All You Need to Know About Kumara Parvatha Trek

The Kumara Parvatha in the Western Ghats is the second highest peak in Coorg, Karnataka. A popular trek among beginners and pros, the adventure trail will take you through dense forests, large volcanic rocks, and wild flora and fauna. Some stretches of the trail are quite strenuous even for the experienced trekker, but the accompanying views make it worthwhile. This trek is wildly popular among people of Bangalore and nearby South Indian states. The trek is also known as Pushpagiri Trek.

Quick Facts

• Location: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
• Altitude: 1712 metres
• Trek Time: 8 to 10 hours (13 kilometres)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Best Time For Kumara Parvatha Trek

October to January and June to September are good months to trek to Kumara Parvatha. Summers are scorchingly harsh in the south, hence impossible to trek. Winters are quite pleasant in the area with thick mist and dreamy fog surrounding the forest and the trail and also Kumara Parvatha makes for a good monsoon trek.

How To Get There

• Road: If you’re coming from Coorg, the best option will be to take a  cab to Kukke Subramanya or Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. While coming from Bangalore, take a cab or a bus. It takes around 2 to 3 hours from Coorg to reach the trek starting point at Kukke Temple and takes an overnight journey to reach from Bangalore.
• Flight: Mangalore airport is around 150 kilometres from trek point.
• Rail: Mysore and Hassan railway stations are the closest to Kumara Parvatha. Try Hubli or Karwar Express or Bangalore-Mysore Express.

Trekking Route

Day 1

Trek begins from a little distance after Kukke Subramanya Temple, marked by a signboard. The trail is easily visible and for the first few kilometres, there will be a moderately difficult climb through dense forests which will lead to grasslands. At Bhatt’s House, you can take a short break and then proceed further. Take permission from Forest House for camping as it is prohibited to camp from beyond this point. Camp overnight.

Day 2

An early morning start will lead you to Kallu Mandapa beside a stream. The hike to Shesh Parvatha is the toughest part of the trek. After Shesh Parvatha, the trail goes downwards to a clearing, after which there is an uphill hike leading to huge boulders. A rocky stretch leads to meadows and then to the summit. The view includes the vast expanse of Madikeri.

Descent & Return

After a break, start your descent through the same trail, takes 3 hours to reach Forest Office and then another couple of hours to reach the base. Upon descent, stay overnight at Kukke Subramanya or head to Coorg or  Bangalore and make your return journey.

Trekking trail from Somwarpet side

There is another route that leads to the summit which is from Beedhalli in Somwarpet. This trail is slightly more difficult than Kukke Subramanya trail but has an appeal nonetheless.

It is a longer trek, thus it is advisable to trek with an experience trek guide or a group trek.  

The dense Shola forest will provide cover throughout. Many climbers take this trail to ascend and descend via Kukke Subramanya.

Expenses

• Travel: A round trip in a cab from Coorg to Kukke Subramanya costs around Rs 3600. A 3 day round trip from Bangalore to Kukke in a self-drive car costs around Rs. 8000 to Rs 9000. Bus fare from Coorg to Kukke Subramanya is Rs 100, while from Bangalore to the bus fare is Rs 600.
• Food: There is basic food available at Battere Mane (Bhatt’s House) for Rs. 150 & more.
• Accommodation: There is a fee of Rs 200 to be paid at the Forest House for overnight camping at Battere Mane.
• Kumara Parvatha Trek Packages: Homestay packages are plenty. They provide authentic food and guided information for as low as Rs. 1300 per person.

Places To Stay

There are many affordable budget hotels and homestays in Kukke Subramanya, as the place is famous with pilgrims as well as adventure seekers. Stays start from Rs 800 to Rs 1500 per night. Try Shesha Kutir and Gahanashree Cottage.

Food

You’ll find food at Battere Mane on the trail, after which there are no cafes or lodges. Trek providers will arrange for breakfast and lunch on the trail. In Kukke Subramanya, you’ll find delicious Karnataka food in many places. Try Neo Mysore Cafe and Kumarakripa and Vijay Vihar in Vijay Comfort Stay.

Places of Interest

• Kukke Subramanya Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, who is a serpent god in Hindu mythology.

• Sringeri Mutt

A temple depicting the beautiful carvings in Vijayanagar architectural style.

• Biladwara Cave

A hiding place for mythological serpent king Vasuki, the caves are situated en route Kukke Subramanya temple.

• Mallalli Waterfalls

A natural area with beautiful waterfalls and rocks, approachable from Somwarpet.

• Abbimatta Falls

Located near Somwarpet, these are scenic waterfalls surrounded by forests.

• Pushpagiri Forest Reserve

Explore the thick, vast expanse of Pushpagiri Forest Reserve which is home to endangered birds. It is adjoined to Bisle Reserve Forest in the north.

• Coorg

Check out the many attractions of Coorg, like Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Raja’s Seat, and Namdroling Monastery.

Safety & Travel Tips

• Carry lots of water. Also, fill water at Battere Mane, no water will be available from there.
  
• Be careful of leeches and Cobras throughout the trail. The trek is known to have reptiles in certain stretches.
  
• Carry energy bar & pack some light snacks.
  
• Make sure you have a comfortable backpack.
  
• Drop off your overnight tents at Forest Reserve Park & pick them back up enroute.
  
• Carry basic toiletries, sunglasses, a jacket if trekking in winter.
  
• The trail is arduous, you have to be physically fit to finish it.
  
• There will be toilet tents if the trek organizer provides it, or else expect to relieve yourself in nature. There are toilets in Battere Mane.
  
• The challenging trek is not suitable for the elderly or those with a heart condition, asthma or blood pressure.
  

The Kumara Parvatha trek is highly recommended by trekkers all over. Apart from the natural beauty, the trek poses adventure goals that every outdoorsy person loves and looks forward to. An experience you will savour forever. Leave comments below.