Welcome to the rainforest
"Stay in KCRE and it will stay with you"
COTTAGES
Our woodhouse cottages are cosy rooms, posh clean attached bathrooms with hot water shower and a sit-out facing the undisturbed forest.
DORMITORY
The dorm is comfortably spaced with 8 bunk beds with fans, forest view, storage space, attached toilet and bathroom.
Backpackers, photographers, students most love the dormitory.
TENTS
Camping in tents is a safe and the most intimate way to experience nature’s truest essence. With no walls to obstruct, it allows engagement with the jungle’s sounds and smells.
We have 3-men Coleman & Quechua tens in which we accommodate 2 people. A foam mattress, blankets and pillows make for a cozy and warm experience.
An artistic malnad style complex houses clean hygienic Western and Indian toilets (with toilet papers) and two baths with hot water facility.
The Food (Malnad cuisine)
We serve the best of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Our food is cooked over an earthen stove, with locally sourced ingredients.
Join us at our communal dining hall and share stories with other travellers and our team.
PS: Consumption of alcohol is not permitted
mUST DO...
The best way to experience the rain forest is by foot!
Nature is best explored with patience. Every inch of the forest is bustling with life. Take time to stop and savor each experience
All seasons
Hike up the Akki-batha raashi gudda. A twin-humped mountain offering a splendid view of the chain of Western Ghats mountain ranges.
Swim in the pristine forest stream
Walk forest trails with our naturalist
Look for Western Ghats Flying Lizard (Draco dussumieri) in our beetle nut plantations
Explore the nocturnal world come alive during our night trails
Go herping, bird watching, butterfly watching, tree walks, amphibian walks and more
Get creative with wildlife photography
Summers
Relax quietly by the pond to observe a world of insects (dragon flies, damsel flies, butterflies,
bees, robber flies and more) and birds go about their life. An occasional snake or a mongoose or a family of langurs may give you company.
Monsoon
Relax in the quietness of the aesthetic dining hall with books from our library. Or give flight to your interest in wildlife through interaction with our team of researchers and volunteers.
PLACES TO VISIT
Kundadri mountain: (15km from KCRE)
The kundadri mountain is the highest point in Agumbe and enshrines a 17th-century Jain temple. The sunset view from here is breathtaking and is far less crowded as compared to the famous sunset point of Agumbe.
Doddamane: (13km from KCRE)
This home and family is part of the fabric of Agumbe’s history. Famed for being the location where the televion-series ‘Malgudi Days’ was filmed, it transports one to the fictional backdrop described by R K Narayan in his book. The family continues to welcome people from all walks of life and is among the oldest home stays probably much before the concept of homestay even took shape.
Onakeabbi waterfalls: (15km from KCRE)
The long flight of stairs leading higher and higher takes one to the point where the waterfall drops down through the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. An arduous climb for novices but worth the effort when one reaches the ultimate point.
Barkhana Trek: ( 14km from KCRE):
This trek is the actual deal. Hours of climbing through the rainforests and under thick dark canopies make for quite a challenge. Every drop of sweat is accounted for by the splendorous view one gets at the summit.
Jogi Gundi waterfalls: ( 16km from KCRE)
It is a great place to visit soon after monsoon. A stone stairway leads to the spot where water drops from an escarpment into a wide pool.
Sunset point of Agumbe: ( 15 km from KCRE)
A famous tourist spot and indeed a wonderful place to
watch the sunset. On lucky days one can even view the Arabian Sea from here. It is for people who
don’t mind the crowd and the remnants of garbage strewn about. Slices of fresh pineapples sold here are quite refreshing after all the anticipation and experience of the sunset!
Forest Park: ( 14 km from KCRE):
Just ahead of the sunset point and opposite to the Agumbe check post is a very picturesque pond maintained by the Forest Department. Boat riding is an option and is a calm place to relax under tall trees.
The Ghats: ( 15 km from KCRE):
The ghat road connects Someshwara to Agumbe. These ghats are home to the endangered Lion Tailed Macaque. With patience and perseverance and sometimes by pure luck one can spot them on the trees along the winding ghat roads.
Sringeri: (25km from KCRE): Just 25 km from KCRE
The famous temple of Sringeri. This was the site of the first mutt established by Adi Shankara called the Sringeri Sharada Peeta. Located on the banks of river Tunga the temple is over 1200 years old and people from across the world visit this place. Apart from the beauty of these temples, another sight to behold is the large mahseer fishes that swim up-close to the river banks and are hand-fed by temple visitors.
Thirthahalli: (25km from KCRE)
This holy town with a history of thousands of years stands beside river Tunga. Thirthahalli is a mix of both the ancient and the modern. The Rameshwara temple and the view of the Tunga river from the bridge transports one to the world then. Being the closest town to most villages it has many modern facilities in terms of well-equipped hospitals, ATMs, banks, colleges, theatres and markets.
