what a way to start my frist trekking trip, Making it to the top of Kumara parvata. We had been doing lot of biking trips, The adventures of which are available at HiwayRebels.blogspot.com. But a complete trekking trip...This was my first. We did hear about KP from friends. THE most difficult trek in entire Karnataka, people giving up in the middle...stuff like that. So it was already an interesting and challenging endeavour. Something to test our physical endurance levels.
The plan was made a week ahead. We shall be taking a bus to Kukke on friday night, Trekking on KP on saturday and sunday before taking a bus back to Bangalore on Sunday night. I got Ankur and Mudit as fellow trekkers for the trip. We booked the tickets on Monday and were eagerly waiting for Friday. We were looking for tents but unfortunately they were already booked for the weekend. So we just arranged a car cover (with no idea of how to make a tent out of it) of one of our teammate (Murali Bathina). Atleast the car cover could give us some respite from the rains while sleeping in the open.
The day dawned when we will be commencing our big adventure. We all packed our bags and brought them directly to office. In the evening we started from office in an auto. Just before it reached Majestic, I realized that I left my camera at the office reception. It was a disaster for me...Trekking all up to KP without capturing a single photo...I would instead jump from the top of KP. At such a disastrous moment, I called one of my best buddy Suresh, who was still in office. He rushed on his bike and brought the camera just in time. Certainly a friend in need is a friend indeed (Suresh dhakkan, r u listening). Finished our dinner at Majestic and took the bus to Kukke Subramanya. Inspite of booking tickets well in advance we just managed to get the last row seats. This promised a bumpy ride for us. Once our bodies got used to all the bumps, we managed to get little sleep.
I guess, It was nearly 7:00 when we reached Kukke. Kukke Subramanya is one of the beautiful and religiously auspicious place, located amidst hills of western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya. The lodges here are quite cheap (compared with Bangalore standards). We took a room for freshening up. The Hotel manager/owner was surprised when we vacated the room within 1 hour...."Hee Hee Hee Dhakkans from Bangalore have come".
After a good breakfast and little shopping (torch, tobacco powder etc.) we started our trek. The route starts just in front of the temple. One has to take the small street to the left before the temple. A km from this point we shall get a Y turn...Keep right..Few steps from here..u will see sign boards which will point towards a path to KP. This will end up at a house. The trekking trail to KP starts on the left. It is quite clearly visible. Just keep walking on it..The initial trail is quite steep and could be hard especially with the bags for city dwellers like us.
After 2 hours of trekking like this..One will reach the grasslands. The sun will be harsh in summer seasons. Just stick to the path visible and after another hour you will reach the house of Bhatte. He arranges food for hungry trekkers. We called him from Kukke itself (u can get his phone number from the Hotel near the temples). Food is good (not 2 many varieties) but after along march it is good enough.
After little rest we marched ahead. The forest dept has a small camp here. The gaurd stopped us and didn't allowed us to do a night stay on top. He allowed us to go ahead except that we have to come back to the camp for night stay. This was kind of blessing in disguise as we didn't carried the tents and were afraid to sleep in the open. We dropped all our luggage at the camp and just started towards the Mantapa. After climbing a km or so, It started to rain and we have to come down to the camp. We could see the clouds covering the mountain. It was very beautiful view. So with nothing much to do that day, We just relaxed at the camp. We started a nice chatting session, Mudit told us about his misadventures with girls. We sympathized with all the girls he cheated. It was a warm and cosy place to sleep.
With a hectic trekking waiting for us in the day, We got up early in the morning. It was still dark and we could see the stars and moon. It was clear sky and I could see the countless stars in the sky. By the time everyone got refreshed, daylight was just starting. Mountains covered in green and getting engulfed by clouds created a verdant display of green and white. I pesonally feel that the best part of the day to trek is early mornings. With fresh morning mist still in the cool air and all the elements of nature revived n refreshed, it is certainly a good feeling for the body, mind and sprits. It is simply beautiful and refreshing experience. We left all our luggage at the camp and packed water bottles and snacks in a single bag which we planned to keep rotating among us. After about 1 to 1.5 km we just turned and looked back, That was the most beautiful scenery I had ever put my eyes on. It felt that we were above the clouds. Everywhere around us were clouds. It was like a sea of clouds (many ppl who saw the photos mistook it to be a sea).
