Everything You Need To Know About Kumara Parvatha Trek
The Kumara Parvatha trek, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is one of South India’s most challenging and rewarding hikes. Rising to 1,712 meters, this two-day trek offers a dramatic blend of dense forest trails, steep rocky climbs, and panoramic ridge walks that test both endurance and spirit. Starting from the serene Kukke Subramanya Temple, the trail winds through Shesha Parvatha before reaching the summit of Kumara Parvatha, offering trekkers breathtaking views of rolling hills and endless green valleys. Ideal for seasoned hikers, the trek is as much a journey through nature as it is a lesson in patience and perseverance.
Quite stereotypical, but people like us who live in the Northern part of India usually correlate the term ‘trekking’ to the Himalayas, and we actually can’t think beyond that. For us, it’s obvious that we’ll get to see the snowcapped peaks, feel the chills as the wind blows, and sip on a cup of steaming tea while we are out for a trek!
The idea of going for a trek in the Deccan never really occurred to us, until recently, when our friend Murli told us how he fell in love with the Western Ghats while exploring the trails of Kumara Parvatha.
Famously known as the Pushpagiri Peak, it is the highest peak within Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Madikeri District, Coorg) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The altitude of Kumara Parvatha is 1,712 meters (5,617 ft) – which might not seem much, but to tell the truth, it’s not an easy affair to climb up to the top!
We completed the trek at the beginning of March, when the weather was quite humid, and the 28 km long stretch that needs to be covered in 2 days might pose some serious challenges. (No, we don’t wanna scare the hell out of you!) But if you are up for some adventure in the woods during the weekends, and feel like ditching the crazy urban crowd, then perhaps this would be your perfect escapade!
By the time we finished the trek and came down, we were quite exhausted and panting to catch our breath – but here’s why we loved Kumara Parvatha Trek and we believe you should try it too!
A chance to spend a couple of days amidst nature
The entire trail passes through dense forests, giving you a chance to get closer to nature. If you’re one of those who are stuck in the urban jungle and dreaming of a retreat, then you should probably plan to spend your weekend amidst the wilderness and rejuvenate your senses most pleasantly. We flew down from Delhi, and it was worth it.
(For Bangaloreans, there’s no scope for second thoughts!)
The lush green beauty of the Kumara Parvatha Trek left us speechless
Well, this trek surely made us believe that it’s not just the snow-clad peaks that can take our breath away, but the different shades of green can do it too! We were mesmerised by the greenery that kept changing its aura throughout the trail.
While it was dark and dense at first, it gradually transitioned to a drier, greener version. When we reached Shesha Parvatha and looked down, it seemed that there were green waves behind us.
How To Go, Where To Stay & Other Details About Kumara Parvatha Trek
From Bangalore, you can either board the KSRTC to Kukke Subramaniam or hire a car if you are in a group of 4 or more. The journey will take about 6 hours.
At Kukke, you need to walk for about 2 km from the temple to the forest gate, and then start the trek walking through the dense jungles with quite a few ascents covering a stretch of 7 km, until you reach Bhattar Mane, which is the base for the trek.
It’ll take about 4 to 5 hours to reach Bhattar Mane, where you can have your meal (rice and sambar, tea) and set up your tent in the meadows, somewhere around the Forest Department Office. If you aren’t carrying a tent, you can opt to stay at the Bhatt’s cottage for a charge.
Spend the night at Bhattar Mane, relax your muscles, and gear up for the next day, which is surely going to be a long and challenging one!
It’s better to start early for Kumara Parvatha on the next day. You can leave your luggage at the Forest Department Office, making it easier and more comfortable to walk without carrying anything. Make sure to fill your water bottles – it’s a must!
The stretch from here comprises some ascents and descents, patches of forests and vast meadows, and of course, picturesque views that you can’t miss out on!
After walking for about an hour and a half, you’ll reach Kallu Mandapa, where you can rest for a while before carrying on. Reaching Kallu Mandapa marks that you’ve covered one-third of the trail to Kumara Parvatha.
Hike up the steep ascent and keep walking through a portion of the forest with boulders on your sides and steep slopes till you reach Sesha Parvatha, which marks two-thirds of your journey.
The last part of the journey begins from here, and it is all uphill, crossing past huge boulders along the way. At one point, immediately after crossing the forest stretch, there’s a vertical rock face that may pose serious challenges. But once you cross that hurdle, you’ll make it to your destination!
There’s a small shrine at the top of Kumara Parvatha where we met a few religious people who have trekked up with devotion to please the Lord! However, reaching the top, you can treat yourself with the postcard-perfect views, soaking in the sun for a while before you start descending.
It’ll be a total of 14 km descent from Kumara Parvatha to Kukke Subramaniam, following the same route, which would require approximately 4-5 hours.
Pick up your luggage from the Forest Department Office, have lunch at Bhattar Mane, and make sure to keep up your pace so that you can reach the temple town before it gets dark.
Have a hearty meal at the Neo Mysore Restaurant (the lassi is particularly good!) in Kukke, before you begin your journey to Bangalore.
And as they say, your journey is best measured by the companions you had on the way – I would love to thank our bunch of crazy folks (Ilisha, Dixshant, Saikat, Snigdha & of course, Murli – the leader) who made this journey more fun-filled and memorable for us. Exploring Kumara Parvatha wouldn’t have been the same without these people!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kumara Parvatha Trek
How difficult is the Kumara Parvatha trek?
The Kumara Parvatha trek is considered challenging due to its steep inclines, long trekking distance, and rugged terrain. It is recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness and prior trekking experience.
What is the best time to do the Kumara Parvatha trek?
- October to February: Cool and pleasant weather, perfect for trekking.
- June to September (monsoon): Not advisable due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and leeches.
- March to May: Warmer weather, but manageable with proper hydration.
Where does the trek start?
The trek begins at the Kukke Subramanya Temple, approximately 105 km from Mangalore.
How do I reach Kukke Subramanya?
- By Road: Regular buses connect Kukke Subramanya with Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Subramanya Road, about 12 km from the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, 105 km away.
Do I need a permit for the trek?
Yes, a permit from the forest department is required as the trek passes through the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Permits can be obtained at the Forest Checkpost near Bhattara Mane.
Are there food options on the trek?
- Basic meals are available at Bhattara Mane (rice, sambar, curd).
- It’s advisable to carry your own snacks and energy bars.
What are the views like from the summit?
The summit offers stunning views of the Western Ghats, neighbouring peaks, dense forests, and deep valleys. Sunrise and sunset from the top are particularly breathtaking.
Are guides mandatory for the trek?
Guides are not mandatory but are recommended for first-timers or large groups to ensure safety and navigation.
Note: If you’re unsure about managing it all on your own, our friends at Plan The Unplanned can help you plan your weekend getaway to Kumara Parvatha.
Have you been there for the Kumara Parvatha Trek and want to share your amazing experiences with us? I’m all ears to hear about your adventures!
(Disclaimer: This post contains a few affiliate links. If you happen to click on any of them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Just know that I truly appreciate your support if you choose to do so.)
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About Me
An absolute foodie and a die-hard ‘mountain-aholic’, I love to read and write! (Give me a book and I’ll love you all the more!)
Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to travel to a lot of places across India and abroad, and I escaped to the mountains often – blame it on my ardent love for the quaint Himalayan towns and Lemon-Honey-Ginger tea!
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