There have been certain changes to the Kumara Parvatha Trek since the advent of the Aranya Vihara Portal for trekking in Karnataka. On one hand, staying at Bhattara Mane has been banned, which means you must complete the trek in one day instead of two. On the other hand, a new route for accessing the peak from Beedahalli has been opened by the Forest Department.

Read on for complete details on each of these routes, the permit processes and all other details you’d need to do the trek on your own.

The Complete Guide to the Kumara Parvatha Trek

The Kumara Parvatha peak is situated within the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is the second-highest peak in Kodagu district after Tadiandamol and Karnataka's fourth-highest peak.

The Traditional Route from Kukke
The trek to Kumara Parvatha is known for its difficulty. From the ancient Kukke Sumbramanya temple at its base, the climb is long and arduous. But it is equally varied and rewarding. It takes you through beautiful forests, a hidden waterfall, vast swatches of Shola Grasslands and the magical vantage point of Shesha Parvatha.

It is the imposing Shesha Parvatha peak that you see when you first emerge from the forest from the Kukke side. It's only after you ascend Shesha Parvatha that the dome-shaped peak of Kumara Parvatha reveals itself in the distance. From there, the trail dips down into a magical forest stretch, leading you to the base of Kumara Parvatha. What follows is a steep, relentless climb to the summit—an adventure like no other.

The trek is almost 20 km long, both ways from Kukke to Kukke. Earlier, it was usually done over two days, with a night halt at Bhattara Mane. But now, camping is banned. So that option is off the table.

You have to complete the entire trek in one day. This makes it tougher than it used to be.

The Easier Approach from Beedahalli
What many trekkers still don’t know is that now there’s easier access to the peak via Beedahalli. The Beedahalli route is much shorter than the usual access from Kukke. It is also more gradual. Yet, the forests on this route are just as magical.

However, if you are doing this trek from Beedahalli to Beedahalli, you miss out on Shesha Parvatha, which is arguably an even better viewpoint than the Kumara Parvatha top.

If that leaves you wondering what to do, here’s a great workaround—you can do the trek as a crossover. Start from Beedahalli and end at Kukke. This way, you get the best of both worlds. You’ll walk through the lush, dense forests on the Beedahalli side, and still get to climb Shesha Parvatha on your way down.

The Kukke route is long and tiring, but since you’ll only be descending it, the strain is much more manageable. Even though the descent is no cakewalk, it’s easier than climbing up that way.

There are now multiple ways to experience Kumara Parvatha. In the sections that follow, we’ll break down each option for you. You can choose the one that suits you best, based on how much time you have, your fitness level, and the kind of experience you're looking for.

The Possible Routes for Kumara Parvatha:

• Kukke to Kukke: 22 Km (both ways) | 300 permits per day
• Beedahalli to Beedahalli: 14 km (both ways) | 300 permits per day
• Beedahalli to Kukke: 18 km (crossover) | 30 permits per day
• Highest Point: 5600 ft at Kumara Parvatha Peak
• All Permits: Aranya Vihaara Website

Can beginners attempt the Kumara Parvatha Trek? The Kumara Parvatha Trek is undoubtedly one of the toughest treks in Karnataka. It’s long, with constant ascents and descents. The final climb to the peak is a brutal test of endurance. Extremely fit beginners can attempt it, but we recommend prior trekking experience in the Western Ghats before taking on Kumara Parvatha. However, there is now an easier access to this peak from Beedahalli. But even then, no matter which route you choose, we suggest taking on the Kumara Parvatha Trek only after you have done a few other treks.

➤What to Watch out for

1. Beautiful Forests

Whether you’re starting your trek from the Kukke side or from Beedahalli, you’ll find yourself walking through some of the most beautiful forests in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. These pristine Western Himalayan forests are full of ancient trees. Tall, moss-covered giants– jamun (Syzigium cumini), banasampa (Dipterocarpus indicus) and kularmavu (Machilus macaranthus) form a thick canopy over your head. As you climb higher, you’ll also come across dense bamboo thickets. In some stretches, it actually feels like you’re walking through a Himalayan forest.

