Kodachadri is a mountain peak (altitude - 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India ( Karnataka State). The name is a corruption of the Sanskrit word "Kutakachalam." Kodachadri forms a picturesque background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur . Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park , it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. Tha rain forests loom in a perpetual layer of mist around the peak.
This peak is where ' Shankaracharya ' did meditation . You will find a ' Sarvajna Peetha ' of Sri Shankaracharya at the top.
Adi-Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the 'moola sthana' (the origin) of ' Sri Mookambika Devi '.
It is also an excellent locale for Trekkers and backpackers.
The Karnataka govt. has plans to tar the road right up to Shankarapeedom. Environmentalists allege that this would destroy the peace and tranquility as well as natural habitat of many species in the region.
Iron Pillar in Kodachadri
This is the highest peak in Shimoga District. At the peak it is believed that 'Shankaracharya' did meditation. And to substantiate the same you will find a 'Sarvajna Peetha' at the top.
En route to the peak you will also find a moderate sized water fall deep inside the evergreen forest of Kodachadri, which is called 'Agastya Teertha'.
The peak presents a not to be missed life-time opportunity in the evening as the sun sets in the west. You can also have a golden glimpse of the Arabian sea for a moment.
Other places of interest :-
Arishina Gundi Falls
Agastya Teertha
Kodachadri Trek
Kodachadri pictures from hiking & backpacking photos on webshots
The Kodachadri Trek ... by the Enthu group
Kodachadri
The G Cam - Trek to Kodachadri , Karnataka
| Distance:- |
300+ km from Bangalore |
| By Road: - |
Nearest Town Kollur - 20 km
Kodachadri can be reached from Kollur by jeep on a 40 km long winding and slippery mud road with many hair-pin bends.
Mookambika Nature Camp - 4 km south of Kollur
|
| By Air: - |
Nearest airport Mangalore - 147 km |
| By Rail: - |
Nearest Railway station Shimoga |
| Route:- |
From Bangalore catch a bus to Kollur (South Kanara Dist.) From Kollur catch a bus which goes towards Nagara (Shimoga Dist.), and get down at a place [a 45 minute journey].To your right you'll find a mud road where you can find a sign indicating the way towards kodachaadri. On the way you will find a small tea shop (kaka angadi) after one hour walk. There you will also find a small stream nearby for the early morning business. From here it is roughly 5 hours of trek to the peak. Just half-an-hour before the peak you will find a temple, which is an ideal place for camping.(for budget conscious trekkers like us). There is also a travelers bungalow nearby.
From the temple a slight deviation would lead to 'Agastya Teertha'. The route will take you inside dense forest it is advisable to take help from locals and not to venture at night. |
| When to go:- |
October to March. |
| Tourist offices:- |
KSTDC(bookings and info) Badami House, NR Square, Bangalore Tel: 080-2275869, Fax: 2352626 Email: kstdc@vsnl.in |
| Where to stay :- |
Kollur
There are many hotels in Kollur which provide bad food. Conserve your breakfast plans till kaka angadi. |
