Here is a detailed, easy-to-read guide to Pushpagiri Hills (also known as Kumara Parvatha ) — formatted like your previous requests, covering everything from location and trekking details to ecology, wildlife, and how to get there:
🏞️ Pushpagiri Hills (Kumara Parvatha) – Overview
Feature Details Location Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu (Coorg) district, Karnataka Elevation 1,712 meters (5,617 ft) – 4th highest peak in KarnatakaAlso Known As Kumara Parvatha Region Western Ghats, UNESCO World Heritage Site Nearby Towns Somwarpet (~20 km), Kukke Subramanya (~15 km base point)
🥾 Trekking Information
Feature Details Popular Trails 1. From Kukke Subramanya (longer, more scenic)Somwarpet/Beedehalli (shorter, less steep) Trek Length Kukke route: ~14 km one way Trek Duration 6–8 hours (one way) from Kukke Difficulty Level Moderate to Difficult – steep ascents, forest trails, rocky climbs Camping Allowed at Girigadde (Bhattara Mane), forest department permission required
🚩 Entry Requirements:
Permit mandatory – issued by Forest Department Checkpost near the trailhead.Camping and night stays need additional permission.
Plastic and litter regulations enforced strictly.
🌿 Ecological Importance
Element Details Sanctuary Area Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (~102 km²)Ecosystem Shola grasslands, evergreen forests, mountain streams UNESCO Status Part of the Western Ghats World Heritage Site Flora Wild orchids, medicinal plants, dense canopy forests Fauna Elephants, gaur, Malabar giant squirrels, lion-tailed macaques, and leopards
🐦 Birdwatching Highlights
Pushpagiri is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) – perfect for bird lovers.
Birds to Spot Malabar Grey Hornbill Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Grey-breasted Laughingthrush Orange Minivet Nilgiri Flycatcher
🌧️ Best Time to Visit
Season Notes Oct–Mar Ideal for trekking – clear skies, pleasant weather Apr–May Hot, but trek still doable Jun–Sep Avoid – heavy rains, leeches, trail hazards due to monsoon
⚠️ Trekking Precautions
Carry sufficient water , snacks, and rain protection.
Leeches are common – use salt or repellents.No night trekking – forest department restricts movement after sunset.Follow Leave No Trace principles – carry your trash back.
🛣️ How to Reach Pushpagiri Hills
🚗 By Road
From Bengaluru :
Route: Bengaluru → Hassan → Sakleshpur → Kukke or Somwarpet
Distance: ~280 km (~6–7 hrs)
From Mangaluru :
Route: Mangaluru → Puttur → Kukke Subramanya (~120 km)
From Madikeri :
Madikeri → Somwarpet → Beedehalli (~30 km)
🚆 By Train
Nearest station: Subrahmanya Road Station (for Kukke route)
Connected to Mangaluru, Bengaluru
From station: Take local transport to Kukke Subramanya Temple base (trek starts here)
✈️ By Air
Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – ~140 km awayKempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) – ~310 km away
🧭 Route Comparison
Route Start Point Distance (One Way) Difficulty Notes Kukke Route Kukke Subramanya ~14 km Tough Long, scenic, steep uphill Beedehalli Route Near Somwarpet ~7 km Moderate Shorter, less steep, forest route
🏡 Stay Options Nearby
Kukke Subramanya : Budget hotels, lodges, temple guesthousesSomwarpet : Homestays, mid-range hotelsCamping : Allowed at Girigadde/Bhattara Mane (basic food, rest stop)
📍 Nearby Attractions
Place Distance Highlights Kukke Subramanya Temple At base Famous pilgrimage site Mallalli Falls ~15 km Beautiful seasonal waterfall Bisle Ghat Viewpoint ~30 km Stunning view of the Western Ghats Mandalpatti ~35 km Jeep ride and panoramic sunrise point
📋 Summary
Category Details Peak Height 1,712 m – 4th highest in Karnataka Sanctuary Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Trekking 7–14 km; Moderate to Difficult Season Oct–Mar (Best time) Entry Forest Permit Required Camping Only at designated spots with permission
