At Indiahikes, we are always on the look out for new trekking destinations or even different ways to do the same trek. This documentation details a route to the Aane Gudda Hill along a ridge, that connects it to the famous Merthigudda. We had previously explored a hike to the adjacent hill-top, which is also documented as the Anne Gudda Trek since the entire hilly ridgeline is locally referred to as by the same name.

Going forward, we also want to explore and document the complete circuit that connects Anne Gudda to the famous Merthigudda as well. Stay tuned !

However, these are private hills and not listed on the Aranya Vihara Website. You need to co-ordiante with local homestays in the region to be able to do these hikes.

A Complete Guide to the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek

Aane means Elephant. And the entire hilly ridgeline of Aane Gudda when looked from far, looks like an Elephant. The Aane Gudda Ridge Trek is basically like walking on the back of that Elephant. There is another route which starts from the Haluvalli Side and takes you to the head of the Elephant.

This is an off-beat and little-known trek in Chikmagalur and is somewhat lost amongst the giants of Western Ghats like Kudremukh or Ballalarayana Durga. A perfect Western Ghats trek for a beginner, it remains largely unexplored and is nestled within the laid-back, peaceful village of Halligare which is 1.5 km from Hornadu KSRTC bus stand. 

The Aane Gudda trek has all the flavors of a western ghats trek. It takes you through coffee estates and thick shola forests, before you suddenly emerge out of them onto a windy ridgeline. You are now on the elephant's back. There is no clear summit on this route. You can just keep on going as far as you want depending on how much time you have.

But the most interesting part is that, it is this same ridge that connects to the famous Merthigudda Hill of Chikmagalur. And this trek can be done as a longer circuit, covering both the Aane Gudda Ridge and Merthigudda Top. Stay tuned for the full documentation of this complete circuit !

Trek Snapshots:

• Duration: One Day
• Distance from Bengaluru: 320 km
• Highest Altitude: 4650 ft
• Total Trek Distance: 6 km (both-ways)
• Base: Hornadu, Chikmagalur District
• Permits: No permit needed. It’s a private trek. Your homestay will help you connect with a local guide.

Can beginners attempt the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek?  If you are just doing the ridge trek, as detailed in this document, it is a fairly short and easy hike. It is a perfect trek for beginners to get a proper flavour of the Western Ghats. However, if you want to attempt the entire circuit to Merthigudda, we would suggest coming with a little more experience.

➤What to Watch out for

1) Views of Merthi Gudda, Kudremukh and Ballalarayana Durga

Merthi Hill is 7th highest peak of Karnataka and you see this right in front of your eyes when you trek to Aane Gudda. On the other side, you get to see the iconic green slopes of Kudremukh and Ballalarayana Durga.

2) A 360-degree View of Haluvalli, Kalasa and Hornadu

From the summit of Aane Gudda hill, the Bhadra river makes for a striking sight as it winds through the landscape. On a clear day, you can spot nearby towns such as Hornadu, Kalasa, and Haluvalli, all framed within a sweeping 360-degree panorama.

3) Dense Shola Forest and Walking on the Ridge

Unlike treks in the Western Ghats such as Kopatty or Ballalarayana Durga, where you spend long hours inside dense forests, this trail begins with a walk through lush coffee plantations before leading into a short forest section — ideal for beginners to experience the charm of a Shola forest. The woods here are dotted with trees like Sandalwood, Acacia, and Bay Leaf, among many others. As you make your way in, the crunch of leaves beneath your boots mixes with the gentle sound of a stream cutting through the jungle. Right after the monsoon, you might even come across small waterfalls trickling into the stream.

And then you suddenly emerge from these forests onto the open, windy ridge. Views open up and you see the ridgeline stretch endlessly in front of you. You can just keep going for as long as you want.

