.
Shola Forest to Upper Ridgeline
~2 km ~1 hrThe trail ascends steadily through alternating Shola forest and open grass ridges. This is the most scenic and biodiversity-rich section — watch for endemic birds, Malabar giant squirrel, and the gradual reveal of panoramic Western Ghats views. Packed lunch is taken near the upper ridgeline.
Upper Ridgeline to Gangadikal Peak Summit
~1 km ~30 minThe final push to the Gangadikal Peak summit at 6,217 ft along the open ridgeline. The summit offers sweeping 360-degree views of rolling forested hills, deep valleys, and the Western Ghats skyline stretching into Chikmagalur's coffee and tea landscapes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Transportation from Bangalore and back (non-AC pushback seater)Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner on Day 1Breakfast on Day 2Experienced driver and trek lead throughout the tripKarnataka Forest Department entry permit for Kudremukh National ParkSightseeing as per itinerary (Somavathi Waterfall, Samse Tea Estate, Belur Temple)Homestay accommodation near the Kudremukh forest baseAll applicable taxes
What's Excluded
- Entry charges to sightseeing locations (Belur Chennakeshava Temple and others)Jeep ride from homestay to forest check post (self-funded if applicable)Dinner on Day 2Self-sponsored lunch on the return journey (Day 2)Personal expenses and tipsAnything not mentioned under inclusions
What to Expect
Gangadikal Trek is a well-paced forest trek ideal for trekkers who want the Western Ghats Shola forest experience without the overcrowding of more famous peaks. Day 1 is the core of the trip — a 10 km round-trip through Kudremukh National Park's Shola forest to Gangadikal Peak at 6,217 ft. The trail is mostly shaded, gradually ascending through alternating Shola canopy and open grassland ridges. Your trek lead ensures a comfortable pace throughout, with packed lunch served mid-trail and a bonfire return at the homestay.
Day 2 shifts into a relaxed sightseeing format. Somavathi Waterfall offers a scenic morning stop, while the Samse Tea Estate's rolling green rows are among the most photogenic landscapes in Chikmagalur. The Belur Chennakeshava Temple is the cultural highlight — a 12th-century Hoysala masterpiece with stone carvings so intricate they draw visitors from around the world. The afternoon is a gradual drive back to Bangalore.
The homestay experience at the Kudremukh forest base is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip. Rooms are clean, food is home-cooked, and the bonfire on the first evening creates a warm group atmosphere. The overnight bus journey is in a non-AC pushback seater comfortable for the 350 km trip. The all-inclusive pricing at ₹2,999 covers transport, accommodation, meals, and the Karnataka Forest Department permit.
Accommodations
Homestay accommodation near the Kudremukh National Park forest base, Chikmagalur district. Rooms are available in dorm or twin-sharing format with clean facilities and home-cooked meals. The homestay provides dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on both days. A bonfire is arranged on the evening of Day 1 — weather permitting — with forest sounds and starlit Western Ghats skies creating a memorable overnight forest experience.
Backpackers United Team
Backpackers experts will accompany the entire trip, and local backpackers will join us along the way.
Forest Entry Permit
Protected forest reserves here operate on a strict slot-based entry system. Every trekker must carry a valid permit issued through the Aranya Vihara portal before the checkpost.
Permit
Included in Package
Certified Guide
Mandatory & Arranged
How Forest Entry Permits Work
Your forest entry permit is pre-arranged and fully included — no separate booking needed on your end.
Permits are issued by the Karnataka Forest Department through the official Aranya Vihara portal.
Carry a valid government-issued photo ID on trek day — Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence.
Your assigned guide will hold the group permit and present it at the forest checkpost on arrival.
Daily entry slots are strictly limited; confirming your booking locks in your permit slot automatically.
Your permit is sorted. Just keep a valid photo ID handy on trek day. Prefer to arrange your own? Follow our step-by-step guide.
Things to Carry
Trekking backpack (30–40 L) with rain cover — essential for the 10 km forest trek; leave larger luggage at the homestay
Sturdy trekking shoes with ankle support — the Shola forest trail has muddy, uneven terrain, especially post-monsoon
Quick-dry trekking trousers and full-sleeve T-shirt — full coverage recommended in dense forest for leech and insect protection
Rain jacket or poncho — Kudremukh receives heavy rainfall and the forest is often misty even outside monsoon
Warm layer or fleece jacket — temperatures at 6,217 ft drop significantly in the evenings and early mornings
Water bottle (2–3 L) — minimal water sources on the forest trail; carry enough for the full 10 km trek
Packed snacks — energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolate for mid-trail energy during the ascent
Leech socks or carry salt — essential in the Shola forest, especially post-monsoon; leeches are common on this trail
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm — for open ridge sections with direct sun exposure
Trekking pole (optional but recommended) — helpful on the muddy forest descent sections
Torch or headlamp with extra batteries — for early morning departures and use around the homestay
Personal medications and basic first-aid kit — antiseptic cream, band-aids, and any prescription medicines
Cash (₹500–₹1,000) — for temple entry fees, jeep rides, personal café stops, and tips
Starting from
₹4,999
Local Expert
Leave planning to our Bangalore team. 50,000+ treks. 7 years.
