Madikeri : Trekking has resumed at Kumara Parvatha after several months, with online bookings open for up to 300 people daily, forest officials said. Access is currently allowed only through the Kumaralli-Beedalli route.
Signboards have been installed along the trail, including at four to five locations with mobile connectivity, and a GPS tracking system is operational. Emergency arrangements involve forest personnel, police, SDRF, drones and locals. Violators will face disciplinary action and be blacklisted.
The round trip covers 14 kilometres. The state govt had banned trekking after several incidents, including a fatal leopard attack at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, a trekker going missing at Tadiandamol and the death of a 15-year-old Kerala girl in Chandra Drona range in Chikkamagaluru district in April. Trekking has resumed on most of the state’s 39 trails following the formulation of guidelines. Trekkers are placed in groups of 10, each accompanied by a guide. The department has trained 90 guides, including 30 for the Beedalli route.
Pushpagiri wildlife range forest officer K Dinesh said a seven-kilometre trek from Beedalli to the summit had been permitted following a recommendation from local forest officials. The destination lies at the junction of Kodagu, Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts. A team of senior forest officials subsequently prepared a standard operating procedure for tourist safety. Entering the forest alone or in a small group without a guide is prohibited. Dense undergrowth has been cleared, while guides have received short-range walkie-talkies covering a two-kilometre radius and high-visibility, radium-coated jackets.
Officials plan to recommend reopening the 24-kilometre Kukke Subramanya route, with permission likely by the end of Oct. Because it offers better bus and train connectivity and more accommodation, the route is in high demand. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mysuru | Silver Rate in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru Stay updated with the latest Mysuru news.
Beedalli has inadequate connectivity and no overnight accommodation. Download the TOI App.