After clicking few snaps we headed towards the mantapa. It was tiring. There is a small stream, few steps before Mantpa (don't think it will be flowing in summers). We reached Mantapa and took some rest. Clicked some photos and then began trekking uphill. KP was another couple of hours from this point.
We had to cross few more hills before a patch of forest comes. It was pleasant trek over these beautiful hills.
The trail inside forest will lead to a large rock. It is difficult to cross this rock and people give up here. It might be quite tough in monsoon as the edges of rock will be slippery but if the rock is dry then it is manageable. So we climbed the rock carefully. Now there was a patch of dense bushes in front of us. With some more efforts(crawling on both hands and legs) we finally reached the other end of the bush. A few more steps uphill and we were on KP. A feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is so good that it makes the efforts taken worthwile.
There are few stone structures (temples) with some idols inside. Soon clouds covered us and visibility reduced. Getting engulfed by clouds...Feels like in heaven.
We must have spent 40 minutes up there. Finished the snacks we brought with us and headed back. For a brief period we lost our way and could not find the rock through which to get down. Once it was found we realized that climbing up this rock was not as difficult as climbing down. It was little scary especially to Ankur who will remember it for quite some time. Then we trudged downhill with quick steps. Walking downhill is easy on ur lungs but harsh on the knees. We reached the Forest dept camp after taking few more wonderful snaps on the way. Packed our bags hurriedly and paid the forest personal. They didn't gave any reciepts and on asking they told that they will charge us for cameras if we wanted reciepts. Hmmmmmm I guess, these guys would be making lot of money this way.
We finished our Lunch at Bhatt's house and said bye to that pleasant Bhatt. Walking under the burning sun immediately after the lunch was very harsh. I felt it difficult and had to take some breaks now and then. Our knees were getting full punishment during the climb down. We soon met another party on the way. The trail downhill never seemed to end. We were amazed to find the distance we trekked uphill the previous day. Ankur's toe had some problem and it was more difficult for him. Trek...Trek...Trek...But when will it end. We took rest and had snacks at a large boulder which is kind of midway in the Jungle. Few feets after this boulder we saw a ferocious scorpion on the path which was in a "ready-to-strike" position. We all had to jump over it. Aaaah our knees were shaking and sometimes I felt that they will crumbple up. Still there was no respite. It was nearly 5:00 and started to get dark. We were afraid to walk in the jungle at night and started to move our "already tired" legs fast (remember that we had been trekking all the way with our backpacks on). At this time, I was amazed to see one of Bhatt's family members coming from opposite direction with a bag of groceries on his shoulder. It was already getting dark and he had to trek uphill through dense jungle with an uncomfortable load on his shoulder. I am sure this guy would be doing this most of the days if not everyday. I was thinking of the scorpion which we found on the path early. How the hell he could see that scorpion in the dark. These guys have amazing physical fitness and courage. We city walla's with our sky high ego levels are not even toe of this guy in terms of fitness and courage.
Finally after a long long trek, God heard our pleas and we saw the end of the trail. It was a feeling I will never forget....We "the first timers" have conquered KP and returned back after an arduous trek.
I threw my bag on the ground and fell on the ground. Our bodies were tired, exhausted and punished..But our spirits were high with a sense of accomlishment and pride. We then dragged ourselves to Kukke and took a lodge for freshening up. Had a nice and relaxing bath. Visited the Kukke Subramnya temple before having dinner and catching our bus back home.
Kumara Parvata is really an amazing place to visit. It will test your physical endurance but you will be more then rewarded with breathtaking views. I wish to come back. This time from Somvarpet after seeing the gorgeous Bidalli falls upclose.
