Kumara Parvata - Third
highest peak in Karnataka and one of the most challenging steep trail. Usually
a 2-day trek but craziness made us to attempt this in a day covering around
26km from dawn to dusk. Were we mad? Absolutely! Was it a stupid decision?
Definitely not. Why did we do it? For the adrenaline rush. Dare if you can!
It's an open challenge. 12 of us did it! You can also if you have oranges (you
will understand more as you read)
How to reach?
We started from Bangalore
on 8th Dec, 2018 at 10.30PM from Nagasandra metro station and reached Kukke
Subramanya Temple around 4.30AM. This majestic peak can be accessed from
Somwarpet (Coorg) or the route that we took from Kukke temple (Dakshina Kannada).
TRAIL:
Kukke Subramanya Temple
-> Battara Mane -> Forest office -> Kallu mantapa -> Shesha
parvatha -> Pushpagiri
Ensure that you take
breaks only at these points to complete the challenge within a day! 😉 Just kidding, take breaks whenever you are dehydrated. Don’t die!
Kukke temple to Battara Mane
After refreshing
quickly in the private restrooms within temple compounds, we started our trek
around 5AM. The initial stretch till Battara Mane was through a dense forest,
with a mix of flat surface and steep ascends. Mind your legs – those creepy
leeches might be looking out for you! The sun light started to spread, we reached
the rock of HOPE – end of forest area, listening to the birds doing some
amazing musical for us. Then we walked till Battara Mane in an open area, while
our stomachs started shouting for food.
We had uppitu
breakfast and packed the same for lunch. Oh boy, don’t expect biriyani here!
Even upma tasted like biriyani after a tiring workout.
Battara Mane to Forest Office
This is a very short
stretch, yet you might have to spend ample time in the forest office depending
on the crowd. Our bags were ‘thoroughly’ (I mean it!) checked for any plastic/hazardous
items. Even biscuit packets weren’t allowed. Thanks to the forest department,
for they have taken some actions to save the environment.
Forest office to Kallu Mantapa
A medium difficulty trail.
We started walking under direct sun, and hence dehydration happened at a
quicker pace than before. In the middle of this route, we found a small water
stream where we filled our water bottles and rested under the shade. That was
indeed heaven. Thanks to all the snacks, which brought every pint of energy in
us. In a few steps, we reached the small Kallu Mantapa
Kallu Mantapa to Shesha Parvatha
The most difficult
stretch and the minute you will regret for taking this challenge :P I regretted
for not exercising regularly and keeping my body in shape. Thanks to a wonderful
team I had, who motivated at every step. Literally I was struggling to keep my
next foot forward, credits to the ascend and my trembling legs. My body gave
up, but my mind didn’t. Aaaandddd ORANGES SAVED THE DAY! The instant energy
that it gave under the scorching heat WOW – I ensured that I will fill my bags
with oranges in my future treks. We walked slowly and rested flat on the mud on
reaching Shesha Parvatha.
Shesha Parvatha to Pushpagiri
Medium to difficult
trail, but you can’t give up at this point. After Shesha Parvatha, we walked
into a forest, which was so refreshing to be away from the sun, and hence we
picked up the pace here, but the end had its challenge. We had to ascend on a
flat rocky wet surface. That was indeed scary, but we managed without breaking
our bones. Few inches further opened the doorway to the majestic Kumaraparvata
peak. Yayy! We did it and a sense of accomplishment went around the air despite
our tired faces.
Return Journey
Wasn’t very fancy as I
expected the descend to be quicker, but our legs cursed us. With a lot of
pebbles around, we kept our steps very carefully to save ourselves from a terrible
fall, However, it didn’t drain our energy. Time flew as we walked sharing our
life stories laughing and making fun of everyone in the group, and yayy, we
were in Battara Mane around 6PM. As much as we tried to reach the base without
our torches, we had no other option but to step out of the forest like an owl.
MAJOR TIPS:
1. Take plenty of
oranges
2. Take minimum 3
litres of water
3. You need to be
physically fit. Don't attempt it just for fun.
4. Carry torch light
and move in groups
5. Don't pollute the
forest. If one person starts, then the world will follow you.
Was that fun?
Definitely no. It was
mad, yet I felt a sense of accomplishment – did something that not everyone can
do! That excited me and everyone in the group. As always like every other trek,
I met wonderful people, heard their life stories, learnt a lot of lessons, and ticked
one more item in my bucket list! :D
Thanks to Gaurav and
Veera from Bangalore Trekking Club, who coordinated this trek so well. Huge
shout out to the energetic bunch of people who made the impossible possible!
Total expense : Rs. 1700 per head (including food and travel)
Total expense : Rs. 1700 per head (including food and travel)