➤ Suggested Itinerary

• Start from Bengaluru the previous night around 10:00 pm and take an overnight KSRTC or private sleeper bus that reaches Horanadu by 6:00 AM the next morning.
• From there, take a local auto or jeep to a homestay near the Bommanakonda Playground, which is around 5 km from Hornadu. Auto fare would be around ₹700 (both ways) which can be shared by a maximum for 4 Team Members. Jeep fare is around ₹2500 (both ways) and can accommodate up to 8 Team Members
• We recommend staying at Merthigudda Homestay, Horanadu which is closest to the trail start point. Contact: 63642 55879, 90082 00402 (Owners: Veerendra H.M. & Padmaprabha)
• Freshen up at the homestay, have breakfast and pack your lunch, at least 2 liters of water and any other essentials you need for the day as there are no shops or water sources on the trail.
  Note: There is no provision to book permits online through any government website. All permits will be arranged by the homestay, so ensure you inform them in advance.
• Forest Entry Fee is ₹1000 per group and Guide Charges are ₹1000 per guide

Pro-Tip: There is no need to visit any government site for permits. You can just contact Merthigudda Homestay in advance, and they will arrange everything - permits, guides and local logistics. This makes the planning process easier and more reliable.

• The trek to Aane Gudda Ridge typically takes about 2.5 hours. The trail features a mix of shaded forest sections, ridgeline walks and open grassland slopes with excellent views.
• Make sure to start your trek by 8 AM
• Reach the ride by 10:30 AM, take a break or enjoy a long walk on the ridge. Explore the surroundings and have your packed lunch at the top.
• Start your descent by 12 noon and plan to reach the trail base by 2 PM. Consider rest stops, water breaks and photo opportunities along the way.
• You are likely to reach your homestay by 2:30-3:00 PM. Once back, rest and freshen up.
• By 7:30-8:00pm, head back to Horanadu Town. You can visit the Annapoorneshwari Temple, have darshan and enjoy dinner at the temple, which serves free prasad meals.
• Then catch your overnight return bus to Bengaluru, usually which departs between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM and you’ll reach Bengaluru early the next morning.

➤ Detailed Trail Information

The trail to the Aane Gudda Ridge takes you to a magnificent ridge amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. You trek through Coffee estates, Jeep trail and thick shola forest before reaching the Peak

This trek can be divided into 3 sections :

1. Trek Start Point to Start of Forest Through Coffee Plantations: 1.9 km | 1 hr
2. Forest Section to Base of Ridge: 1.2 km | 1 hr
3. The Climb Up to the Ridge: 500 m | 20 mins

Section I: Trek Start Point to Start of Forest Through Coffee Plantations

Trek Distance: 1.9 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr

• Your trek starts right from the homestay
• The trail in some places is paved or is an off-roading route for 4x4 vehicles. You can take a jeep as well to reach the forest section.
• If you choose to walk, it will take around an hour.
• The walk is beautiful, as you pass through multiple coffee estates. You may also see many small flowing streams and meet locals.
• Be mindful, as there are few turns where you will see two trails. One will be leading to a coffee estate and the other will be the one which you need to take.
• There are few ascend and then descend but these are not steep. Easy ones.

Section II: Forest Section to Base of Ridge

Trek Distance: 1 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr

• Once you reach the last coffee estate, you need to take a sharp left which goes inside the thick shola forest. 
• A steep ascend starts along a ledge.
• On one side you can hear stream sound and on the other side you have the mountain. You will be walking inside thick forest.
• After 400m , you will start seeing the elephant-back ridge of the mountain with a aerial views of the Hornadu town.
• In about an hour, the forest opens up and you stand right at the base of the ridge.

Section III: The Climb Up to the Ridge:

Trek Distance: 500 m
Trek Duration: 20 mins

• A steep climb over the next 500 m will bring you onto the rige
• Now you can choose to end your trek here or just explore the ridge further
• If you keep walking on this ridge, you will reach Aane Gudda peak which is the head of the Elephant and further on you can reach Merthi Gudda. However, that requires completely different planning, preparation and an earlier start.

➤ Best Time to do the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek

The Aane Gudda Ridge Trek does not require any permission as it's not part of the Aranya Vihara jurisdiction, and hence is accessible year-round. But we strongly from October to February as the best time to do the trek.

In peak monsoon season, the trails slushy and full of leeches. There is rainwater overflowing from all sides and making the trail mushy and slippery. Fallen leaves rot, and the trail becomes muddy and waterlogged. It is not a great time to do the trek.

