Bisle heaven on earth

This is Bisle ghat (part of Western Ghats), a perfect destination for adventure freaks.
It is not simply that Bisle ghat is called trekkers’ paradise. The breathtaking Bisle Ghat is a stretch of beautiful adventurous spot between Subramanya and Sakleshpur. The sub-tropical climate and heavy rains during the monsoon creates an environment where several unique plant and animal species flourish.

What makes Bisle ghat distinct is the fact that it is the forest range with largest extent of Shola forest in Karnataka. It is also special because it is the region which has largest number of wild animals living in the Western ghats range. It has remained unexploited because there are no human habitation in the forest.

Kumaraparvatha is the hill in the Bisle ghat, which attracts highest number of trekkers not only because it has serene, breathtaking surrounding but also because it is one of the toughest trekking routes to cover. Kumaraparvatha has three peaks, namely Bathadarashi, Sheshaparvath and Pushpagiri. 

If you are travelling from Subramanya towards Sakleshpur on the Bisle Ghat, there is Yellathur view point, exactly 26 kms from Subramanya from where one can have a breathtaking view of the three mountain ranges-Yenikallu Betta (located in Hassan district), Doddabetta and Pushpagiri (both located in Kodagu district) and Kumaraparvatha (located in Dakshina Kannada district).

However, the journey to the point can be a thrilling experience with umpteen number of waterfalls, with uninvited guests like peacocks, deers, monkeys and even snakes.
Though the distance to the view point is only 26 kms, if something goes wrong (vehicle gives a slip), the tourist/visitor will be left with only two options — use your knowledge to repair the vehicle or pray to god till a good Samaritan comes this way as there is not even a single shop or house on the route. Of course, no mobile network or no land line connection!

Patlabetta and Kannadikallu, are the two other hills worth a watch of a trek. Uniqueness of Kannadikallu is that one side of this hill is almost 90 degree, making it unable to climb it. Further, the hill gets the name because according to the local belief, the hill, which is a huge rock used to reflect the sunrays during sun set.

Icing on the cake is ‘Kumaradhara,’ the river which originates from Kumaradhara, ushering a life in the region. Following the course of Kumaradhara for two days can take the trekkers to a place called Mallali falls in Kodagu.

Any season is fine to savour beauty of Bisle ghat but September to December is the perfect time to trek the region. If you are planning to visit the place, be prepared to go wild. No accommodation and no luxury. It is only you and the nature left together.