Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore (2026) – Chikmagalur, Itinerary & Guide

Book Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore at best price. 9 km trek at Karnataka's 7th highest peak (5,500 ft) in Chikmagalur. 2 days with transport, food & guide. Limited slots.

50,000+ Trekkers

Since 2017

Safe & Guided

Meruthi Hill Trek – misty Western Ghats summit at 5,500 ft, Chikmagalur

Karnataka · 1,676 m

₹0

₹2,999/ person

-Infinity% OFF

Quick Facts

Trek at a Glance

Duration

2 Days / 1 Night

Max Altitude

1,676 m

Distance

9 km

Pickup → Drop

Bangalore → Bangalore

Meruthi Hill Trek from bangalore – Distance, Difficulty, Itinerary & Booking Guide

Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore is a 2-day weekend trek to Karnataka's 7th highest peak at 5,500 ft (1,676 m) in Chikmagalur district. Starting from Meruthi village near Horanadu, the trail climbs through dense Western Ghats shola forest, open grassland ridges, to a panoramic summit.

The 9 km round-trip trek offers 360° views of the Kudremukh range, Horanadu valley, and Chikmagalur coffee belt. Combined with a Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple sightseeing day, it is one of the most spiritually and scenically rich weekend treks from Bangalore.

What Makes Meruthi Hill Trek Different

Unlike most popular treks near Bangalore, Meruthi Hill is a lesser-known peak — which means significantly fewer crowds on the trail. At 5,500 ft, the summit offers unobstructed views of the Kudremukh range and the Horanadu valley that are rarely visible from other Chikmagalur treks. The trail passes through authentic Western Ghats shola forest with rich wildlife, making it a genuine wilderness experience rather than a busy tourist trail.

Trek Facts at a Glance

Total round-trip distance: 9 km. Summit altitude: 5,500 ft (1,676 m). Total elevation gain: approximately 800 m. Trek duration: 5–6 hours. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Best time: October to February. Starting point: Meruthi village, near Horanadu, Chikmagalur. Trek type: Out-and-back summit trail. Departure from Bangalore: Indiranagar 9:00 PM Friday.

Difficulty and Who Can Trek

Meruthi Hill Trek is rated Easy to Moderate — suitable for first-time trekkers and beginners with basic fitness. The trail has a steady incline through shola forest and grassland with no technical sections, vertical climbs, or scrambling required. Trekkers who can walk 9 km in a day with a light pack are well-prepared. Age group: 14–55 years. No prior trekking experience is required.

Permits and Forest Access

The Meruthi Hill trail passes through protected Western Ghats forest zones. Entry fees and local guide arrangements are handled entirely by Backpackers United — you do not need to arrange permits separately. A certified local guide accompanies every batch. Forest entry requires a group register with ID proof — carry a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar or PAN card).

How to Reach Meruthi Hill from Bangalore

Backpackers United operates overnight non-AC tempo traveller departures from Indiranagar, Bangalore at 9:00 PM every Friday. The route follows NH75 through Hassan, Sakleshpur, and Horanadu. Total road distance: approximately 310 km. Travel time: 6–7 hours. Arrival at Meruthi village base by early morning (4:30–5:30 AM).

Wildlife and Nature

Meruthi Hill sits within the Chikmagalur shola forest ecosystem — one of the richest biodiversity zones in the Western Ghats. Common sightings on the trail include the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, barking deer, and occasional gaur (Indian Bison). Bird species include the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Indian Black Eagle, and various endemic Western Ghats species. The shola forest section is especially rich in bird activity in the early morning hours.

Meruthi Hill Trek vs Other Treks Near Bangalore

Compared to Kudremukh (22 km, permit-heavy) or Ettina Bhuja (pre-dawn sprint), Meruthi Hill offers a shorter, more accessible 9 km summit trail with significant altitude gain. Unlike Skandagiri (no forest, dry terrain), Meruthi passes through rich Western Ghats shola forest. The combination of a forest trek, 5,500 ft summit, and Horanadu temple sightseeing makes it one of the most complete weekend packages from Bangalore in Chikmagalur.

