Every time I narrate my travel story to Brunda I take a trip back in time and relive those moments. This time it is Kumaraparvata; the most tedious but the most breath-taking trekking trail. I felt like the mountains are calling me and I could not wait anymore to embrace them and listen to their melody.
Kumaraparvata is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats. The peak is 1,712 meters tall and is a trekker’s paradise. Located a distance of 256 km from Bangalore this peak is a dream trekking trail for a lot of hiking enthusiasts.
Saturday morning seemed amazing as I got down at the bus stand of Kukke Subramanya, pleasant weather with cool breeze from the land hitting my face as I opened my eyes to catch a glimpse of the magnificent sight of the two mesmerizing twin peaks; Kumaraparvata and Sheshaparvata. The peaks are located behind the main shrine of Lord Subramanya; the climb is a blend of an exciting activity with a great touch of divinity to it.
The day started with a morning walk till the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary; an entry to the trekking trail of approximately 13.5 km (one side). The first path of 2.5 km is through the thick jungles of Pushpagiri and the walk is moderately difficult. The forest was lush green; I felt like I was in deep conversation with the nature as the wind whispered through the trees creating a melody; the rustling of leaves as I walked through the track combined with the chirping of lovely birds in the background. As I bid good-bye to the first trail; I had another 1.5km to walk till I reached my first pit-stop after a muscle cramp. This trail becomes difficult during summer season due to blazing sun and may also result in dehydration.
After an hour of rigorous walk I reached the first pit-stop; Bhattara mane; a small cottage which provides food and shelter to the trekkers. Pre-booking can be done for food and accommodation. It was 12:30 pm in the afternoon when I stopped by for a quick lunch served at Bhattara Mane. I felt a little exhausted and decided to rest a while before I started my journey towards the next pit-stop; Kallu Mantapa located at a distance of approximately 3kms from Bhattara Mane with a forest range office in between where camping space is provided.
As I slept peacefully, I could still hear footsteps of night trekkers going towards the main peak. Night-trekking during summer and winter seasons may be safe but certainly not a recommended one during monsoon. As the day dawned, I started my journey towards Kumaraparvata from the camping site. I still had another 19km stretch waiting before I reached the top of Kumaraparvata.
Before the Kumaraparvata, it is Sheshaparvata we will reach and the trail between Kallu Mantapa and Sheshaparvata is the most dangerous and difficult one with loose rocks throughout the trail that makes anyone skip their heart-beat. It almost took a couple of hours for me to reach on top and every single step I took seemed worthwhile as I looked around the lovely peak. I guess this place is a living example of the quote, “Most difficult paths lead to the most beautiful destinations”. I waited there for a while and filled my heart with the beauty till the brim and started my journey. As I started walking towards the final destination, I spotted a deviation that is approximately at a distance of 1km from Sheshaparvata and I think that was the most beautiful deviation of the entire trekking.
A beautiful and untouched path into the jungle unfolded as I started to walk. The whole jungle looked like a beautiful color palette of different tints of green and shades of earthy brown tones mixed in harmony with an instinctive soothing smell of the jungle. I was almost 3kms inside an unknown trail until I decided back to reach my original destination which had increased by another 4kms. The path from foot of Sheshaparvata to the top of Kumaraparvata is difficult and it approximately takes 45 minutes to reach. I rested for a while and as I climbed down the peak; every cell of mine was rejuvenated. I boarded the bus and I don’t realize how I fell asleep until I was woken up at Bangalore city.
Dreamer signing off from Kumaraparvata!
- Number of days trekked: 2
- Trekking trails: Moderately difficult to very Difficult
- Things to carry: Water bottles / Camping tent / Torch / Snacks / Sleeping mat
- Mode of transport: Bus / Train
- Food / Accommodation / Guide available at : Bhattara Mane
- Trekking fee : 75 INR – Camera charges : 100 INR
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