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Narasimha Parvata Trek In Agumbe

Agumbe is not only famous for its beautiful sunset but also for trekking. Narasimha Parvata also known as Agumbe peak and it is 3780 ft above the sea level.

By Swathi. B

Narasimha Parvata, also called Agumbe Peak is one of the famous Agumbe-Sringeri trekking trails. This peak is located at Agumbe in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is the tallest peak in Agumbe Ghats at 3780 ft above sea level.

This peak offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Agumbe. The beautiful Kudremukh range is visible from atop the peak. There is a huge valley between Narasimha Parvata and a nearby village called Malandur, which is very pleasing to the eyes. The mountain peaks have Shola grasslands.

Also Read : Beautiful Sunset Destinations In KarnatakaAlso Read : Beautiful Sunset Destinations In Karnataka

Narasimha Parvata is a perfect location for trekking because it involves steep climbs, thanks to its imposing height.

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

PC : Shashidhara halady

Starting Point: Bangalore

Destination: Narasimha Parvata, Agumbe

Best Time To Visit: November to February. Agumbe receives the highest rainfall in Karnataka, so trekking in this region during monsoons will be a risky idea.

Things To Carry: Compass, first aid kit, a set of clothes, woollen clothes, torch light, hiking shoes, sturdy walking stick, water and snacks.
Rain jacket, umbrella and salt (to keep the leeches away) is a must if you are travelling around rainy season.

Note: You have to obtain prior permission, as a part of the trek falls within the limits of Kudremukh National Park. Camping inside the national park is prohibited.

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

PC : Vikas.rumale

How To Reach Narasimha Parvata From Bangalore

By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the closest Airport to Narasimha Parvata. It is about 116 km from the airport. You can hail a taxi and reach the destination in 2 h 30 min.

By Rail: Shimoga Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Narasimha Parvata. It is around 110 km and takes 2 h 25 min to reach.

By Road: There are many private and government buses that operate between Bangalore and Agumbe/Sringeri. You can engage a cab from Agumbe/Sringeri to Narasimha Parvata. However, if you plan to travel by car, these are the different route options:

Route 1 - Bangalore-Kunigal-Hassan-Belur-Chikmagalur-Sringeri-Narasimha Parvata via NH 75. The distance is 340 km and it takes 6 h 35 min without any detours.

Route 2 - Bangalore-Tumkur-Hiriyur-Bhadravati-Sringeri-Narasimha Parvata on NH 48. This covers a distance of 409 km and clocks 7 h 50 min sans detours.

Route 3 - Bangalore-Ramanagara-Channarayapattana-Hassan-Chikmagalur-Sringeri-Narasimha Parvata via NH 275, spanning a distance of 382 km and taking 7 h 50 min.

As is evident, Route 1 is the shortest, in terms of both time and distance. Therefore, it is advisable to embark on this route for the trekking adventure.

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

Start from Bangalore early in the morning. You can stop at Kunigal and enjoy the sunrise at the Begur lake. Proceed towards Hassan and visit Gorur Dam and Hemavathi Reservoir on river Hemavathi. Also take out some time to appreciate the beautiful architecture of Shettihalli Church. Visit Hasanamba Temple and offer prayers.

Also Read : Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Next up is Belur and Halebidu. These temples were constructed during 11-13th century under the regime of Hoysala kings. Though 92 temples were built around the time, only 3 namely, Somanathapura, Belur and Halebid thrive to date. Make sure to engage the services of a guide to get a proper explanation of the tones of Hoysalan architecture.

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

PC : Dineshkannambadi

Further down from Halebidu is Chikamagalur, the hill station which is one of the premier tourist destinations in Karnataka. If you are feeling adventurous enough to indulge in another trek before your big trek at Narasimha Parvata, do consider hiking up Mullayangiri peak.

Next on the route is Sringeri. Sringeri Sharada temple, built by Adi Shankara has been considered the seat of knowledge and learning for centuries. The sanctum depicts a peaceful goddess Sharadamba blessing one and all with wisdom. This temple is well known for performing "Aksharabyasam" for children when they start school. There is Adi Shankara's sannidhi, Sringeri Mutt and Vidyashankara temple, built in the Hoysala style of architecture. Next stop is Narasimha Parvata.

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

PC : Vijaykumarblathur

This trek can be undertaken through two different trails:

Through Malandur (Agumbe side)

From Kigga (Sringeri side)

Narasimha Parvata Trek Distance: 13km from Malandur; 6km from Kigga

Trekking Time: 7-9 hours (depending upon fitness level and prior trekking experience) from Malandur and 4-6 hours from Kigga.

Evidently, the trek from Malandur is of the advanced level and difficult, while from that of Kigga is of moderate level.

Trek To Narasimha Parvata Through Malandur

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

PC : Commons.wilimedia

The river Sita winds through this path. The opening stages of this trail is easier, and as you march further the trail gets more inclined and the forest grows thicker. There is no clear demarcated trekking trail and it is easy to get lost. The river narrows down to form the Barkana waterfall.

This route is littered with water sources. The trek up to the waterfall can be considered "moderate" in terms of difficulty level. From here on, the trek becomes difficult till the end of the forest area. The gorgeous Kudremukh ranges will tip its hat to you at the top, which makes all the effort worthwhile.

Trek To Narasimha Parvata From Kigga

Narasimha Parvata Trek in Agumbe

PC : Brunda Nagaraj

The initial 1 km from Kigga temple to the forest is easy. The next stretch inside the forest is around 2 km and takes around 2 hours or so. Once the forest ends, there will be Shola grasslands to keep you company till the peak. The only water source is near the peak.

Once you climb up the hill, there is an old shed which can accommodate around 12 people where you can camp if you are not carrying tents.

The descent is via the Kigga route. After 2 hours of climbing down, you will reach Rishyashringa temple in Kigga. The descent is steep and can be slippery with rocks and dried leaves.

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