If you’re coming from Beedahalli, the entire trail all the way to Kumara Parvatha winds through these magical woods. So it’s hard to pick a favourite section — it’s all equally stunning. 

But if you're trekking from the Kukke side, the forest stretch between Sesha Parvatha and Kumara Parvatha really stands out. And if you happen to be there on a misty day, the whole place turns into a mysterious wonderland.

2. Breathtaking Views of the Western Ghats

Kumara Parvatha, being one of the highest peaks in the region, offers a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats. From the summit, you can see endless layers of rolling mountains stretching all the way to the horizon. On a clear day, you can spot Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Coorg. You might even catch a glimpse of the distant Kudremukh range in Chikmagalur. Grassy ridges fan out in every direction from the windy top. It’s a stunning sight.

Honestly, we love the views from Sesha Parvatha even more than those from Kumara Parvatha. It’s an incredible vantage point. From there, you get a sweeping view of endless shola forests and rolling green hills below. It’s usually windy and almost completely silent, which makes the experience even more special.

The only catch is that you can reach Sesha Parvatha only if you're trekking from the Kukke side. And that’s something we genuinely feel you miss out on if you’re coming from Beedahalli.

3. The Variety of Landscapes

The variety of landscapes on this trek is mesmerising, especially if you’re coming from the Kukke side. Right from the start, you walk through dense forests that even hide a little waterfall.Then, as you step out of the tree cover, you’re greeted by endless open grasslands that lead you to Kallu Mandapa.

Just when you think it can’t get better, you hit a thrilling ledge walk right before the climb to Sesha Parvatha. From there, you make your way up to its grassy summit, and then descend again into a beautiful forest stretch that takes you to the base of Kumara Parvatha. It feels like you’re in a completely new setting almost every hour.

We agree that the variety is a little less on the Beedahalli side. That said, the Beedahalli route has its own charm. It may have fewer changes in terrain, but it's still packed with beauty. You trek through tall forests, pass through thick bamboo patches, and then walk across wide black rock slabs before the final push to the summit. The route is shorter, the landscapes are different, but the experience is just as special.

➤ Suggested Itinerary (Beedahalli to Beedahalli)

The trek to Kumara Parvatha from Beedahalli is about 7 km one way. It usually takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach the top. Coming back down can take another 2 to 3 hours. So, you’re looking at a total of 7 to 8 hours for the whole trek. While there are some steep and tricky sections, this is the easiest route to Kumara Parvatha.

• Arrive at Somwarpet KSTRC Bus Stand by 5 AM.
• Take an auto from the Bus Stand to reach the Beedahalli Forest Checkpost, which acts as base for the Kumara Parvatha Trek. There is a government bus that runs on this route but it doesn’t start as early. It’s better to reach the trek base as early as possible. Autos charge anywhere between INR 800-1000 for the 25 km drive to the Forest Checkpost from Somwarpet.
• The auto will drop you where the motorable road ends. There is a small eatery here, where you can have breakfast for INR 100 and also pack your lunch. We recommend carrying your own food for the Kumara Parvatha Trek. This will save crucial time.
• From this eatery, it’s a 1 km walk to the Forest Checkpost. You start seeing the dome-shaped Kumara Parvatha peak right away. With the first rays of the Sun touching the peak, it’s a beautiful setting to walk amidst.
• Get your Aranya Vihaara Permits (make sure you have booked for the Beedahalli-to-Beedahalli circuit route) verified by the forest personnel at the checkpost.
• If you are carrying plastic items, they’ll also be checked by the forest guards. You’ll be charged a deposit amount based on the number of items they find. You must produce all these plastic items on your return to claim this deposit. Your deposit will be forfeited if you reach the forest checkpost after 5 PM on your way back.
  Note: You are not allowed to carry any camping gear. Anything that may be considered as camping gear, like a knife, rope, tarpaulin sheet, cooking utensils etc. will be confiscated by the forest department.
• You do not need any guides for this trek. So start your trek immediately once the checking is over. Plan to get started no later than 7 AM. The earlier the better.
• The trek mostly winds through dense forests. At the 4.5 Km mark, you’ll reach the first open viewpoint. Plan to reach this viewpoint latest by 9.30 AM
• From the viewpoint, Kumara Parvatha Peak is around 2.5 km away. However, this climb is going to be steep. Try to make it to the top latest by 11 AM
• Spend some time at the summit—soak in the views and have something to eat. If you're not carrying lunch, make sure you have enough trail snacks. Begin your descent by 11:30 AM at the latest.
• Since you have the Bidahalli-to-Bidahalli circuit route permit, do not venture towards the Kukke Route. You’ll be heavily fined at the Girigadde Forest Checkpost.
• You should be able to finish your descent comfortably in the next 3-3.5 hrs.
• Adding rest stops, water breaks and lunch breaks, the entire trek should be wrapped up in 8 hrs max. If you have started by 7 AM, plan to be back at the trek starting point by 3:00 PM.
• Getting too late on the return might be risky. The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers and elephants. You see signs of their presence on the trail. So, prioritise getting back before it gets dark.
• It is good to set a turnaround time of 1.30 PM. That is a cut-off time point, beyond which you begin to return no matter whether you have reached the summit or not.
• From the forest office, walk back to the motorable road-head. If you are lucky, you may get a bus headed to Somwarpet. Else take an auto.
• From Somwarpet, the KSRTC bus to Bangalore  leaves at 10 PM. It reaches Bengaluru early in the morning the next day.