Kavimane and Kavishaila, Kuppali: (40km from KCRE)
The birthplace of the renowned Kannada poet and playwright, Kuvempu, it is a must-visit for all who would like to get a glimpse of life in malnad. The Kavimane which is the home of the poet and now a museum showcases the house, utensils, equipment all a reflection of the lifestyle in malnad. The wooden stairs lead to big halls with a display of Kuvempu’s work, awards and honours. The Kavishaila is a rock monument very similar to Stonehenge in England. It is also the memorial of Kuvempu and offers splendid sights of the forests around.
Kavaledurga: (50km from KCRE)
A 9th-century fort with great history transports one to a different world. Huge fort walls made of granite and stairways in ruins make it a hiker’s paradise. At different levels, one gets to see beautiful views of the forests, the Varahi backwaters and a mosaic of agricultural fields. Unravelling the paths and history as we go makes for engaging conversations with friends or with oneself as we proceed to the summit.
TARIFF
FOREST COTTAGE
Ideal for a family of two
adults and a kid. We provide extra beds on request.
Includes: Towel, blankets, quilts, wardrobe, fan, and electric kettle, sugar, coffee and tea bags.
WILD DORMITORY
Rs. 2150 per person per day
Wooden home with bunker
beds. Best suited for small friends group and family.
Attached western toilet with hot water shower.
Includes: Bedspreads, blankets, storage space, and fan.
Capacity: 8 adults/12 kids
JUNGLE TENTS
Rs.1950 per person per day
A most exciting way to experience the rainforest.
We accommodate 2 people in 3-man Quechua and
Coleman tents to ensure space and comfort.
Separate toilet complex with Indian and Western toilet and bathrooms with hot water facility is available at a short walk from the tents.
Includes: Foam mat, blankets and pillow.
BRING YOUR OWN TENT(BYOT)
Rs.1760 per person per day
We provide tent platforms to pitch your own tent and sleep in your personal sleeping bags and beddings.
Price Includes: All 3 Meals ( Veg or Non Veg), Evening and mornings: Tea/Coffee
Excludes: Surface transportation to visit places around, Naturalist charges for experiences, GST @ 5% on food.
NOTE :
Kids below 12 Yrs: Half charge
Kids below 6 Yrs: No charge
Food is served at the common dining hall at specific times.
People who visit KCRE and find it comfortable, exciting and memorable
BOOKING PROCEDURE: Write to kalinga@kalingacre.com or WhatsApp to +91 9480877670 with your planned dates, choice of accommodation, and headcount. We will confirm your booking based on availability.
Best Time to Visit
Monsoons are the cynosure of Agumbe. We have hence categorized experiences based on monsoon.
Pre-Monsoon: January to May.
This marks the breeding season for king cobras with good opportunities to sight them. Being spring it is also the best time to watch butterflies, birds and myriads of other insects. Many animals are active as the race to produce offspring well before monsoon is in full swing. Many festivities, weddings, ceremonies and folk events take place and the cultural fervor is vibrant in villages.
Monsoon:June to September makes up the monsoon season.
Green is the ruling color smudged only by mist and downpours. Monsoon rains are relentless but life in the forests are resplendent with life. From reptiles, amphibians, fungi, and hosts of lesser-known fauna appear during this time. It is a great time to capture macro life as well as the scenic beauty of Agumbe (misty mountains, to heavy downpour, glistening canopies and overflowing streams and rivers).
Post-Monsoon: October to December.
The monsoon clouds recede leaving the forests fresh and lush. Most animals slowly recuperate while new off springs take baby steps into the big world. Amphibian
calls slowly make way for bird calls once again, the butterflies flutter by and the leeches retire in search of dampness that is soon drying up. The best time for school and college programs as well as for wildlife photographers.
Wildlife to look for:
These forests are a treat to the eyes especially for those who love macro life.
Reptiles: The region is home to the world’s longest venomous snake the King Cobra and 41 different species of snakes. Various other reptiles like rouxii lizards, skinks, monitor lizards and the Western Ghats flying lizard (Draco) can be spotted.
Avifauna includes Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, Malabar pied hornbill, Fairy blue bird, Malabar trogon and the Hill Myna, among 50 others!
Monsoon is the best time to see the Amphibian biodiversity which includes Malabar gliding
frog, Coorg yellow bush frog, False hour glass frog, dancing frogs and many more. As the forest cover is thick and
evergreen, visibility for long distances is very low.
Mammals like Barking deer, Indian gaur, Sambar
deer, Black-naped hare, Slender Lorris, Jungle cats, Civet cats, Leopard cats and Leopards can be seen on rare occasions.
Malabar giant squirrel, Flying squirrel, bonnet macaques and langurs are a fairly common sight.
Apart from the above highlights one can see an amazing array of insect, plant, fungi, aquatic life here.
How to get there?
This car -Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (ground clearance -170mm) made it all the way to KCRE without a scratch, in case you are wondering!
