Offbeat Trekking Experience: Narasimha Parvatha Trek (2024)

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Narasimha Parvatha Trek. Traverse rugged terrain, lush forests, and breathtaking vistas as you ascend to the peak of this majestic mountain. Discover the thrill of conquering heights and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature.

The Narasimha Parvatha trek unfolded unexpectedly during my excursion to the Bananthi Maari Betta trek. There, my trek leader brought up Narasimha Parvatha, highlighting its limited accessibility to trekkers for just a few months. With this rare opportunity in mind, I seized the chance to embark on this adventure.

PIN for later reference – Narasimha Parvatha Trek

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About Narasimha Parvatha

Standing tall at 1150 meters, Narasimha Parvatha resides within the bounds of Kudremukha National Park, the highest summit in Agumbe. Renowned for its offbeat appeal, this trekking trail is accessible to adventurers for a limited duration each year.

Upon reaching the summit, trekkers encounter the intriguing footprints of Narasimha, adding a mystical allure to the journey.

The optimal season for exploration: Narasimha Parvatha welcomes visitors exclusively from November to February, owing to Agumbe’s heavy rainfall in other months.

Within Kudremukha National Park lie several captivating trails, including the renowned Kudremukha Peak and Gangadikal treks.

Narasimha Parvatha Trek Details

The trek route winds primarily through dense forest, featuring gradual ascents that are relatively manageable. However, the terrain becomes notably challenging upon emerging from the forest into the grassland section. Here, steep inclines and a lack of shade expose trekkers to intense heat, adding to the difficulty. The descent, while straightforward, may feel tedious due to its repetitive nature.

Alternatively, an option for trekkers is the return journey from Kigga, offering a moderate trekking experience. Compared to the trail from Malandur, the ascent is less steep, providing a slightly easier route.

Statistics

• Starting Point: Malandur, Agumbe.
• Finishing Point: Kigga, Chikkamagaluru.
• Total Distance: 21 kilometres (13 kilometres ascend and 8 kilometres descend).
• Type of Trek: One way.
• Time Taken: 9 to 10 hours.
• Grade: Hard. The trek presents challenges, particularly during the final stretch of the ascent, which is steep and demanding. The distance to be covered in a single day adds to the difficulty.
• Path: Malandur – Barkana waterfalls – Narsimha Parvatha peak – Kigga.

Securing permission from the forest department is essential to embark on the trek. This authorization can be obtained conveniently en route to Malandur at the forest checkpoint.

Trekking Agency

Accompanied by Bangalore Mountaineering Club (BMC) Adventures, my trekking experience was nothing short of exceptional. The trek lead displayed remarkable friendliness, and the journey was orchestrated with precision and care.

• Trekking Agency: BMC Adventures.
• Cost: INR 4150 + GST per person.

Based on my numerous enjoyable experiences with BMC, I wholeheartedly recommend joining them for treks, as their professionalism and expertise consistently ensure a memorable adventure.

How to Get to Agumbe?

Travelling by private vehicle for this trek could pose a challenge, as it follows a one-way route. The journey begins at Malandur and concludes at Kigga. If you prefer to use your car, opting for a return trek from Kigga would be advisable.

By Road

Agumbe, located approximately 380 kilometres from Bangalore, requires a road journey of about 7 hours and 30 minutes. The route leads towards Nelmangala and includes toll roads.

Malandur village is situated roughly 6 kilometres away from Agumbe.

By Public Transport

Regular overnight buses operate between Bangalore and Agumbe, typically around 8 hours.

For the latest updates on bus routes and schedules, please consult the RedBus website.

How to Get from Chikkamangaluru?

By Road

Kigga, located approximately 330 kilometres from Bangalore, can be reached by road in about 7 hours. Situated just 9 kilometres from Sringeri, Kigga is a quaint village awaiting exploration.

If your accommodation is at Bella Homestay, the distance between Kigga and Bella Homestay is approximately 62 kilometres, which can be covered in about 2 hours by car.

By Public Transport

Sringeri enjoys excellent connectivity from Bangalore, with numerous buses between the cities. Kalasa is the nearest town to Bella Homestay, and travellers can find frequent overnight buses connecting Kalasa and Bangalore.

For the latest updates on bus routes and schedules, please visit the RedBus website.

Important Information

• Opt for sturdy and comfortable footwear to navigate the terrain safely.
• Don’t forget to pack extra socks for added comfort during the trek.
• Stay hydrated by carrying an ample supply of water. While there are water streams along the route for refilling, consider water purifying tablets if you’re sensitive to the water.
• Pack a hearty lunch to enjoy a satisfying meal amidst nature’s embrace.
• Be mindful of leeches, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
• Expect intermittent mobile network coverage (Jio) along the trail.
• Plan by bringing trail snacks and chocolates, as no shops are en route or at the peak.
• Tuck a spare pair of pants into your day pack to address any unexpected wear and tear on the rugged trail.
• Note that camping along the trail or at the peak is prohibited.
• Carry a reliable headlamp to illuminate your path, particularly if descending after dusk.
• Marvel at the pair of footprints of Lord Narasimha adorning the peak.
• Exercise caution and be aware of snakes, as Agumbe’s National Park is known to be inhabited by king cobras.

Where to Stay During the Trek?

Mallya Residency at Agumbe

Accommodation at Mallya Residency is quite rudimentary. The rooms lacked cleanliness during our stay. We primarily utilized it as a stopover point for a quick refresh before our trek.

If you plan to spend a few days in Agumbe, I wouldn’t recommend staying at Mallya Residency.

Bella Homestay at Chikkamangaluru

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at Bella Homestay on two occasions, and each time, I’ve been delighted by the warm hospitality extended to guests. While the rooms are simple, the homestay owners’ exceptional food and welcoming demeanour truly stand out.

They go above and beyond to ensure the comfort of their guests. I wholeheartedly recommend Bella Homestay for a memorable stay when you’re in Chikkamangaluru.

Is Narasimha Parvatha Trek Safe for Solo Female Trekkers?

I would strongly advise against undertaking the Narasimha Parvatha trek alone. The area is known for its abundant snake population and other wildlife. It’s highly recommended to enlist the services of a knowledgeable local guide or opt for a reputable trekking agency to ensure your safety on this trek. Additionally, as a basic rule of trekking, it’s always wise to have a trekking buddy along for any unforeseen circumstances.

Closing Notes

The Narasimha Parvatha trek offers a breathtaking journey through dense forests, culminating in spectacular views from the peak. It stands out as one of the most challenging treks I’ve experienced. I highly recommend adding this trek to your Western Ghats trekking bucket list for an unforgettable adventure.

PIN for later reference – Narasimha Parvatha Trek