Chikkamagaluru: The Forest Department has temporarily banned entry to the popular Ettina Bhuja trekking destination in Mudigere taluk, citing continuous rainfall and thick fog in the region.

A press release from the department stated that the decision was made in the interest of public safety. The 7-km trek to the scenic Ettina Bhuja peak usually attracts tourists from across the state. However, the monsoon season brings increased risks — rescue operations become extremely difficult in case of accidents, especially since there is no motorable access to the top. Any mishap would require carrying the injured back down manually.

What does the order say?
The forest department has highlighted the risk of landslides and the visibility issues caused by dense fog in the region. As a result, entry to Ettina Bhuja, under the Mudigere forest range in Chikkamagaluru division, has been banned from July 1 to July 31.

Local residents had also recently urged the government to suspend trekking activities during the monsoon at Ettina Bhuja due to safety concerns.