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.The destination lies at the junction of Kodagu, Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts. 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 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.A team of senior forest officials subsequently prepared a standard operating procedure for tourist safety. 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. Entering the forest alone or in a small group without a guide is prohibited.The department has trained 90 guides, including 30 for the Beedalli route. Dense undergrowth has been cleared, while guides have received short-range walkie-talkies covering a two-kilometre radius and high-visibility, radium-coated jackets.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.Officials plan to recommend reopening the 24-kilometre Kukke Subramanya route, with permission likely by the end of Oct. The route is in high demand because it offers better bus and train connectivity and more accommodation. Beedalli has inadequate connectivity and no overnight accommodation.
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