- From Bangalore
- 280 km · ~7.5 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Best months
- Oct–Feb
- Altitude
- 1,712 m
- Distance
- ~26 km round trip
- Time on trail
- 2 days
Starts from Kukke Subramanya through Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. A long, steady climb through shola forest, then open grassland, then a final rocky section with panoramic views on a clear morning. Widely rated the hardest of the popular weekend treks from Bangalore.
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary rainforest
- Shesha Parvatha viewpoint
- Sunrise from the grasslands
- Optional add-on: Mallalli Falls
Permit & rules
Best time to visit
Go
Oct–Feb
Avoid
Jun–Sep (heavy rain, leeches, slippery trail; some routes officially closed)
Wildlife
- Elephants (signs and occasional sightings)
- Gaur
- Malabar giant squirrel
- Leopard (rare)
- Leeches in wet months
What to wear
- Quick-dry full-sleeve top + trek pants
- Trekking shoes with grip (not sneakers)
- Warm layer for the night at Bhatra Mane
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Cap + sunglasses for the grasslands
What to carry
- 2 L water minimum
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Energy bars + ORS
- Personal medicines
- Govt photo ID (needed for the permit)
Typical itinerary
- Fri night: depart Bangalore for Kukke Subramanya.
- Sat: reach Kukke at dawn, freshen up, drive to the trailhead, trek through forest to Bhatra Mane / Girigadde; lunch and rest at the forest-edge camp.
- Sat evening–Sun pre-dawn: summit push (often a 4 am start) for sunrise; descend to Kukke, optional Mallalli Falls stop.
- Sun night: drive back; reach Bangalore Monday early morning.
Operators compared
Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.
Do it yourself
Fuel + tolls for 560 km round trip split by 2, trail fee, mandatory guide, basic stay. Operators win on logistics here.
~₹3,200
Backpackers United
2D/1N · Friday-night bus/tempo-traveller, homestay or dorm, guide + permits usually bundled
₹3,999
- Included
- Transport, forest permit, meals, guide; sightseeing add-ons (Mallalli Falls, Golden Temple) on return
- Trip experience
- Standard Fri-night departure; Day 2 bundles Mallalli Falls and Bylakuppe – good value if you want a "trip", not just the summit.
Bikat Adventures
3D/2N · Capped groups, fixed itinerary, price + 5% GST
₹3,700
+5% GST ≈ ₹3,885
- Included
- Transport, stay, meals, forest fee, guide (check batch page)
- Trip experience
- Capped group size and a slightly slower pace over 3 days; the cheapest listed headline price, +5% GST.
Treks & Trails
2D/1N · Homestay stays, per-person pricing
₹3,800
- Included
- Transport, camping, meals
- Trip experience
- Camping-oriented plan; ask what is and is not covered in the forest fee.
Muddie Trails
2D/1N · Small groups, forest permits bundled, add-ons like waterfalls
Check price
- Included
- Transport, permits, meals, waterfall add-on
- Trip experience
- Small batches (8–12 people) – more personal pace-setting, pickups across the city.
Indiahikes
Planning guide · Guides & planning reference (read before you book anyone)
Check price
- Included
- Free guide – read before booking
- Trip experience
- Best route-planning write-up: what to expect hour by hour.
TripbaeLowest listed
2 days · Overnight bus from Bangalore, homestay or camping, discounted list prices
₹1,884
- Included
- Per listing
- Trip experience
- Page shows Rs 1,884 as a discount from Rs 2,899, but another Tripbae listing shows Rs 3,149 with camping; confirm before paying.
Local tips
- Start the summit push early – the exposed upper section gets very hot after 10 am.
- Do one or two practice hikes (Skandagiri, Savandurga) first; this is not a first trek.
- Carry cash – there are no ATMs past Kukke.
Kumara Parvatha FAQ
Do I need a permit for Kumara Parvatha?+
Yes. Book the trail on the Aranya Vihaara portal; operators usually handle it for group departures. Trail fee has been quoted around ₹250–₹350 per person over time – check the portal for the current amount.
What is the best time to trek Kumara Parvatha?+
Oct–Feb. Avoid: Jun–Sep (heavy rain, leeches, slippery trail; some routes officially closed).
How far is Kumara Parvatha from Bangalore?+
About 280 km by road, roughly 7.5 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹3,204 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.
How difficult is Kumara Parvatha?+
Hard, about 26 km round trip. 2 days (long Day 1, usually with an overnight at Bhatra Mane / Girigadde).
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Information compiled from public operator listings and forest department guidance, last reviewed 2026-11-01. Fees, quotas and closures change – verify on the official portal and with the operator before you travel. Operator links are provided for comparison; we do not sell treks.