A beautiful hill abode that overlooks the panoramic Western Ghats, Kodachadri in Shimoga district is clothed with splendid evergreen forests. Apart from being one of the best-loved spots for trekking, the enchanting mountain, 1,343 meters above sea level provides the perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity. It is believed that ‘Shankaracharya’ did meditation at the peak of Kodachadri, 115 kilometers from Shimoga town.
Also knows as ‘Kutachadri’ and ‘Kodashi Parvatha’, located at a distance of about four hours from Shimoga, it is near to Jog falls (100 km) and the famous temple town of Kollur.
A road trip to Kodachadri, including Jog falls in the itinerary would involve crossing through the Linganmakki reservoir which in itself is a place worth spending a few days.
The roads are well maintained and the rider has a choice of state highway 50 or NH 206 from Jog Falls, which leads to Kollur, a temple town with famous Mookambika shrine. The journey offers a heart-rendering experience.
The Kodachadri range plays host to a variety of animals like Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill,Paradise Flycatcher, Emerald Piegeon, Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Bison, Python and many more, of which several are endangered. The Sowparnika River flows in the valley beyond the hills and empties into the Arabian sea near the famous Maravanthe beach. The river has large stretches of mangrove forests rich in aquatic delicacies like tiger prawns and crabs. There is an almost vertical path just below the peak leading to a cave from where one can have a glimpse of the Mookambika Temple. The peak presents a not to be missed life-time opportunity in the evening as the sun sets in the west.
Trekkers welcome
It takes about five-and-a-half hours to reach the hill top; refreshments are available three quarters of the way up when one reaches the temple. There is a home stay and a small tea stall around this area. Also at hand is a travellers bungalow which however has to be booked prior to arrival.
The other option is to stay nearby in small towns like Hosanagara which is around 30 kms from Kodachadri.
Other places of interest include a moderate sized water fall deep inside the evergreen forest of Kodachadri, which is called ‘Agastya Teertha’ which can be reached by a small trekking path which starts at the temple. This route takes one through dense forest populated heavily by snakes, so it is advisable to be accompanied by locals and not to venture out at night.
On the way back to Bangalore, one crosses the Nagara Fort which was built around the 18th century and is located around 25 km from Kodachadri.
The top of the fort is another short climb but just as rewarding as one can get a great background shot of the Linganmakki reservoir and dam built on the river Sharavati from the fort.
Jeeps are available at the base of the mountain or in nearby towns like Kollur or Hosanagara to take tourists up the hills. These jeeps usually charge around Rs 600 for a trip. The track is uneven and filled with large sized boulders making it difficult for any vehicle except a reinforced jeep to go up.
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Fact file
From Bangalore: 406 kms
Getting there: NH 206 through Tumkur, Shimoga and Sagar. By train to Shimoga and hire a car or jeep to Kodachadri.
Stay: PWD Inspection Bungalow on hill top. Home stays and small hotels in nearby towns like Kollur, Hosnagara, Nittur.
Advice for shutterbugs: Carry protective covering for cameras as it can rain anytime on top of the mountain.
