Ride to Kudremukh – The Ghost Town in the Jungle
Kudremukh, once a hustling mining town, has now been reclaimed by its rightful owners—the wild. This scenic ride takes you deep through the heart of the Western Ghats, blending man-made memories with raw nature.
First Stop: Shettihalli Church
I started my day early, as usual, and made my way toward Shettihalli Church, a spot I’d always wanted to capture. This half-submerged beauty lies in the Hemavati Reservoir—don’t worry, it’s no longer operational, but still stands as a silent symbol of the French missionaries who built it.
You can do Shettihalli as a quick standalone ride too—it’s just around 200 km from Bangalore.
Post that detour, I was back on my favourite kind of roads—the jungle roads. Mist hanging in the air, temperatures low, and that deep green stretch ahead. The kind of ride that makes you slow down just to soak it all in.
I entered the Kudremukh forest check post via the Kalasa route. Here’s a heads-up—this section is strictly monitored. You’re given 2 hours to pass through, as the zone falls under KOCL’s restricted forest belt.
There are many tiny trails that tempt you to explore, but the guards are firm. And rightly so—this land belongs to the wild. You’ll likely spot some wildlife (I did!) if you’re quiet and lucky.
I stayed overnight in Karkala, a peaceful town just outside the forest zone. One place I meant to visit but missed was the Shri Gomateshwara Statue. It opens around 9 AM and stays open till 7 in the evening.
It’s a climb—a few hundred stairs—but I’ve left that one for my next visit.
The ride back wasn’t the usual one. I took the longer route via Sakleshpura, and trust me, the roads were butter smooth and absolutely worth it. Twisty bends, open stretches, and that classic Western Ghats vibe all the way till you hit the highway.
If you’re looking for a long weekend ride from Bangalore that blends abandoned towns, misty forests, and spiritual pit stops, Khudremukha is where you should head next.
So pack your bags, fuel up, and ride out to experience the ghost town lost in time—Khudremukha.
Place to stay in Karkala – HOTEL MAYURA INTERNATIONAL (https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPaXoWxoNaKw8UJb6)
The screenshots of the ride.
