Last Updated on April 12, 2021 by Soumya
I love writing about property stays when they are unique and different from what I usually experience. One such stay was at the Jungle Lodges property in Kudremukh called Bhagavathi Nature Camp. During our coastal Karnataka trip, we strayed away from the coast a little into the mountains to experience raw nature at this Jungle Lodges Resort (JLR). And I could not have been happier.
Nestled in the middle of a verdant green Kudremukh National Park in the Chikmaglur district of Karnataka, Bhagavathi Nature Camp is a peaceful oasis not very far away from the hustle and bustle of Mangalore. Even though it is tempting to visit Kudremukh on a day trip from Mangalore, I would highly recommend spending a night or two just to experience the serenity, calm, and hospitality of this JLR property.
Here’s my completely honest review of Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh, why I loved it, and why you will love it too. Do not miss out the last section on the 4 best things that I liked about this resort and why it was so unique. So, let’s get started.
Bhagavathi Nature Camp at Kudremukh: A tryst with raw nature!
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Introduction to Bhagavathi Nature Camp Kudremukh: A Jungle Lodges Property
Bhagavathi Nature Camp, also spelled Bhagawathi Nature Camp, is a true embodiment of the philosophy of Jungle Lodges & Resorts. Nothing comes between you and nature here. You literally live in the middle of a dense jungle, wake up to the melodious calls of Malabar Whistling Thrush, glimpse at a Krait slithering away on your way to breakfast, and indulge in exciting conversations on Shola forests over dinner.
The Jungle Lodges camp at Kudremukh is a heavenly getaway for people who love nature as well as for those seeking a respite from the daily humdrum of city life. It provides an offbeat camping experience combined with the pleasures of sustainable tourism.
Check out our review of another amazing Jungle Lodges property: Devbagh Beach Resort in Karwar.
Location
Bhagavathi Nature Camp is located inside the Kudremukh National Park about 11 kms from Kudremukh Karkala road. The national park is situated in the Western Ghats nearly 2000 meters above sea level. It derives its name from the Kudremukh peak which resembles the face of a horse (kudre – horse and mukh – face in local language).
The mountain range is covered with dense tropical forests, also referred to as Shola forests, separated by lush green grasslands. Clouds hang right over the peaks and layers of floating mist create a surreal aura over the hills. Going all the way up to watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset can be a memorable experience.
You can get to Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh from either Udupi or Mangalore in under 3 hours. En-route, you will pass St. Lawrence Church in Karkala which I highly recommend for a short visit. The church is beautiful and straight out of a fairytale. Check out my pictures of the Karkala church here.
Cottages at the resort
There are three kinds of cottages at Bhagavathi Nature Camp: wooden cottages known as chalets, tented cottages, and dormitories. Luckily, I was put up in a chalet because that was the most appealing to me. They look straight out of dreams and are extremely comfortable even on cold nights (Kudremukh can get really cold even when the rest of Karnataka is burning). I later realized that they are the most expensive of the lot too though the price differences are minimal.
All chalets are equipped with 2/3 single beds, a table and chair, a wooden clothes hanger, cupboard, ceiling fan, power outlets, and an emergency light if you need to venture out of your room at night. They have an attached bathroom replete with Mysore Sandal soaps (reminded me of my childhood!) and shampoo. Since most of the camp works on solar power, you won’t have hot water in the taps all the time. Hot water comes early in the morning (between 6am – 9am if I remember correctly) if you wish to take a shower.
Tented cottages also have the same facilities. The only difference being they can get colder at night. So, if you are opting for a tented accommodation, check if they can give you an additional blanket. Or carry your thermals to sleep in.
Dorms provide shared accommodation with common bathrooms. This is a good option if you are traveling on a budget.
Food and drinks
Food is served at the Gol Ghar, the very typical round-shaped restaurant of all Jungle Lodges properties, and is delicious. It is usually a buffet spread with nearly 8-10 items on the menu for every meal.
The food consists of the usual coastal Karnataka fare but may include dishes from other parts of the country too. Pakoda usually accompanies tea/coffee in the evenings. Non-vegetarians will love their chicken and fish. The best part about the food at Bhagavathi Nature Camp is that it is not oily at all – keeps you up and active all day.
Related: 17 Must-have dishes of the cuisine of Coastal Karnataka
Special experiences at Jungle Lodges Kudremukh
Your tariff typically covers accommodation, food, a birding trip nearby, and a nature walk through the dense Shola forests of Kudremukh. There are several hikes that you can do from here. Plus, you can do a jeep safari for an additional charge. And I highly recommend it.
I did the safari and went all the way up to a sunset point on the Kudremukh mountains. Trust me when I say that the ride was amazing. We barely saw animals, only a couple of Sambhar deer and few birds but the views that we had from the top were worth dying for.