Destination: Kukke Subramanya
Distance: 230 km
Best Time to go: I think November is the best time to go if you are terrified of leeches and still want to enjoy the breathtaking views from top.
Transportation: KSRTC buses are available to Kukke. I forgot the fare and timings :(
The plan was made a week ahead. We shall be taking a bus to Kukke on friday night, Trekking on KP on saturday and sunday before taking a bus back to Bangalore on Sunday night. I got Ankur and Mudit as fellow trekkers for the trip. We booked the tickets on Monday and were eagerly waiting for Friday. We were looking for tents but unfortunately they were already booked for the weekend. So we just arranged a car cover (with no idea of how to make a tent out of it) of one of our teammate (Murali Bathina). Atleast the car cover could give us some respite from the rains while sleeping in the open.
The day dawned when we will be commencing our big adventure. We all packed our bags and brought them directly to office. In the evening we started from office in an auto. Just before it reached Majestic, I realized that I left my camera at the office reception. It was a disaster for me...Trekking all up to KP without capturing a single photo...I would instead jump from the top of KP. At such a disastrous moment, I called one of my best buddy Suresh, who was still in office. He rushed on his bike and brought the camera just in time. Certainly a friend in need is a friend indeed (Suresh dhakkan, r u listening). Finished our dinner at Majestic and took the bus to Kukke Subramanya. Inspite of booking tickets well in advance we just managed to get the last row seats. This promised a bumpy ride for us. Once our bodies got used to all the bumps, we managed to get little sleep.
I guess, It was nearly 7:00 when we reached Kukke. Kukke Subramanya is one of the beautiful and religiously auspicious place, located amidst hills of western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya. The lodges here are quite cheap (compared with Bangalore standards). We took a room for freshening up. The Hotel manager/owner was surprised when we vacated the room within 1 hour...."Hee Hee Hee Dhakkans from Bangalore have come".
After a good breakfast and little shopping (torch, tobacco powder etc.) we started our trek. The route starts just in front of the temple. One has to take the small street to the left before the temple. A km from this point we shall get a Y turn...Keep right..Few steps from here..u will see sign boards which will point towards a path to KP. This will end up at a house. The trekking trail to KP starts on the left. It is quite clearly visible. Just keep walking on it..The initial trail is quite steep and could be hard especially with the bags for city dwellers like us.
After 2 hours of trekking like this..One will reach the grasslands. The sun will be harsh in summer seasons. Just stick to the path visible and after another hour you will reach the house of Bhatte. He arranges food for hungry trekkers. We called him from Kukke itself (u can get his phone number from the Hotel near the temples). Food is good (not 2 many varieties) but after along march it is good enough.
After little rest we marched ahead. The forest dept has a small camp here. The gaurd stopped us and didn't allowed us to do a night stay on top. He allowed us to go ahead except that we have to come back to the camp for night stay. This was kind of blessing in disguise as we didn't carried the tents and were afraid to sleep in the open. We dropped all our luggage at the camp and just started towards the Mantapa. After climbing a km or so, It started to rain and we have to come down to the camp. We could see the clouds covering the mountain. It was very beautiful view. So with nothing much to do that day, We just relaxed at the camp. We started a nice chatting session, Mudit told us about his misadventures with girls. We sympathized with all the girls he cheated. It was a warm and cosy place to sleep.
With a hectic trekking waiting for us in the day, We got up early in the morning. It was still dark and we could see the stars and moon. It was clear sky and I could see the countless stars in the sky. By the time everyone got refreshed, daylight was just starting. Mountains covered in green and getting engulfed by clouds created a verdant display of green and white. I pesonally feel that the best part of the day to trek is early mornings. With fresh morning mist still in the cool air and all the elements of nature revived n refreshed, it is certainly a good feeling for the body, mind and sprits. It is simply beautiful and refreshing experience. We left all our luggage at the camp and packed water bottles and snacks in a single bag which we planned to keep rotating among us. After about 1 to 1.5 km we just turned and looked back, That was the most beautiful scenery I had ever put my eyes on. It felt that we were above the clouds. Everywhere around us were clouds. It was like a sea of clouds (many ppl who saw the photos mistook it to be a sea).
