KUMARA PARVATHA HILL

During the monsoon, pools of clouds hover over the hill of Kumara Parvatha, during winter, the entire hill takes the shades of orange and summers are hot.  There are two trekking routes to reach the camping ground of Kumara Parvatha Hill- one being Somwarpet and other Kukke Subramanya.

Both the routes have plenty of waterfalls and an abundance of greenery and it is among the coorg attractions. Watching the sunrise from atop has been the favourite activity among people who hike up the hill. Camping is not allowed at the peak so while you visit the forest department to pay and enter the trek route, you have to leave your gears behind. 

You can camp near or next to the forest department or at Manscape. The hiking trail on the Somwarpet route goes around a 6 to 7 KM (one side) deep forest patch with multiple waterfalls. The 16 KM trail from Subramanya to Kumara Parvatha peak is filled with meadows and views of the western ghats making the long route exceptionally beautiful.

Height: 1712 Mts

Location: Pushpagiri, Kumaralli, Karnataka 571236

Best Time to visit: October to February.

Entry fee: INR 75 is paid at the forest office as a trekking fee and another 100 for Camera.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Average time required to visit the place: It takes 8 to 10 hours to trek the hill.

Distance from Madikeri Bus Stand: Approximately 63 to 64 KM.

Special Deal: Kumara Parvatha Trek Flat 19% Off

Credits: Karthick Siva

When it comes to trekking in South India, Kumara Parvatha also known as the Pushpagiri Hills is a must include in the bucket list of diehard trekkers. It is the 6th highest peak in Karnataka which offers one of the most enthralling trails in India at the backdrop of the Western Ghats. The Kumara Parvatha hill stretches for a whopping 13 Km and stands at an elevation of 4000 feet above the sea level.

Kumara Parvatha is a group of three peaks namely- Shesha Parvatha, Siddha Parvatha and Kumara Parvatha each of which has its relevance to Hindu mythology. Kumara Parvatha is located in the Subramanya village of Sullia Taluk in South Karnataka and is the choicest destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The trekking trail runs dense through the Shola forest which is home to breath-taking flora and fauna under the canopy of clear blue sky.

At some places, the trail is quite strenuous with volcanic rocks, gushing streams and rocky crevices that pose a serious challenge to adrenaline junkies. But nevertheless, the panoramic view of the Western Ghats at the distance makes it a rewarding journey for tourists who are ready to go the extra mile for seeing the wonders of nature from close proximity. 

Kumara Parvatha trek is also popular among the tourists who wish to visit the place as a distinguished pilgrim site of South India. Some of the religious places of interest in and around Kumara Parvatha are Kukke Subramanya Temple, Sringeri Mutt and Biladwara Cave that have significant religious connotations.

Apart from that, there are scenic spots en route Kumara Parvatha where you can halt for overnight camping or rest for a while and sink into the overwhelming serenity of the vast expanse of Madikeri. The Malli Waterfalls, Abbimatta Waterfalls and Pushpagiri Forest Reserve are some of the popular natural attractions that make your rigorous trek all worth it.

Trek Routes to Kumara Parvatha

There are two routes accessed by trekkers of Kumara Parvatha depending on their level of fitness and spirit of adventure. One route is from Kukke Subramanya temple which is a moderately difficult climb up to the Shesha Parvatha via Kallu Mandapa. From Shesha Parvatha there are ascends and descends through boulders and grasslands up to the summit. This is a longer route and in between, you will need to stay overnight at the Bhatt's House before starting for the rest of your journey on day 2.

A comparatively longer route is from Beedhalli in Somwarpet. This route is slightly challenging even for experienced trekkers but the view you witness along your trek is worth your exhaustion and time. In this route, you will trek along dense Shola forest where you may come across the wild animals and birds and feast your eyes on the beautiful panorama at a distance. 

Trekkers usually take the Somwarpet route to climb up to the summit of the Kumara Parvath and the Kukke Subramanya route to descend.