Endless miles of lush green Shola forests stretched out in front of me, a million clouds (some pregnant with rain) slowly wafted down the hills, and a lonely Nilgiri Tahr made his way home. A sudden calm enveloped me as I stood there watching the sun go down. If this wasn’t heaven I did not know what was!
Bhagavathi Nature Camp booking
You can book your stay at Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh directly through the Jungle Lodges (JLR) website. Or write to them at [email protected]. If you prefer to talk, call on the following numbers: +91 9449599778 and +91 9449599759. Click here to read more reviews of the resort.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the online booking process, please check out the travel essentials section below for people to contact to get yourself a specially curated tour.
Best time to visit Kudremukh
Summers and winters are both good times for visiting Kudremukh in Karnataka. Temperatures are mild and weather is quiet pleasant in summers. Kudremukh actually forms a great summer getaway in south India to escape the scorching heat. Summers are great for trekking and wildlife spotting. Winters are equally nice though it can get chillier. So, it is a good idea to carry your winter clothes.
I would advise not to visit during monsoons because the region experiences heavy showers and maneuvering through hilly roads during these times can be a tough task. In short, between October to May is a great time to visit Kudremukh.
Bhagavathi Nature Camp FAQ
How to get to Bhagavathi Nature Camp?
The best way to get to Bhagavathi Nature Camp is to by taxi or private car. The distance between either Mangalore/Udupi and the resort is close to 100km and a drive takes 3 hours. Alternately, you can also take the bus to the nearest town of Kalasa (look up bus timings here) and then hire a cab from there.
Is there wifi at Bhagavathi Nature Camp?
No, there is no wifi at Bhagavathi Nature Camp. In fact, you will not even get regular mobile signal at the resort or anywhere close by. Even a Reliance Jio sim does not work here (I have seen Jio work in the remotest areas of Tadoba National Park, so that was a surprise). Remember to inform your folks if you are planning to visit/stay in the area. This is the best way to disconnect and simply relax in the middle of nature.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh Karnataka.
What are the kind of rooms available at Bhagavathi Nature Camp?
There are three kinds of rooms/cottages available at the resort: wooden cottages or chalets, tented cottages, and dorms.
What food options are available at Jungle Lodges in Kudremukh?
You will get four meals a day at the Jungle Lodges Resort in Kudremukh. There is breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, and dinner. Food is usually laid out buffet style and includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Final verdict: Is Bhagavathi Nature Camp at Kudremukh worth it?
Absolutely. Here are the 4 things that I totally loved about this Jungle Lodges Resort in Kudremukh and I am sure you will love them too.
- Cozy and dreamy cottages: I loved the cottages at Bhagavathi Nature Camp especially their chalets. They are extremely cozy and accompanied by large bathrooms. And they look like tiny fairytale homes in a world of green jungles.
- Great food and service: Food at the nature camp is tasty, non-oily, and healthy. Plus, their service is impeccable. The staff is always ready with a smile to help you with whatever you need. Do not hesitate to ask.
- Proximity to nature: The best part about this Jungle Lodges property in Kudremukh is its proximity to raw nature. You literally live in the middle of a dense jungle, walk on paths carved through bushes, wake up to the songs of Malabar Whistling Thrush, and see a peacock dance in the middle of the forest. Staying here is encountering raw nature in its most unadulterated form.
- Wonderful safari experience: Be sure to take the safari up the mountains. That is the most enchanting experience ever.
Kudremukh Travel Essentials
- If you are looking for alternate accommodation options near Kudremukh National Park, check out hotels in Mudigere, Kalasa, and Chikmaglur. There are plenty of comfortable homestays and midrange hotels with panoramic views of the mountains.
- Before planning your trip to Kudremukh and coastal Karnataka, check out our ultimate list of the best places to visit in Coastal Karnataka and find out what to eat in Coastal Karnataka.
- I especially loved my stay at Devbagh Beach Resort in Karwar, another Jungle Lodges property. You can check that out here if you are keen to see a completely different side of Jungle Lodges and have a private beach experience.
- If you are looking for specially curated tours anywhere in Karnataka, please feel free to connect with Poonam Shetty from Dream Holidays, Manipal [+91 96865 74959] and/or Roshan Pinto from R.R.Tours & Travels [+91 98453 31926]. I highly recommend both of them for their local insights and ability to provide the best travel experiences.
- It can get chilly up in the mountains. Carry a light jacket if you are visiting in summer and a heavy one if you are coming during winters.
- Carry a bug spray/mosquito repellent if you are planning to spend the night in the mountains.
Disclaimer: Please note that my stay at Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh was sponsored as part of the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Circuit organized by the Ministry of Tourism, India but opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.
