Here’s a complete overview of Kodachadri Hills, a popular trekking and pilgrimage destination in Karnataka, India:
🌄 Kodachadri Hills – An Overview
📌 Location
- Located in Shimoga (Shivamogga) district, Karnataka.
- Part of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Elevation: 1,343 meters (4,406 feet) above sea level.
- Nearest towns: Kollur (21 km), Nittur, and Nagodi.
🌿 Why is Kodachadri Famous?
1. Natural Beauty
- Dense evergreen forests, shola grasslands, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Arabian Sea (visible on clear days).
- Hidlumane Falls – a multi-tiered waterfall en route to the peak.
2. Trekking Destination
- Popular among trekkers and adventure lovers.
- Trekking routes:
- Nittur → Hidlumane Falls → Kodachadri Peak (most scenic).
- Kollur → Jeep Track (easier, motorable).
- Trek difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
- Distance: Around 12-14 km round trip, depending on the route.
3. Spiritual Importance
- Associated with Adi Shankaracharya, who meditated here.
- Sarvajna Peetha – small stone temple at the summit.
- Nearby Mookambika Temple in Kollur attracts thousands of devotees.
4. Biodiversity
- Lies within the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Rich in flora and fauna: elephants, leopards, bison, and rare birds.
- Plant life includes medicinal herbs and endemic species of trees.
🚌 How to Reach Kodachadri
By Road:
- From Bangalore: ~430 km via Shimoga or Sagara.
- From Mangalore: ~150 km.
- From Udupi: ~130 km.
- Jeep rides are available from Kollur or Nittur to reach the peak (partially off-road).
By Train:
- Nearest railway stations:
- Byndoor (40 km)
- Shimoga Town (100+ km)
By Air:
- Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport (~150 km away)
🏕️ Where to Stay
- Homestays and lodges in Nittur, Kollur, and nearby villages.
- Basic accommodations available; luxury options are limited.
- Camping is allowed in certain areas with forest department permission.
📅 Best Time to Visit
- October to February: Best weather for trekking and sightseeing.
- Monsoon (June–September): Lush greenery and waterfalls, but trails are slippery.
- Summer (March–May): Hot and humid, not ideal for trekking.
⚠️ Travel Tips
- Carry enough water, snacks, and first aid.
- Plastic use is banned – carry eco-friendly items.
- Forest department may require entry permission or registration.
- Trek with a local guide if unfamiliar with the route.
- Weather can change quickly, especially in monsoon.