The short answer
Narasimha Parvatha Trek: what visitors should know first
A day trek of roughly 12 km return from Kigga through dense forest, with a steep last section. It is booked only on Aranya Vihaara, and in October 2026 no slots were open; check the portal before planning. Older parents can see the Kigga temple and Sirimane Falls instead.
History and context
The story behind Narasimha Parvatha Trek
Narasimha Parvatha is the highest peak of the Agumbe ghats, at about 3,770 ft (roughly 1,150 m). A summit rock is believed locally to bear the feet of Narasimha, and the Kigga route starts near the Rishyashringeshwara temple.
Useful facts
Narasimha Parvatha Trek facts at a glance
- Location
- Kigga, near Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru district
- Altitude
- About 3,770 ft (roughly 1,150 m)
- Experience type
- Summit trek
- Known for
- Highest peak of the Agumbe ghats, dense forest
- Time or schedule
- About 6 km each way; closed when no slots are published
Why it matters
Why Narasimha Parvatha Trek is worth your time
Narasimha Parvatha is the highest point of the Agumbe ghats, and the forest on its slopes is thick and largely unbroken. It links Sringeri's temple country with the rainforest around Agumbe.
The peak also has a place in local belief alongside the Kigga temple, linked with the sage Rishyashringa. Booking through the official portal and following its closures protects both the forest and walkers in a region where weather turns quickly.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Kigga temple start
The trail begins near the old Rishyashringeshwara temple in Kigga.
- 02
Rainforest trail
Thick, mossy forest covers most of the climb.
- 03
Summit grassland
The top opens out with views over the Agumbe ghats.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Kigga route starts near the Rishyashringeshwara temple, about 9 km from Sringeri. The path climbs through dense forest on narrow tracks, and the last 3 km or so are steep, before opening on to grassland near the summit at about 3,770 ft (roughly 1,150 m). The top has a pole marking the summit and a rock believed to bear Narasimha's footprints.
Sources put the Kigga side at roughly 6 km each way; allow five to seven hours for the round trip. A longer route of about 13 km comes up from Mallandur via Barkana Falls, usually done as a crossing down to Kigga with a guide.
Carry water, food and leech protection, and start early. Check the Aranya Vihaara portal for open dates before travelling, as the trek is closed when no slots are published.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check Aranya Vihaara for open dates first
- Book at least a day ahead and carry ID
- Start early from Kigga
- Carry leech protection
- Avoid the monsoon months
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kigga, about 9 km from Sringeri
- Time needed
- A full day from Sringeri
- Best time
- October to December after the monsoon; the trek is normally closed in the rains
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The trail runs through thick, often damp forest with a steep final climb and leeches after rain, so it suits only older travellers who walk regularly. The gentle alternative is in Kigga itself: the Rishyashringeshwara temple and nearby Sirimane Falls are reached by road and make a good half-day while fitter family members trek.
- Tickets and access
- The trek is booked only through the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara portal (Chikkamagaluru district, Kigga route; the longer Mallandur route is under Shivamogga). As of October 2026 both routes were listed as closed, with no slots published. When open, book at least a day ahead and carry the ID used to book. Confirm current fees and guide rules on the portal.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Narasimha Parvatha Trek
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The trail runs through thick, often damp forest with a steep final climb and leeches after rain, so it suits only older travellers who walk regularly. The gentle alternative is in Kigga itself: the Rishyashringeshwara temple and nearby Sirimane Falls are reached by road and make a good half-day while fitter family members trek.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Narasimha Parvatha open?
It opens only when the Forest Department publishes slots on Aranya Vihaara. In October 2026 both routes were listed as closed.
How long is the Kigga route?
Roughly 6 km each way, with a steep last section. Allow five to seven hours return.
What is at the top?
A summit pole and a rock believed locally to bear Narasimha's feet, with views over the Agumbe ghats.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Kigga and Narasimha Parvatha
- Trekup India: Narasimha Parvatha trek
- Aranya Vihaara (Karnataka Forest Department booking)
- Elneeru: Aranya Vihaara trek availability
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
