Pushpagiri (mountain)

Pushpagiri, at ft, is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located along the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is located in Somwarpete taluk, from Somwarpet in the northern part of Kodagu district on the tri-junction between Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Hassan district. It is 4th highest peak of Karnataka.

Pushpagiri Mountains

The Pushpagiri or Subramanya Hill is the second-highest peak of Kodagu, and fourth highest peak in Karnataka
About from Somwarpet and from Kumaralli, it is located amid the jungle.
The Eastern entrance can be reached from Beedehalli via Heggademane temple and the Western entrance from Kukke Subramanya via Giri gadde. However, the entrance through Beedehalli is less strenuous.
The western entrance from Kukke Subramanya is located above sea level, whereas the eastern entrance is at above MSL.
The nearest airport is at Mangalore International Airport at a distance of. Trekkers have to obtain permission from the Forest department which is located near Batra Mane, which is also a spot for overnight camping. This place is at a distance of from Kukke Subramanya.

Mythology

It is believed that Lord Subramanya's footmark is presented in the hilltop temple. You can see the stone mark still. Top of the hill there are two temples, one is for Lord Shiva and other one for Lord Subramanya. It is believed that if any person has Sharpadosha it can be eliminated by visiting this temple.

River source

This mountain, along with the surrounding hills and the evergreen Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary, give rise to river Kumaradhara. It is the principal tributary of river Netravathi, that feeds the coastal city of Mangaluru.

Climatic conditions

The climate is generally cool and wet. The climate is that of a highland, with no extreme variations. It receives heavy rainfall between June and September. From October to December the area is covered in mist almost all the time.

Rainfall: Pushpagiri receive about rainfall every year. As a result, trekking is strictly prohibited from June to September.
Temperature: November to January are generally the coldest months, with the daytime maximum temperatures that ranges of an average of around. April and May are normally the warmest months here, with temperatures of an average.
Visibility: This place often enjoys good visibility, although hill fog sometimes restricts the visibility.

Hiking at Pushpagiri

Pushpagiri is renowned among hiking and nature enthusiasts for its challenging trails, dense forests, panoramic viewpoints, and rich biodiversity. The trek is often considered one of the toughest and most rewarding hiking routes in South India. The region is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna, and the area has been designated as a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Western Ghats serial nominations.

Route and Access

The most common approach to the Pushpagiri peak begins from the Subramanya village in the Dakshina Kannada district, following a trail through Kukke Subramanya Temple, Battara Mane, and Girigadde. An alternative, shorter route starts from Beedehalli, near Somwarpet, providing access through the forest department’s entry point at Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
The trail typically involves steep ascents, open grasslands, forested sections, and rocky scrambles, with landmarks such as Kallu Mantapa, Shesha Parvatha, and Girigadde serving as key resting points. The entire trek can take between 8–10 hours to complete, depending on the route and weather conditions.

Flora and Fauna

The Pushpagiri region supports a variety of vegetation types, including tropical evergreen forests, shola grasslands, and montane ecosystems. It is known to host rare species such as the Malabar grey hornbill, lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri langur. The sanctuary also features several streams that contribute to the headwaters of the Kumaradhara River.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

The ideal period for hiking is between November and February, when the skies are clear and temperatures are moderate. The monsoon months bring heavy rainfall, leeches, and slippery terrain, making the trek more challenging and often restricted by forest authorities.

Cultural and Ecological Significance

Pushpagiri holds religious significance in local traditions, being associated with Lord Subramanya . The mountain’s Sanskrit name, meaning "the blossom peak," reflects its ecological richness and the natural beauty that attracts trekkers, photographers, and conservationists alike.

Difficulty level	Strenuous
Approx Temperature	Max
Accommodation type	They used to provide accommodation but now trek has to be completed in one day only.
Washrooms	At bhattramane and forest check post.
Food	Basic Veg food available at Bhattramane. Can carry your own lunch for the trek.
Distance from Bangalore International Airport
Distance from Kannur International Airport
Distance from Mangalore International Airport
Total trekking distance	approx
Attraction	Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kukke Subramanya Temple