Kumara Parvata Trek (KP)

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

KUMARA PARVATA TREK

Kumara Parvata (KP) Peak also known by the name ‘Pushpagiri’ lies in the backdrop of ancient shrine of Kukke Subramanya. ‘Giri’ in Kannada means Peak. Kumara Parvata is the third tallest peak in Karnataka, Mullianagiri in Chickmaglur being the tallest and Thadiyendamol in Coorg being the second tallest. The peak, almost always playing ‘hide and seek’ with the clouds, is one of the most beautiful sections of the Western Ghats. The region is habituated to dense fogs and heavy winds and is rampant with leech and snakes, especially cobras

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary or Pushpagiri Forest Range spreads from Subramanya in Dakshina Kannada District to Somwarpet in Coorg district covering an area of 102.6 sq km. This range is abode to many gigantic peaks in the Western Ghats . Kumara Parvata Peak stands the tallest amongst the peaks in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary at an altitude of 5136 ft (1712 mts) above Sea level. This serpent territory consists of mesmerizing sholas and semi evergreen forests. The other tall peaks in Pushpagiri Wildlife range include Shesha Parvata, Karadi Betta and Siddha Parvata.

The trek starts from two points which are Kukke Subramanya in Mangalore District and Somwarpet in Coorg. Only 5 Km of the trek route lies in Mangalore Region. All the sholas and peaks lie in Coorg region. We can trek from Subramanya in Mangalore district to the peak and return the same route. We can also start trekking from Somwarpet in Coorg to the peak and return the same route. KP is almost midway on the route from Kukke to Somwarpet. More challenging is the trek from Kukke to Somwarpet or from Somwarpet to Kukke.

Girigadde: Gadde translates to Paddy Field, Girigadde means Paddy Field on the peak.

The terrain from Kukke to Girigadde is a not-so-narrow rocky path, and is very slippery during the monsoons. Potion of tobacco and coconut oil is the best protection on this leech-haunted pathway. Traversing this pathway through the thick forest is very exhausting. The path opens into grass fields, with grass growing up to 7 ft in height.

Girigadde is where the Forest Guard House or Check Post is based and is approximately 6 Kms from Kukke. Bhattara Mane is 5-minute walk from Girigadde. These are two places where a trekker can camp for the night and get food. A forest entry and night camping fee of Rs.70 per head per day needs to be paid at Girigadde Check-post.

The trek route continues to Mantapa which is 2 ½ km from Girigadde. Mantapa is a very old stone structure and presently unsafe for night camping. High winds blowing at this altitude get a drop in the temperature up to – 4 degrees. The temperature goes further down high up in the mountains. The creek flowing next to the Mantapa is the only source of water, especially during summer season. Following this trail, we can reach Battadarasi (Batthada Raasi = Paddy Mould) and Shesha Parvata, which is 4 km from Girigadde. Kumara Parvata is one km and approximately an hour away from this peak. Siddha Parvata is the dense forest that lies between Shesha Parvata and Kumara Parvata. It is so dense that even the forest guard avoids venturing into this range.

The smooth path going up and down the sholas gets steep and rocky nearing the peak and is extremely dangerous as there is no vegetation to hold on to. The rocks are very slippery during the rains. There is a stone temple of Lord Subramanya atop KP. The high winds blowing up hill make this trek more exhilarating. There are points where standing gets difficult and feels like we would be blown away with the winds. Reaching this summit is an achievement on to itself.

We can come back to Girigadde & Kukke or continue to Somwarpet from KP. On this route, Kudure Doddi is the first resting point that we come across. The trek continues to the Check Post in Lingada Hole. This is an Anti Poaching shed and is 6 kms from Beedalli. From Lingada Hole check post, Hegade Mane is about 1 km. Hegade Mane is a village and trekkers can camp for the night in the Mallikarjuna Temple . Bhattaru of the village, Lakshmanayya can be asked to cook food for the trekkers. The trek continues till Beedalli which is 4 km from Hegade Mane. Beedalli is where we can get a bus to Somwarpet which is 22 km away.

Alternately, we can start trekking from Beedalli from Somwarpet side and reach Kukke. It would ideally take 3 days for the trek. Camping at the Check posts at Lingada Hole and Girigadde is recommended.

Elephants, Bison, Tiger, Leopard, Fox, and Wild Hare are some of the animals found in this range. It is very difficult to spot animals on this well trodden trek route though. Snakes are seen in plenty in this territory.

There is yet another trekking point in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary called Mandala Patti (Prn. Maandaala Patti). It is 20 Kms from Madikere town towards Devasthuru Bridge and Kaalooru Hole. This shola region is also accessible by road for non trekkers who want to enjoy proximity with nature by staying at the Anti Poaching Camp here.

Distance

From Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya – Approximately 300 Kms

From Bangalore to Madikere – Approximately 265 Kms

Thanks to the forest guards, Jaya Raju and Prasad for sharing the most amazing information about Pushpagiri.

Roopa Sreedhar