Monsoon Trek (One Day Mission) – Kumara Parvatha [KP]

Kumara Parvatha [KP] trek will always allow our-self to test physical fitness. It will be more challenging to complete in ONE day. I had been to KP thrice, every time it gives a different experience all together. My previous all treks were TWO days.

This time we decided to complete the entire stretch from Kukke - Kukke Subramanya in one day. We knew it is not so easy, however taken a challenge ourselves to test our stamina.

We have chosen the 5^thJune 2019, World Environment Day and a Public holiday on eve of Ramzaan. Decided to keep the team size very small and travel by public transport to make it very economy trek. Final count is become three, me, Sudhakar & Balaraj.

Decision is taken on 4^thJune around 11 am. Planned to avoid outside food and carry the homemade food. We were very sure, crowd will be very less. Thank you so much to Balaraj & Sudhakar for serving homemade yummy food.

We met at Majestic bus stand around 10 pm. There was no planned reserve journey, get into the normal ordinary bus and begin our journey to Kukke Subramanya.

Journey was very horrible, we could not have proper sleep. Reached the Kukke around 5.30 am, bus was delayed by more than an hour. Quickly got refreshed in public toilet, finished tea and headed towards the starting point.

Our initial plan was to start the hike at least by 5 am to avoid the sun stroke, but we had no option. Guys are charged and ready to complete the expedition of KP in one day. Pace was good, humidity was more, cloths were wet by sweat. Initial trail pass through dense forest around 4 KMs. Taking multiple small breaks, reached the grassland.

Now the cool breeze gave little relax to the wet body. Continued our journey towards APC. On the way, we met two more person, who were on the march towards KP. But we were sure, they will not make it, since they got tiered in the initial trail.

Smiling face, Sajjan, APC In-charge welcomed us and briefed about the weather condition and other formalities. We paid Rs.350/- each forest entry fees and obtained the receipt. Now the time is to fill our empty stomach.

I am very thankful to Balaraj & Sudhakar who brought homemade variety food. The quantity is also more, offered the forest personnel too. Decided, not to carry any food since it was late breakfast.

The real trek challenge starts from this point, unloaded our extra luggage, carried the extra water and snacks. Weather was very cool, ahead KP is inviting us to test ourselves. Without making further delay, headed towards the peak.

KP was calm, cool and very silent. What a moment, only we three in entire valley. Pre-monsoon rain made green carpet entire range, its looking so beautiful. One greater thing is, it is very neat and clean now. We should appreciate and thankful to https://cleanmountains.org who recently cleaned the entire KP.

Very soon reached the Kallu Mantapa. I would like to mention a sad part here, last year this range was flooded by heavy rain. But, presently there is no water source available in this season. Kallu Mantapa had always water source, unfortunately, this time it completely dried.

Relaxed for sometimes and continued our journey. From, Kallu Mantapa to Shesha Parvatha is really challenging. Steep ascend will kill your energy and make thirstier. Taking multiple small breaks reached the Shesha Parvatha.

The weather was turned completely cool, clouds are passing through us. Valley was hide and seek with mist, spent sometimes and continued the hike towards peak.

Leeches were more active in the range of Shesha Parvatha – KP peak. The size and volume also more, they not allowed us to passthrough without sweet bite. Very soon reached on the peak.

When reached the Kumara Parvatha peak, time was around 12.45 Noon, we were the king on the top. Wanted to spend some good time near temple, but the mosquitoes destroyed our plan. They are totally different types, looking like honey bee, they started attacking on us.

Quickly taken couple of photographs and headed back to Shesha Parvatha. Filled our stomach with yummy snacks and return journey started towards APC.

The sky turned into dark, started thunderstorm and lightening, without making delay, increased our pace. Not taking break anywhere reached APC around 3.45 pm and felt happy to reach the safe zone.

Plan went well as per schedule. Lunch was waiting for us, again filled with tasty food. Relaxed quite long time chitchatting with forest official.

Now the time to pack-up, adieu to the personnel, continued our journey to Kukke. This time the pace is fast, target is to reach latest by 7 pm. Sky is turned into cloudy and slowly started getting rain drop. We predicted, heavy rain will give farewell. Even we too wanted to shower by natural water. Rain force is increased, very soon the entire region is flooded. Enjoyed the heavy rain which fulfilled our bath.

Finally, we came out from forest and headed towards temple. The journey comes to an end. Indeed, this trek will be remembered for many unique reasons.

1. We have completed this trek in one day i.e., 12 hours. [Including 3 hours breaktime]

2. Only three during entire trek

3. First time in our trek, peak is occupied by us

4. Weather was awesome

5. KP is very clean, calm, neat & tidy