Pushpagiri Hills / Sanctuary - Trek
Adventure / Trekking
#33 of 33 Places to Visit in Coorg
Distance (From Coorg): 70 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1-2 Days
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / + Walk/Trek
Travel Tips: 1.No permission is needed to trek Pushpagiri, but need to register the names in checkpost at entry point.
2.Though there are few signboards available, it is important to hire a guide (can be hired at Bidahalli / Heggadamane villages).
3.Carry enough water as there are no reliable water sources till Mantapa/Girigadde.
4.There are buses available to Bidahalli from Somvarpet. One needs to get down at Heggadamane and walk to the checkpost (about 2 Kms from the village-motorable road exists).
At a distance of 70 km from Madikeri, and 33 km from Somvarpet, Pushpagiri is a mountain peak situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Pushpagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Coorg and among the top Karnataka trekking places.
Pushpagiri is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 5626 feet, Pushpagiri is the 6th highest peak in Karnataka and also 2nd highest peak in Coorg after Thadiyandamol. The Harangi River originates from the top of this hill. Covered by lush green forests, valleys, and hills, the area is perfect for hiking expeditions and it is one of the best places for trekking.
The trekking starts from the forest checkpoint at the base of Pushpagiri Hills, after Heggadamane village. The Pushpagiri peak is about 7 km from the Check Post and takes about 3-4 hours one way (moderate to difficult level) through thick forest, wet grasslands & some rocky terrain. There is a small temple at the peak dedicated to Kumara Swamy. It is possible to return on the same day if you wish to visit only Pushpagiri peak. But most of the trekkers continue to exit through the Kumara Parvatha (to Kukke) and camp at Girigadde which is 14 km from Pushpagiri Check Post (takes about 7 hours). There is very basic private accommodation available in Girigadde called Bhattara Mane and food is also served (need to carry sleeping bags).
Kukke is about 7 km from Girigadde and takes about 3-4 hours (moderate level). It keeps raining most of the time on the peak; carry rain coat. This place is full of leaches; carry salt and necessary powders to get rid of leaches.
Entry Fee (at Check Post): Rs. 75, additional fee for camping
