Kumara Parvatha: Permits, Rules & Essential Guide

Kumara Parvatha or Pushpagiri is one of the most favourite trekking spots among the most favourite places of Karnataka India. The hill is approximately 1,712 meters (5,617 ft) in altitude, the second tallest in Karnataka and the tallest hill in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary hills. The scenic hill lies within the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its high biodiversity, dense forest cover, and hill landscape. Kumara Parvatha trekking is the toughest but most rewarding of South Indian treks and is visited by nature enthusiasts, sports adventurers, and photographers as tourists on its route. Kumara Parvatha trekking can be attempted in two modes of popularity either starting from Kukke Subramanya or one more from Somwarpet. The route of Kukke Subramanya is the tourist route and tougher with an intimate 13-kilometer one-way track. This trek provides the trekkers with an adventurous experience of moving through the rock hills, grassland, and dense forests. The trekking begins at the very footsteps of Kukke Subramanya temple, one of the holiest pilgrim centres for worshipping Lord Subramanya. The trekking adventure starts through dense forests, now familiarly referred to as the Shesha Parvatha route, and opens into expansive grasslands of emerald plains, which offer grand panoramic vistas across adjacent hillocks. The last leg of ascending through Kumara Parvatha from Shesha Parvatha is exhausting and demanding both in terms of body and brain.

The second Somwarpet trek, or Medahalli trail, is shorter and begins at the edge of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Less travelled than the first, the trek here is a different view of the hill and is perfect for the individual who wants a less travelled trekking path. The trek here is on thick shola cover and grassland and thus an equally beautiful but relatively easier ascent. Kumara Parvatha is famous not just for its rocky terrain but also because it has indigenous vegetation and fauna of its sort. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has a small amount of endemic vegetation, animals, and birds such as the Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, and some snakes. The wildlife sanctuary is heaven for bird watchers too because it has some endemic as well as migratory birds. The trek is an opportunity to view the glory of unadulterated nature and test physical and mental endurance. Advanced planning and preparations must be carried out before going for the trek to Kumara Parvatha. The trek is rigorous and demanding and contains adequate water, food, and trekking gear. Since the trek involves traversing through a wildlife sanctuary, advance permission from the forest department must be arranged. Bhattara Mane forest office, a common overnight stop on the Kukke trail, is where the trekkers are required to register and where an entry charge applies. Overnight accommodation at the top otherwise is prohibited, and the trekkers have to be back at the camping or resting places by dusk. In total, Kumara Parvatha Trek is an interesting and worthwhile trekking experience that travel enthusiasts can hardly ever afford to miss. With the blend of challenging routes, bird's eye vantage, and serene natural surroundings, it has become one of Karnataka's most popular trekking spots.

History of Kumara Parvatha

Kumara Parvatha or Pushpagiri is an extremely scenic and challenging trekking spot in Karnataka. At the Western Ghats of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, the summit reaches an altitude of around 1,712 meters (5,617 feet) above mean sea level and is the second-highest Kodagu (Coorg) district point. The hill is rich in history, mythology, and culture and is as much a trekkers' nightmare as one would wish to discover. There is no large deviation from the Hindu mythology of Kumara Parvatha. Locally, the etymology of the hilltop has been traced back to Lord Kumara (Kartikeya or Subramanya), the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Kartikeya, performed his meditation there after he slew the demon Tarakasura, as mythology goes. The hill is also very much connected with the Kukke Subramanya Temple, a most revered pilgrim centre of Karnataka. Pilgrims climb traditionally to the temple and peak, finding that the climb itself is a cleansing experience cleansing the soul.

Kumara Parvatha and the surrounding Western Ghats were in the hands of the big Malnad region ruled by South Indian kingdoms. Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire ruled it at some point or the other. The thickest forest cover of the Western Ghats naturally discouraged invasion, and the area remained isolated safely from foreign invasions. The Western Ghats was one of the highest-most trading roads of spice and other forest products trade between coastal districts and the Deccan Plateau. In colonial times, the Western Ghats, which Kumara Parvatha is a part of, were famous due to their diversity. The British people were drawn to the forest cover and wildlife of the region and researched the ecology of the region thoroughly. However, due to the remoteness of the location, very few colonial officials and travellers visited those forests. The forests were utilized for logging, but later on, the ecosystem was maintained through conservation efforts. Kumara Parvatha has been well known in the past two decades as the most difficult trek in South India. Adventure travellers from all corners of the nation visit the destination with rolling paths, forests, and landscapes. Two routes to the experience are provided: one towards Kukke Subramanya and another through Somwarpet. Trekking to Kukke Subramanya is more challenging as it is climbing and covering more distance. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, where Kumara Parvatha is located, came into being for preserving the biodiversity of the area. It has some of the threatened plant and animal species such as the Indian giant squirrel, Malabar civet, and some bird species. It is the trekking permit to the forest department because the area is an eco-sensitive area. Kumara Parvatha is still a reflection of Karnataka's historical, religious, and adventure heritage. Forgotten by man for religious pilgrims, for invasion for history, or treks for travel, the top has the power to allow any human spirit to visit its magnificent scenery.

