Kumara Parvatha is one of the most iconic treks in Karnataka. For decades, trekkers have known it as a gruelling challenge. Steep climbs, long distances, and relentless descents. But what often gets overlooked is just how beautiful this trek really is. It is easily one of the most scenic treks in the Western Ghats, taking you through deep rainforests, rolling Shola grasslands, dramatic ridges, and finally to the towering summit of Kumara Parvatha.

Until a few years ago, this trek was almost always done as a two-day adventure starting from Kukke Subramanya. Trekkers would climb up from the temple town and spend the night either at Bhattaramane or near the Girigadde Forest Office. They would then attempt the summit the next morning before descending back to Kukke. That overnight break made the trek accessible to many.

With the new Aranya Vihara regulations, however, camping is no longer allowed anywhere on the route. You can no longer pitch a tent near Bhattaramane or rest at Girigadde. This means you now have to complete the entire trek in one day — a change that has pushed the difficulty up by several notches.

But the forest department has also brought good news. They have opened up a second start point to Kumara Parvatha from Bidahalli, which sits at a higher elevation and cuts down on the overall climb.

A Forest Department board at the trek starting point on the newly opened Bidahalli side. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

From these two starting points, you can now do Kumara Parvatha in three distinct ways:

• Route 1: Kukke to Kumara Parvatha to Kukke (the classic and toughest)
• Route 2: Bidahalli to Kumara Parvatha to Bidahalli (shorter, more forested)
• Route 3: Bidahalli to Kumara Parvatha to Kukke (a crossover combining the best of both sides)

Read on for detailed insights into each of these routes, their unique highlights and what you should keep in mind when planning your trek. This will also help you pick the starting point and route that suit you best

Route 1: Kukke to Kukke

The toughest traditional route for seasoned trekkers

The iconic Sesha Parvatha Ridge on the way to Kumara Parvatha. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

This is the classic Kumara Parvatha trail and the hardest. From Kukke Subramanya town, the path rises sharply through beautiful forests. After about 5 km you reach Girigadde forest office — the old camping ground, with Bhattara Mane nearby. Staying here used to be a part of the Kumara Parvatha story; today you can pause only briefly before pushing on.

From Girigadde the trek opens into Shola grasslands, rising steeply under an exposed sky. Soon after, the climb to Sesha Parvatha begins. It is a dramatic ridge that offers the grandest views of the trek.

From Sesha Parvatha you descend steeply before climbing back again towards the base of Kumara Parvatha. This section is infamous for a steep, rocky climb that earns kumara parvatha it’s legendary status.

Only after battling this do you reach the common base of Kumara Parvatha where the Kukke and Bidahalli routes meet. From this base it’s a gentler push to the top, where the famous shrine of Kumara Swamy sits. From here, on a clear day, you can spot Tadiandamol and other iconic Kodagu hills spread out in layers.

The return is all the way back down to Kukke, a steep, knee–breaking descent that often feels harder than the climb.

The ledgewalk towards Bhattaramane after the steep descent from Sesha Parvatha. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

What's Great ?

• Maximum variety of landscapes — forests, grasslands, ridges, and the summit.
• Experience the legendary Sesha Parvatha views, often rated higher than the summit itself.
• A true test of endurance and grit.

What's Not So Great ?

• Very long — about 22 km round trip.
• The steep descent back to Kukke is punishing.
• You don’t see Kumara Parvatha until very late in the trek.

Quick Facts

• Distance: ~22 km (11 km one way)
• Difficulty: Very difficult — requires high stamina and discipline
• Permits: 300 slots per day (Kukke–Kukke)

For more granular details on this route like suggested itinerary, how to reach, GPX files, and time-planning tips, head on to our detailed documentation.

Route 2: Bidahalli to Bidahalli

The easier and shorter route to Kumara Parvatha for beginners

One of the greatest highlight of the Bidahalli Route is that you see the iconic dome of Kumara Parvatha right from the start of the trek. Seeing the early light of day lighting it up in hues of red is a beautiful sight. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

We find this side to be almost a different world from Kukke. The forests here are taller, darker, and denser — among the best we’ve seen in Karnataka. Walking through them feels uncannily like parts of the Himalayas. Shafts of sunlight pierce the canopy and the thick silence is broken only by bird calls.

Within the first 20 minutes, Kumara Parvatha itself comes into view. It's huge dome plays hide–and–seek through the forest windows. This is very different from the Kukke side, where you only see the mountain after crossing Sesha Parvatha.