➤ Suggested Itinerary (Beedahalli to Kukke Crossover)

The crossover route from Beedahalli to Kukke via Kumara Parvatha is 17 km long. It involves a 7 km climb from Beedahalli to Kumara Parvatha and then a 10 km descent to Kukke Subramanya side via Sesha Parvatha. It usually takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach the top. The descent is grueling. It will easily take another 4 to 5 hours. So, you’re looking at a total of 9 to 10 hours for the whole trek. It is going to be a long trek and you must reach the Kukke Roadhead by 5 PM. So start as early as possible.

Note: The crossover is only possible from Beedahalli to Kukke. You cannot do the crossover from Kukke to Beedahalli. That is not permitted.

• Arrive at Somwarpet KSTRC Bus Stand by 5 AM.
• Take an auto from the Bus Stand to reach the Beedahalli Forest Checkpost, which acts as base for the Kumara Parvatha Trek. There is a government bus that runs on this route but it doesn’t start as early. It’s better to reach the trek base as early as possible.
• Autos charge anywhere between INR 800-1000 for the 25 km drive to the Forest Checkpost from Somwarpet.
• The auto will drop you where the motorable road ends. There is a small eatery here, where you can have breakfast for INR 100 and also pack your lunch. We recommend carrying your own food for the Kumara Parvatha Trek. This will save crucial time.
• From this eatery, it’s a 1 km walk to the Forest Checkpost. You start seeing the dome-shaped Kumara Parvatha peak right away. With the first rays of the Sun touching the peak, it’s a beautiful setting to walk amidst.
• Get your Aranya Vihaara Permits (make sure you have booked for the crossover route) verified by the forest personnel at the checkpost.
• If you are carrying plastic items, they’ll also be checked by the forest guards. You’ll be charged a deposit amount based on the number of items they find. You must produce all these plastic items on your return to claim this deposit. Your deposit will be forfeited if you reach the forest checkpost after 5 PM on your way back.
  Note: You are not allowed to carry any camping gear. Anything that may be considered as camping gear, like a knife, rope, tarpaulin sheet, cooking utensils etc. will be confiscated by the forest department.
• You do not need any guides for this trek. So start your trek immediately once the checking is over. Plan to get started no later than 7 AM. The earlier the better.
• The trek mostly winds through dense forests. At the 4.5 Km mark, you’ll reach the first open viewpoint. Plan to reach this viewpoint latest by 9.30 AM
• From the viewpoint, Kumara Parvatha Peak is around 2.5 km away. However, this climb is going to be steep. Try to make it to the top latest by 11 AM
• Spend some time at the summit—soak in the views and immediately start your descent. Do not stop for lunch here.
• Navigate a steep descent into the forest section leading to Sesha Parvatha. Then climb to Sesha Parvatha Top. This should take you around 30-35 mins. Reach Sesha Parvatha no later than 11.30 AM.
• In another 2 hours, you’ll reach the Girigadde Forest Checkpost. You’ll have to show your permits here. The forest office area has shade and water sources. Have your lunch here and immediately start your descent towards Kukke no later than 2.30 PM
• In another half an hour, you’ll arrive at a diversion in the forest trail that leads to the Kumara Parvatha Waterfall. If you have made good time till now, you’ll have enough leisure time to take a dip. We highly recommend this. It washes away all your exertion.
• From the waterfall, the descent to the Forest Office on Kukke side will take another 30 mins. This is where your trek officially ends. You should target reaching here comfortably by 4.30 PM
• Getting too late on the return might be risky. The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers and elephants. You see signs of their presence on the trail. So, prioritise getting back before it gets dark.
  So, if you haven’t made it to Kumara Parvatha Top by 12.30 PM, do not proceed towards Kukke. Return via Beedahalli side. Else, you can get stranded in the forest after dark.
• Once you reach the end point on Kukke side, take some rest, reclaim your deposit and move towards the main town. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is 2 km from here. You can walk or take an auto.
• From Kukke, the KSRTC bus to Bangalore  leaves at 10.30 PM. It reaches Bengaluru early in the morning the next day. 