Backpackers United — Why Book With Us

Backpackers United has been running the Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore since 2018. Every batch is led by an experienced BU trek leader and a certified local guide from the Horanadu area. All permits, transport, homestay, and meals are arranged end-to-end. Group size is capped for safety. No hidden charges — the published price includes transport, accommodation, food, guide, and all permits.

Day by Day

Itinerary

The following itinerary gives a day-by-day breakdown of the Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore. The trek covers 2 days and 1 night including overnight travel, a full-day summit trek, homestay near Horanadu, and Annapoorneshwari Temple sightseeing on the return day.

Day 0

Departure from Bengaluru to Meruthi Hill Trek

Departure is at 9:00 PM from Indiranagar. Please reach your pickup point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Your journey to the Meruthi Hill begins with an overnight departure from Bangalore. Board the vehicle from your selected pickup point and get ready for an exciting trekking experience.

Pickup Points:

Indiranagar 9:00 PM - Karachi Bakery

Domlur 9:20 PM- Union Bank

Yeshwantpur 10:30 PM- Metro Station Market Exit

Gorguntepalya 10:45 PM - People Tree Hospital

Day 1

Meruthi Hill Trek – Altitude: 5,500 ft | Round Trip: 9 km

Your adventure begins as you arrive at the homestay in Horanadu early in the morning.

After freshening up, have breakfast, and the trek to Meruthi Hill commences.

The lush and pristine surroundings provide an excellent backdrop for your journey.

As you ascend, you'll be captivated by the magnificent views and the sense of accomplishment.

Once you reach the pinnacle of Meruthi Peak, it's time for a packed lunch. While enjoying your meal, relish the breathtaking panoramic views that surround you.

After your meal and absorbing the picturesque landscapes from the peak, you'll begin your descent to return to the base camp.

Return to the homestay, freshen up, and indulge in a session of high tea and snacks.

Conclude the day with dinner and retire for the night.

Day 2

Sightseeing & Return to Bangalore

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a traditional homestay breakfast near Horanadu. Check out and begin the sightseeing day before heading back to Bangalore.

Visit the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple — one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Karnataka, situated on the banks of the Bhadra river in the heart of the Western Ghats forest. The temple is known for its unique tradition of providing free meals to all devotees throughout the day.

On the way back, stop at the Kalasa village and explore the scenic Bhadra river valley. You can have a delicious lunch on the way (self-sponsored) and enjoy the rest of the day.

Reach Bangalore by late evening with unforgettable memories of the Meruthi Hill Trek.

(Note: Sightseeing schedule may vary based on group pace and road conditions.)

When to Go

Best Time to Visit

October to February is the best time for Meruthi Hill Trek — cool weather, clear summit views of the Western Ghats, and dry shola forest trails make it ideal for trekking in Chikmagalur.

Oct – Feb

Best Season

Cool temperatures between 12–20°C, dry trail conditions and clear summit visibility. The shola forest is lush post-monsoon and the grassland ridge offers panoramic views of the Chikmagalur valley. Ideal for photography.

Jun – Sep

Monsoon

The Western Ghats receive intense monsoon from June to September. Trails become slippery and leeches are active on the shola forest sections. Experienced trekkers only. Rain gear and leech socks are mandatory.

Mar – May

Off Season

Temperatures rise to 28–34°C making the daytime trek warm. The shola forest canopy provides shade. Carry extra water. The off season sees fewer crowds and lower prices. Start trek early morning.

October and November offer the best balance — post-monsoon greenery, cooler temperatures, and clear summit views. December to February is colder at the summit with misty mornings adding to the atmosphere.

Trail Guide

Trek Route Breakdown

The Meruthi Hill trek follows a single out-and-back trail starting from Meruthi village near Horanadu in Chikmagalur. The trail passes through dense Western Ghats shola forest, open grassland ridges before reaching the summit at 5,500 ft.

Meruthi Village to Shola Forest Entry

1.5 Kms 1 hour

The trek begins at Meruthi village, accessible from Horanadu. The initial trail passes through coffee estates and enters the dense shola forest. The path is well-defined with a moderate incline. Watch for Malabar Giant Squirrel and endemic bird species in this section.

Shola Forest to Open Grassland Ridge

2 Kms 1.5 hours

Beyond the shola forest, the trail opens onto rolling open grassland ridgelines with increasing views of the surrounding Chikmagalur valley. The incline increases but the terrain becomes easier to navigate. This is the most panoramic section of the trek.