Higher up, the trail opens up into occassional viewpoints. We agree that they are no match for the grand views from Sesha Parvatha on the Kukke side. But they do have their own charm, cropping up suddenly amidst the dense forests. When the forest finally opens, the route merges with the Kukke route at the base junction of Kumara Parvatha. The final summit push is the same.

Although it's an easier route, one drawback is that you don’t get to stand on top of Sesha Parvatha. And that means missing out on one of the biggest highlights of the Kumara Parvatha Trek.

Sunlight streaks through the dense forests of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

What's Great ?

• Shorter and relatively easier compared to the Kukke side.
• Forests are richer, denser, and more beautiful.
• You see Kumara Parvatha early, which makes the trek psychologically rewarding.

What's Not So Great ?

• Miss out on the legendary Sesha Parvatha ridge.

Quick Facts

• Distance: ~14 km (7 km one way)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Permits: 300 slots per day (Bidahalli–Bidahalli)

For more granular details on this route like suggested itinerary, how to reach, GPX files, and time-planning tips, head on to our detailed documentation.

Route 3: Crossover from Bidahalli to Kukke

The crossover route that lets you experience the best of both worlds

A sudden viewpoint that opens up while climbing through forests on the Bidahalli side. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

This is the route we feel gives you the fullest Kumara Parvatha experience. You ascend through the dense Bidahalli forests, summit Kumara Parvatha, and then descend through the dramatic grasslands and ridge of Kukke — crossing Sesha Parvatha along the way.

It is a true blend of both sides. The cool, towering forests of Bidahalli on your way up, the exposed Shola meadows of Kukke on your way down, and finally ending in Kukke Subramanya town. Finishing at the temple adds a cultural touch to the trek.

The challenge is in the descent — 11 km of steep, rocky trail from Kumara Parvatha down to Kukke. After a long ascent, this descent can be punishing.

Another important note: crossover is only allowed from Bidahalli to Kukke. If you attempt it the other way, you will be fined. Likewise, if you book a Bidahalli–Bidahalli permit and exit at Kukke, you will also be fined. You must stick to the route you booked.

The iconic views of Shola Grasslands and forests from Sesha Parvatha, seen on the descent on the Kukke Subramanya route. Photograph by Upayan Chatterjee.

What's Great ?

• Combines the strengths of both routes.
• You don’t miss Sesha Parvatha.
• Ends at Kukke, adding a cultural dimension.

What's Not So Great ?

• Long day of about 18 km.
• Kukke descent is taxing on the knees.
• Very limited permits.

Quick Facts

• Distance: ~18 km (7 km ascent + 11 km descent)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Permits: 50 per day (Bidahalli-Kukke)

For more granular details on this route like suggested itinerary, how to reach, GPX files, and time-planning tips, head on to our detailed documentation.

How to Book Permits for Kumara Parvatha Trek

Permits must be booked in advance on the Aranya Vihara Portal.

• All three routes are listed under Kodagu district treks on the portal.
• Permits are route-specific — you must choose between Kukke–Kukke, Bidahalli–Bidahalli, and Bidahalli–Kukke crossover. If you are not sure about how to book permits, head on to our article where we break down the Permit Booking Process.
• There are Daily Limits. The Forest Department allows 300 slots for Kukke Circuit, 300 for Bidahalli Circuit and just 50 slots for the crossover from Bidahalli to Kukke crossover each day.
• Crossovers are allowed only from Bidahalli to Kukke. Attempting Kukke to Bidahalli is not permitted and attracts heavy fines.
• Always carry a valid ID. Without the correct permit, you will be turned back.
• Do not carry single-use plastic. Your bag will be checked during entry and security deposit will be collected based on the number of plastic items you're carrying. You'll get your deposit back when you exhibit the same number of items at exit.
• Do not carry items like burners, ropes or knives, which may be considered as camping items. They are not allowed on the trek.

Final Thoughts

Even with the shorter Bidahalli option, Kumara Parvatha is not an easy trek. You need fitness, discipline, and most importantly, respect for turnaround times.

Remember, you’re trekking inside Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and many wild animals. Being stranded after dark is unsafe.

Choose your route wisely. Don’t trek by ego, trek with awareness. And whichever route you pick, know that you are stepping into one of the most beautiful and most demanding treks in the Western Ghats.

If you do it right, Kumara Parvatha is the kind of trek you will want to keep coming back to.