➤ Suggested Itinerary (Kukke to Kukke)

The trail to Kumara Parvatha from Kukke is 10 km one way. It's a challenging and relentless climb, known for being one of the toughest in the Western Ghats. Earlier, trekkers could split the trek over two days by camping at Girigadde Forest Office or Bhattara Mane. However, with camping now completely banned, you must complete the entire ascent and return—covering a total of 20 km—in a single day. The ascent alone can take 6 to 7 hours. The descent requires another 4 to 5 hours. This means you’ll be trekking continuously for around 11 to 12 hours, which demands a high level of fitness and preparation. Chances of getting late are high. Do not push for the summit at any cost. If you’re running behind schedule, turn around. Getting stranded in the forest after dark is dangerous. Set a strict turnaround time—and follow it, no matter what.

• Start your trek as early as possible. While the official forest entry opens at 6 AM, you can request the officers to allow a 5:30 AM start. Every minute counts on this route. That extra half hour can make the crucial difference between finishing the trek safely and getting stuck in the dark.
• Plan to reach Kukke Subramanya Temple by 5 AM
• The trek start point is 1.5 km from the temple area
• Get your Aranya Vihaara Permits (make sure you have booked for the Kukke route) verified by the forest personnel at the checkpost.
• If you are carrying plastic items, they’ll also be checked by the forest guards. You’ll be charged a deposit amount based on the number of items they find. You must produce all these plastic items on your return to claim this deposit. Your deposit will be forfeited if you reach the forest checkpost after dark on your way back.
  Note: You are not allowed to carry any camping gear. Anything that may be considered as camping gear, like a knife, rope, tarpaulin sheet, cooking utensils etc. will be confiscated by the forest department.
  
• You do not need any guides for this trek. So start your trek immediately once the checking is over. Plan to get started no later than 6 AM. It’s best if you can start by 5.30 AM. You’ll always be short of time on this route. There won’t be any eateries open at that hour. Carry your own food to save crucial time.
• Initially, the trail climbs steeply through dense forests. At the 5.5 Km mark, you’ll reach Bhattara Mane and Girigadde Forest Checkpost Area. This is where you officially enter the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Plan to reach the forest office by 8.30 AM.
• From the forest office, climb steeply through Shola grasslands to the Sesha Parvatha Peak. You must pull off this 3.5 km climb in the next 2 hours to be on time for Kumara Parvatha Summit. This is going to be challenging but you must be at Sesha Parvatha Top by 10.30 AM.
• Kumara Parvatha is 1.5 km from there. Make the summit by 12 noon and immediately start your descent.Then you’ll have 5-6 hours to comfortably make it back to the trek starting point. If you are on fast, you may also get some free time to take a dip in the Kumara Parvatha Waterfall.
• From the waterfall, the descent to the Forest Office on Kukke side will take another 30 mins. This is where your trek officially ends.
• Getting too late on the return might be risky. The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers and elephants. You see signs of their presence on the trail. So, prioritise getting back before it gets dark.
• It is good to set a turnaround time. It is especially vital for this route. If you haven’t reached Sesha Parvatha Top by 11 AM, do not proceed any further than Sesha Parvatha. Spend some time at this top and then start your return.
• If you haven’t reached Sesha Parvatha by 12.30 PM, start descending from wherever you are. Do not try to push for Kumara Parvatha. We recommend that you don't try Sesha Parvatha either. It is already too late.
• 12.30 PM is your final turn-around time. That is a cut-off time point, beyond which you begin to return no matter whether you have reached the summit or not.
• Once you reach the end point on Kukke side, take some rest, reclaim your deposit and move towards the main town. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is 2 km from here. You can walk or take an auto.
• From Kukke, the last KSRTC bus to Bangalore  leaves at 10.30 PM. It reaches Bengaluru early in the morning the next day.

