Introduction
Although the peak known as Kumara Parvatha or Pushpagiri is mostly buried and only visible after crossing Shesha Parvatha, the entire trail is known as the Kumara Parvatha trek.
People travel from all across the country, primarily from South India, to make offerings to the temple to have their wishes fulfilled. The temple is nearly always filled with worshippers.
Shesha Parvatha, with its thick blanket of the lush green forest of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, stands tall behind the Kukke Subrahmanya temple.
Kukke Subrahmanya, an ancient and well-known temple, is on the island of Kukke Subrahmanya.
The walk is 22 kilometres long and normally takes two days to complete.
The Kumara Parvatha walk is popular among hikers because of the variety it provides: from dense forests to huge meadows and even a waterfall, this trek has it all.
However, we only recommend the Kumara Parvatha trek to intermediate to expert trekkers who are up to the challenge
If this is your first trek, we strongly advise that you start with a fitness regimen, develop your cardiovascular endurance, build your muscles, and do a couple of simple treks like Skandagiri and Savandurga before trying Kumara Parvatha.
What to Be Aware Of
- At the start of the walk, there is a deep forest route.
- The Kumara Parvatha walk begins in a dense jungle with trees so tall that sunlight cannot penetrate the ground.
- Inside a forest with tall and dense tree cover, sunlight rarely reaches the ground.
- Views of the Western Ghats are breathtaking.
- The Western Ghats is one of nature’s best-kept secrets! From the Kumara Parvatha route, the views of the ghats are truly spectacular. The walk is worthwhile only for this reason.
View From the trek
No matter which way you turn your head on the trek, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Western Ghats.
Grasslands strewed across enormous swaths of territory.
Following the wooded part, the grasslands offer a visual pleasure. The grasslands are either rich green or golden brown depending on whether you travel in the post-monsoon or winter months, providing a completely distinct sight.
Kumara Parvatha trek’s grasslands
The Kumara Parvatha trek’s grasslands are so lovely that they make you feel like you’re trekking across Himalayan meadows. After Shesha Parvatha, there is a woodland portion. Another feature of the hike is the woodland portion after Shesha Parvatha. As soon as you reach the woodland, a chorus of birds greets you with their loud chirping. You might even see some butterflies here.
From the vertical rock wall, looking back towards the woodland portion. In the background, Shesha Parvatha may be seen. Starting at the outset, the Kumara Parvatha trek is difficult.
The walk will begin at nearly sea level and will take two days to climb up to 5,600 feet and cover 22 kilometres.
Forest Section to Bhattara Mane / Forest Office Trek Distance: 6 Kilometres Section I: Forest Section to Bhattara Mane / Forest Office Trek Distance: 6 Kilometres
Duration of the trek: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Forest Section GPS Coordinates: 75°37’17.67′′E, 12°39’34.51′′N
Bhattarai Mane / Forest Office GPS Coordinates: 12°40’7.82′′N 75°39’15.81′′E
Begin your journey by entering the forest through a little gate near the parking area.
You can travel to the base of the hike if you arrive at Kukke Subrahmanya by car. There is enough parking space for roughly 10 – 12 four-wheelers.
Protip
Keep your water bottle nearby and drink little sips every 15 minutes. Even if you aren’t thirsty, do this. You will dehydrate more quickly due to the humid climate. This approach will keep you hydrated all day and help you replace the water you’ve lost due to sweat.
Bhattarai Mane / Forest Office to Shesha Parvatha Trek Distance: 3.5 Kilometres Section II:
Duration of the trek: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Bhattarai Mane / Forest Office GPS Coordinates: 75°39’15.81′′E, 12°40’7.82′′N
Shesha Parvatha’s GPS coordinates are 12°39’55.46′′N 75°40’38.50′′E
Making your way up to Shesha Parvatha is a good idea. Kallu Mantapa is around 2 kilometres away after a difficult climb that complements the out-of-this-world scenery. This is where you’ll take a break. Drink plenty of water. Drink water every 15 minutes, as instructed in the first Pro Tip.
Conclusion
Make sure you take a break at Kallu Mantapa before beginning the difficult climb ahead. Because there is no forest cover as there was the day before, you will be exposed to the sun and heat for the remainder of the trip until you return to the Forest Office. Then there’s the near-vertical ascent that follows. This swiftly dehydrates you and saps your energy.
