Kumara Parvatha Hill, Coorg: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

Quick Info

Visit Duration: 2 days & 1 Night

Timings: Every Friday at 11.00 Pm, Every Saturday at 3.00 Am and 11 Pm

Entry type: Paid

Entry Fee: 968

Entry Details: NA

summary

When it comes to trekking in South India, Kumara Parvatha also known as the Pushpagiri Hills is a must include in the bucket list of diehard trekkers. It is the 6th highest peak in Karnataka which offers one of the most enthralling trails in India at the backdrop of the Western Ghats. The Kumara Parvatha hill stretches for a whopping 13 Km and stands at an elevation of 4000 feet above the sea level.

Kumara Parvatha is a group of three peaks namely- Shesha Parvatha, Siddha Parvatha and Kumara Parvatha each of which has its relevance to Hindu mythology. Kumara Parvatha is located in the Subramanya village of Sullia Taluk in South Karnataka and is the choicest destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The trekking trail runs dense through the Shola forest which is home to breath-taking flora and fauna under the canopy of clear blue sky.

At some places, the trail is quite strenuous with volcanic rocks, gushing streams and rocky crevices that pose a serious challenge to adrenaline junkies. But nevertheless, the panoramic view of the Western Ghats at the distance makes it a rewarding journey for tourists who are ready to go the extra mile for seeing the wonders of nature from close proximity.

Kumara Parvatha trek is also popular among the tourists who wish to visit the place as a distinguished pilgrim site of South India. Some of the religious places of interest in and around Kumara Parvatha are Kukke Subramanya Temple, Sringeri Mutt and Biladwara Cave that have significant religious connotations.

Apart from that, there are scenic spots en route Kumara Parvatha where you can halt for overnight camping or rest for a while and sink into the overwhelming serenity of the vast expanse of Madikeri. The Malli Waterfalls, Abbimatta Waterfalls and Pushpagiri Forest Reserve are some of the popular natural attractions that make your rigorous trek all worth it.

Trek Routes to Kumara Parvatha

There are two routes accessed by trekkers of Kumara Parvatha depending on their level of fitness and spirit of adventure. One route is from Kukke Subramanya temple which is a moderately difficult climb up to the Shesha Parvatha via Kallu Mandapa. From Shesha Parvatha there are ascends and descends through boulders and grasslands up to the summit. This is a longer route and in between, you will need to stay overnight at the Bhatt's House before starting for the rest of your journey on day 2.

A comparatively longer route is from Beedhalli in Somwarpet. This route is slightly challenging even for experienced trekkers but the view you witness along your trek is worth your exhaustion and time. In this route, you will trek along dense Shola forest where you may come across the wild animals and birds and feast your eyes on the beautiful panorama at a distance.

Trekkers usually take the Somwarpet route to climb up to the summit of the Kumara Parvath and the Kukke Subramanya route to descend.

History of Kumara Parvatha

There are a number of folklores that go round this pristine religious and scenic destination of Karnataka and each of them ushers immense curiosity among the believers to undertake an arduous journey up to the summit. According to the popular faith, Lord Kumaraswamy (Subramanya) killed demons like Padmasura and Tarakasura and was crowned as the king atop the Kumara Parvatha.

The Lord washed his lethal weapon in the nearby river and hence the name Dharma Teertha. Indra, the king of the gods being pleased by the valour of Kumaraswamy asked for his hand in marriage with his daughter Devasena. The marriage between Lord Kumaraswamy and Devasena took place on the bank of Kumaradhara.

Another story depicts Vasuki, the divine serpent was once threatened by Garuda (mount of Lord Vishnu/Venkateshwara). In order to save himself from the clutches of Garuda, Vasuki performed rigorous worship in the caves of Kukke Subramanya temple. Lord Shiva being pleased with his follower's devotion sent his son Karthikeyan (Murugan) to protect Vasuki from Garuda. It is believed that Karthikeyan visited Kumara Parvatha where Vasuki was worshipping and blessed him assuring his protection from all evils.

What Not To Miss

Attractions and Activities at Kumara Parvatha

Credits: Mike Prince

1. Trekking- Kumara Parvatha is a pet destination for adventure lovers who want to scale the heights of the Western Ghats while appreciating its mesmerising flora and fauna along the journey. The trekking trail to Kumara Parvatha starts from Kallu Mandapa through dense forest and gradually you have to cross steep crevices and streamlets flowing amidst the forest floor till you reach the summit.

Trekkers availing the Somwarpet or Kukke Subramanya route need to take a permit from the Pushpagiri forest check post. The charges for Indians are Rs. 300 and for the foreigners are Rs. 1000.

2. Photography- Whenever it comes to trekking, photography is something which comes to our mind right away. Nestled within the mystical Western Ghats mountain range the trail to Kumara Parvatha offers a stunning panorama painted in various shades of green and blue and making it an ideal destination for the shutterbugs.

Apart from the abundant flora and fauna of the region, you can also capture images of cascading rivulets, sprawling meadows and holy shrines residing in the earliest temples along the journey to Kumara Parvatha. Trekkers need to carry their own cameras and may need a permit from the forest department for wildlife photography.

3. Camping- Kumara Parvatha is not an ideal place for camping as the trail from Shesha Parvatha till the summit is undulating and rocky. But the forest trail till Kallu Mandapa has a number of camping sites for overnight stay. Bhattara Mane is a popular camping site for trekkers who want to spend a night amidst dense forest. The Forest Department offices provide accommodation for camping which has to be booked in advance.

The last camping spot before Kumara Parvatha is at Kallu Mandapa which follows the trail up to the summit. The best way to experience thrilling outdoor camping is to avail permit of trek and night stay well in advance of your journey. It is advisable to carry your sleeping bags and tents for the trip. Sometimes camping equipment is provided by the tour providers as well.

4. Shesha Parvatha- Shesha Parvatha marks two-third of your journey en route Kumara Parvatha. From Kallu Mandapa the trail to Shesha Parvatha is marked by patches of woodlands strewn with boulders.

Vast meadows under the canopy of the blue sky make the place a must-visit for adventure lovers. From here begins the toughest part of your trek in which you will have to go uphill crossing huge rocks along your way.

5. Biladwara Cave- If you are looking for an offbeat attraction in your Kumara Parvatha trek, Biladwara Cave is the place you should count on. The place has a mythological reference attached to it which says Vasuki, the mythological king of snakes hid in the caves of Biladwara Cave from the wrath of Garuda. The naturally constructed entrance of 10 metres and exit of 30 metres of the cave is an added attraction which draws diehard nomads and pilgrims round the year.

The caves are nestled amidst the picturesque garden where you can relax in the fresh morning air and rejuvenate your spiritual self. Biladwara Cave is thronged by a large number of Hindu pilgrims during Nag Panchami for worshipping Lord Vasuki. Summers are hot when temperature ranges between 28◦ Celsius to 38◦ Celsius. The best time to visit the place is during winter when the temperature ranges between 18◦C to 26◦C.

6. Mallalli Waterfalls- Mallalli and Abbey waterfalls are the two names that are pronounced together for adding to the breath-taking natural beauty of Kumara Parvatha. The Mallalli originates at the base of Pushpagiri Hills from River Kumardhara and tumbles down a height of above 1000 metres and finally opening into the Arabian Sea. Mallalli waterfall is located about 26 Km from Somwarpet Village of Coorg district and has one of the most charming forest trails in Karnataka. Be aware of the leeches that you may find along the sylvan trail!

Buses ply to and fro to Hanchinalli which is the nearest village to the waterfall. You can hire a private vehicle from Somwarpet or Kushalnagar (45 Km) and trek for the rest of the distance up to Mallalli. You can also go up to Bidalli from where the fall is just 2.5 Km. The best time to visit the Mallalli falls is during monsoon when it takes up a gorgeous look being nourished by monsoon rain. The timings for visiting are every day between 9 AM -5 PM.

7. Pushpagiri Forest Reserve- Pushpagiri is one of the most acclaimed bird sanctuaries of the world which is enlisted among the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Covering an area of a whopping 102 km Pushpagiri Bird Sanctuary is located in Kodagu district of Karnataka and is a part of the Kukke Subramanya Forest Range on one side and the Bisle Reserve Forest on the other side. It is home to a diverse range of fauna which includes endangered species like the Nilgiri Flycatcher grey breasted laughing thrush and many more. You can spot Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Small Sunbird, Grey Headed Bulbul et al. it is also home to a number of reptile species such as Indian rock python Olive Keelback, King Cobra etc.

Deep verdant terrains, cascading waterfalls, the chirping of the birds from the thickets and different shades of green throughout the expanse of Pushpagiri make this place a perfect weekend getaway for the Bangaloreans. Pushpagiri Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road, rail and air network from Bangalore which is 260 Km from Pushpagiri. The timings of the visit are between 6 AM- 6 PM and the entry fee is Rs. 10.

8. Kukke Subramanya Temple- Shri Kukke Subramanya temple located in the Subramanya town of South Kannada district is a popular pilgrimage site in South India and a revered name among the Hindu believers. Being located in unspoilt forestland, the temple area is comparatively neater than other pilgrim sites. With the Kumaradhara River flowing next to the temple and the verdant hills bordering it from all sides, the place is a tranquil haven for solitude seekers and spiritualists.

Kukke Subramanya temple is dedicated to Deva Senapathi (commander of god’s army) Lord Karthikeyan (Murugan) who is also the son of Lord Shiva. Karthikeyan is also worshipped as the god of snakes. A number of rituals are performed throughout the year in the Kukke Subramanya Temple and the most important ones are- Sarpa Samskara, Naga Pratishtha Puja and Ashlesha Bali. Free food is provided to the visitors between 1.30-2 PM and 8-9.30 PM. the temple remains open every day between 5 AM -8 PM.

Highlights of Kumara Parvatha Hill

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. The usual timings are from 6 AM till 6 PM.

Entry Fee: Rs. 300 is to be paid at the Pushpagiri forest checkpoint as a trekking fee for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners.

Height: Kumara Parvatha stands at an elevation of approximately 1712 meters from 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.

Kumara Parvatha Hill Overview

Trek Routes to Kumara Parvatha

History of Kumara Parvatha

What Not To Miss

Attractions and Activities at Kumara Parvatha

Points Of Interest for Kumara Parvatha Hill

1. Trekking- Kumara Parvatha is a pet destination for adventure lovers who want to scale the heights of the Western Ghats while appreciating its mesmerising flora and fauna along the journey. The trekking trail to Kumara Parvatha starts from Kallu Mandapa through dense forest and gradually you have to cross steep crevices and streamlets flowing amidst the forest floor till you reach the summit.

Trekkers availing the Somwarpet or Kukke Subramanya route need to take a permit from the Pushpagiri forest check post. The charges for Indians are Rs. 300 and for the foreigners are Rs. 1000.

2. Photography- Whenever it comes to trekking, photography is something which comes to our mind right away. Nestled within the mystical Western Ghats mountain range the trail to Kumara Parvatha offers a stunning panorama painted in various shades of green and blue and making it an ideal destination for the shutterbugs.

Apart from the abundant flora and fauna of the region, you can also capture images of cascading rivulets, sprawling meadows and holy shrines residing in the earliest temples along the journey to Kumara Parvatha. Trekkers need to carry their own cameras and may need a permit from the forest department for wildlife photography.

3. Camping- Kumara Parvatha is not an ideal place for camping as the trail from Shesha Parvatha till the summit is undulating and rocky. But the forest trail till Kallu Mandapa has a number of camping sites for overnight stay. Bhattara Mane is a popular camping site for trekkers who want to spend a night amidst dense forest. The Forest Department offices provide accommodation for camping which has to be booked in advance.

The last camping spot before Kumara Parvatha is at Kallu Mandapa which follows the trail up to the summit. The best way to experience thrilling outdoor camping is to avail permit of trek and night stay well in advance of your journey. It is advisable to carry your sleeping bags and tents for the trip. Sometimes camping equipment is provided by the tour providers as well.

4. Shesha Parvatha- Shesha Parvatha marks two-third of your journey en route Kumara Parvatha. From Kallu Mandapa the trail to Shesha Parvatha is marked by patches of woodlands strewn with boulders.

Vast meadows under the canopy of the blue sky make the place a must-visit for adventure lovers. From here begins the toughest part of your trek in which you will have to go uphill crossing huge rocks along your way.

5. Biladwara Cave- If you are looking for an offbeat attraction in your Kumara Parvatha trek, Biladwara Cave is the place you should count on. The place has a mythological reference attached to it which says Vasuki, the mythological king of snakes hid in the caves of Biladwara Cave from the wrath of Garuda. The naturally constructed entrance of 10 metres and exit of 30 metres of the cave is an added attraction which draws diehard nomads and pilgrims round the year.

The caves are nestled amidst the picturesque garden where you can relax in the fresh morning air and rejuvenate your spiritual self. Biladwara Cave is thronged by a large number of Hindu pilgrims during Nag Panchami for worshipping Lord Vasuki. Summers are hot when temperature ranges between 28◦ Celsius to 38◦ Celsius. The best time to visit the place is during winter when the temperature ranges between 18◦C to 26◦C.

6. Mallalli Waterfalls- Mallalli and Abbey waterfalls are the two names that are pronounced together for adding to the breath-taking natural beauty of Kumara Parvatha. The Mallalli originates at the base of Pushpagiri Hills from River Kumardhara and tumbles down a height of above 1000 metres and finally opening into the Arabian Sea. Mallalli waterfall is located about 26 Km from Somwarpet Village of Coorg district and has one of the most charming forest trails in Karnataka. Be aware of the leeches that you may find along the sylvan trail!

Buses ply to and fro to Hanchinalli which is the nearest village to the waterfall. You can hire a private vehicle from Somwarpet or Kushalnagar (45 Km) and trek for the rest of the distance up to Mallalli. You can also go up to Bidalli from where the fall is just 2.5 Km. The best time to visit the Mallalli falls is during monsoon when it takes up a gorgeous look being nourished by monsoon rain. The timings for visiting are every day between 9 AM -5 PM.

7. Pushpagiri Forest Reserve- Pushpagiri is one of the most acclaimed bird sanctuaries of the world which is enlisted among the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Covering an area of a whopping 102 km Pushpagiri Bird Sanctuary is located in Kodagu district of Karnataka and is a part of the Kukke Subramanya Forest Range on one side and the Bisle Reserve Forest on the other side. It is home to a diverse range of fauna which includes endangered species like the Nilgiri Flycatcher grey breasted laughing thrush and many more. You can spot Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Small Sunbird, Grey Headed Bulbul et al. it is also home to a number of reptile species such as Indian rock python Olive Keelback, King Cobra etc.

Deep verdant terrains, cascading waterfalls, the chirping of the birds from the thickets and different shades of green throughout the expanse of Pushpagiri make this place a perfect weekend getaway for the Bangaloreans. Pushpagiri Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road, rail and air network from Bangalore which is 260 Km from Pushpagiri. The timings of the visit are between 6 AM- 6 PM and the entry fee is Rs. 10.

8. Kukke Subramanya Temple- Shri Kukke Subramanya temple located in the Subramanya town of South Kannada district is a popular pilgrimage site in South India and a revered name among the Hindu believers. Being located in unspoilt forestland, the temple area is comparatively neater than other pilgrim sites. With the Kumaradhara River flowing next to the temple and the verdant hills bordering it from all sides, the place is a tranquil haven for solitude seekers and spiritualists.

Kukke Subramanya temple is dedicated to Deva Senapathi (commander of god’s army) Lord Karthikeyan (Murugan) who is also the son of Lord Shiva. Karthikeyan is also worshipped as the god of snakes. A number of rituals are performed throughout the year in the Kukke Subramanya Temple and the most important ones are- Sarpa Samskara, Naga Pratishtha Puja and Ashlesha Bali. Free food is provided to the visitors between 1.30-2 PM and 8-9.30 PM. the temple remains open every day between 5 AM -8 PM.

Best time to visit Kumara Parvatha Hill

Before setting your footprints on the virgin landscape of Kumara Parvatha, a sneak peek of the best route:

By Rail: The closest railway stations to Kumara Parvatha are Mysore and Hassan. The Hubli or Karwar Express or Bangalore Mysore express are the available trains on this route.

By Road: If you are coming from Bangalore, take a cab and reach Kukke Temple (the starting point of the trek) at Coorg in an overnight journey. From Coorg, you can take a cab and reach Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary or Kukke Subramanya. It takes about 2-3 hours from Coorg to reach Kukke or Pushpagiri by road. From there you have to walk uphill to the summit of the Kumara Parvatha.

By Bus: There are buses that ply to and fro to Subramanya from Bangalore. The Subramanya bus stand is near the town from where the trail to Kumara Parvatha begins. Bus tickets can be booked online from the KSRTC website.