➤ Detailed Trail Information (Beedahalli Route)

The trail to Kumara Parvatha from Beedahalli is 7 km long. It passes through beautiful forests before opening up to bouldery sections leading to the summit. The entire trek can be divided into the following sections :

1) Roadhead to Forest Checkpost: 1.5 km | 25 mins
2) Pushpagiri Forest Office to First Viewpoint: 3.5 km | 2 hrs
3) First Viewpoint to Kumara Parvatha Top: 2 km | 1.5 hrs

Section 1: Trek Start Point to Cave Temple

Trek Distance: 1.5 km
Trek Duration: 25 mins

• If you are coming by public transport, the bus/auto shall drop you at the Heggadahalli Roadhead
• From this roadhead, the actual forest checkpost is 1.5 km away
• Walk along the clearly marked jeep track. This off-road jeep track continues all the way to the Forest Office
• In just about 500 m into this trek, you start seeing the dome-shaped Kumara Parvatha rising amidst the forested valleys of Pushpagiri
• There are some off-road trails branching off this main track. Do not take any of those diversions and stay on the main trail
• The trail ascends gradually in this stretch. So you should reach the Forest Checkpost comfortably within half an hour of starting 

Section 2: Pushpagiri Forest Office to First Viewpoint

Trek Distance: 3.5 km
Trek Duration: 2 hrs

• Complete all formalities at the Forest Checkpost
• From the checkpost, there are steps leading down to an iron bridge over a stream
• Beyond this stream, the trail ascends gradually through beautiful forests
• These forests are full of ancient  jamun (Syzigium cumini), banasampa (Dipterocarpus indicus) and kularmavu (Machilus macaranthus) hung with moss. It feels like trekking through a Himalayan forest.
• You will cross multiple small streams and dry streambeds in this stretch. This might have water in peak monsoons
• After about an hour of trekking, around the 2.5 km mark from the iron bridge, the ascent suddenly gets steeper
• Soon, you’ll start noticing bamboos and the Kumara Parvatha peak peeps through openings in the canopies
• The trail gets more stony and bouldery as you continue through this forest section
• At the 3.5 km mark, you’ll find an arrow pointing off-trail towards your left. This is your first open viewpoint on this trail. It gives you a sweeping view of the Western Ghats ranges including important peaks like Mullayangiri, Baba Budangiri and Kudremukh. 