Places to Visit Around Kumara Parvatha

Kumara Parvatha, also one of the more challenging and exciting trekking sites in Karnataka, lies within the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary of the Western Ghats. The real trek being an eye-opener, there are various spots nearby its position that can be visited by travellers as part of an attempt to make the best out of the adventure. From waterfalls and old temples to wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations, there is something for every nature lover, culture vulture, and adventure-seeker.

• Kukke Subramanya Temple: The second holiest pilgrimage centre near Kumara Parvatha is the Kukke Subramanya Temple at the base of the hill. It is a sacred Hindu temple blessed by Lord Subramanya, who is also revered as the serpent dosha saviour (epidemic). The temple's sanctity and majesty attract thousands of pilgrims to the temple every year. All the pilgrims perform prayers at this temple before or after the trekking for a successful attempt.

• Bisle Ghat Viewpoint: Another 20 km from Kukke Subramanya comes the Bisle Ghat View Point, one of the widest and most breathtaking Western Ghats views possibly to be found here. The dense forest borders the viewpoint, and vast views of Pushpagiri, Dodda Betta, and Kumara Parvatha hills are offered here. Nature enthusiasts and photographers would go wild here during monsoon when leaves and fog engulf all.

• Mallalli Falls: Kukke Subramanya is a place one cannot but go to if one is completely enamoured by the grandeur of nature in waterfalls falling from above, and it is 54 km distant from Mallalli Falls. Mallalli Falls are formed by the Kumaradhara River, descending from an elevation of approximately 200 feet, and thus it becomes a beautiful scene. The ideal time to visit Mallalli Falls would be during post-monsoon and monsoon when the water level would be highest. It is so much fun and revitalizing to climb up the verdant forests around the falls trying to catch glimpses of them.

• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Kumara Parvatha itself is located within the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiverse haven that is home to many rare and endangered species. This sanctuary, spread across 102 sq. km, offers incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. Some of the notable species found here include the Indian giant squirrel, Malabar trogon, hornbills, and various species of deer. If you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, spending extra time exploring this sanctuary will be rewarding.

• Mandalpatti View Point: The highest demanded viewpoint of Madikeri (approximately 60 km distance from Kukke Subramanya), Mandalpatti is a rush of adventure sport for adventure sportsmen. Jeep safari to Mandalpatti on hill roads is the experience of the thrill of adventure to a holiday tour. The top has a view of rolling countrysides and hills of the Western Ghats in clouds, and the adventure sportsman experiences the best place to view the sunrise or sunset.

• Dharmasthala: Dharmasthala is 50 km from Kukke Subramanya, the holy pilgrimage town of its legendary Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple of Lord Shiva. Its temple architecture and sculpture and Karnataka's one of the biggest centres of worship. Annadanam, a noonday free lunch for thousands of devotees daily, is also trendy at Dharmasthala as part of its selfless service tradition.

• Sakleshpur: Remote Western Ghats hill station 70 km from Kumara Parvatha, Sakleshpur is also one of the best-kept secrets of the Western Ghats. Famous for coffee plantations, rolling landscapes and views, Sakleshpur is the ideal destination to unwind after an exhausting trek. Manjarabad Fort, Hemavathi River, and Bisle Reserve Forest are some of the best spots that make it a nature lover's heaven.

• Agumbe: For the sun-down and rainforest hikers, Agumbe, 110 km from Kumara Parvatha, cannot be skipped. South Cherrapunji, as Agumbe comes to be affectionately called, is beset with rains galore and is famous for green forests, waterfalls, and Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. Sunset spots here are among the finest offering golden-hour experiences within easy reach.

• Belur and Halebid: If you are an architecture, archaeology and culture enthusiast, then a visit to Belur and Halebid, 120 km from Kumara Parvatha, is worthwhile. Twin towns are famous for temples of the Hoysala dynasty, i.e., Chennakesava Temple in Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. History and sculptures of temples and them are a suitable outing for lovers of heritage and culture.

• Coorg (Madikeri): No Kumara Parvatha trek is ever done without a visit to Coorg (Madikeri), a mere 75 km away. A peaceful hill station called Coorg, or just Kodagu to the locals, has its grandeur in the shape of coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, and Dubare Elephant Camp. From simply lazing around the greens to adventure tourism in the shape of river rafting, Coorg is for all types of travellers.

How to reach Kumara Parvatha

Kumara Parvatha, the toughest and most scenic trekking spot of Karnataka, is situated in Dakshina Kannada district at Kukke Subramanya Western Ghats. To begin this adventure trekking, you must reach the starting point of the trek, i.e., Kukke Subramanya. You can reach there by various means based on your source and the vehicle available to you.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, which is 150 km away from here. Taxi or bus from the airport to Kukke Subramanya is available. By road, a four-hour journey will reach you. Mangalore Airport is also very convenient with frequent access to the maximum major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. By air would be convenient for the individual who belongs to distant places.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Subrahmanya Road Railway Station (SBHR) and it is only 12 km from Kukke Subramanya. It is situated under the Mangalore-Bangalore route and is well-linked to Karnataka and other state capitals. It can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi from the station to the town of Kukke Subramanya. The bus service is also viable directly from station to town.

