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.
