Pushpagiri or Kumaraparvatha is one of the highest peaks in Karnataka, India in the Western Ghats, located in the Madikeri district in a place called Kukke Subrahmanya which is 250 KM from Bangalore. It’s the second highest peak in Coorg after Tadiandamol and the 6th highest in Karnataka.

Though this is not the highest peak, it can easily be said that Kumara parvath has the toughest terrains to trek on especially on rainy or sunny days. The difficult terrain with certain steep areas at an angle of 45 degrees is what makes this trek exciting and gives you a bigger sense of accomplishment when you finally drag yourself to the top.

Why Kumara Parvatha?

The landscape seen from the peak and the viewpoints are breathtaking, but the 5 to 6 hours of strenuous trekking is most thrilling, you can’t really enjoy the peak unless you relish the journey. The lessons and experiences you learn from this trek stay with you forever. The walk through the forest would captivate you.

Happy faces in the middle of a deep forest

Best time to visit

October to February — This time is perfect as there won’t be much rain and you would be able to see the peak clearly, you won’t find leeches during this time either. If you are climbing Kumara parvatha for the first time this time is recommended. If you have climbed it a few times(I definitely would) then you can come back during the monsoon and enjoy the rain and the cover of clouds.

How did I get here?

There are frequent buses and trains from Bangalore to Kukke Subrahmanya that you could use. You can either book your tickets in advance from IRCTC, Red bus or the KSRTC website or if you are feeling too adventurous and decide to go right now then just go to the Majestic bus stop and jump onto the many buses going to Kukke Subrahmanya.

How much did I spend?

We went in a group of three and it cost us around 2000 rupees excluding the camping equipment. Cost details are mentioned later in this article.

How to kill hunger?

There are many restaurants near the temple where you get cheap meals. Make sure to carry a lot of grapes, dry fruits, buttermilk and water, this will give you a lot of energy.

The only place for refreshments on the way is Bhattara mane. Bhattara mane when translated to English means Bhat’s house, Mr Bhat and his brother stay here. They have been feeding trekkers and providing accommodation to trekkers for 40 years now.