Bengaluru to Kudremukh via Karakala, anyone done this on the 450?

Thinking of a weekend run to Kudremukh, Bengaluru to Karakala then up through Kalasa. Read on this guide that the forest road to Mullodi is only open 9am to 5pm and permits are online only now, no walk in. https://www.thesilversky.in/blogs/the-kudremukh-trek-complete-2026-guide-to-karnatakas-greenest-peak.html

For someone just riding through and not trekking, does that window even apply, or is it trek specific. Also curious how the ghat surface is post monsoon, and whether tyre pressure needs tweaking for those switchbacks. Planning for next month before the fog sets in properly.