Kodachadri trek is a sensational experience for people who like trekking through dense forests of the western ghats. Enjoy enthralling trekking at Shimoga and witness beautiful waterfalls and mountain peaks. The view of the Tunga river, lush green forests, mountain landscapes, and trek trails make you overwhelmed.
Kodachadri is at an altitude of 1343 meters above sea level and the 10th tallest peak in the state.
Location: near Kollur, Shimoga district
Trek distance: 14 km approx.
Trail type: dense tropical rainforests, meadows, waterfalls
Duration of trek: 1 day
The altitude of Kodachadri Peak: 1343 meters above sea level
Difficulty Level: Moderate
There are three main trails to the peak, the most popular and challenging one is via Hidlumane falls starting from Marakuttaka. A steep and rugged trail, through dense forests, gentle streams, and waterfalls. The journey to the top is one you will remember and be proud of as you are transported to another world. With untouched forests and challenging climbs.
The next route is from Karakatta and is a 4 to 5 hours of trek and private vehicles can easily come up till the hotel.
The third one is a jeep route and is the longest of the three.
There are mainly five milestones that one needs to travel on this trail. The first is an open field of meadow in the midst of thick forest trails. Through the paddy fields, the trail leads to a house where trekkers can take a rest. The second is the Hidlumane falls which is a combination of seven waterfalls. You will witness a spectacular view of waterfalls from a height of around 60 feet. The route over tree roots, vertical climb, and slippery rocks from Kodachadri lead to meadows that end on the top peak.
Then the trail diverges and joins the jeep trail that leads to Kodachadri temple. This is the fourth milestone and from here you will hire a jeep. From here the trail leads to a fifth and final milestone that is Kodachadri peak. Apart from this the wide view of the sunset over the Arabian sea, vast evening sky make all your efforts worthwhile.
Best season to visit Kodachadri
Every season has its own charm. The monsoon and the post-monsoon season are most preferred as the place comes alive with greenery. But Kodachadri weather will be challenging for trekking and will become difficult during this time.
How to reach
Kodachadri, located in Kollur, is connected to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. From Bangalore, it takes 400 km via road to reach kodachadri. Bangalore to Tumkur to Tiptur to Arsikere to Tarikere to Shimoga to Hosanagara to nittur. The nearest airport is at Mangalore which is 150 km and it will take 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Kodachadri.
Kodachadri itinerary
Day 1: An overnight journey from Bangalore, reach the campsite at 6:00 am, and freshen up. Begin your journey to Kumble village and Hidlumane waterfalls at around 8:00 am after breakfast. Relax and enjoy the mesmerizing waterfalls, and go ahead for trekking to the top of the peak and have lunch. From the top of the peak enjoy the view of serenity and spend some valuable time there. Go back to the campsite via jeep ride and enjoy the night stay and delicious dinner.
Day 2: Wake up early and freshen up, then pack your bags and check out from the campsite. Visit Nagara Fort and learn about the history of the place. You will get dropped back in Bangalore around 10:00 pm and go back to your home with a lot of beautiful memories.
Things to Carry
- Water bottle
- Hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Caps
- Walking stick
Some tips for your trip
- Instructor has the right to reject any participant if he/she finds it unfit.
- Participant must follow the guidelines provided by the instructor
- Avoid consuming heavy food and alcohol during trekking
- ID proof is mandatory for everyone to do trekking.
- Foreign nationals have to share their passport and visa details.
- The trekking may be postponed due to bad weather conditions; in such cases the next possible date will be informed.
The gentle dense forest and mountain hills take care of every soul who sets foot within their boundary. Visit this beautiful place for trekking once in your life and take back memories of a lifetime and leave your footprints here