Kodachadri is a famous trekking place in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. At an altitude of 1312 meters it is surrounded by Western ghats. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to
several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.
Preparation for the trek:
We were a group of 8 from my office and a college friend of mine was supposed to join us on the way. We hired a tempo traveller. Tents and food were arranged. We left Bangalore on friday night at 9.
Trek day 1:
We reached Shimoga early in the morning at 5. We hired rooms to get freshen up but ended up sleeping till 8am which resulted in reaching the trekking place quite late. At the foothills of the mountain jeeps are available which take you to the top of the hill. We hired a guide at the foothills as we thought it would be helpful in finding the path to the summit. There are several waya to reach the summit, we decided to take the route which goes through Hidlumane falls. The trekking route goes through the dense and pretty much steep forest. As we had chosen a wrong time for the trek(April), dehydration had started its effect on us and we were loosing energy. After walking for some 4-5 kms we found a house at the base of the Hidlumane falls. Butter milk at the house was refreshing for the people.
Trek continued to the Hidlumane falls which was around 2-3 kms from the house. Even though we were there in the summer, water level in the falls was quite remarking. And the falls amidst the dense jungle reminded me of James Cameron's Avatar movie. After a lot of photography sessions we started climbing a pretty steep rock. And we continued our quest to the summit. We hiked across landscapes, grasslands, mountains, climbed up and down many hills before reaching the Moola Mookambika temple on the hill. There is a traveller's bungalow with basic facilities which should be reserved well in advance. We took rest at the temple for a while as this pace has water taps, spilling the water on the face was quite refreshing in the hard sun.
From here the trek is around 2-3kms which takes you to the top of the hill. At the summit there is small a temple near the peak where Shankaracharya did meditation and ancient Sarvajna Peeta (built out of rock) at the top.We were on time to see the sun setting. we pitched up tents on the top, put up campfire and had dinner.
Trek Day 2:
We got up early in the morning and packed our things and started trekking down till the temple. as most of us were tired and we had to reach Bangalore by night, we took a jeep till the base. They charge 150rs/head and it is about 45min body-shaking journey.
Trekking details:
Base camp: Nittur
Connectivity from Bangalore: Well connected by Govt buses.
Journey hours: 7 hours in bus, 8 hours in train.
Trekking distance : 12-13 kms
Trekking season:
October-Jan(advised)
Difficulty level:
Very difficult for amateur trekkers.
Moderate for frequent trekkers.
Must carry:
Total trekking time:
Tips for photographers:
Preparation for the trek:
We were a group of 8 from my office and a college friend of mine was supposed to join us on the way. We hired a tempo traveller. Tents and food were arranged. We left Bangalore on friday night at 9.
Trek day 1:
We reached Shimoga early in the morning at 5. We hired rooms to get freshen up but ended up sleeping till 8am which resulted in reaching the trekking place quite late. At the foothills of the mountain jeeps are available which take you to the top of the hill. We hired a guide at the foothills as we thought it would be helpful in finding the path to the summit. There are several waya to reach the summit, we decided to take the route which goes through Hidlumane falls. The trekking route goes through the dense and pretty much steep forest. As we had chosen a wrong time for the trek(April), dehydration had started its effect on us and we were loosing energy. After walking for some 4-5 kms we found a house at the base of the Hidlumane falls. Butter milk at the house was refreshing for the people. 
Trek continued to the Hidlumane falls which was around 2-3 kms from the house. Even though we were there in the summer, water level in the falls was quite remarking. And the falls amidst the dense jungle reminded me of James Cameron's Avatar movie. After a lot of photography sessions we started climbing a pretty steep rock. And we continued our quest to the summit. We hiked across landscapes, grasslands, mountains, climbed up and down many hills before reaching the Moola Mookambika temple on the hill. There is a traveller's bungalow with basic facilities which should be reserved well in advance. We took rest at the temple for a while as this pace has water taps, spilling the water on the face was quite refreshing in the hard sun.
From here the trek is around 2-3kms which takes you to the top of the hill. At the summit there is small a temple near the peak where Shankaracharya did meditation and ancient Sarvajna Peeta (built out of rock) at the top.We were on time to see the sun setting. we pitched up tents on the top, put up campfire and had dinner.
Trek Day 2:
We got up early in the morning and packed our things and started trekking down till the temple. as most of us were tired and we had to reach Bangalore by night, we took a jeep till the base. They charge 150rs/head and it is about 45min body-shaking journey.
Trekking details:
Base camp: Nittur
Connectivity from Bangalore: Well connected by Govt buses.
Journey hours: 7 hours in bus, 8 hours in train.
Trekking distance : 12-13 kms
Trekking season:
October-Jan(advised)
Difficulty level:
Very difficult for amateur trekkers.
Moderate for frequent trekkers.
Must carry:
- Tent, sleeping bag and mat.
- Good trekking shoes.
- Water(2-3lts). You can fill it up at Bhattarmane
- Leech repellent if you are going before november( Iodex spray, salt). Leech socks are the best options.
- Proper winter wear if you are going after Nov. Temp on the hill slides to 5c during winter
- Flashlight, First aid kit, Knife, rope, energy drinks and food items.
- Reserve your tickets in advance.
- Start trekking early in the morning, sooner the better. Try to reach the summit by eod.
- Stay with the crowd always. Kumaraparvata is safe though.
- Woods in the forest will be wet till October sic rainfall is often in the region.
- Keep your backpack as light as possible. Dont carry too much of food.
Total trekking time:
- If you are a frequent trekker, you can reach the summit in 6-7 hours.
- If trekking is rare for you and your stemina is relatively less then you will reach mantapa by the eod.
Tips for photographers:
- Dont forget to capture the macro beauties of the jungle.
- View from the mountain gives a perfect landscape.
- Get up early to capture the most beautiful sunrise you might have seen in your life.
- Do not carry alcohol. Do not smoke in the jungle
- Do not throw anything during the trek. Dustbins are seen at many places. Keep the trekking place clean for the following trekkers.