History of Kumara Parvatha 

There are a number of folklores that go round this pristine religious and scenic destination of Karnataka and each of them ushers immense curiosity among the believers to undertake an arduous journey up to the summit. According to the popular faith, Lord Kumaraswamy (Subramanya) killed demons like Padmasura and Tarakasura and was crowned as the king atop the Kumara Parvatha.

The Lord washed his lethal weapon in the nearby river and hence the name Dharma Teertha. Indra, the king of the gods being pleased by the valour of Kumaraswamy asked for his hand in marriage with his daughter Devasena. The marriage between Lord Kumaraswamy and Devasena took place on the bank of Kumaradhara.

Another story depicts Vasuki, the divine serpent was once threatened by Garuda (mount of Lord Vishnu/Venkateshwara). In order to save himself from the clutches of Garuda, Vasuki performed rigorous worship in the caves of Kukke Subramanya temple. Lord Shiva being pleased with his follower's devotion sent his son Karthikeyan (Murugan) to protect Vasuki from Garuda. It is believed that Karthikeyan visited Kumara Parvatha where Vasuki was worshipping and blessed him assuring his protection from all evils.

How To Reach

Credits: Karthick Siva

Before setting your footprints on the virgin landscape of Kumara Parvatha, a sneak peek of the best route:

By Rail: The closest railway stations to Kumara Parvatha are Mysore and Hassan. The Hubli or Karwar Express or Bangalore Mysore express are the available trains in this route.

By Road: If you are coming from Bangalore, take a cab and reach Kukke Temple (the starting point of the trek) at Coorg in an overnight journey. From Coorg, you can take a cab and reach Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary or Kukke Subramanya. It takes about 2-3 hours from Coorg to reach Kukke or Pushpagiri by road. From there you have to walk uphill to the summit of the Kumara Parvatha.

By Bus: There are buses that ply to and fro to Subramanya from Bangalore. The Subramanya bus stand is near the town from where the trail to Kumara Parvatha begins. Bus tickets can be booked online from the KSRTC website. 

Best Time To Visit

Credits: Karthick Siva

Winter months between October-January are the best time for exploring the beauty of Kumara Parvatha. Winters in South India are generally pleasant as a thin film of mist hovers in the air which fades away by the soft rays of the sun as the day progresses. So, trekkers find this time suitable for going on arduous expeditions. Summers are usually very scorching and humid which makes it impossible for adventure buffs to go on rigorous expeditions to Kumara Parvatha.  

The other time you can consider going on Kumara Parvatha trek is during the monsoon season from mid-June till September. During this time of the year, the whole region is swathed in a blanket of greenery exuding a panoramic view of the landscapes. If you are a naturalist, monsoon is the best time for Kumara Parvatha trek when nature unfolds herself in all her splendour.

Other Essential Information

Credits: Neon Clix

Location: Pushpagiri, Kumaralli, Karnataka- 571236.

Timings: It is recommended that you start your journey as early as around 6 AM so that you may reach your destination before darkness sets in. Usual timings are from 6 AM till 6 PM. 

Entry Fee: Rs. 300 is to be paid at the Pushpagiri forest checkpoint as trekking fee for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners. 

Height: Kumara Parvatha stands at an elevation of approximately 1712 metres from the sea level.

Average Temperature: The average minimum temp is 20◦C and the average maximum temp is 34◦ C. During winter at times the minimum comes down to 18◦C and the maximum rises up to 38◦C. 

Trek Duration: It takes about 8-10 hours for a complete trek up to 13 Km. 

Distance from Coorg: 63 Km (approx.) via NH275, 60 Km (approx.) via SH27, 76 Km via NH 275 Belur- Somwarpet Road.

Travelers’ Tips for Visiting Kumara Parvatha 

A few things to remember before you set on your trekking are listed below:

1. Time of trekking is important if you are going on a long route expedition. Start early for reaching your destination before darkness.

