Narasimha Parvatha is one of the best day treks in the Agumbe region. The trail goes through dense rainforest, past the Barkana Falls viewpoint, and up to open grassland near the summit. The peak is about 3,700 feet high and lies between Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park.
Two routes to choose from
- Kigga to Kigga (easy to moderate): a circuit of about 9 km starting and ending at Kigga village near the Rishyasringeshwara temple. This is the route suggested for beginners. The first kilometre is a mud road, the next two are forest, and the last three climb steeply.
- Mallanduru to Kigga (moderate): a crossover of about 15 km that starts at Mallanduru, around 6 km from Agumbe. It is longer and needs a good level of fitness.
Plan for 7 to 9 hours on either route, and start between 7 AM and 10 AM so you finish the same day.
Permits and guides
Trekking here needs permission from the Forest Department, which is booked online through the Aranya Vihaara website. A guide is compulsory on the Mallanduru route. On the Kigga route the trail is well marked and a guide is not compulsory, but one is still a good idea. Fees and rules can change, so check the website for the latest details before you plan.
Best time to go
October to December is the best time, when the forest is green and the sky is clearer. Trekking is not allowed in peak summer because of the risk of forest fires, or in peak monsoon. Check the permit website for the open dates.
What you will see
- Dense Agumbe rainforest that shades most of the trail
- The Barkana Falls viewpoint
- Open grassland and steep climbs near the top
- Summit views, which can be hidden by cloud after the monsoon
Rules and safety
- Camping is not allowed anywhere on the trek because of wild animals.
- Leeches are common in the forest section, so wear proper trekking shoes.
- Dry leaves make the trail slippery. Trekking poles help on the steep climbs and the long descent.
- Be careful on the wet rocks near the falls and stay away from the edges.
- On the Mallanduru route, carry enough water, because there is none after Barkana Falls until you reach the Sita river.
Stay close by
Mithila Nature Stay is inside Agumbe, near the bus stop, which makes an early trek start easier. Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you plan your trek.
Short note: How to reach Mithila Nature Stay
Mithila Nature Stay is inside Agumbe, near the Agumbe bus stop. Agumbe is in Thirthahalli taluk, Shivamogga district, in the Western Ghats.
By road (approximate distances to Agumbe)
- From Udupi: about 50 km
- From Shivamogga: about 90 km
- From Mangaluru: about 98 km
- From Bengaluru: about 357 km
By bus: KSRTC runs a direct bus from Bengaluru to Agumbe. Buses from Shivamogga, Udupi and Sringeri also reach Agumbe. Get down at the Agumbe bus stop and we are close by.
By train: The nearest big railway station is Udupi, about 50 km away. Take a bus or taxi from there.
By air: The nearest airport is Mangaluru, about 95 to 100 km away.
Driving tips: The road into Agumbe climbs through the Agumbe ghat. Drive slowly, especially in rain and fog, and avoid driving the ghat at night. We have a parking area on the property.
Not sure of the route? Message us on WhatsApp and we will send you the location.