After clicking few snaps we headed towards the mantapa. It was tiring. There is a small stream, few steps before Mantpa (don't think it will be flowing in summers). We reached Mantapa and took some rest. Clicked some photos and then began trekking uphill. KP was another couple of hours from this point.We had to cross few more hills before a patch of forest comes. It was pleasant trek over these beautiful hills.
The trail inside forest will lead to a large rock. It is difficult to cross this rock and people give up here. It might be quite tough in monsoon as the edges of rock will be slippery but if the rock is dry then it is manageable. So we climbed the rock carefully. Now there was a patch of dense bushes in front of us. With some more efforts(crawling on both hands and legs) we finally reached the other end of the bush. A few more steps uphill and we were on KP. A feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is so good that it makes the efforts taken worthwile.There are few stone structures (temples) with some idols inside. Soon clouds covered us and visibility reduced. Getting engulfed by clouds...Feels like in heaven.
We must have spent 40 minutes up there. Finished the snacks we brought with us and headed back. For a brief period we lost our way and could not find the rock through which to get down. Once it was found we realized that climbing up this rock was not as difficult as climbing down. It was little scary especially to Ankur who will remember it for quite some time. Then we trudged downhill with quick steps. Walking downhill is easy on ur lungs but harsh on the knees. We reached the Forest dept camp after taking few more wonderful snaps on the way. Packed our bags hurriedly and paid the forest personal. They didn't gave any reciepts and on asking they told that they will charge us for cameras if we wanted reciepts. Hmmmmmm I guess, these guys would be making lot of money this way.We finished our Lunch at Bhatt's house and said bye to that pleasant Bhatt. Walking under the burning sun immediately after the lunch was very harsh. I felt it difficult and had to take some breaks now and then. Our knees were getting full punishment during the climb down. We soon met another party on the way. The trail downhill never seemed to end. We were amazed to find the distance we trekked uphill the previous day. Ankur's toe had some problem and it was more difficult for him. Trek...Trek...Trek...But when will it end. We took rest and had snacks at a large boulder which is kind of midway in the Jungle. Few feets after this boulder we saw a ferocious scorpion on the path which was in a "ready-to-strike" position. We all had to jump over it. Aaaah our knees were shaking and sometimes I felt that they will crumbple up. Still there was no respite. It was nearly 5:00 and started to get dark. We were afraid to walk in the jungle at night and started to move our "already tired" legs fast (remember that we had been trekking all the way with our backpacks on). At this time, I was amazed to see one of Bhatt's family members coming from opposite direction with a bag of groceries on his shoulder. It was already getting dark and he had to trek uphill through dense jungle with an uncomfortable load on his shoulder. I am sure this guy would be doing this most of the days if not everyday. I was thinking of the scorpion which we found on the path early. How the hell he could see that scorpion in the dark. These guys have amazing physical fitness and courage. We city walla's with our sky high ego levels are not even toe of this guy in terms of fitness and courage.
Finally after a long long trek, God heard our pleas and we saw the end of the trail. It was a feeling I will never forget....We "the first timers" have conquered KP and returned back after an arduous trek.
I threw my bag on the ground and fell on the ground. Our bodies were tired, exhausted and punished..But our spirits were high with a sense of accomlishment and pride. We then dragged ourselves to Kukke and took a lodge for freshening up. Had a nice and relaxing bath. Visited the Kukke Subramnya temple before having dinner and catching our bus back home.
Kumara Parvata is really an amazing place to visit. It will test your physical endurance but you will be more then rewarded with breathtaking views. I wish to come back. This time from Somvarpet after seeing the gorgeous Bidalli falls upclose.
Destination: Kukke Subramanya
Distance: 230 km
Best Time to go: I think November is the best time to go if you are terrified of leeches and still want to enjoy the breathtaking views from top.
Transportation: KSRTC buses are available to Kukke. I forgot the fare and timings :(
