Gangadikal Trek, Chikmagalur

Blue skies, scattered clouds, chill winds, rolling grasslands and silence, this is what Gangadikal is all about! 
Gangadikal is bounded by steep hills and valleys, in the Western Ghats of the Kudremukh forest range, that bear the brunt of the severe monsoons winds, which precludes dense tree growth. Thus, resulting in grasslands throughout the forest ranges. Little secluded, not touched by many, is what makes this a highlight and one can enjoy the tranquility of the forests to the fullest! 
The captivating flora and fauna of the Western Ghats attracts Nature enthusiasts too.
We start our journey from Bengaluru at around 9:00 in the night, directly reaching our homestay in the Kudremukh district. We freshen up, have our breakfast and carry our packed lunch and start the trek. 
A ride of around 20 kms, through the forest awaits us to the starting point of the trek. Tall trees and a patch ride makes this all the more exciting. 
As we start trekking, the first 200 mts wades through the forest range of the Kudremukh National park. Filled with huge trees, that give a beautiful canopy which play hide and seek with the sun. 
The next 4 kms of the trek is through vast, huge grasslands that are opulent green in color and are at their brightest during the monsoon time! The trail gives us a steady incline as we scale towards the peak of the mountain. 
Mist filled cloud laden mountains welcome us as we reach the peak. The view is mesmerizing with the blanket of the plush valleys in spectacular shades of green, that seem endless. We also get a glimpse of the backwaters of the Lakya Dam. And if skies are clear, the very famous Kudremukh Peak can be viewed!
We spend a good hour on the peak, immersing in all the beauty nature has to offer to us. We have our packed lunches and start heading back to the base, taking the same route, through the grasslands and the bus ride back to the homestay. 
We freshen up, have a nice warm dinner and spend some time with our fellow mates and hit the bed. All tired yet in awe of the trek and the wonder nature has laid out to us. 
Early next morning we freshen up, have breakfast and head to Bengaluru. On the way back we visit the Soormane Falls or the Hanging Bridge and stop for a self - sponsored lunch, finally reaching Bangalore by 9:00 in the night. 
Still in cloud nine from the trek, we long to get back on another heart to heart encounter with nature. :) 

• Difficulty level : Easy
• Trek Length : 8 Kms in total (Two way)
• Altitude : 1455 Meter
• Distance from Bangalore : 330 Kms (One Way) 
• Minimum Age : 8 Years 
• Maximum Age : 50 Years
• Weather : 28 to 30 Degrees (March to June)
• Attraction : Beautiful Landscape
• Transport : Non AC Transport
• Food : Veg Food
• Washrooms : Only at Base Camp
• Accommodation Type : Dorms separate for Male & Female