INTRODUCTION
The second highest point in Coorg, Karnataka, is the Kumara Parvatha in the Western Ghats. The adventure trail, a popular trek among beginners and pros, will take you through thick forests, large volcanic rocks, and wild flora and fauna. Even for a seasoned trekker, certain sections of the trail are rather strenuous, but the resulting views make it worthwhile.
Among citizens of Bangalore and neighboring South Indian states, this trek is wildly popular. The trek is also known as the Trek of Pushpagiri.
KNOWLEDGE FACTS
Cliff Kumara Parvatha
Location: Wildlife Sanctuary of Pushpagiri, Karnataka
Elevation: 1712 meters
Trek Time: between 8 and 10 hours (13 kilometres)
Degree of Difficulty: Mild to difficult
Kumara Parvatha Trek’s Best Time
Pleasant months to trek to Kumara Parvatha are October to January and June to September. In the south, summers are scorchingly harsh, making it difficult to trek. With dense mist and dreamy fog covering the forest and the trail, winters are very fun in the region and Kumara Parvatha allows for a nice monsoon trek as well.
How to Get There
Drive by Road: If you’re coming from Coorg, a cab or drive to Kukke Subramanya or Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is the best option to be chosen in a place like that. Take a cab or a bus when arriving from Bangalore. To reach the trek starting point at Kukke Temple, it takes about 2 to 3 hours from Coorg and takes an overnight ride to reach Bangalore.
Flight: Mangalore Airport is about 150 kilometers from the point of departure.
Rail: The railway stations at Mysore and Hassan are the nearest to Kumara Parvatha. Try Hubli or the Bangalore-Mysore Express or Karwar Express.
Hiking Road Schedule
Day 1
Signboard Board
After Kukke Subramanya Temple, indicated by a signboard, the trek starts a short distance away. The track is readily visible and there will be a fairly challenging climb through thick woodland for the first few kilometers, which will lead to grasslands. You should take a quick break at Bhatt’s House and then continue on. Take permission for camping from Forest Home, as camping from beyond this point is forbidden. Overnight camp.
Day 2
Battere Mane or The Location of Bhatt
Starting early in the morning, you will be taken to Kallu Mandapa by a stream. The worst part of the trek is the climb to Shesh Parvatha. The track goes downhill to a clearing following Shesh Parvatha, after which there is an uphill climb leading to massive boulders. A rugged portion leads to meadows and then to the summit. The vision contains Madikeri’s vast expanse.
Descent & Returning
Midway, Kumara Parvatha
Starting your descent along the same path after a break, it takes 3 hours to reach the Forest Office and then a few more hours to reach the foundation. Stay at Kukke Subramanya overnight on the descent, or head to Coorg or Bangalore and make your return journey.
Trekking path from the side of Somwarpet
Trail Somwarpet
There is another path from Beedhalli to Somwarpet that leads to the summit. This trail is marginally more challenging than the Kukke Subramanya trail, but it still has an attraction.
It is a longer trek, so a trek with an experienced trek guide or a group trek is preferable.
Cover will be given in the thick Shola Forest. To ascend and descend through Kukke Subramanya, many climbers take this trail.
Locations of Concern and view
- Temple of Kukke Subramanya – Lord Kartikeya, who is a snake deity in Hindu mythology, is devoted to this shrine.
- Mutt of Sringeri – A temple with exquisite carvings in the architectural style of Vijayanagar.
- Cave Biladwara – The caves are found on the road to Kukke Subramanya temple, a hiding place for the mythological serpent king Vasuki.
- Waterfalls in Mallalli – A natural place, accessible from Somwarpet, with lovely waterfalls and rocks.
- Falls Abbimatta – These are picturesque waterfalls surrounded by woodland near Somwarpet.
- Reserve of Pushpagiri Woodland – Explore the vast, dense expanse of the Pushpagiri Forest Reserve, where endangered birds nest. In the north, it is connected to the Bisle Reserve Forest.
- Coorg’s – Like Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Raja’s Seat, and Namdroling Monastery, check out the many attractions of Coorg.
Tips on Protection & Travel
- Bring plenty of water for you. Even, at Battere Mane, there will be no water available from there.
- Throughout the trail, beware of leeches and Cobras.In some stretches, the trek is considered to have reptiles.
- Bring some light snacks with the energy bar & bag.
- Make sure you’ve got a bag that’s comfortable
- At Forest Reserve Park, drop off your overnight tents & pick them back up en route.
- Bring simple toiletries, sunglasses, a scarf and thick clothes in winter while trekking.
- You have to be physically fit to complete it. The trail is arduous.
- If the trek organiser supplies it, there would be toilet tents, or otherwise prepare to relieve yourself in nature. The toilets are at Battere Mane.
- For the elderly or someone with a heart disease, asthma or blood pressure, the exhausting trek is not appropriate.
CONCLUSION
Trekkers everywhere widely recommend the Kumara Parvatha trek. The trek poses adventure targets, aside from the natural scenery, that any outdoor person enjoys and looks forward to. An opportunity you’re going to savour forever.