Grassland Ridge to Meruthi Summit

1.5 Kms 1 hour

The final section climbs steadily from the open grassland to the Meruthi Hill summit at 5,500 ft (1,676 m). The summit offers 360° views of the Western Ghats — Kudremukh range, Horanadu valley, and Chikmagalur coffee belt are all visible on clear days.

What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

Non-AC transportation from Bangalore to Meruthi Hill and back
Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Local guide and forest permit – all arranged by Backpackers United
Experienced Backpackers United trek leader for the entire trip
Homestay accommodation on dormitory/sharing basis near Horanadu
Sightseeing as per itinerary (Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple)

What's Excluded

Entry fees to additional sightseeing locations not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses and shopping
Adventure or water activities not included in the package
Meals during the return journey from Meruthi base to Bangalore
Trekking insurance – personal travel and trekking insurance
Anything not listed in the inclusions above

Experience

What to Expect

The Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore offers a complete Chikmagalur weekend experience — overnight travel, a scenic 9 km shola forest and ridge summit trail, homestay accommodation near Horanadu with local cuisine, and a Annapoorneshwari Temple sightseeing day. All logistics managed end-to-end by Backpackers United.

Accommodation

Stay will be arranged at a comfortable homestay near Horanadu on a dormitory or twin-sharing basis. Basic facilities including hot water and local Malnad cuisine will be provided to ensure a pleasant stay before and after the summit trek.

Backpackers United Team

Our experienced trek leaders from Backpackers United will accompany you throughout the trip. A certified local guide familiar with the Meruthi Hill trail will also join the group to ensure safety, accurate navigation, and wildlife identification along the route.

Pack List

Things to Carry

Documents & ID Carry a hard copy of a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence, or passport). Required for forest entry registration at Meruthi. A soft copy on your phone is not accepted.

Backpack A 20–30 litre daypack is ideal. Avoid large trolley bags or suitcases — you will be trekking 9 km and need both hands free. Use a rain cover or waterproof bag liner.

Trekking Shoes Proper trekking shoes with ankle support and good grip are mandatory. The Meruthi trail has muddy shola forest sections and slippery grassland in wet conditions. Sandals or casual sneakers are not suitable.

Clothing Wear full-sleeved t-shirts and full-length track pants. The Western Ghats shola forest has leeches from June to January. Full coverage clothing is essential. Carry a light fleece for early morning start.

Rain Gear A lightweight poncho or waterproof jacket is essential. Chikmagalur receives heavy rainfall and even in the best season there can be light rain and morning mist on the summit.

Leech Socks Leeches are common on the Meruthi shola forest trail from June to January. Leech socks worn over shoes are strongly recommended. Carry salt packets or iodine tincture for leech bites.

Water & Hydration Carry minimum 2 litres of water. Water sources are limited along the trail. A water bottle with electrolyte sachets is recommended for the 9 km round-trip trek.

Food & Snacks Pack energy bars, dry fruits, or biscuits for the trail. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the homestay; carry snacks for the summit push and descent.

Head Torch If the trek starts before sunrise, a headlamp is mandatory. Phone flashlights drain battery fast — bring a dedicated torch with spare batteries.

Power Bank There is no charging facility on the trail. Carry a fully charged power bank to keep your phone alive for navigation, photos, and emergencies.

Personal Medication Carry any prescription medication you take regularly. Also recommended: basic pain relief, ORS sachets for dehydration, blister plasters, and antiseptic cream for leech bites.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent The open grassland ridge section has direct sun exposure. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen. DEET-based insect repellent is effective against leeches and insects in the shola forest.

Camera & Power Bank Meruthi Hill summit offers one of the best panoramic views of the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur. Carry a fully charged camera — the homestay may not always have reliable charging.

What NOT to carry

Alcohol — prohibited on the trek and inside the Western Ghats forest zone

Single-use plastic — not permitted on the trail or at the homestay

Sharp objects, blades, or lighters

Jewellery or valuables

Large suitcases or trolley bags

Uncomfortable footwear (heels, sandals, flip flops)

Frequently Asked Questions

17 questions

Is it safe for Women travellers ?

