Health

Kumara Parvatha Trek: Do it Yourself Guide

Nestled in the western ghats of Karnataka, the Kumara Parvatha trek offers a varied range of terrain that are believed to be a challenge to overcome. On your trail explore the caves and beautiful valleys with picturesque landscapes.

How to reach

By Air: Mangalore Airport is the closest one from Kumara Parvatha which is approximately 155 km away. If you are flying down from another city or state then this is the best and fastest way to reach the base of the trek.

By Road: There are many bus operators that drive down to Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary daily. We prefer you take a bus after 10 pm from Bangalore, so that you reach Kumara Parvatha around 5 in the morning and from there begin your ascent at 6. You can also drive your own vehicle to Kumara Parvatha as it is well connected to all the major cities like Hassan, Mangalore and Bangalore.

By Train: The closest railway stations are Mangalore Railway station and Hassan Railway station. You can also board a train from Bangalore which will drop you near Kumara Parvatha and from there you can hire a private vehicle to reach the base of the trek. Any train route to Pushpagiri is a scenic experience in itself with many tunnels on its route.

How to prepare yourself

Kumara Parvatha Trek can be quite challenging if you don’t have prior trek experience. However, you can build up your stamina and endurance that is required for this trek in a span of a month. Just follow the regime given below and you are good to go.

Running: Start slow with a target of at least 5 km in half an hour. Keep this up for 4 times in a week and when you get used to it try reducing the time taken to complete 5 km. Progressively, add another day in a week.

Strength build-up: In the first week you can focus on strengthening your calves, knees and thighs. Include a core-strengthening regime with plank, squats and lunges.

Flexibility: To move around on different kinds of terrain you would need flexibility to move around your joints, shoulders and knees. Try to train your hamstrings, lower back and hip joints.

Permits for the trek

Kumara Parvatha is considered to be one of the tougher treks in the South as the trails sometimes get almost vertical with a 2000 ft drop at another side. To ensure the safety of the trekkers it is mandatory to register yourself with the Forest Department Officials. You can get this done yourself easily from the base of the trek.

What is the Cost

The expense depends on various factors like accommodation, travel, food and other miscellaneous charges like parking fees, toll, entry fees and such.

A round trip from Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya in a private vehicle will cost you around 9000 INR. On the other hand, a bus trip for the same would cost you 600 INR. The hotels and homestays in Kukke Subramanya can start from 800 to 1500 INR.

The permit from the Forest Department Official will cost you 350 INR and if you plan to stay overnight for the camping then you have to pay 400 for the same. The tent and sleeping bags are available at Battere Mane or Bhatt’s house for a reasonable price.

Things to carry

Clothing: your regular wears plus light thermal wear, windproof jacket, scarf, raincoat or poncho.

Trekking: Trekking poles, hiking shoes, sleeping bag, tent. 

Accessories: Sunglasses, Sunscreen, lip balm and toiletries like paper soap, sanitizer, toothpaste, brush, comb.

Document: carry your photocopy and identity card/Driver’s license.

Electronics: Camera with extra batteries, power bank.

Medicines: Your prescription if any, First-Aid, motion sickness tablet (Avomine), Crocin.

Eatables: Energy bar, Glucose/ORS, dry fruits, water bottles, chocolates and snacks.

Tips to save

Carry at least 2 litres of water bottle and refill them at Battere Mane after which you won’t find any provision for drinking water.

You can find the facility of Meals and restrooms in Battere Mane, post that nature is your only companion.

Inform your friends and family before you begin your ascent as the mobile network does not work in the woods.

It is advisable to not attempt the trek if you have any heart condition or any asthma problem. This trek is also not meant for children below 12 years or an elderly person.

You don’t have to carry your tent and sleeping bag all the way from the base. Battere Mane provides it for renting.

If you plan your trek post monsoon then beware of the leeches and cobra on your trail. You can apply Dettol or any disinfectant on your legs to avoid the leeches.

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