Jump in and take an overnight trip to the green hills of Kudremukh. You will find a curious bunch of fellow trekkers - ardent nature lovers and adventure seekers to first timers wanting to tick off something from their bucket list or try something new. With excitement in the air, we begin with a few ice-breaking sessions - the best way to get to know your fellow trekkers and unwind from the long weekday stress. We relax, take a light nap and a few hours later we arrive at our start point for an exhilarating day ahead.

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and start your day early with a hearty breakfast at the homestay, finishing by 6:45 am to make the most of the daylight. Our first adventure takes you to the enchanting Soormane Falls, where the crystal-clear waters cascade into a serene pool, perfect for soaking in nature’s beauty. From there, we head to Ambateertha, a peaceful riverside spot steeped in local lore, offering the perfect backdrop for photos and quiet reflection. By midday, we’ll break for lunch at a local eatery (self-sponsored), giving you the chance to savour authentic Malnad flavours. Post-lunch, we make our way to the lush Samse Tea Estate, where rolling green plantations stretch as far as the eye can see — an absolute treat for tea lovers and photographers alike. The day continues with a visit to the charming Hanging Bridge, where gentle sways and panoramic views of the surrounding hills make for an unforgettable experience. As the sun begins to set, we return to the homestay for high tea and snacks, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travellers. The day winds down with a wholesome dinner, leaving you relaxed and ready for the adventures ahead.

Greet the dawn to the call of nature and a piping hot breakfast, which is the best way to set yourself ready to conquer what the day has to offer. A quick shower later we climb into jeeps and drive to the base of the Kudremukh trek over a bouncy (but exciting) road. Imagine the drizzly coffee plantations, muddy roads, waterfalls, and streams way ahead of the road which is a preview of the daring thing you are about to engage in. After we land and you have your permits, our trek leads will guide you through the plan of the trail, the tips to safety, and how to get the optimum of this experience. But first, out comes a brisk pep dance cheer number - a Plan The Unplanned tradition to set off all journeys in good spirits. The hike starts easy with a stream to cross immediately. These creeks spring to life in monsoon season, swelled, rushing and utterly splendid. This is followed by an ascending climb through a forest of ferns, wild shrubs and tall blades of grass, which appears to extend infinitely. And soon you will pass Ontimara (the legendary lonely tree on a bare spot). Take a break, take some pictures and continue on the path as the trail winds its way into the depths of the Shola forests that are lush and wet, where streams cross your path. Careful of cheeky leeches that also seriously enjoy this up-and-down of the trail as much as us. Later the wood leads to green meadows. Nature here becomes a painter with green hills rolling and clouds dancing. At this point you will cross another stream, the last of water before the top, then you begin the more difficult ascent. The views? It is totally worth it. It is green carpets of hills, clouds muttering across the ridge tops, and the in-between windstorm to provide some drama. An ancient rest house built in the time of the British is ruined near the top, which gives a glimpse of the history of this mystical area. The last bit is a stroll through grasslands, and then all of a sudden, you are on the top. When you get there, stop, catch your breath and gaze at the dreamy sceneries. There is a whirling of clouds, unending hills, and you will enter a different world. Having enjoyed a peaceful time at the top, now down we go, exhausted yet proved cheerful. The trek back is as beautiful as it is itself and each step reminds you of the distance traveled. You will go home covered in mud and wet but smiling the share of a mountain; the kind of smile that mountains can give.