Our last trip was to Jog Falls & Karwar (Karnataka) in Jan 2007, which was also my last trip as bachelor. It's been more than 3 years and we thought of regrouping with an offbeat destination. I learned about few trekking destinations these days and I was very keen to do a trip with overnight stay on the peaks. We thought of choosing a place which is close to Bangalore and can be visited over a weekend. I started gathering more info on Karnataka trekking destinations and shortlisted Narasimha Parvatha, which is close to Agumbe. Though there are few other interesting destinations, Narasimha Parvatha is unique because the entry and exit points of the trek are different. We can also visit Sirimane falls as part of the trip along with famous Sringeri temple. I think no other destination can offer such variations. The difficulty level is above moderate and there was also a forest rest house on the peak where the trekkers can camp (we were not sure whether the rest house was functional, when the trip was planned). Also, we were planning the trip in beginning of summer and I learned that most of the first day trek runs through thick forest and we can escape from the heat.
I have never been on trekking and except Deepak, all others were new to trekking as well. However, Deepak has instantly confirmed his availability followed by Chaitu, Radhani, Rakesh & of late, Nattu. Radhani has also invited Sandeep, his IISc classmate. As usual, Santosh did not confirm and he needed time to "think", so we lost hope and started our preparations for the trip.
We have finalized Apr 2nd, 2010 as start date of the trip from Bangalore. As usual, I had to take the responsibility of driving the preparations but this time, Deepak, Radhani & Chaitu had to play major roles as the trip was planned from Bangalore and I was in Hyderabad.
At a distance of 18 Kms from Sringeri, 20 Kms from Agumbe & 65 Kms from Udupi, Narasimha Parvatha is an excellent destination for trekking. It is situated at an altitude of 3780 feet.
Most common trekking route starts from Malandur (6 Kms from Agumbe) and ends at Kigga (10 Kms from Sringeri) with overnight stay on Narasimha Parvatha. Malandur can be reached by private vehicle from Agumbe (walking takes 1.5 hrs). From Malandur, the trek distance to the peak is about 14 Kms via Barkana Falls (6-7 Hrs trek). Camping is allowed on the peak. Kigga is about 8 Kms from Narasimha Parvatha and takes about 3 Hrs (Sirimane Falls can be visited during this trek with 1-2 Hrs extra effort). Water filling can be done at Barkana Falls.
Trekking this route is little difficult through thick forest & there are no sign boards enroute. It is very important to hire a guide to trek Narasimha Parvatha (can be hired at Malandur).
Agumbe is 45 Kms from Udupi, 88 Kms from Shimoga & 92 Kms from Mangalore. Udupi & Shimoga are nearest train stations. Agumbe is connected by daily bus with Bangalore (346 Kms - via Tumkur & Kadur).
Sringeri is 70 Kms from Udupi, 92 Kms from Shimoga & 96 Kms from Mangalore. Udupi & Shimoga are nearest train stations. Sringeri is connected by daily bus with Bangalore (341 Kms - via Hassan & Chikmagalur).
The duration of Narasimha Parvatha trek is 2 days and 1 night with overnight stay on the peak. Sunrise from the peak is awesome and must see!
