Kodachadri Trek

     The Kodachadri Trek in Shimoga is a famous Trekking destination. The name Kodachadri is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kutaja’ which means ‘Jasmine of hills’. The Kodachadri Peak is the 10th Tallest Peak in Karnataka and has been designated as a natural heritage site. The natural beauty of Kodachadri Hills Trek is unparalleled with glowing rays of the sunrise and the reddish yellow sunset. As part of the Western Ghats, it provides scenic vista for the Kollur Mookambika temple.

This Trek is situated in the heart of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and takes you through an out-of-the-ordinary village setting consisting of Paddy fields, thick jungles and marvellous grasslands. Additionally, the trek features ‘Hidlumane waterfalls’ which is a cascade/series of waterfalls that provide a unique experience to the Trekking that is not usually found in other treks. The thick grassland and the hills surrounding the peak have stories from the 7th century AD. It is believed that this is the place where Adi Shankara, the great Indian philosopher and Vedic scholar, visited and meditated at the peak. The altitude of the Kodachadri Peak is 5,735 ft and according to local legend, the temple of Mookambika Devi was established by Adi Shankaracharya who witnessed the vision of the goddess Mookambika himself.

The Kodachadri Trek is a suitable trek to hikers of all levels from beginners to the experienced ones. Various routes are available allowing individuals to make a choice of their experience to their respective abilities and comfort levels. One can explore diverse flora and fauna by trekking in the dense Shola forests of the Western Ghats at Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. There are mainly 3 trails towards the Kodachadri Peak, of which the most popular, as well as the most challenging one, is via the Hidlumane Waterfalls from the Sampekatte or Marukutakka. The Hidlumane Falls gets its name from a family residing near the falls. The Kodachadri Falls trail is comparatively steep and the hikers will be traversing through thick forests. The other relatively easier route is from Karakatte via Vallur. Trekkers can get private vehicles up to a certain point here and can begin their trek from there. The third option will be a jeep trail and it is the longest of all the three routes. All three routes will eventually conclude at the Moola Mookambika Temple and descending with an off-road bumpy Jeep drive is a real adrenaline rush experience at Kodachadri.

The best season to visit this place, taken into account the Kodachadri Weather, is the post-monsoon season, i.e. from September to February. This place is a part of the Mookambika Temple natural reserve and the five hour trek offers an ultimate view of the Sharavathi Backwaters. A stunning view of the Arabian sea can be witnessed from the peak, especially during the sunset. A very rare combination of Mountain View and Ocean View that can match with a very few other peaks in the current try.

Also, this place is perfect for bird-watchers as this region includes some bird species like White-bellied treepie, Pompadour green pigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Scarlet Minivet, Painted Bush Quail, Racket-tailed drongo, Black-naped Monarch and others.

So, dreaming of breathtaking views and seeking some adventure? Look no further and book your treks immediately with Backpackers United today!