Ettina Bhuja Trek
Moderate trek in Western Ghats with a unique 'Ox's Shoulder' peak, offering stunning views and misty trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies & cool weather
Ettina Bhuja Trek
Best Time
Clear skies & cool weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Moderate trek in Western Ghats with a unique 'Ox's Shoulder' peak, offering stunning views and misty trails.
"One of the most rewarding treks in Karnataka with thrilling climbs and speechless panoramic views!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online Early
Mandatory booking via Aranyavihara website. Avoid ₹300 fee by arriving before 7 AM. :admission_tickets:
⚠️ Watch Out for Leeches
Monsoon months bring leeches. Wear appropriate gear and be cautious on the trail. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Ox's Shoulder' Summit
Peak of Ettina Bhuja
Reach the distinctive knob-shaped summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Misty Forest Trails
Lower slopes of Ettina Bhuja
Trek through dense, misty forests and open meadows, a truly immersive nature experience.
Chikmagalur's Hidden Gem
Near Mudigere, Chikmagalur
Discover this less-crowded alternative to popular spots, perfect for a refreshing weekend escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online in Advance
Leech & Weather Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online Early
Mandatory booking via Aranyavihara website. Avoid ₹300 fee by arriving before 7 AM. :admission_tickets:
⚠️ Watch Out for Leeches
Monsoon months bring leeches. Wear appropriate gear and be cautious on the trail. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture Misty Views
Visibility can be low, but the misty atmosphere offers unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
♻️ Leave No Trace
Maintain cleanliness. Avoid littering to preserve this beautiful trekking spot. :recycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online Early
Mandatory booking via Aranyavihara website. Avoid ₹300 fee by arriving before 7 AM. :admission_tickets:
⚠️ Watch Out for Leeches
Monsoon months bring leeches. Wear appropriate gear and be cautious on the trail. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture Misty Views
Visibility can be low, but the misty atmosphere offers unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
♻️ Leave No Trace
Maintain cleanliness. Avoid littering to preserve this beautiful trekking spot. :recycle:
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends can get crowded. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a less congested trek. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ettina Bhuja is a highly rewarding trek with stunning panoramic views, praised for its moderate difficulty and beautiful natural surroundings. While some find the trek challenging, the picturesque scenery and immersive forest trails are consistently highlighted as major draws. Visitors recommend early morning visits to avoid crowds and fees, and caution is advised regarding leeches during monsoon months.
"Beautiful trekking spot, just some kms away from Bangalore. Picturesque views from the top. Moderately difficult, doesn't require all the prep and precautions you do for other treks. Although there's a small stretch of path with leeches, one should be aware of. Reach early to avoid crowd- can be easily upto 150-200 on the top, during weekends. Do not litter, there's an official near the entry point who collects the tickets (which you have to collect online - Aranya Vihara) and takes photos of every group for records I believe. One can easily complete it in couple of hours"
Gurumurthy Adiga
"The weather was crazy & I absolutely fell in love with this place (not leeches though). The trek was moderate & you could really enjoy if there is a visibility. Since we visited in the mid of Aug, there was no visibility at all but still, we really loved the experience!"
Bindu Shree
"I had been there 2 years back
It’s was wonderful experience, nice place for weekend and trekking. Please maintain the clear and say no to plastic.
Be careful whiles trekking lots of lichees there also it’s block sail.
Quite difficult hiking.
I’m recommending for group trip."
Mahadevaswamy S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ettina Bhuja is located in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, approximately 25 km from Mudigere. From Bangalore, you can drive or take a bus to Chikmagalur and then hire a taxi or local transport to Mudigere and further towards the trek starting point. The drive from Bangalore typically takes 5-6 hours. 
The trek starts near the Nanya Bhairaveshwara temple. From Mudigere, you can hire a local jeep or taxi. Some homestays like @gaalibidara_homestay are located right below the peak and can assist with transport.
While buses run to Chikmagalur and Mudigere, reaching the exact trek starting point might require local buses or hired vehicles from Mudigere. Planning your last leg of the journey in advance is recommended.
Ettina Bhuja is located about 55 km away from Chikmagalur city. The nearest town is Mudigere, which is about 25 km from the peak.
