Kudremukh trekking remains suspended as forest officials monitor rainfall, clear damaged routes, and process refunds for cancelled bookings
Kudremukh Wildlife Division has suspended trekking activities across Kudremukh, Belthangady and Kerekatte following continuous rainfall in the Western Ghats. Forest officials are clearing fallen trees, monitoring trail conditions and issuing refunds to visitors who booked treks through the official portal. Trekking will resume after safety assessments confirm that the routes are fit for public access.
Chikkamagaluru: Trekking activities across the Kudremukh Wildlife Division have been suspended following continuous rainfall in the Western Ghats, with the Forest Department closing major trekking routes as a safety measure. Officials said the temporary restriction applies to trekking trails in the Kudremukh, Belthangady and Kerekatte zones, where persistent rain has affected trail conditions and increased the risk to visitors.
The Forest Department stated that continuous rainfall over the past several days has resulted in slippery trekking paths, overflowing streams and incidents of fallen trees and branches across multiple locations. Officials are carrying out field inspections while staff members remain deployed at forest camps and check posts to monitor the situation and clear obstructions from trekking routes.
"The decision to suspend trekking has been taken in the interest of public safety. Trekking will resume only after rainfall reduces and route inspections confirm safe conditions," a forest department official said.
Kudremukh Trekking Suspension Due to Heavy Rain
The temporary closure follows reports submitted by zonal-level forest officials regarding rainfall intensity and the condition of trekking routes. Based on these field assessments, authorities decided to suspend trekking operations until the routes are restored and declared safe for visitors.
Forest personnel are continuing to remove fallen trees from affected sections while regularly reviewing weather conditions across the wildlife division. Officials said visitor safety remains the primary consideration during the ongoing monsoon period.
The department clarified that the suspension is a precautionary measure commonly implemented during periods of sustained rainfall in forest areas where natural hazards increase due to changing terrain conditions.
Forest Department Monitoring Weather and Trail Conditions
Officials confirmed that rainfall continues to be monitored across the region. They also reviewed the water level at a bridge near Kalasa, which had temporarily risen due to heavy rainfall before returning to a lower level.
According to the department, no fatalities or major property damage have been reported in the affected forest areas so far. However, multiple incidents involving fallen trees have been recorded, prompting continuous monitoring by field staff.
"The trekking routes will be reopened only after rainfall subsides and field inspections confirm that public movement can be permitted safely," officials said.
The department added that regular assessments of rainfall, trail conditions and access routes will determine when trekking activities can resume.
Kudremukh Trekking Refund Process for Cancelled Bookings
The Forest Department has initiated refunds for visitors who had booked trekking slots through its official online portal. Officials said automatic refunds are being processed for all cancelled trekking reservations.
In addition to the refund process, registered trekkers are receiving official notifications informing them about the temporary suspension and cancellation of their scheduled visits.
Authorities advised visitors to follow official updates before planning travel to the Kudremukh Wildlife Division, as trekking operations will remain suspended until safety inspections are completed and weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that the Kodachadri safari service is continuing as scheduled since prevailing conditions there have not required suspension.
