If you are enthusiastic about mountain trekking, Kundadri hills is probably the best place to hit this season. Kundadri, a hill station located near Teerthahalli Taluk of Shimoga, is a monolithic rock formation towering 3,299 feet above sea level.
The hill which is surrounded with lush green forests is an ideal spot to visit during summer.
Blanketed by mist, the dense evergreen woods seem to come alive with every step I took towards the 17th century Jain Temple located here.
Being an abode of serenity, the Jain temple attracts a large number of devotees irrespective of religion, caste and creed every year during the Makara Sankaranthi festival. The hills also offer a panoramic view of the surrounding region.
One can see crystal clear streams of water flowing into the lush green jungle. And, the backwaters of Varahi Dam enhance the beauty of nature in Kundadri.
To enable piligrims reach their destination fast, the roads that lead to the temple are asphalted well facilitating cars and buses to use this route with relative ease.
As I walked around the temple, I stumbled upon two small ponds that were covered with lotus blooms. Mesmerised by the stark contrast of the pink petals against the turquoise waters, I decided to spend some time alone at the ponds.
To top it all, the stunning view of amber skies during sunrise and sunset on a clear day adds a touch of divinity to the hill stations.
Kundadri gives its visitors numerous options that include trekking, observing birds and visiting the falls. The hills can be reached from Teerthahalli through Nallur or Kammaradi-Begar-Hosagaddi.
Those who opt to travel from Sringeri can choose to take Kammaradi-Begar-Hosagadde route. While those who prefer hiking can follow the route from Teerthahalli and walk 6 kilometres from Kammaradi.
Kundadri is a beautiful place to visit to soak in nature’s beauty or for holy pilgrimage. Either case, the solitude and sense of calm that the hills have to offer will make the trip totally worth it.