Yes, the Meruthi Hill Trek is completely safe for women travellers. Our experienced trek leaders accompany the group at all times. Safety and security guidelines are followed throughout the trip. We have women trekkers in every batch.

What payment options do I have ?

You can pay via UPI, credit/debit card, net banking, or EMI options available on the website. All payments are processed through a secure payment gateway. A payment receipt is sent to your email immediately after booking.

How can I reserve my slot ?

Book directly on the Backpackers United website. Select your preferred batch date, choose the package (With or Without Transport), and complete the payment online. Your slot is confirmed only after successful payment.

How can you confirm your booking?

A booking confirmation email will be sent to your registered email address within 24 hours. You will also be added to a WhatsApp group with your trek batch members and trek leader for all pre-trek updates.

Do I need to carry my luggage all the way during trekking?

You do not have to carry all your luggage on the trek. Leave your extra bags in the vehicle or at the homestay. Carry only a small daypack (15–20 litres) with water, snacks, rain gear, and your camera for the trek.

Are there any restroom facilities available along the Trekking route?

Restroom facilities are not available along the trekking route from the forest entry to the summit. It is advisable to use facilities at the homestay before starting the trek. Plan accordingly before departing from the base.

Is there mobile connectivity on the Meruthi Hill Peak?

Mobile connectivity is limited on the Meruthi Hill trail. BSNL and Airtel have partial coverage in the Horanadu–Chikmagalur area. Inform your family before the trek departs and carry a fully charged power bank.

What is the difficulty level of Meruthi Hill Trek?

Meruthi Hill Trek is rated Easy to Moderate. The 9 km round-trip trail has a steady incline through shola forest and grassland with no technical sections required. Suitable for beginners and first-time trekkers with basic fitness. Age group: 14–55 years.

What is the total distance of Meruthi Hill Trek?

The total distance of Meruthi Hill Trek is approximately 9 km round trip — approximately 4.5 km from the base at Meruthi village to the summit and 4.5 km back. The full trek takes 5–6 hours including rest breaks and summit time.

What is the altitude of Meruthi Hill?

Meruthi Hill summit is at an altitude of 5,500 ft (1,676 m) above sea level, making it Karnataka's 7th highest peak. The trek starts at approximately 850 m and climbs through shola forest and open grassland to the summit.

How long is the drive from Bangalore to Meruthi Hill?

Meruthi Hill is approximately 300–320 km from Bangalore via NH75 (Hassan Road) through Saklespur and Horanadu. The overnight drive takes approximately 6–7 hours. Backpackers United departs from Indiranagar at 9:00 PM and reaches Meruthi base by early morning.

What wildlife can I spot on the Meruthi Hill Trek?

Meruthi Hill passes through dense Western Ghats shola forest rich in wildlife. Common sightings include the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, and barking deer. Bird watchers can spot the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Indian Black Eagle, and various endemic Chikmagalur bird species.

Is Meruthi Hill Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, Meruthi Hill Trek is suitable for beginners. The 9 km trail is well-marked with no technical sections or scrambling. Basic physical fitness — ability to walk 9 km in a day with a light pack — is sufficient. First-time trekkers regularly complete this trek.

What is the price of Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore?

The Meruthi Hill Trek from Bangalore with Backpackers United is priced at ₹2,999 per person. This includes round-trip non-AC transport from Bangalore, homestay accommodation, meals as per itinerary, a local guide, and all trek arrangements. Check the website for current prices.

How do I get my trip updates after booking Meruthi Hill Trek?

Once you book with Backpackers United, you will be added to a WhatsApp group specific to your trek batch. All trip updates, pre-trek briefings, packing tips, and weather advisories will be shared on this group. Your trek leader will also be available for queries.

What is the best time to do Meruthi Hill Trek?

October to February is the best time for Meruthi Hill Trek. Cool temperatures, dry trails, and clear summit views make this the ideal season. November is especially good with post-monsoon greenery and crisp morning air at the summit.

Why is Meruthi called Karnataka's 7th highest peak?

Meruthi Hill at 5,500 ft (1,676 m) is ranked Karnataka's 7th highest peak by altitude among accessible trekking peaks. The summit offers one of the most panoramic views of the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur district, including views towards the Kudremukh range.

Cancellation & Payment

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

Similar Treks

More Treks You'll Love

View All