Kudremukh Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Kudremukh Tiger reserve has been recently approved by the Govt. of India. In the year of 2011, Government has permitted official declaration of Kudremukh National Park as tiger reserve. This will make Kudremukh National Park (KNP) as the fifth tiger reserve of the Karnataka state and 41st tiger reserve of India. Located in the south-west of Chikmagalur town of Karnataka, Kudremukh National Park is spread across an area of 600.32 sq. km.
Kudremukh boasts of exceptionally rich flora and fauna as well as various kinds of adventurous activities. It is a trekker’s paradise offering terrains with varied difficulty level and exotic natural setting full of lush greenery, refreshing rivers, slopes, cascades, rare orchids, caves, ruins and traces depicting history.
Other tourist spots that one can visit are Lakya Dam which is situated near the Kudremukh project area, Radha Krishna Temple, Ganga Moola, etc.
Flora @ Kudremukh Tiger Reserve
The main kind of vegetation in the area is consisted of tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests and high altitude shola–grasslands.
Fauna @ Kudremukh Tiger Reserve
The park has rich wildlife with highly endangered and wildlife species, including tigers, leopards and wild dogs. This apart, the park is home for more than 169 species of birds of which eight are endemic to the Western Ghats. It also houses around 50 species of reptiles and 34 species of amphibians.
Along with the mighty tigers, other animals that can be spotted here are leopard, wild dog, jackal, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, porcupine and the mongoose. Reptiles such as various snakes species and tortoises can also be seen. There are close to 50 species of reptiles and 34 species of amphibians in the park.
The area is wonderful for the activity of bird watching as well with almost 169 species of birds. Some of the avian species which are found are Malabar trogon, great pied hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, the imperial pigeon-birds, etc.
Reaching Kudremukh Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest domestic airport is in Mangalore which is 130 km away from the reserve. Bangalore international airport is the nearest international airport which is at a distance of approximately 350 km. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport.
- By rail: The nearest railway head is in Mangalore which is at a distance of 130 km.
- By road: The place is well connected to various cities and town via road. The nearest town to the park is Kalasa which is 20 km away. Other near-by towns are Karkala (50 km), Mudigere (75 km), Mangalore and Bangalore.
Accommodation @ Kudremukh Tiger Reserve
There are various kinds of accommodation facilities available at Kudremukh Tiger Reserve offering decent and comfortable stay.