Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumaraparvata is the highest peak in the Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary in the Indian state of Karnataka. To reach the peak one has to trek through the forest, either from Kukke Subramanya or from Somwarpet. The trek from Kukke Subramanya side is considered as the toughest trek in Karnataka.
Understand
Climate
The climate is mostly humid throughout the year. Expect rains anytime of the year.
Get in
By Road : There are many Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses daily from Bengaluru to Kukke in both ordinary and luxury categories. There are government buses from Mangalore, Udupi and from other places of Karnataka state, India.
By Train: Subramanya Road railway station (Station Code: SBHR) is the nearest railway station to Kukke Subramanya approximately at the distance of 10km . This railway station is on Mangaluru (Station Code: MAQ) to Bengaluru railway line.
By Aeroplane: Mangalore International Airport (VOML / IXE) is the nearest aerodrome.
Get around
- Dharmasthala.
See
- Mallalli falls. If the trek is done from Somwarpet side, there is a waterfall along the way called Mallalli falls. If the trek is done from Kukke Subramanya side, you can still see the falls and end the trek at Somwarpet.
- Kukke subramanya temple.
Do
- Kumaraparvata. Trek to the peak of Kumaraparvata. The trek is about 14km one way from Kukke subramanya and about 8km from Somwarpet. There are few water streams along the way after the first view point. But during summers they may be dried up.
Eat
Local vegetarian food at restaurants.
Drink
Filter coffee available in local restaurants and hotels.
Sleep
- There are many hotels and lodges at Kukke Subramanya.
- Bhattaramane. Nearly half way along the trek, there is a private home called Bhattaramane (Bhat's home) where you will get food and accommodation based on availability. It is always safe to carry your own tents for night.
Stay safe
- The trek through the sanctuary involves elephant trails so it is recommended to stay in groups and in case of any elephant sightings, move away from it slowly without panic.Do not leave the trail or the group as path goes through dense forest.
- Beware of leeches in monsoon. If one catches you, use salt tied in a cloth to make contact with the leech and get rid of it. Flow of blood will continue for sometime after its bite but nothing to be worried about.
- Carry torch (flash light), water, eatables, whistle, rain coat during the trekking .B.S.N.L (Cellone) mobile signals are available at some areas of this region.
- Do not lit fire in the forest area.