Kumara Parvatha Trekking, Mangalore - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 15 km from Kukke Subramanya, 30 km from Somwarpet, 65 km from Madikeri, 115 km from Mangalore, 260 km from Bangalore, Kumara Parvatha, also known as Pushpagiri, is a beautiful mountain peak located in Pushpagiri reserve forest near Kukke Subramanya town in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Situated at an elevation of 1712 m above sea level, Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the toughest treks and most popular trekking destinations in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The trek distance is around 25 km (with return) and usually done in 2 days.

Kumara Parvatha is the third tallest peak in Karnataka, Mulliyangiri in Chikmagalur being the tallest and Thadiyandamol in Coorg being the second tallest. Kumara Parvatha trek is one among the most popular trekking trails in Karnataka. This peak has numerous white stones that are known as 'Saligramams'. The Shivalingas with six faces, also known as the 'Kumaralingas', can also be seen here.

There are two routes to trek Kumara Parvatha. First route starts from Kukke Subramanya Temple and goes through Girigadde (Bhattare Mane) & Mantapa. This route is moderate difficulty. Bhattare Mane is the only point along the trek where you can get food, water and rest­rooms. Camping can be done at Girigadde (Bhattare Mane) or Mantapa.

Second trek route is little hard and starts from Heggade Mane, which is about 5 km from Bidahalli (which is 15 km from Somvarpet and connected by Bus). Heggade Mane can be reached by private vehicle from Bidahalli. Entrance permission can be obtained at check post after Heggade Mane. On this route, Pushpagiri Peak (1750 meters) comes before Kumara Parvatha. Camping can be done at Mantapa or Girigadde (Bhattare Mane).

As the trekking trail passes through the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, it is required to obtain permission from the forest department to take up trekking expeditions to Kumara Parvatha. There is a forest check post along the trekking route near Battara Mane, from which visitors can obtain the necessary permission to trek beyond the check gate. If visitors are opting for second route via Beedehalli, then they need to obtain the permission from the forest office at Somwarpet.

As it takes around 10 hours to complete this trek, visitors must plan for an overnight stay. There are quite a few favorable camping grounds en­route where one can pitch their tent and enjoy the adventure of camping out in the open forest. Camping at the peak is banned so better to pitch their tents near the Forest Check Post, Kalluchappara View Point ­ comes after Kallu Mantap, and Flat bedded Area after Sheshaparvatha.

Set on the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings, many ardent trekkers and nature lovers take up trekking expedition to Kumara Parvatha throughout the year while October to February is the best time for trekking.

Entry Fee (at check post): Rs. 75 per person, Rs. 100 for Camera