• By Road: Kukke Subramanya is also well-road-connected and easily accessible from Bangalore, Mangalore, and other small towns. Kukke Subramanya is 280 km from Bangalore and a six- or seven-hour bus journey or drive. You can spot Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators with daily regular bus services between Bangalore and Kukke Subramanya. You can take a ride in a sleeper, semi-sleeper, or luxury bus according to your convenience. Bangalore-Hassan-Sakleshpur-Kukke Subramanya is the most convenient and comfortable road for drivers as well as cyclists, and the road is scenic too. The highway is good but with U-turns at some points, and thus the drive is slow.

• Reach Trek Starting Point: You drive to Kukke Subramanya by road, and the trekking trail starts from the beginning just close to Kukke Subramanya Temple. Trekkers have to visit the forest check post and obtain permission beforehand before ascending. The trekking is one-way 13 km and via forests, meadows, and slopes before reaching the top finally. Whichever route, climbing the Kumara Parvatha itself is an experience and a step towards a memory trekking experience.

Best Time to Visit Kumara Parvatha

Kumara Parvatha, the most scenic and adventurous trek of Karnataka, has in store for the trekkers some of the most beautiful views and an adrenalin boost. The best time to see this giant hill along the way is for a safe and satisfying trekking holiday. October to February with favorable weather and vegetative cover is the best time to visit Kumara Parvatha.

• Post-Monsoon (October to November): This is the perfect time for adventure trekkers who prefer to trek in green forests with pleasant green scenery all around. Monsoon rains would have stopped raining alone and the trails would be greenish, and misty and the creeks would be in flow. The cool and cold weather has the effect of wear and tear on the trekking operation. There can be slippery areas of the route where water comes to collect and thus utmost caution is to be exercised by the tourists.

• Winter (December to February): The best time for a trek to Kumara Parvatha is the winter season. The weather is nice with temperature varying from 15°C to 25°C during the day, and the trek does not fatigue. The weather is cold and views of the Western Ghats all around are picturesque. Sunrise from the top is an eye treat. Unlike monsoons, where the issue is rainy treks and leeches, winter is relatively less trouble and a good trek. Of course, being peak tourist season for the treks themselves, the place will have reasonable crowds, especially on weekends.

• Avoid Monsoon (June to September): Though the monsoon months make Kumara Parvatha a lush paradise, it's not advisable to try the trek during rains since it's continuous rain, slippery trails, and maximum risks of landslips. Leechee jungles are also accompanied by extremely poor visibility in the shape of dense fog. Streamlets on the trail swell also, and river crossing would not be advisable. If you are an experienced old monsoon trekker with water-proofing gear, you can attempt the trekking but at your own risk.

• Pre-Summer (March to May): Though you might do this trek in these months, warmer dehydrates trek. The desert season makes the trek less popular and heat dehydrates the hike. Do this trek in the morning early so that you will not be left with the necessity to endure the scorching sun at noon if you do this trek during this time bring enough water so that you will not get dehydrated.

Local Cuisine of Kumara Parvatha

Kumara Parvatha of Western Ghats, Karnataka is paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. The trekking is a divine ride, but in and around the region food is sweetly adorable too. Somwarpet and Kukke Subramanya village and town food is plain Karnataka flavour with a pinch of Kodava (Coorg) and South Canara food flavour. Don't miss some of these native delicacies:

• Neer Dosa: Neer Dosa or "water dosa" is a light and thin rice crepe throughout the country. Simple to make with simple ingredients like coconut and rice, light and easy to digest a trekking tourist's culinary paradise meal. Served with coconut chutney, sambar, or lightly spiced chicken or fish curry.

• Akki Roti: One of the traditional Malnad and Coorg dishes, Akki Roti or rice roti is a dish prepared using rice flour, coconut, and spices combined together. Can be served with vegetable chutney or curry and as a full meal before and after trekking.

• Kotte Kadubu: This is a conventionally prepared dish with idli batter steamed in banana or jackfruit leaves, imparting a special flavour and aroma to the dish. This is accompanied by sambar and chutney and is a healthy, tasty breakfast dish.

• Patrode: Patrode is a monsoon dish made with colocasia leaves filled with spiced rice and dal paste and steamed or fried. It is a complete dish and one can experiment with it if one enjoys the Karnataka traditional food.

• Pandi Curry (Coorg Pork Curry): For the non-vegetarians, do try Coorg Pandi Curry which can be easily found here too. Vinegar or khachapuri and Coorg special masala are used while preparing it. It is yummy to eat and healthy. Spicy and flavorful pork curry.

• Bisi Bele Bath: It is a hot and sour one-pot dish made of rice, lentils, vegetables, and tamarind. It is retailed as street food at Kumara Parvatha places and is one of their favourite dishes.

• Filter Coffee: Filter coffee cannot be imagined without a South Indian meal. Prepared using freshly ground coffee powder and froth milk sprinkled over it, it is the perfect morning beverage either before or after trekking.