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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 departmentâÂÂs 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 8âÂÂ10 hours to complete, depending on the route and weather conditions.
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.
The ideal period for hiking is between November and February, when the skies are clear and temperatures are moderate. The monsoon months (JuneâÂÂSeptember) bring heavy rainfall, leeches, and slippery terrain, making the trek more challenging and often restricted by forest authorities.
Pushpagiri holds religious significance in local traditions, being associated with Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya). The mountainâÂÂs Sanskrit name, meaning "the blossom peak," reflects its ecological richness and the natural beauty that attracts trekkers, photographers, and conservationists alike.