Section 3: First Viewpoint to Kumara Parvatha Top

Trek Distance: 2 km
Trek Duration: 1.5 hrs

• In 15-20 mins of trekking from the first viewpoint, you enter a dense bamboo section
• This short bamboo forest quickly gives way to a steep, smooth expanse of black rock
• Don’t take the route straight up this rock. Turn left. You’ll find these directions marked by the Forest Department on the rocks. Follow them.
• Once you take the left, you’ll find ropes fixed. Use them.
• Beautiful views of the Western Ghats range are visible over your shoulder
• At the end of this slab walk, you enter a short bamboo forest again
• These bamboo forests again open up to a steeper and longer slab walk
• This 150 m climb can feel tiring especially if it’s a sunny day. From here, you can see all the prominent hills of Coorg—Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri, Kopatty, and Nishani Motte. Even Kudremukh is visible in the distance. Farther off, the towering peaks of Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri also come into view.
• You also see the Sesha Parvatha Peak to your right
• This slabwalk takes you to the edge of another forest section. But there are multiple possible entry points into this forest.
• There is a forest department board, clearly marking the correct entry point into this forest section. Follow this direction
• This forest opens up briefly into a small slabwalk before resuming again
• This dense forest patch is the final leg of your approach to Kumara Parvatha base
• In the next 15 mins, you emerge out of the forest and stand at the base of the final climb to Kumara Parvatha. This is a junction point where the routes from Kukke and Beedahalli meet.
  Note: If you are doing the crossover route, you need to take the diversion towards Kukke from this point on your way down
• From this junction, it’s a short steep climb to Kumara Parvatha summit. The last 250 m is steep but gets over in 10-15 mins
• The summit is marked by a huge pile of stones. From the top, you see the rolling hills of Western Ghats stretching to the horizon in layers. Numerous grassy ridges run in all directions from the top. Explore the summit and take in the views. Rest for some time before starting your descent.

The Return

• Retrace your way back to Beedahalli Forest Checkpost if you have booked permits for the Beedahalli-to-Beedahalli circuit route
• Take a diversion towards Kukke from the junction point if you have booked permits for the Beedahalli-to-Kukke crossover

➤ Detailed Trail Information (Kukke Route)

The trail to Kumara Parvatha from Kukke Subramanya side is 11 km long. It passes through beautiful forests and magical shola grasslands. For most of the trek, you’d see the Sesha Parvatha towering over the landscape. You need to climb up Sesha Parvatha and descend on the other side to access the Kumara Parvatha peak. You need to go up and return by the same route in one day, which amounts to almost 22 km of trekking in challenging terrain. The distance and the steep terrain makes Kumara Parvatha (from Kukke side) one of the most challenging Western Ghats Trek.

The entire trek can be divided into the following sections :
1) Trek Start Point to Girigadde Forest Checkpost: 5 km | 2.5 hrs
2) Girigadde Forest Checkpost to Sesha Parvatha Top: 3.5 km | 2 hrs
3) Sesha Parvatha Top to Kumara Parvatha Top: 1.5 km | 1.5 hrs 

Section 1: Trek Start Point to Girigadde Forest Checkpost

Trek Distance: 5 km
Trek Duration: 2.5 hrs

• If you are coming by public transport, the bus shall drop you near the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex
• From there, the trek start point is 2 km away. You can walk or take an auto to save time
• You start off through a dense forest section. If it’s early in the day, there’s hardly any light percolating through the canopy.
• The ascent through the forest is steep. You literally hear the jungles wake up to birdsong as you progress
• 2 km into your ascent, you’d find a rightward diversion leading off the main trail. This leads to the Kumara Parvatha Waterfall. Skip this for now. Get into the waterfall during your return if you have enough time.
• The ascent is steep and relentless. Settle into a consistent pace and just keep going
• At the 3.5 km mark, when you reach a huge rock, popularly known as Bheemana Bande or Bheema Rock. From hereon, you’d find the forest thinning out slowly and you begin to see the Sesha Parvatha Peak rising in the distance. Here, you will see
• Over the next 500 meters, the dense forest gradually gives way to sweeping stretches of shola grasslands. For a short stretch, the gradient of ascent eases a bit.
• Before long, you’ll spot a house nestled in a clearing below the trail, surrounded by areca nut plantations. This is Bhattara Mane—a familiar landmark that also signifies your official entry into the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
• A few minutes after crossing Bhattara Mane, you’ll reach the Girigadde Forest Checkpost.
• Stop here to show your permits to the forest officials before continuing your climb. Refill your water bottles here. There are no reliable water sources from hereon upto Kallu Mandapa.
  Note: You can call Bhatta (+91 9480527765) and plan your breakfast/lunch at Bhattara Mane. But that can slow you down. We strongly recommend carrying your own food if you are attempting the Kukke-to-Kukke circuit.
• This forest is filled with wildlife that usually keep away from the main trail. If you are quiet and attentive, you may hear the sounds of wild animals, spot a few species of birds and snakes as well. Our Finance Manager, Gautam Singh narrates one of the incidents from the forest section-
  
  "I was walking all alone in the forest section and to my surprise, a fiery red fox jumped across the trail just 10 metres away from me! I had the scare of my life at first and was stunned at what I had just seen. It was a magnificent sight.”

