If you are looking for something different to do during your holidays but don’t have a lot of time for a long vacation, you should go for the Kumara Parvatha Trek. The Kumara Parvatha Peak is the second-highest peak in the southern region of Coorg. It is also known as the Pushpagiri Peak and this is considered as a difficult trek because of the terrain. However, this trek is for all people whether you are an adventure enthusiast or someone who likes to spend time amidst nature or is interested in spirituality.
The two important peaks of Pushpagiri and Shesha Parvatha are visited by many pilgrims who offer prayers and seek blessings. Thus, this must feature in your bucket list. The city life is boring and hardly leaves you with time for fun.
How to Reach?
Nestled in the Kodagu region of Tadiandamol, the Pushpagiri peak rises to a height of 5,600 feet. You can go from Bangalore to the town of Kukke Subrahmanya, where the trip begins. From Bangalore, there are numerous routes, including the Kannur Karwar Express. You can get cars and jeeps that will transport you to your destination from the train station. In addition, KSRTC and several private buses operate out of Bangalore. You can arrive here by the following morning.
The Season for Trekking
If you are going on a trek, you should have information with you so that you can ensure a good trip. On top of that, the rough terrain is one of the primary obstacles on the Kumara Parvatha Trek. Furthermore, the ideal time of year to trek in Karnataka’s Western Ghats depends on the weather. The ideal months are from October to February because the summer months can be very hot, and there is a danger that forest fires will start.
Consequently, from March to September in certain years, the paths are off-limits to travelers. Monsoon season is included in this as well. You need to have a strong grip on the ground since the slope is steep, and rain makes the terrain slippery. It is best to avoid taking this journey during the monsoon season since it may result in accidents.
Preparations for the trek
For this trek, physical fitness is also required. Try cycling, jogging, or running as cardiovascular exercises to increase your cardiovascular fitness. Try training for lengthy distances and uphills to experience the difficulties of an actual climb. Leg exercises that strengthen your muscles include lunges, squats, and step-ups. To increase endurance, try stair climbing or strenuous treks.A strong core provides stability on unsteady ground. Incorporate workouts such as leg raises, planks, and sit-ups into your routine.
Pull-ups and push-ups are two workouts that can assist in strengthening your upper body, which is something you may require in order to stay steady and balanced. Stretching exercises will help you become more flexible, particularly in the areas of your back, hips, and legs. After this, make a checklist for all the things that you will be needing such as first aid kits, good trekking boots, medicines, water, extra batteries, and flashlights.
Journey to Kumara Parvatha Peak
Stretch 1: The bus will pick you up at your designated place on the first day and take you to Kukke Subrahmanya. You will pass by the Domlur Skywalk and the Karachi Bakery on the route. Take a nap and be ready for the 22-kilometer walk the following day because the bus seats are rather comfy. The journey begins, and as you make your way through the thick undergrowth, you will encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna. After a few km of hiking, stop and relax next to the Bheema Rock, or Bheemana Bande as it is known locally.
Stretch 2: Continue on to the Girigadde viewpoint from here, where you may observe the sun’s rays illuminating the surrounding area and imbuing the verdant surroundings with a mystical quality. The journey is challenging due to the steep ascents, but it becomes rewarding at the forest checkpost at the conclusion when you get to see the stunning views of the expansive western ghats and the majestic Shesh Parvatha. After a strenuous trek, you will be traveling towards Bhattara Mane and enjoying delectable meals. Proceed to the forest office the following day to pay for your journey and obtain permission to hike.
Stretch 3: You’ll be traversing clear streams and verdant grasslands after getting a full night’s sleep. You will need to pause at Kallu Mantapa due to the steepness of the climb. While you’re here, try to get some good photos. You will know you have arrived at Shesha Parvatha when you see a beige-colored rock formation. A shrine at the base is revered by the believers as being exceedingly pious. Before continuing up to the summit of Kumara Parvatha, offer your prayers here.