HOW TO GET HERE:
By Bus from Bangalore:
A KSRTC Sleeper bus leaves for Agumbe every day at 10:00 pm. From Platform No. 5 at the Kempegowda
Bus Stand (Majestic bus stand) in Bangalore.
L V Travels Sleeper bus to Agumbe at 10:00pm from Anand Rao circle, Bangalore
By Train:
Closest railway stations to Agumbe are in Udupi (55 Km) and Shimoga(90 Km).
By Air:
Closest International Airports:
Bangalore (370 Km)
Mangalore (110 Km)
We can help arrange for taxis from Shivamogga, Udupi or Mangalore on request.
DRIVING DOWN ON ROAD FROM BENGALURU:
Option 1: Bangalore-Tumkur-Arsikere-Kadur-Shimoga-Thirthahalli- Galimara Bus stop on Agumbe road. Galimara Bus stop is 1km before Guddekeri
Option 2: Bangalore-Tumkur-Chitradurga-Channagiri–Shivamogga-Thirthahalli – Galimara Bus stop on Agumbe road. Galimara Bus stop is 1km before Guddekeri.
Option 4: Bangalore-Hassan-Chikamagalur- Galimara Bus stop on Agumbe road. Galimara Bus stop is 1km before Guddekeri
GETTING TO THE FIELD STATION FROM GUDDEKERI BUS STAND:
From bus stand: Get off at Guddekere. It’s 8km before Agumbe and 25km from Thirthahalli. The campsite is located further 5km from Guddekeri. Auto rickshaws or Maruti Omni vans have to be hired to reach the campsite.
Read on, if you are driving down:
From Thirthalhalli, use Google Map to reach Kalinga Mane. As per the map, you need to turn at Galimara Bus stop. There are no sign boards about the bus stop though. Follow google map only until Siddi Vinayaka temple / Hasiru Mane. From here, stop using google map and start following the Kalinga Mane signages.
Everything ahead from here gives the true feeling of a jungle…adventure begins. This car -Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (ground clearance -170mm) made it all the way to KCRE without a scratch, in case you are wondering! Brace yourselves for surprises. From here wildlife starts to peep and creep. Drive slowly and look out for gaurs, scorpions, snakes, sambar deer, leopards and more.
You are now officially in the heart of the forests and the whispering canopies converge high up wrapping you warm as you tread precariously on an escarpment for next couple of kilometres.
And then you stop! You’ve arrived at Kalinga Mane.
Park your vehicles here and walk down two flights of stairs to land at the core-KCRE, the field station.
Guidelines and Expectations
There is a promise we made to these forests. The promise that we shall not pollute or corrupt or tamper whilst we make this our abode. We have kept it and we earnestly request all our guests to uphold it. These guidelines will help in being considerate and respectful towards nature.
GUIDELINES:
• Bonfire and loud music is prohibited in view of avoiding any disturbance to animals.
• Handling, agitating, or disturbing any wildlife is forbidden and shall warrant strict action.
• Collection of any kind of flora, fauna, stones, pebbles, or fungi is not permitted.
• Exercise caution, control and care during observation and photography in the forest to
avoid stressing species or exposing them to danger.
• Respect the culture and sentiments of locals.
• Kindly avoid carrying plastics and in case it is unavoidable we request that you carry
back plastic waste with you. E.g. Pet bottles, plastic bags etc.
EXPECTATIONS:
Please understand that this campsite is an environmental education centre and not a resort.
• Our campsite is equipped with a grid, solar power and a generator for backup. • Airtel 4G and BSNL networks work
• Telephone and broadband internet are strictly meant for office use.
• The closest ATM and Pharmacy are 12km away.
• Hospitals: Melige hospital at Thirthahalli (24km) and Manipal hospital at Manipal (50km)
• Please carry fully charged batteries for your cameras, torches, laptops and other
equipment. Having spare ones will help.
• Room service is not available at the campsite.
• Everyone is expected to wash their own plates, glasses and tea-cups after every meal.
• To help us manage waste we encourage you to separate organic and inorganic wastes and
use the respective dustbins. Please try to carry all inorganic waste back with you.
• Please take care of your belongings and ensure to keep your cameras and other electronic
equipment dry.
THINGS TO CARRY:
Here is a list of things to help plan your trip.
MUST CARRY:
• A good torch(Flashlight)- (If you have a head torch it would be useful but not necessary)
• Personal medical kit
• Batteries (For your torch and other equipment)
• Good pair of shoes
• Slippers (flip flops)
• Toiletries
• Dull coloured clothes (black, grey, and brown, blue)
• Rain-coat and Umbrella (Best to be prepared)
Note: As per instructions from the anti-naxal squad and police department visitors must not wear camouflaged, olive or khaki coloured clothes.
OPTIONAL:
• Gumboots
• Sleeping bag
• Leech socks
• Big plastic bags to keep your clothes as they may become damp due to mist.
• Rain gears for your cameras