Particularly when it comes to the locations for trekking, Karnataka is home to some of the most stunning tourist attractions in the world. There are some hidden gems that you can visit and engage in fascinating activities, if you don’t feel like exploring tourist hotspots.
You can choose the Kodachadri hike as one of these activities to have an unforgettable experience. Kodachadri is a well-known peak located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka for people who are unfamiliar with this trekking location in general.
Given that it is the tenth-highest peak in Karnataka, you are aware that the terrain is not the easiest to traverse. Let’s explore this trek further to learn more about it and how you can successfully accomplish it.
About the trek
As was previously noted, Kodachadri is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, around 20 kilometres from Kollur, the site of the renowned Mookambika temple. The lingering thick flora all around makes the location rather lovely.
The greatest time to go on this walk is between September and February, when the weather is not only nice but also quite good and safe. From the 15 kilometre base, one can hike the full trail; alternatively, one can simply take a vehicle to a comfortable location and hike from there.
Best time to the Trek
One of the best treks in India that you must take soon is the Kodachadri Trek, which the government of Karnataka has designated a heritage monument. You must be aware of the ideal time to visit Karnataka if you want a soul-satisfying hiking trip.
The optimum months to go on a trek are between September and January, say hikers who have already scaled the Kodachadri mountain top. During these months, you can experience the true grandeur of Kodachadri mountain peak, from the nice weather to the best flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Regarding the itinerary, there are two ways to get there: one uses the trails to get to Karekatte, while the other uses the trails to go around and get to Marakuttaka. The earlier one is preferable for those who are not experienced hikers and need a simple trail to visit and explore the area.
The second one does have a few steep trails that are frequently challenging to travel. In the course of it, there are the Hidlumane Falls, which are also incredibly beautiful but also risky.
The vast majority of people advice travelling to Nagodi or Nittur and staying at one of the numerous homestay alternatives.
This makes it much simpler for you to explore the area and complete the Kodachadri trek during the monsoon. Getting a guide for the journey is an excellent alternative if you’re riding the jeep and then walking the final 5 miles to get a handle on what’s going on around you. If you plan to complete the entire climb on foot, the guides are best.
First Part
You will pass past the Hidlumane Falls and then go through the surrounding deep forest for the first half of the hike. You will come upon a temple once you have climbed the first half of the mountain, where you can just pause and look about. Due to the rough terrain, Jeeps are the only form of mobility there.
If you want to maximise your trip, camping is another choice. The Kodachadri Information Bureau is close to the camping area, and you must obtain permission to camp there.
Second Part
From the Shankara Peetham parking space, the trekking expedition’s second leg begins. After that, you have a final 5 kilometre trip to complete before reaching the Peetham. The 40-foot iron pillar in front of the temple is the only distinctive feature of this location.
The Trishul used by Goddess Mookambika to kill Mookasura is thought to be represented by this object. The Kodachadri trek in Karnataka is the only option if you want a truly unique trekking experience. Make sure you have everything organised in advance to avoid any last-minute pricing increases or shortages. As they are frequently well thought out and offer a very simplified experience, it is best advised to make sure you choose the packages.
Place of attraction in Kodachadri Trek
Sarvajna Peetha:
The Shankara Peetam, also known as Sarvajna Peetam, is located on the summit or peak of Kodachadri. According to mythology, Adi Shankaracharya performed Tapas there in order to obtain Devi’s blessings. Three different paths can be used to reach the peak, and all of them lead to the four temples that are located in the middle of Kodachadri. No matter which of the three routes they chose to take, all must walk from that point on to reach the peak.
Moolasthana
The PWD Guest House or visitors’ bungalow is close to the temple of Moolasthana. As implied by the name, Moola (basic/origine) and Sthana (place). Sri Mookambika Devi is thought to have originated at Moolasthana.
Chitramoola
It is advised that travellers stop by Chitramoola, one of the Kodachadri Mountains’ most stunning locations, when travelling through. It is renowned as the location where Sri Adi Shankara meditated for a few days and is said to be immensely significant from a religious perspective. According to myths, this is also the area where Shankaracharya was confronted by the goddess Mookambika, who pursued him till she reached the site of the Mookambika Devi Temple. To get to the cave, adventure visitors can also participate in a strenuous hike on the hill’s western side.
