"Dream trek of every Hiker in Karnataka "
Written on : 16-January-2017
Visted During : March 2010
Some more Information
Kumaraparvatha is titled amongst one of the 3 must hike (Kodachadri and Kuduremukha) trekking destinations by the world renown travel writer, Jnanapeeta awardee Sri Shivaram Karanth. With this being said, I do not need to explain more on Kumaraparvatha advertise the beauty of the trek. If you are a trekking enthusiast, then trek to Kumaraparvatha is a must. However, the trek is strenuous and tiredsome. Especially trekking Kumaraparvatha during summer is a tough task.
There are 2 parts in this trek. First part is from Subrahmanya to Bhattara Mane. The base of the peak is 2 Kilometers from Subrahmanya Temple, and Bhattara mane is around 6 kilometers from the base. Till Bhattara mane, the trek is within the forest and Sun does not burn you much. However, there are places with steep steps and some people do not enjoy trekking in such places (People like me). Kumaraparvatha is a typical shola forest with deep forests in lower level and only grasslands as you go higher. Bhattara mane kind of stands as that point from where the grasslands start. While you walk uphill from Bhattara mane, in less than 500 meters is the Forest office. One needs to take permission from the guards there and you are not allowed to carry anything that is harmful for wildlife and forest (Including items like petrol, anything that causes fire etc.)
From forest office, the thick grass covered moutains start and the distance from forest office to peak is around 7-8 Kms. I personally enjoy these kind of trails, however many people find this trek tougher than the one to reach Bhattara mane. Overall one thing guaranteed is you will be tired by the time you reach peak.
Staying in peak is not prohibitted but not much encouraged too. (Tents are strictly not allowed though) It might depend on latest rule by forest office and hence checking about the same is advised. Stay in Bhattara mane is allowed but during peak season, availability will be based on first come first serve. However, food is available here and they give it at a very nominal price. If you wish to have breakfast the next day, you may inform them beforehand so that they keep it ready for you. There are toilets available here for use of hikers.
My Experience and Opinion
Writing about my very second trekking of my life after trekking for over 25 hills/mountains. Even then, this stands as one of the best trekking experience. No wonder Kumaraparvatha is a celebrity trekking destination in Karnataka. I trekked Kumaraparvatha during my college days and during those days, we did not have too much of idea about trekking. But, we had prepared well for the trek with everything required for staying in the peak including things to collect firewood etc. We decided to stay in the peak itself and put camp fire. We were awake till late dancing around the fire and then took good rest. The cold breeze does not let you sleep peacfully if you do not carry anything to cheat it. Overall, Kumaraparvatha is one hell of a trek experience till date for me.
The Trek
We were around 8 people and hence trekking was not so difficult except for the luggage we were carrying. Luckily we were carrying enough water and hence we saved ourselves from dehydrating. For me, personally, trekking till Bhattara mane was difficult because of steps. The forest is dense but there is a clear path till Bhattara mane even inside forest. Hence you do not need a guide to trek. Trek to Bhattara mane needs around 2-3 hours. We planned it such that we had lunch in Bhattara mane and then trekked to the peak, reached by evening and stayed in open air in the peak. We had even put camp fire but were carefull enough. There are different combinations you can choose to depending on your interest like staying in Bhattara mane on day one and then trekking to peak next day morning and then return. From Bhattara mane, you can carry some vessels and cook in the peak too. But, be carefull enough during summer since entire hill is covered with dry grass. From Bhattara mane, forest office is around 500 meters, from there Kallu Mantapa is around 2 kilometers. Near Kallu mantapa, there is a small collection point for spring water and you can refil your water bottles here.
From 2015, camping in peak is not allowed. However, you can stay in Bhattara mane and plan your trek accordingly.
Photos
Bus Journey from Puttur To Subrahmanya
En Route Bhattara mane
Mist covering the route early evening.
Onti Mara and me while trekking uphill.
Dogs are crazy trekkers I must say!
Shesha Parvatha
Camp fire.! Be responsible if you are trying.
We slept in open air!!!
While trekking back
The Group :)
Google map is yet to be updated with Trek route. :)
