ಅತಿಯಾದ ಗಾಳಿ-ಮಳೆ ಇರುವ ಕಾರಣ ನೇತ್ರಾವತಿ, ಕುದುರೆಮುಖ, ಕುರಿಂಜಾಲ್, ಗಂಗಡಿಕಲ್ಲು ಮತ್ತು ಬಂಡಾಜೆ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್ ಚಾರಣ ಪಥಗಳು ಎರಡು ದಿನ ಸ್ಥಗಿತ
Kudremukha trek closed for two days, August 2-3, 2026, along with Nethravathi, Kurinjal, Gangadikal, Bandaje Falls and Merthi Gudda, due to heavy wind and rain across the Western Ghats. The Kudremukha Wildlife Division ordered the suspension as a routine monsoon safety measure, affecting every trekker booked through Elneeru or any other operator on these routes. Here’s why it happened, which treks are affected, and what it means for your booking.
Why the Kudremukha Trek Closed This Week
According to an official order (No. A3:CR-06/Itare/2026-27, dated 1 August 2026) issued by the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kudremukha Wildlife Division, Karkala, the forest area under the division’s jurisdiction is currently experiencing heavy wind and rain. To protect trekkers from conditions like slippery ridgelines, low visibility, and falling branches, all real risks on exposed sections of the Western Ghats, the division has paused trekking permits and route access on the affected trails.
This is the second such closure in a month. Kudremukha, Gangadikal and Kurinjal were closed for the same reason on 7-8 July 2026. Short, weather-triggered suspensions like this are common during the Karnataka monsoon (June-September) and are issued directly by the forest department that manages access to these protected trekking zones.
Which treks are affected, and until when
| Trek | District | Closed / Refund Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Nethravathi | Dakshina Kannada | 2-3 Aug 2026 |
| Kudremukha | Chikmagalur | 2-3 Aug 2026 |
| Kurinjal | Chikmagalur | 2-3 Aug 2026 |
| Gangadikal | Chikmagalur | 2-3 Aug 2026 |
| Bandaje Falls & Ballalarayana Durga | Chikmagalur | 2-3 Aug 2026 |
| Merthi Gudda | Chikmagalur (Kalasa) | 2 Aug 2026 |
All five Kudremukha Wildlife Division trails are closed for the same two-day window. Merthi Gudda, under a separate local order for Kalasa taluk, is paused for August 2 only. Trekking is expected to resume after ground conditions are reassessed; we’ll update this post and our Instagram (@travel_elneeru) the moment new dates are confirmed.
What happens to your booking
If you had a trek booked with Elneeru for August 2 or August 3, 2026 on any of these routes:
- Your trek fee will be fully refunded. The forest department’s order directs a full refund of booking/entry charges collected for these dates, no cancellation fee applies.
- No action is needed on your part. We’re processing refunds for affected bookings automatically.
- Rebooking: once the division reopens the trails, you’ll get priority to rebook your preferred dates.
Since the Kudremukha trek closed under the same order as the other five routes, the same refund process applies across every affected booking, whether you booked through Elneeru or directly through the forest department’s Aranya Vihara portal. You can check live slot status any time on our Aranya Vihara availability tracker, and see the full permit process in our Aranya Vihara booking guide.
Still want to trek this weekend? Try one of these instead
None of these four routes fall under the Kudremukha Wildlife Division order, so they’re open and taking bookings for August 2-3, 2026. Good backups if your original weekend is now free:
- Kodachadri Trek, Karnataka’s 10th highest peak and a declared natural heritage site. Moderate difficulty, 2D/2N.
- Dudhsagar Falls Trek, a monsoon-season favourite for the waterfall views alone. Moderate difficulty, 2D/2N.
- Nelji Hills Trek, Coorg, a beginner-friendly route through Coorg’s rolling hills. 2D/2N.
- Kyathanamakki Trek, another beginner-friendly weekend option. 2D/2N.
Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you rebook onto whichever of these fits your dates.
ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾರಾಂಶ (Kannada Summary)
ಅತಿಯಾದ ಗಾಳಿ-ಮಳೆ ಇರುವ ಕಾರಣ, ಕುದುರೆಮುಖ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುವ ನೇತ್ರಾವತಿ, ಕುದುರೆಮುಖ, ಕುರಿಂಜಾಲ್, ಗಂಗಡಿಕಲ್ಲು ಮತ್ತು ಬಂಡಾಜೆ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್ ಚಾರಣ ಪಥಗಳನ್ನು 02-08-2026 ಮತ್ತು 03-08-2026 ರಂದು ಎರಡು ದಿನಗಳ ಕಾಲ, ಮತ್ತು ಮೇರ್ತಿ ಗುಡ್ಡ ಪಥವನ್ನು ಕಳಸ ತಾಲೂಕಿನ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಆದೇಶದ ಪ್ರಕಾರ 02-08-2026 ರಂದು ತಾತ್ಕಾಲಿಕವಾಗಿ ಸ್ಥಗಿತಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ದಿನಾಂಕಗಳಂದು ಕಾಯ್ದಿರಿಸಿದ ಚಾರಣಿಗರಿಗೆ ಶುಲ್ಕವನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಮರುಪಾವತಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು. ಹೊಸ ದಿನಾಂಕಗಳ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಾಗಿ ನಮ್ಮ Instagram ಪುಟವನ್ನು ಅನುಸರಿಸಿ.
(Source: Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kudremukha Wildlife Division, Karkala, Order No. A3:CR-06/Itare/2026-27, dated 01-08-2026.)
Planning a Kudremukha-area trek this monsoon?
Weather-triggered closures like this one are part of trekking in the Western Ghats during monsoon season. A few tips if you’re planning a trip in the coming weeks:
- Book close to your travel date rather than far in advance, so you’re less exposed to weather-related rescheduling.
- Keep a buffer day in your itinerary if you’re travelling from out of state specifically for the trek.
- Follow official channels, the Kudremukha Wildlife Division’s own notices and your trek operator’s updates, rather than relying on old blog posts or forums for current trail status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kudremukha trek closed right now, along with the other five routes?
Yes. Five treks, Nethravathi, Kudremukha, Kurinjal, Gangadikal and Bandaje Falls, are closed for two days, August 2 and 3, 2026. Merthi Gudda is closed for August 2 only. All are due to heavy wind and rain, per official orders covering the Kudremukha Wildlife Division and Kalasa taluk.
Will I get a refund if my trek was cancelled?
Yes. The forest department’s order directs a full refund of booking charges for treks scheduled on the closed dates. If you booked through Elneeru, this is handled automatically.
When will the treks reopen?
The current order covers August 2-3, 2026 for five routes, and August 2 for Merthi Gudda. Reopening depends on the forest department’s assessment of trail conditions after the weather clears. We’ll post updates as soon as new dates are confirmed.
Are other Western Ghats treks affected too?
These orders apply to routes under the Kudremukha Wildlife Division and Kalasa taluk (Nethravathi, Kudremukha, Kurinjal, Gangadikal, Bandaje Falls, Merthi Gudda). Other trek regions may have separate advisories, always check with your operator before travel.
Follow @travel_elneeru for real-time trek status updates, or reach out to us directly if you have questions about an existing booking.
