Kodachadri is located in Shimoga district and one of the most spoken-about trekking trails in Karnataka. Situated in the heart of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kodachadri trek offers trekkers an adventure, a charm, and an experience that will remain throughout your lifetime. Kodachadri Trek takes you through a quaint village setting with paddy fields, thick forests, marvelous grasslands, and a waterfall that will make you go weak on your knees. The rolling lush grasslands and hills surrounding the peak is a sight to behold. To add on to these experiences, you get to visit a temple believed to be built thousands of years ago which is filled with a rich history. Apart from the mythology, imagine trekking to a place that has stories from the 7th AD! This is the place where the famous philosopher, theologian, Adi Shankara visited and meditated at the peak. You don’t get treks that are filled with many stories and history on the western ghats trek of Karnataka. With multiple approaches to the trek, anybody can go and do this trek on their own. It is a paradise for first-timers, intermediate and experienced trekking enthusiasts. 

Shimoga is a beautiful city located across the Tunga River in the state of Karnataka. The well-known Jog Falls is located just a 2-hour drive from Shimoga city. Among the attractions in the city are Shiva Temple, Gandhi Park, Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Mattur Lake, Dabbe Falls and more. This place is abundant with nature and wildlife. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary houses endangered and native animals like panthers and elephants, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary attracts bird watchers from all over India, and Sakrebyle Elephant Camp provides elephant rides. Among other places to visit nearby are Agumbe, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary and Gajanur Dam. The weather here is good after the monsoon season, in the winter months of October to February. Do not forget to visit Tyavarekoppa, a zoo and a picnic hot-spot, famous for Tiger and Lion Safari. The city is stuffed with unlimited shopping stuff such as hand-crafts, jewellery, sarees, sandalwood and many more. For food fix, travellers can find several Indian and multi-cuisine restaurants in the city.

 A hill called Kodachadri in the district of Shimoga is a lesser known trekking destination. This peak in the Western Ghats winds through thick forests and is the natural habitat of a variety of wildlife.

 

Description Of Kodachadri - A place near Murudeshwara

Kodachadri Hills serve as a stunning backdrop of evergreen forests to the town of Maravanthe. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 4411 feet above the sea level amidst Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, they also prove to be one of the good trekking trails, beginning at the South Kanara Forest.

Beginners or trekking newbies can easily undertake this trek. Since most of the expedition covers a forest landscape amidst low altitudes, chances of altitude sickness are low as well. The total distance is 14 kilometres to and fro.

Nestled deep in the Western Ghats in the district of Shimoga and holding its place as the tenth highest peak in the State, Kodachadri is home to lush green jungle trails through dense tropical forests, picturesque waterfalls and mesmerizing landscapes. Located in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, it also forms the perfect backdrop to the Moola Mookambika Temple, believed to be the place of origin of Goddess Mookambika. Catching a glimpse of the evening sunset into the Arabian Sea from its peak offers an enchanting experience; a combination of mountain and ocean, that very few peaks in the country can boast of.

 

Trekking In Kodachadri 

There are mainly three trails to the peak apart from several other less explored ones. The most popular, as well as the most challenging, is the one via Hidlumane Falls starting from either Sampekatte or Marakuttaka. This trail is relatively steep and rugged and requires you to make your way through thick forests, gentle streams and quite literally climb a waterfall which becomes a whole other ballgame during peak monsoons. Despite the efforts, the journey to the top is one you’ll remember and be proud of as you’re transported to another world, with magical sights, untouched forests and challenging climbs at every corner.

The other relatively easier trail is the one from Karakatte via Santhosh Hotel, Valur (Trek Route 2 in the image above). Private vehicles can easily come up till the tiny settlement housing the hotel and one can begin their trek from here which takes around 4-5 hours to reach the peak. 

The third trail is actually a jeep route and is the longest of the three and is one which you’ll be taking on your descent from Kodachadri if you happen to opt for a jeep.

All three trails eventually culminate at the Moola Mookambika temple which also houses a PWD guest house and a couple of homestays that serve as an important landmark on your way to the peak. From here the peak is around 2 kms.

 

Best time to visit Kodachadri 

The best time to visit Kodachadri depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Kodachadri, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, offers different experiences throughout the year:

  1. Winter (November to February): This is considered the peak season due to the pleasant weather. The temperature remains cool, making it ideal for trekking and outdoor activities. The views are clear, and you can witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

  2. Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, resulting in lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls. However, trekking during this time can be challenging due to slippery trails and leeches. If you enjoy the misty and mystical atmosphere, this could be a great time to visit.

  3. Summer (March to May): Summers in Kodachadri can be hot and humid, but it’s still a good time to visit if you prefer less crowded trails. The vegetation might not be as vibrant as during the monsoon, but the clear skies provide excellent visibility of the surrounding landscapes.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Kodachadri depends on your preferences for weather and activities. If you’re planning to trek, winter might be ideal, while if you want to experience the lush greenery, monsoon could be perfect.

 

How To Reach Kodachadri

Kodachadri, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, is accessible by road from various cities and towns. Here’s how you can reach Kodachadri:

  1. By Air: The nearest airport to Kodachadri is Mangalore International Airport, located approximately 130 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Kodachadri.

  2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Kodachadri is Shimoga Railway Station (also known as Shivamogga), which is around 110 kilometers away. From Shimoga, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodachadri. Alternatively, you can also travel to Udupi Railway Station, which is approximately 130 kilometers away.

  3. By Road:

    • From Bangalore: Kodachadri is around 400 kilometers from Bangalore. You can drive or take a bus from Bangalore to Shimoga and then proceed to Kodachadri by taxi or bus.
    • From Mangalore: Kodachadri is around 130 kilometers from Mangalore. You can drive or take a bus from Mangalore to Kollur, which is the base village for Kodachadri trek, and then proceed to Kodachadri by jeep or trekking.
    • From Shimoga: Kodachadri is around 110 kilometers from Shimoga. You can drive or take a bus from Shimoga to Kollur and then proceed to Kodachadri by jeep or trekking.
  4. By Bus: Several government and private buses operate from major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Shimoga to Kollur, which is the base village for Kodachadri trek. From Kollur, you can hire a jeep or trek to reach the Kodachadri peak.

Once you reach Kollur, the base village, you have to arrange transportation to the starting point of the trek. Jeep services are available for hire from Kollur to the trekking point. From there, you can trek to the Kodachadri peak.


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