Call us anytime
+91 83108 22183
Frequently Asked Questions
17 questionsHow can I reserve my slot ?
You can directly reserve your slots by booking on the website, please ensure proper dates are selected before confirming your booking.
How can you confirm your booking?
You can reach out to Backpackers United to get details about your booking and other important information related to your tour packages.
Is it safe for Women travellers ?
Safety and Security Guidelines are followed at all times, and it is our topmost priority. We have certified trek leads (Male/Female) accompanying the participants at all times and our stay follows well-rounded safety measures.
What payment options do I have ?
We have multiple payment options on the website that you can refer to.
where is Gangadikal Peak located?
Gangadikal Peak is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, near Kudremukh National Park in the Chikkamagaluru district.
Do I need to carry my luggage all the way during trekking?
You don't have to carry all your extra belongings along the trek. Instead, you can leave them at the campsite or homestay and only take the essential items for the trek, such as raincoats, a flashlight, a water bottle, a lunchbox, and any valuables.
Are there any restroom facilities available along the Trekking route?
Restroom facilities are not available along the trekking route, so it's recommended to utilize these facilities before commencing the trek.
What is the best time to go for Gangadikal trek?
The best time to go for the Gangadikal trek is typically during the post-monsoon season, from September to February, when the weather is cool and the landscapes are lush and green.
What is the altitude of Gangadikal Peak?
Gangadikal Peak stands at 6,217 ft (1,455 m) above sea level within Kudremukh National Park. The altitude is comfortable for beginners — cool temperatures at the summit without acclimatisation concerns.
Is Gangadikal Trek inside Kudremukh National Park?
Yes, the Gangadikal Trek is entirely within Kudremukh National Park in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. A Karnataka Forest Department entry permit is required and is included in the trek price.
What is Shola forest and what wildlife can we see?
Shola forest is a montane evergreen forest unique to the Western Ghats, interspersed with rolling grasslands. On the Gangadikal trail you may spot Malabar giant squirrel, hornbills, leopards, gaur, and a wide variety of endemic birds and butterflies.
Are there leeches on the Gangadikal Trek?
Yes, leeches are common in the Shola forest especially post-monsoon (September–November). Carrying leech socks or salt is strongly recommended. Wearing full-sleeve clothing and tucking trousers into socks helps minimise leech contact.
How is Gangadikal different from Kudremukh Peak Trek?
Gangadikal Peak is a quieter, less crowded alternative within the same Kudremukh National Park. The trail is similarly scenic with Shola forest and Western Ghats panoramas but sees far fewer trekkers, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Both share the same park entry permit.
What sightseeing is included on Day 2 of Gangadikal Trek?
Day 2 sightseeing includes Somavathi Waterfall — a scenic waterfall in the Chikmagalur hills; Samse Tea Estate — a picturesque working tea plantation; and Belur Chennakeshava Temple — a 12th-century Hoysala architectural masterpiece. Entry fees to sightseeing locations are self-funded.
Is the Gangadikal Trek good for beginners?
Yes, the Gangadikal Trek is well-suited for beginners. The 10 km trail through Shola forest is gradual with no technical sections. The guided group format, jeep access to the check post, and all-inclusive pricing make it an excellent first forest trek from Bangalore.
Is the Karnataka Forest Department permit included in the price?
Yes, the Karnataka Forest Department entry permit for Kudremukh National Park is included in the ₹2,999 base price. No separate permit booking is required — your trek lead arranges it at the forest check post on the day of the trek.
How far is Gangadikal Trek from Bangalore?
The Gangadikal Trek base is approximately 350–380 km from Bangalore via NH75 through Chikmagalur. The overnight journey takes approximately 8–9 hours each way, covered in a non-AC pushback seater for a comfortable budget-friendly trip.
Transparent cancellation policy
Good to know
- Once a flight or train is booked, it is non-refundable.
- Minimum 8 trekkers required for group departures. If the group falls below 8, you'll be offered an alternative.
- In case of weather, strikes or government restrictions, trips may be modified. Cash refunds aren't issued in such cases.
- 5% GST + 3% booking fee is non-refundable on all bookings.
| Days before | Charge | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 15–30 days | 25% | 75% refunded |
| 7–15 days | 50% | 50% refunded |
| 3–7 days | 75% | 25% refunded |
| 0–3 days | 100% | No refund |