Section 2: Girigadde Forest Checkpost to Sesha Parvatha Top

Trek Distance: 3.5 km
Trek Duration: 2 hrs

• From Girigadde Forest Checkpost, the trail begins to climb gradually upwards
• In 500 m, you’ll walk past a few cement seats built by the trail with beautiful views of the towering Shesha Parvatha right in front of you
• From this viewpoint, the trail descends for a short while before a steep relentless climb begins
• You’ll be trekking through shola grasslands but the trail is rocky. You need to be careful of every step to prevent ankle twists. You’ll pass small shady forest patches but you’ll mostly be trekking in the open from hereon.
• At the 2.3 km mark from Girigadde, you reach the Kallu Mandapa. It is basically the ruins of an ancient stone temple complex. There is a nice all-season water source close to it as well.
• Don’t stop here right now. You can do that on your return. Make a bee-line for Sesha Parvatha peak.
• Climb steeply for 400 m from Kallu Mandapa to reach a beautiful ledge
• Navigate this ledge for the next 200 m to reach the base of Sesha Parvatha
• From there, it’s a grueling ascent over a 700 m stretch to reach the top of Sesha Parvatha
• Sesha Parvatha offers a beautiful vantage with wide views of shola forests and rolling green hills below. From here, you see the dome-shaped top of Kumara Parvatha for the first time. It’s still 1.5 km away.

Section 3: Sesha Parvatha Top to Kumara Parvatha Top

Trek Distance: 1.5 km
Trek Duration: 1.5 hrs

• Sesha Parvatha Top is shaped like a short plateau. You climb up from one side, then walk about 400 meters across it to descend from the other side.
• This is a near-vertical descent. It is very steep and is often slippery due to the loose mud and gravel.
• As soon as you descend from Sesha Parvatha, you entire a dense forest section. This is one of the most beautiful forest sections of the entire trek, alive with birdsong and myriad butterflies
• Ascend gradually through this forest for the next 500 m
• Then, suddenly the gradient gets steeper. You are now nearing the famously difficult ascent to Kumara Parvatha top
• The next 300 m, you just need to scramble your way up. Initially there are steep steps cut into the rock. After that, there are just sheer steep rockfaces that you need to navigate. Get on all fours if you need to.
• But the good news is, this climb gives over within 20-25 minutes. You arrive at the base of the final climb to Kumara Parvatha. This is a junction point where the routes from Kukke and Beedahalli meet.
• From this point, it’s a short ascent to the Kumara Parvatha summit. The final 250 meters take you up a steep grassy slope. But it feels much easier compared to the steep 300-meter climb you just completed.
• The summit is marked by a huge pile of stones. From the top, you see the rolling hills of Western Ghats stretching to the horizon in layers. Numerous grassy ridges run in all directions from the top. Explore the summit and take in the views. Rest for some time before retracing your way back to Kukke.

➤ Best Time to do the Kumara Parvata Trek

Kumara Parvatha is open for trekking only between September and March, which covers the post-monsoon and winter seasons. This is the ideal time to do the trek, with cooler weather, clear skies, and vibrant forest views making for a rewarding experience.

Summer brings intense heat and high humidity, which can lead to quick dehydration. The open stretches of the trail offer little shade, making the trek exhausting and potentially risky. Adding to this, forest fire risk increases during summer, especially in the upper reaches. As a safety measure, the Forest Department closes the trail from March till mid-September every year.

During the monsoon months, the trail becomes extremely slippery and dangerous. With much of the path consisting of loose mud, gravel, rocks, and boulders, the risk of slipping and injury rises sharply. The climb becomes far more difficult and unsafe.

