Thread by @KiranKS

Pushpagiri is one of the tallest peaks in India outside the Himalayan range.
It is 5735 feet above sea level.

The mountain is called Kumara Parvata, dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya.
Recently, we climbed it.

Some videos and photos in this thread for those interested in hiking.

There are two ways to climb Kumara Parvata in the lush green western Ghats.

We chose the easier approach from Kodagu. Climb is just a couple of 1000 feet here. The one from Dakshina Kannada district is very tough and almost 2.5 times our effort.

The Pushpagiri forest office is very strict. Every plastic bottle is numbered. Every item is checked. Will forfeit deposit if you throw even one plastic item in the pristine forest.
And off late no camping allowed on the top. So plan well. Full distance is 7 KM up and 13 KM down!

There are a few big boulders that you have to climb when aiming for Pushpagiri. Some are 50+ feet of tough climb.

Don't try in rainy season.
Have a very good hiking shoes. Else, life would be very tough.

Carry lots of water.

Go with equal capacity fit trekkers. You will be spending an entire day of tough climb.

Respect nature. It makes you humble. It brings humility in you no matter how tough you think you are.

And enjoy the trek taking good breaks for talk and fun.

Enjoy your time on the Pushpagiri peak. There is a small Shiva linga which you can do puja to.

There are two other peaks before you climb down. Spend lot of them there. Very scenic and 360 degree views.

But head down before 3 PM.

After Pushpagiri, there is one very steep peak called Siddhara Betta. You can't climb it.

Then Shesha Parvata (for the Snake God). Here we are sitting on top of Shesha Parvata and enjoying 360' view.

After this, it is all climb down in harsh sun, with not much shade.

Once you are climbing down from Shesha parvata , things will get tough.

The next two to three hours would be without shade, thorny path with pebbles. The nearest water point will be quite far.

But your energy level would be high as you conquered a big mountain!

After a day full of hard climb and sun tan, you can relax a bit in an ancient mantapa on the way down from Shesha parvata.

I have no idea how they built this stone mantap centuries ago. Some stone slabs are 750-1000 kg in weight! How they carried it here, is anyone's guess.

Seven KM before the temple town of Kukke Subrahmanya, you have a choice to camp for the night at Bhattara Mane (Bhatta's house).

This the only place where you can get something to eat, if you booked early. Rice and Saaru here after a rough day would be heavenly!

Next morning..

Enjoy the sunrise and head down. Next 7 km would be mostly big rock steps climb down. But shade will help. Finally you will be in Kukke!

Enjoy the Darshan of Lord Subrahmanya at Kukke after taking a pleasant bath in Kumara Dhara river.

There is Adi Subrahmanya you should visit before the main temple.

There would be rush for Prasad as this is the richest temple in Karnataka. Lots of crowd.

Jai Kumara Parvata!