By September, the rains retreat, but the forests remain lush. It is also the best time to see vibrant greenery. In winter, the weather is pleasant, and the clear blue skies are a treat. From the peak, you can witness a 360-degree view of Hornadu town.

Since the trek involves walking through shola forest, it is advisable not to do in peak Monsoon.

➤ How to Reach the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek

Aane Gudda is a scenic hill near Horanadu in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, close to the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple near Kalasa. It shares the same ridge as the more popular Merthi Gudda and is part of the Kudremukh mountain range in the Western Ghats. The trek starts from Bommanakonda Playground, about 5 km from the Horanadu Bus Stand.

How to Reach Aane Gudda Ridge Trek from Bangalore by Car

• If you're driving to the base, arrive a day early and rest well before the trek.
• The starting point of this trek near the Bommanakonda Playground is well connected by road.
• It is approximately 360 KM, 7-8 hour drive from Bangalore. 
• Use this link to navigate the drive on Google Maps.
  

How to Reach Aane Gudda Ridge Trek from Bangalore by Public Transport

• To get to the trek by public transport, first reach Hornadu.
• Overnight KSRTC and private sleeper buses from Bengaluru to Horanadu are the most convenient option, typically departing at night and reaching early morning. We recommend this for a comfortable journey.
• Sleeper buses of KSRTC and private operators fares range from ₹700 to ₹1000, depending on the season and weekends, while budget-friendly Karnataka Sarige non-sleeper buses cost around ₹450.
• Buses typically take 8 to 9 hours to reach Horanadu from Bangalore.
• Buses from Chikmagalur and Mangalore to Horanadu are also available at regular intervals.
• Either you take a car or a bus, we recommend staying in Horanadu by reaching a day early and starting the trek fresh the next day.
• For the return journey to Bengaluru, you can board an overnight bus from Horanadu. The last service typically departs around 10:00 PM. Both sleeper and non-sleeper options are available, similar to the onward journey. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during weekends or peak seasons

From Hornadu– From Horanadu, hire a local auto or jeep to reach the trailhead at Bommanakonda Playground (about 5 km from Horanadu Bus Stand). Auto fare would be around ₹700 (both ways) which can be shared by a maximum for 4 Team Members. Jeep fare is around ₹2500 (both ways) and can accommodate, up to 8 Team Members

➤ Frequently Asked Questions about the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek?

No, you don't need any permission. It's a private trek, you can ask the homestay to arrange for a guide

2. How difficult is the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek?

The Aane Gudda Ridge Trek is an ideal beginner-friendly trail, perfect for those who are new to trekking.

3. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek ?

There are no food stalls on this Trek after to cross Hornadu and there are no reliable drinking water sources as well. Carry enough food and water before starting the trek from your homestay.

4. What is the distance of the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek from Bangalore?

Aane Gudda Ridge Trek, is about 320 km from Bangalore and is accessible by both private and public transportation.

5. Can I do the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek alone?

No. You need to have a guide or a local person, who knows the trail well.

➤ Places to Visit After the Aane Gudda Ridge Trek

1.  Horanadu Annapurneshwari Temple: Adishaktyatmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Devi, is the presiding deity of the Sri Kshetra Horanadu temple in Karnataka, India. She is revered as the goddess of food and nourishment, and devotees believe that praying to her ensures a life free from food scarcity. The temple, situated on the banks of the Bhadra River, is a popular pilgrimage site known for its serene atmosphere and the golden idol of the goddess. It is around 7kms from Merthi Gudda

2.  Kyathanmakki Hill: Kyatanamakki Hill is nearly 14 kms from Merthi Gudda, a popular off-road destination near Horanadu in the Chikamagalur district of Karnataka, known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. Kyatanamakki is a fully off-road route 4×4 jeep plays around the hill base to top and offers a superb scenic beauty on top of the hill. Best known as Sunrise and sunset spot.

3. Amba Teertha: Amba Theertha is one of Kalasa town’s five water spots or Panchatheertha, famed for its pristine waters and picture postcard beauty which is around 14 kms from Merthi Gudda. Amba Theertha is famed for its gushing waters, gentle streams, abstract formations in black rock, rich and verdant growth of wildflowers, exquisite varieties of butterflies. Ideal for photography enthusiasts and serious nature lovers.