We strongly advise against trekking to Kumara Parvatha during the monsoon and summer seasons. With Aranya Vihaara now formalising the permit process, permits are no longer issued during the monsoon and summer months. This is a welcome move, as it significantly enhances safety by preventing access during risky seasons.

➤ How to Reach the Kumara Parvatha Trek

There are two starting points for the Kumara Parvatha Trek
1) Beedahalli Check Post
2) Near Kukke Subramanya Temple

How to Reach the Trek Starting Point in Beedahalli

The Beedahalli Trek Starting Point is relevant if you are doing the:
1) Beedahalli to Beedahalli Circuit Route
2) Beedahalli to Kukke Crossover Route

How to Reach Beedahalli from Bangalore by Car

There is proper road connectivity till about 1.5 km before the Beedahalli Check Post. You can park your car at this roadhead and walk to the trek starting point. You can either drive via Sakleshpur or Somwarpet. Either way, the 280 km (approx.) drive is expected to take anywhere between 5 to 6 hours.
Use this link to navigate the drive on Google Maps.

How to Reach Beedahalli from Bangalore by Public Transport

To reach the Beedahalli Checkpost, the nearest bus-stop is Somwarpet.

From Somwarpet, there is a government bus service to Beedahalli but it starts only at 7.30 AM. It’s better to take an auto and reach the trek base as early as possible. 

Autos charge anywhere between INR 800-1000 for the 25 km drive to the Forest Checkpost from Somwarpet.

From Somwarpet, the last KSRTC bus to Bangalore  leaves at 10 PM. It reaches Bengaluru early in the morning the next day. Plan your return accordingly.

➤ Places to Visit After the Kumara Parvatha Trek

1. Madikeri: Madikeri, the main hub of Coorg, is just 35 km from Somwarpet. This hill town is known for its coffee estates, spice plantations, and misty landscapes. Catch a sunset at Raja’s Seat, visit Abbey Falls, or trek to Mandalpatti for stunning views. Don’t miss Coorg’s famous filter coffee, homemade chocolates, and wild honey. You can also visit the Madikeri Fort, originally built by Mudduraja in the late 17th century and later renovated by Tipu Sultan.
2. The Namdroling Monastery: The famous Namdroling Monastery is just 38 km from Somwarpet. This serene Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe is famous for its stunning golden Buddha statues, intricate murals, and peaceful ambiance. Explore the monastery, witness monks in prayer, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
3. Mallalli Falls: Just a short drive from Kumaralli, the Mallalli Waterfall is a popular destination in Coorg. Witness the beauty of Mallalli Falls as the water cascades down with full force. You can also explore the surrounding forests and hills on foot.
4. Honnamana Kere Lake: Just 8 km from Somwarpet, the Honnamana Kere Lake is a peaceful escape. You can explore nearby trekking trails or try rock climbing. It is perfect for beginners.
5. Bisle Ghat Viewpoint: Around 25 km from Kukke and 29 km from Beedahalli, Bisle Ghat is placed almost centrally to the two ends of Kumara Parvatha Trail. It is  one of the most scenic viewpoints in Karnataka. Tucked deep in the Western Ghats, this spot offers breathtaking views of the Pushpagiri, Dodda Betta, and Kumara Parvatha ranges. The winding drive to the viewpoint through dense rainforests is an adventure in itself.
6. The Kukke Subramanya Temple: If you are ending your trek on the Kukke side, don’t miss out on visiting this ancient temple. Dedicated to Lord Karthikeya, He is worshipped here as Subramanya—the lord of all serpents. It holds deep religious significance in South India.
7. Biladwara Caves: Just 2 km from the Kukke Subramanya temple, these mythological caves are believed to be the hiding place of serpent king Vasuki, who took refuge here to escape Garuda.

➤ Other Treks In the Region

 If you still have some energy left after the Kumara Parvatha trek and are looking to explore more, we recommend heading to the Kumaralli region. Recently, we documented the Doddabetta–Abbey Vari Waterfalls Trek there. The area is full of lesser-known trails too—like Patla Betta and Merankote—that are perfect for offbeat exploration.

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented by Upayan Chatterjee and Indiahikes Trekking Club Member, Venkat

Trek written by Upayan Chatterjee and Aheli Das