Kumara Parwata, or KP as it is widely known by trekkers all around India, has a lot to offer. Even before we started the trek, we were already soaked in divinity as our trek start point was near the entrance of the temple Kukke Subramaniya. Situated at a height of 1712 metres in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, KP is much more than just “The most challenging trek in South India”. It is an epic amalgamation of history, mythology and heaven for trekkers!

The Kartikeya Connection

According to the legend, Kartikeya (Lord Shiva’s son ) or Subhramya or Murugan got married to Devasena ( Lord Indra’s daughter ) in the hills of Kumara Parvatha.

The Trek

With 4 litres of water each and sleeping bags on our shoulders, the trek started!

The entire journey can be divided into 2 parts. The first stretch of 7 kms started in the middle of a jungle. The trail was straight. This is not the kind of trek in which you will get lost.

Then for the hard part. Most of us were geared up in Quechuas. Since it was the toughest trek no one wanted to take any chances. Full range of trek gear: trek shoes, cargoes, backpacks, leech resistants, water bottles, you name it and it was there with us!

KP is quite confusing in terms of what to carry. You don’t want to be short of anything since it’s a long trek. And whatever you are going to carry, be ready to pay the price for each gram of excess weight in terms of effort spent, once you reach the later stages of the trek.

“That feeling of realization that I was here” – only a trekker can connect.

Then there were times when myself and my fellow trekkers just couldn’t resist taking out the cameras!

The best part of trekking is that it brings us closer. The way everyone behaves during their trek adventure is what defines them. In the outside world a person might be busy driving an Audi while being dressed in Armani. He might even be a CEO of some MNC. But when the same person is here, he will eat the same rice, mixed in hot water prepared by Mr. Bhatar, just like everyone else. Now this reminds us of the song “Imagine” by John Lennon.