Kumara Parvatha which is also known as the Pushpagiri Hills is the sixth highest peak in Karnataka. It is a popular trekking destination. This hill is situated at an elevation of approximately 4000 feet above sea level. Kumara Parvatha actually consists of a group of three peaks which are the Shesha Parvatha, The Siddha Parvatha, and the Kumara Parvatha itself. All of these three peaks are important in Hindu mythology. There are also many popular tales that are associated with Kumara Parvatha. One of them is that Lord Kumaraswamy killed demons Padmasura and Tarakasura and it is believed that he was crowned as a king on top of this hill. The other tale states that when the divine serpent Vasuki was attacked by Garuda which was the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu, the serpent performed rigorous worship in the caves of the Kukke Subramanya Temple in order to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased with this and thus he sent his son Kartikeyan so that he could protect Vasuki. It is believed that Kartikeyan came to Kumara Parvatha where Vasuki happened to be worshipping and assured him that he would be protected from all evil. During the trek to Kumara Parvatha one can spot various beautiful waterfalls and since the trek route is through the Shola Forest one can get to see various flora and fauna as well. From the top of this peak, one gets to see an amazing view of the Western Ghats.
TRANSPORTATION AND BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PLACE
Hassan Junction is the closest railway station to this place. From there one can take a bus or a cab to reach Kumara Parvatha. There are many buses that one can take to reach this place. If not by bus one can also travel by cab to reach here. The Mangalore Airport is the closest to this place. From the airport, one can take a bus or a cab to reach Kumara Parvatha. The best time to visit Kumara Parvatha is from the months of October to January.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
There are many places where one can stay around Kumara Parvatha. The prices too are affordable. Some of the names of the places are Hotel Adithya Nest, SLR Residency, Vyasa Mandir, Samruddhi Homestay, Aroma Homestay, etc. There are also many places where one can eat food at. Some of the names of the restaurants are Hotel Kumara Kripa, Hotel Shiva Sannidhi Veg Restaurant, Neo Mysore Cafe, Bay Leaf Restaurant, Shanthi Bites, etc.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR KUMARA PARVATHA
Kotte Betta: One can visit Kotte Betta which is a mountain peak in Karnataka. This peak is situated at an altitude of approximately 5400 feet. Kotte Betta actually means Fort Hill. The place is called so because of its appearance which looks like a fort. It is also believed that when the Pandavas were in exile they stayed here. One has to trek to reach this mountain peak. The trek route has coffee plantations on one side and beautiful green hills on the other side. The route also passes through a jungle and then a plain. At the peak of this hill, one finds a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Harangi Dam: This dam has been built across the River Cauvery. The purpose of building this dam was to meet the water needs for irrigation. The place is also a popular picnic spot. The views around are quite scenic. There is also a masonry dam which is built across the River Harangi. This reservoir has a height of approximately 47 metres and a length of 846 metres. The architectural pattern of the reservoir is quite noteworthy.
Chikihole Dam: It is a small reservoir which was built across the River Chikihole in 1985. The purpose behind building this was to help in irrigation for the villages nearby. An interesting thing to note is that the dam has a semi-circular structure without any crest gates. When the inflow the water then overflows like foam on a curved structure and that sight itself is amazing. This place is surrounded by greenery and also flora and fauna of the forest around which creates a pleasant atmosphere. One can also watch the sun setting from this dam because it is a wonderful experience.
Namdroling Monastery: One can also visit the Namdroling Monastery which is in Bylakuppe. The Monastery is also known as the Golden Temple. This monastery was established in 1963 by Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche. The place happens to be the largest teaching centre of Nyingmapa which is a lineage of Tibetian Buddhism. The Monastery is home to almost 5000 Buddhist monks and nuns. The complex at this place is huge and it also has 40 feet high gilded images of Guru Rinpoche, Buddha Shakyamuni and Amitayus. The walls at the monastery have on them colourful paintings which show Gods and demons from Tibetian Buddhist mythology. The tower of this temple is also quite well decorated. The doors of this monastery are painted in red and they have huge gold knockers and a thick planted rope with tassels hanging from it. The Tibetian New Year is celebrated at this monastery with great enthusiasm.
Bendru Theertha: It is a natural hot water spring. This hot water spring has traces of sulphur in it and it is believed that it also has curative properties. The water here is lukewarm as compared to other hot springs. It is believed that the geothermal energy of the hot rocks underground is responsible for heating up the water table. People can take a dip in this hot water spring here without having to worry much about their skin because since this water has curative properties it helps in curing a lot of diseases especially skin related problems. Since this place is located at the confluence of three streams it becomes religiously important as well. People respect this place and bathe here. Many people come here on Teertha Amavasya day because they consider this day to be auspicious and thus take a holy bath here on that day.