Stretch 4: From this point on, the second woodland route will lead you to a series of waterfalls. Ascending to the summit will allow you to take in an s-eye perspective of the whole area amid the clouds and vegetation. Enjoy the peace and quiet and take in everything that this place has to offer while you ease your tired muscles from a long journey. Remain firmly grounded and pay attention to your footing as you make your way back; the descent may also become challenging. Make an effort to return before nightfall to the base camp so that you can rest before returning home.
Read Also: Sandhan Valley Trek – Igatpuri
Things To Do Near Kumara Parvatha
1. Temple Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Swami
The people in the area hold Temple Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Swami in the highest regard due to their strong belief in its holiness. According to mythology, it served as the wedding site for Lord Kumaraswamy and Devasana, the daughter of Lord Indra, and it was also sanctified by Vasuki, the Serpent King. You will need to cross the Kumaradhara River in order to reach the temples. It is thought that bathing in these waters, whether holy or otherwise, can help revive your life and heal long-term illnesses like leprosy. A mysterious atmosphere is created for the viewer by the enormous Kumara Parvatha and the six-headed serpent-like Shesha Parvatha in the background, as well as the lush surrounding foliage.
2. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitor hours for this wildlife sanctuary are from 6 AM to 6 PM in the morning. The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Coorg, is home to a variety of unique species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey-headed Bulbul, and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. Considering the distance of 58 kilometers from Coorg, you should allow enough time to spend visiting the Sanctuary and its fauna throughout the day. The entire area brightens when the sun peeks through the forest, making the trip through the area unforgettable.
3. Mallalli Falls
Known as one of the most remarkable locations in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, the tumbling Mallalli Falls has an appearance like a river or milk, with its clean beauty. Since the water comes from the Kumaradhara River, it falls from a height of 1000 feet to replenish the little streams. Visitors arrive here for a variety of activities, including taking pictures, relaxing, or swimming in the gorge that has been created below. Any visitor will find a calming experience due to the white clouds floating overhead, the lush hills around this body of water, and the sound of the flowing streams.
4. Mandalpatti Peak
At a height of 4050 feet, Mandalpatti Peak is a stunning feature of the Pushpagiri Reserve Forest. Because of the breathtaking panoramas it provides, the area is known locally as Muguli Peth, which means a market of clouds. To get here, you’ll be trekking through verdant forests and passing past coffee estates. The captivating dawn and dusk are visually pleasing and well worth the exertion.
5. Bisle Ghat View Point
The stunning Bisle Ghat View Point can be seen 20 kilometers ahead of Kukke Subrahmanya Temple in Sakleshpur. A bird’s eye perspective of the three peaks of Karnataka, including the Dodda Betta, Kumara Parvatha, and Shesha Parvatha, will be provided. Everyone gathers here to take breathtaking pictures of the entire valley and to enjoy the scenery. You are in for a treat because trekking up to this point will allow you to explore the forest trails alongside the shimmering Giri River. When you are heading to the Bisle Reserve Forest, you will see a lot of animals in its natural habitat.
6. Biladwara Caves
The Biladwara Caves are another place of worship. Hindu mythology states that Vasuki, the Serpent King, sought this location and concealed himself while simultaneously confessing his transgressions in order to avoid facing Garuda’s wrath. Being near the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple makes it simple to find this natural cave. The hours of operation for visitors are 5 AM to 7 PM. There is a modest entry fee, but no tickets need to be purchased. When visiting Coorg, travelers must go there.
7. Abbey Falls
The breathtaking Abbey Falls is located among the cardamom and coffee gardens. The river Kaveri is the source of the 70-foot waterfall. A few points to bear in mind are that entry hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, swimming is not permitted in the water, and breathtaking views may be captured from the suspension bridge.
Conclusion
There is nothing better than taking a peaceful vacation to the hills regions to get away from the bustle of the city. Holidays are best spent doing things that make you happy. This holy site will calm your thoughts even if you are a devotee. You can let your inner adventurer go here and take in the breathtaking views of the natural world. Take amazing pictures of the environment and include them in your travel journals.