4.  Samse Ganapathi Temple: Samse Ganapathi Tea Estate is a tea plantation in Samse village, Karnataka, which is approx. 21 kms from Merthi Gudda known for its picturesque tea gardens and the Sarva Siddhi Maha Ganapathy Temple nestled within. It's a popular spot for tourists due to its scenic beauty and was also featured in the Kannada movie "Love Mocktail".

5.  Kalaseshwara Temple: Kalaseshwara Temple, also known as "Dakshina Kashi," is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kalasa, Chikamagalur district, Karnataka. It's known for its historical significance, Hoysala architecture, and association with Sage Agasthya. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bhadra River and is part of a popular pilgrimage circuit that includes Sringeri and Horanadu. This place is nearly 14kms from Merthi Gudda.

6.  Kalasa Hanging Bridge: The Kalasa Hanging Bridge is 15.5km away from Merthi Gudda, a charming pedestrian bridge near Kalasa, set amidst verdant Western Ghats scenery, making it popular with nature lovers, Ideal for a stroll and photography. The bridge offers serene views of the Bhadra river below and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil spot for relaxation and a touch of adventure for visitors.

7.  Soormane Falls (Hanuman gundi): Soormane Falls, also known as Abbugudige Falls, is a scenic and lesser-known 40-foot waterfall Accessible via a short 5–10-minute trek located about 17 kms from Merthi Gudda, nestled within a private estate surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations.

8.  Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Sringeri Sharada Peetham is a historic Hindu monastery established by the great philosopher and saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE at Sringeri in Karnataka, India. It is one of the four cardinal Peethams he founded across India to preserve and propagate the Vedas and the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The Peetham is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, whose idol was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya after invoking the divine. It is 46 kms away from Merthi Gudda.

➤ Other Treks in the Region

1. Kudremukha Trek: This iconic trek is the most popular in the region, 23.5 kms from Meruthi Gudda, renowned for its unique 'horse's face' peak, sweeping grasslands, dense Shola forests, and unparalleled panoramic views from the summit, making it a must-do for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

2.  Netravathi Trek: Offering an offbeat experience in the Kudremukh National Park, the Netravathi Trek boasts rugged paths, lush valleys, and immersion in pristine Western Ghats wilderness, ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking solitude and unspoiled scenery. It is about 22 kms from Meruthi Gudda.

3. Bandaje Falls Trek: Around 96kms kms from Merthi Gudda, it is a popular trekking destination where a moderate to strenuous trek of about 15 km (round trip) is involved, starting typically near Ballalarayana Durga Fort, about 4 km away from the falls. The trek passes through dense forests and grasslands with lush greenery, providing breathtaking views and a close encounter with nature

4.  Kurinjal Peak Trek : Kurinjal Peak Trek is known for its comparatively moderate trails that meander through verdant forests and meadows, with spectacular views from the top, making it perfect for trekkers who want a less-crowded, nature-centric hike, located 34 kms from Meruthi Gudda.

5. Gangadikal Trek: Gangadikal is 48.5kms from Meruthi Gudda, is considered a great offbeat adventure close to Kalasa and Kudremukh, providing a blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and solitude in the Western Ghats. The route passes through rolling grasslands, dense Shola forests, and rugged terrain along a ridge with deep valleys on both sides.

6.  Ballalarayana Durga Trek: Ballalarayana Durga 42.5 kms from Meruthi Gudda is a popular trek and historic fort located in the Western Ghats near Chikmagalur, Karnataka. The trek is generally considered moderate in difficulty and suitable for those with a moderate fitness level. It covers about 6.5 to 15 kilometers round trip, depending on the route taken, often combined with a visit to the nearby Bandaje Falls

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented and written by Indiahikes Trekking Club Member, Isha Bhartiya as part of the Great Backyard Trail Documentation Challenge, where trekkers from around the country come together to contribute information on quick day-hikes out of popular cities or tourist destinations. This is aimed at growing awareness about quick hiking routes in India by making information about them more accessibile.

Banner Image by Geetha Reddy