2. Undergo a thorough fitness level check-up before the trek as you will have to walk uphill for a long distance. Basic fitness is required for any trek expedition. 

3. Carry sufficient food and water for your trek. You will have to go through remote places where there are no food stalls or beverage shops.

4. Do not make your rucksack heavy as you will have to trek uphill through woodlands, rocks and streams and the journey is likely to be arduous.

5. If you are trekking during monsoon, check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey. There are occasional spells of heavy rainfall which makes it difficult for camping.

6. Do not carry valuables or jewellery during the trek.

7. Abstain from consuming alcohol or any other intoxicating product during the journey.

8. Follow the instructions given by your instructor.

9. Avoid using earphones during the trek as it will obstruct you from hearing important things. 

10. Do not expect luxury in Kumara Parvatha trek as you will cross through remote areas and forestlands. 

Things to Carry for trek to Kumara Parvatha 

Make a list of things before you start backpacking for your trek. Some of the essentials are itemised below:

1. Water (4 litres approximately as it is a remote area where you may not get sufficient drinking water supply)

2. Extra clothes (If you are going on monsoon trek, pack your clothes well in a waterproof bag to avoid water leakage and getting your clothes wet.)

3. Mosquito repellents and antiseptic lotions (It’s a forested hilly area where there are chances of mosquito and insect bites.)

4. Sunscreen lotion, cap, sunglasses, umbrella, moisturiser

5. Torch

6. Comfortable light fit clothes for trekking and nighttime

7. Extra towel (if you are going on monsoon trek), tissue papers

8. Personal medicines, first aid kit

9. A permit from the forest department for night stay

10. Sleeping bags (if you plan for a night stay or camping)

11. Dry fruits, energy bars, energy drinks, ORS, etc. 

12. Sports shoes with good grip (do not wear sandals or slippers while going on a trek)

13. Tent (If you plan for camping or night stay)

Things You Should Know

Whether you are going on a day trip or overnight stay at Kumara Parvatha, it is always advisable to have complete knowhow of the place before your visit. Follow this comprehensive guide given below before making your itineraries:  

1. Places to Stay - For overnight camping at Battere Mane Forest, Rest House is available for accommodation at the cost of Rs. 200. There are plenty of homestays in Kukke Subramanya as it is a major pilgrim and tourist site. These are budget homestays and prices start from Rs. 800. If food and tourist guide is provided by the homestay the price starts from Rs. 1300 per night per person. The Gahanashree Cottage and Shesha Kutir are the two popular homestays near Kumara Parvatha. There are various places near Battere Mane forest where you can set up a tent and spend the night under the star-studded sky accosted by the eerie noises of wild animals by a campfire. Tents are to be brought by individuals.

2. Places to Eat - There are roadside eateries at Battere Mane (beyond this point there are no hotels or lodges where food is available) where you can rest and take refreshments during a trip. In Kukke Subramanya as well, there are hotels where delectable traditional Kannada dishes are served to the trekkers. Some of the popular stopovers in this route are the Neo Mysore Café, Kumarakripa and Vijay Vihar en route Kumara Parvatha. 

3. Transportation - From Bangalore to Subramanya there are direct buses run by KSRTC. There are also direct trains between the two places. Subramanyam town located near the bus stand is the base from which Kumara Parvatha trek begins. The forest trail has to be covered on foot as there is no transportation facility.

4. Medical Facilities- Since the trail is through the dense forest, it is unlikely to come across hospitals or health centres in case of an emergency. Its recommended you get your fitness level checked before planning a hill trek. You should also carry emergency medicines and first aid kit on your trip.

5. Network Connectivity- It is very unlikely to get uninterrupted network connectivity through the forest trail. Get your mobiles, laptops and tablets fully charged before setting on your journey. Carrying a power bank is a feasible option in case you are camping overnight.