Written by: Rachana Mallya
Kumara Parvatha
Walk through clouds, feel the gentle sprinkle of mist, witness horizons beyond boundaries and linger onto the chilly breeze. Feel yourself drift as this place freezes time for you. This is the Kumara Pavartha peak found standing tall at the altitude of 1,750mts (6,000 feet) in the Western Ghats, near Shri Kukke Subrahmanya Kshetra. It is one of the toughest treks in the South Kanara district and is well deserved for fit beings.
Reaching this peak will take you through rough terrains, harsh weather conditions and limited water supplies. Walking through varying landscape, you will have to be prepared to shift from the cool shades of dense rain forests to the sweating rays in the open valleys. Do not let this dampen your spirits as the effort is rewarding beyond words.
From a distance, it may seem to be one peak, but there are three peaks namely, ‘Shesha Parvatha’ (which looks like a serpent with seven hoods), ‘Siddha Parvatha’ and ‘Kumara Parvatha’. You will need to cross the south facing Shesha Parvatha to reach Kumara Parvatha. The southern part of the mountain is a steep 2000 feet drop and the other part of the mountain, Siddha Parvatha is inaccessible. It is believed that a saint, Shri Vishnuthirthacharya is doing penance till today at this location.
On reaching the pinnacle, the strong winds accompanied with the view of the terrain is nature’s souvenir designed to blow your mind. The multifaceted terrain has the South Kanara forests blending with the agricultural fields in the west, the Coorg estate waves in the south east, the green plains of Mysore flowing in the north east and the Western Ghats standing solid.
Orientation
Kumara Parvatha peak is located about 4000 metres above sea level and is a18 km trek from the Shri Kukke Subrahmanya temple. There are two ways of reaching this peak; one from Shri Kukke Subrahmanya Kshetra and the other from Somwarpet.
On reaching Kukke Subrmanya, around 5 to 6 kms away you will need to stop at the Forest Officer’s Check Point. Here you could indulge in some local food at Bhattara Mane at Giri Gadde. Based on information from people at these checkpoints, on this trek you could encounter wild buffalos and wild pigs.
Weather
The temperature reaches a maximum of 36°C in summer (March to May) and a minimum of 17°C in winter (December to February). The monsoon is quite heavy, usually in the months of June and July. However, expect pleasant drizzles as you climb higher throughout the year. Consider the wind factor too, as it may get pretty cold during nights.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is early winter. During this season, you could shun the perspiring walks through valleys are cool down with the foggy paths that await you. The winter mops the air with mist and cheerfully presents you with an indelible image. A frame of horizons overlapping horizons, combining the beginning and end.
Venturing this trek in the monsoons is possible. That’s if you like to trek with visibility that’s only at an arm’s distance. Adventure comes in many faces.
Getting there / Route information
Kukke Subramanya is at a distance of around 300 kms from Bangalore. You could take the road via Sakleshpur or via Kushalnagar to Somwarpet.
By Bus
From Bangalore, there are direct, overnight Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC – http://ksrtc.in/) buses to Kukke Subramanya. Private bus services are available too. Another route which you could take from Bangalore is via KushalNagar through Somwarpet and Bidhalli.
By Train
There are no trains that connect Bangalore with any of the nearest villages or towns. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats are connected well by road and usually travellers use bus services.
Road Quality
The state highway roads are invariably under road construction and become treacherous in the monsoons.
Pictures of Kumara Parvatha
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MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
On the way to this peak, you will come across a quaint village called Subramanya. Nested deep in the forests of the Western Ghats, this village was once said to be the home of Subramnaya, the son of Shiva. Another belief is that, in the caves of Lord Subramanya, Vasuki and other snakes once took refuge. Therefore the God is worshipped as a snake. In the heart of this village you will find the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. It is now become a famous pilgrim centre in the Sullia Taluk. To visit the temple, devotees need to cross the Kumaradhara River, where they can take a holy bath.
Apart from the temple, a fascinating family every traveler should meet is the Bhatta family. Bhatta’s is the only family in Giri Gadde. The head of the family, Mahalingeshwara Bhatta has been here for more than 30 years. A perfect example of self-sufficient and self-reliant living, he cultivates all the food supplies required by his family. He grows rice, vegetables and commercial crops such as areca nut. His herd of 10 to 15 cows provides milk supplies, which his brother delivers to a hotel in Kukke. An amazing fact is that, he climbs the distance of the peak everyday.
Things to Avoid
- Visiting this place during peak monsoons is not as pleasurable as other seasons.
- Avoid going alone or without a guide.
- Refrain from littering the place with garbage and respect the natural environment.
Events
The festivals at the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple attract huge crowds, especially during the Ganesha and Deepavali festivals.
Shopping information
You may find religious artefacts at the temple.
Vital tourist information
Things to carry
Your backpack consisting of the following is recommended:-
- Equipment – it is best to carry tents or sleeping bags and torches in case you decide to spend the night camping.
- Rainwear – this location is known for constant drizzles throughout the year. It is also advisable to carry a light wind cheater / windproof jacket to protect yourself from the biting chill winds.
- A pair of extra clothes – in case of rains and other emergencies.
- Food and water supplies – once on the trail, there is no accessibility to food or water, therefore carrying your own stock is advised.
- Medicines – containing painkillers, antihistamine, band aids, dettol, antibiotics, etc. Do not forget to carry insect / mosquito repellents, as there are swarms found near the fort and elsewhere.
Accommodation
Just below the peak, there is a base camp where you could camp in tents and admire the starry night skies, should the mist decide to evaporate. At Giri Gadde, which you will cross on your trail, you will spend the night at Bhattara Mane (House of the Bhatta family) Contact numbers are 9448647947, 9945618495.
Resorts availability
There are no resorts in the vicinity.
Local Taxi availability
Local taxi service is available in Kukke Subramanya and Somwarpet.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospitals | The nearest hospitals are the government hospitals at Kukke Subramanya and Somwarpet. Alternatively, 40 kms from Somwarpet is Madikere where the hospitals you could contact are:-
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| Police | Somwarpet Police Station – Tel: (08276)-282040 |
Very nice pictures…
Why not much information on Kukke Subramanya temple is written?
Rachana,
I liked your idea of mentioning emergency contact numbers, for a traveler, this information will really come handy!
Hi, It would be helpful for people if you mention how much time will it take to reach and back( you can mention avarage time it takes)
Hi, It would be helpful for people if you mention how much time will it take to reach and back( you can mention avarage time it takes)
Thanks a lot for the information. Do you have any idea about Mallalli Falls? is it a campable spot? We are leaving this Monday. Please let me know.
We had been to Kumaraparvatha peak in April 1999 during our engineering college days.
It was nice expeprience.
All description given here are matching exactly what had that time. Good