You can search for 'Ettina Bhuja Trek' or 'Nanya Bhairaveshwara Temple' on navigation apps. It's advisable to download offline maps as network connectivity can be spotty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entry fee. It's mandatory to book tickets online through the Aranyavihara website. On-the-spot entry after 7 AM incurs a higher fee of ₹300, so booking in advance is crucial. [^I3, R1]
Tickets must be booked online via the Aranyavihara website. It's recommended to do this a few days before your planned visit, especially for weekends.
While there isn't a strict closing time, it's best to start your trek early in the morning, ideally before 7 AM, to avoid the higher entry fee and potential crowds.
An official near the entry point collects tickets and records visitor details. Ensure you have your online booking confirmation ready.
The online booking through Aranyavihara covers the necessary permits for trekking at Ettina Bhuja.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Ettina Bhuja trek is generally considered easy to moderate. The trail is about 4-5 km round trip and takes 3-4 hours to complete, making it suitable for beginners and families. +3
Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, as there are rocky sections. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended. Be prepared for leeches by wearing long pants and socks.
The best time to trek is early morning, ideally before 7 AM, for cooler weather, clearer skies, and fewer crowds. This also helps in avoiding the higher entry fee.
Basic facilities might be limited. It's advisable to carry your own water and snacks. There are officials near the entry point who collect tickets.
Yes, it's considered an easy trek perfect for families. The relatively short distance and moderate difficulty make it accessible for most age groups.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats, especially during sunrise or sunset if you plan your timing. The misty trails and dense forests also provide beautiful, atmospheric shots.
Early mornings often provide clearer skies and softer light, ideal for landscape photography. However, the mist during monsoon can create dramatic and moody scenes.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's best to check with local authorities or the Aranyavihara website for any specific regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or misty mornings.
The trek passes through diverse ecosystems, offering opportunities to photograph various plants and potentially small wildlife. Remember to be respectful of the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Key recommendations for families include starting early to ensure a comfortable pace and avoid crowds. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes and long clothing to protect against leeches and rough terrain. Carrying plenty of water and snacks is also important, as amenities are limited. The relatively short duration of the trek (3-4 hours) means kids are less likely to get tired.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Consider traveling during weekdays or very early on weekends to minimize crowds and enjoy the trek more peacefully. Packing your own food and water will also save money, as on-site options are scarce. The trek itself is free once your entry is secured, making it a cost-effective way to experience the Western Ghats.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips include arriving before sunrise for the best light and potential clear views. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for the panoramic vistas from the summit. Be prepared for challenging conditions during the monsoon, but embrace the mist for its photographic potential. Remember to respect the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Ettina Bhuja Trek
+2The trek winds through a mix of dense forests, open meadows, and rocky terrains. While generally considered easy to moderate, certain sections can be challenging, especially after rainfall. The final ascent to the peak provides a thrilling climax, rewarding trekkers with unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding rolling hills and valleys of the Western Ghats.
Key highlights include the unique geological formation of the peak, the immersive experience of trekking through diverse natural landscapes, and the breathtaking vistas from the summit. It's a popular spot for weekend getaways and offers a refreshing escape from urban life.
Best Times and Conditions for Visiting
However, the monsoon season itself (June to September) offers a unique charm with its misty atmosphere. While visibility might be reduced, the ethereal beauty of the clouds enveloping the peaks creates a magical experience. Be prepared for leeches during this time, as they are prevalent in the Western Ghats during the rains.
Crowd management is a significant factor. Weekends can see a considerable number of visitors, leading to congestion. To avoid this and the higher entry fee, it's highly recommended to start your trek before 7 AM on any day, especially if visiting on a weekend.
Practicalities: Tickets, Fees, and What to Carry
When it comes to what to carry, comfortable trekking shoes with good grip are essential due to the rocky patches. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is advisable. Given the potential for leeches, especially during the monsoon, wearing long pants and socks is a wise precaution. Carry sufficient water and snacks, as facilities on the trail are minimal.
Safety and responsibility are paramount. Visitors are urged to maintain the cleanliness of the area and avoid littering. The trek is relatively short, typically completed within 2-4 hours, making it a manageable day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit