Kumara Parvatha Trek - Kukke Subramanya

    Discover Kumara Parvatha

Tucked away in the Western Ghats of South India, the Kumara Parvatha trek from Kukke Subramanya is a zestfully sought-after experience among trekkers. Located amidst the state of Karnataka, this forms an ideal route for those who yearn to quench their thirst with a bit of natural beauty and adventure, seasoned with some spirituality. This trek, starting from the picture perfect town of Kukke Subramanya, the center of the famous temple of Lord Subramanya, takes one through dense forests, rich green grasslands, and rugged terrains. This entire journey up to the top of Kumara Parvatha is not just about a summit quest; it is about strolling amidst calmness and beholding the beautiful experiences that the Western Ghats have in store.

Trek altitude, distance, and trail

The Kumara Parvatha Trek is considered one of the toughest treks in South India, and for good reason. The trek is about 22 km round-trip and takes you to an altitude of about 5,617 ft. The journey starts from the Kukke Subramanya temple, where one usually takes the blessings of the Lord before embarking on this adventure. The entire trail has two major divisions - the first part, which passes through the dense forests of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and the second, where chirping birds will greet you and you get to hear the rustling of leaves occasionally as you break through the foliage. This part of the trek is relatively steep and can also be demanding. Therefore, you need to maintain a steady pace. Further ahead, one comes to Bhattara Mane, another famous resting place. It offers the travellers simple but refreshing food and water. The next stretch continues further on opened grasslands, with the surroundings of the hills offering a panoramic view. The final stretch toward the top of Kumara Parvatha passes Shesha Parvatha, another smaller peak that adds another dimension to the hardship involved in this trek. Here, the trail is rocky and exposed, so one should be prepared for a difficult climb.

The thrill and emotion that you feel at the summit

When you finally reach the Kumara Parvatha peak, you shall be overwhelmed. Standing right on top of the peak gives a feeling of accomplishment; it feels like all the sweat and toil were worth it. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats, the cool breeze, and the silent, yet lively atmosphere around—there are no words that describe this feeling of being on top of the summit with nothing but nature's beauty. Now, be it the first-timer or the seasoned trekker, the experience of standing on the Kumara Parvatha peak is one that will live eternally in the memory of anybody. It's a moment of pure bliss and oneness with nature, a memory to be cherished throughout life.

Weather conditions and best time to trek

The Kumara Parvatha Trek's weather varies a lot throughout the year. Hence, the best time for the trek would be from October to February. During this period, the weather conditions are pretty cool and lovely for the trek. Temperatures during these months vary from 15°C to 28°C, which makes for comfortable walking conditions. Starting from June to September, the monsoon season is not recommended for obvious reasons, as the rain makes the trail very slippery and at times dangerous to walk. The post-monsoon surely offers magnificent greenery and vibrancy in the landscape. Always check with the weather forecast before you plan your trek to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Towards building the right fitness for your trek

The Kumara Parvatha Trek requires a certain amount of fitness due to the demanding nature of the trail. Start with some aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or swimming to build up your stamina. On the other hand, strength training with an emphasis on legs and core gives you the ability to take steep climbs and equally steep descents. Flexibility exercises include yoga, which improves balance and reduces the chances of getting injured. Consistency is, therefore, the bottom line. On the mental front, prepare yourself to face long hours of walking and get ready to push your limits. Remember, it's a challenging trek, but with the right preparation, it's definitely achievable.

Permits and regulations

The Kumara Parvatha trek passes through the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Therefore, it requires permission from the forest department. This is to ensure that the natural habitat remains intact and also to limit the number of trekkers on the trail. But don't worry, if you're trekking with Backpackers United, we take care of all the permits, so you enjoy the trek hassle-free.

Reaching the base camp from key cities

While reaching Kukke Subramanya, the base camp for the Kumara Parvatha Trek, has a relatively accessible pathway from different parts of the country, the nearest airport to this natural haven would be Mangalore, about 105 km away. One could hire a taxi or take a bus from Mangalore to Kukke Subramanya. If you prefer to travel by train, the closest railway station is Subrahmanya Road, located about 12 kilometers from Kukke. You can hire a cab or take an auto-rickshaw from there to reach Kukke. Direct buses are available from major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore to the Kukke Subramanya bus stand for people who prefer to travel by bus. The roads are also well-connected, and driving through the Western Ghats itself is scintillating.

Points of Interest/High Lights of the Trek

The Kumara Parvatha Trek is an experience to be etched in memory. Starting from the Kukke Subramanya temple, its spiritual aura is bound to set the tone for the journey. The initial main highlight of the trek would be the dense forest trail within the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The biodiversity is absolutely amazing. You may spot various species of birds and, of course, wildlife if you are lucky. The view from Bhattara Mane itself is simply fascinating along with telling you how much your endurance test lies ahead. A little higher in altitude lies the Shesha Parvatha, from where one gets fantastic views of both the Western Ghats and the valleys below. The final climb to the top of the peak at Kumara Parvatha is steep and tiring but worth the effort. Standing from the summit, you are greeted by a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. It is one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring sights you get to see during the entire trek. Spiritual, natural, and physical experiences blend in this whole trek making it one of the greatest treks in South India.

Who May Participate?

Suitable for people having an affinity for nature and adventure, the Kumara Parvatha Trek is a must for experienced trekkers who look forward to a bigger test of endurance in the Western Ghats. Given the challenging nature of this trek, one needs to have good physical fitness. Steep ascents, long hours of walking, and rugged terrains are all part of this trek and hence, one needs to be physically and mentally fit. This trek is also meant for those who want to get away from the havoc cities and crowds and want to be one with nature. The view from the top of Kumara Parvatha is a sight without comparison, and the joy that you experience upon reaching the peak makes the trek completely worthwhile.