In the Indian state of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, there is a well-known hiking route called Kodachadri Trek. It is well-known for its stunning natural scenery, variety of flora and wildlife, and the presence of the well-known Mookambika Temple.
The journey to the summit of Kodachadri is said to be quite challenging and takes around 6-7 hours to finish. The well-marked track travels by waterfalls, streams, and verdant woodlands. The summit, which is 1,343 meters above sea level, provides expansive views of the surrounding area.
The village of Kattinahole, which is about 14 kilometers from the town of Kollur, serves as the trek’s beginning point. Although the path is open year-round.
Anybody may go and complete this walk on their thanks to the variety of routes. For novice, advanced, and expert trekkers alike, it is a wonderland.
We like hiking just as you do! And we’ve included extensive documentation of this expedition so you may do it alone.
Highlights from Kodachadri Trek
- Rolling Green Hills in the distance
The breadth of stunning, undulating hills covered in rich greenery is what makes Kodachadri Trekking so famous. As far as the eye can view, the hills are covered with a thick layer of vegetation.
During the Kodachadri trekking, you can see the grasslands where the Shola Forest emerges at a height of 5,735 feet.
The many tints of green range from Emerald green to Parakeet green. A fascinating sensation is created by the drama and theatre that fog and mist add to the vegetation.
- Waterfalls of Hidlumane
The Hidlumane Waterfalls are a cascade or a collection of seven waterfalls. A sight to marvel at and something you don’t get to witness on other hikes is the gushing waterfall that you can view just over your head.
You have to dip your feet or at least have your feet in the chilly water that is gushing down.
- Mythology, legends, and the Mookambika Temple
You witness other visitors and pilgrims ascending to Kodachadri’s summit in addition to trekkers. It is stated that the goddess Mookambika battled and killed the demon Mookasura in a stone structure.
The temple, which is located at the summit, is frequently shrouded in mist and fog in the mornings and nights.
Adi Shankara, who climbed the mountain and meditated at the summit of Kodachadri in the seventh century AD, is also honored at this temple.
- Trekking in the dense Shola forests of the Western Ghats
You pass through parts of the Western Ghats’ lush Shola woods on the Kodachadri trek. For everyone who appreciates going through thick vegetation and obtaining the ideal amount of exposure to hiking in a forest, this is a wonderful experience.
There are many different plants and animals to discover in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.
Trail Information
Three base communities offer access to the Kodachadri Trekking. It is possible to start the journey from Nittur, Kattinahole, or even the Vallur side.
If you are driving your car to the base, begin your hike from the Kattinahole side of the hamlet. Hidlumane Falls is where you may begin the trek, or you can continue on the jeep road to the Kodachadri Top (a less exciting option with a constant movement of jeeps on the mud trail)
Through the woodland part, hiking is rather simple from the Vallur side. But, if you hike on this path by yourself, you will miss out on one of the Hidlumane Falls’ main attractions.
Best Time to do Kodachadri Trek
The best time to do the Kodachadri Trek is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, the forests are at their greenest, and the streams and waterfalls are flowing at their fullest.
In contrast, the summer months, from March to May, can be very hot and humid, which can make the trekking experience uncomfortable. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall and can make the trail slippery and unsafe.
It’s important to note that weather conditions in the Western Ghats can be unpredictable, and visitors should always check the weather forecast before embarking on the trek. Even during the dry season, there may be occasional rain showers, so it’s recommended to bring appropriate rain gear.
Some facts about Kodachadri Trek
- Sanskrit’s Kodachadri is translated as “Jasmine of Hills” in English.
- Kodachadri is located 1343 meters above sea level. 4400 feet approximately. It is Karnataka’s tenth-highest summit.
- It is located in the centre of the biodiverse Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. Malabar Langurs, Rock Pythons, King Cobras, Hornbills, Spotted Deer, Leopards, and other animals may be found in the jungles.
- The Kodachadri walk is 11 kilometers in length. Trekkers frequently use Jeeps on their way back.
- The Hidlumane waterfalls hike is the only one featuring flowing waterfalls throughout its course.
- The Kodachadri excursion is rated as having a “Moderate” degree of difficulty. Everyone with a basic degree of fitness may do this journey.
- Throughout the winter and summer, it is renowned for its stunning sunsets. On clear days, one can see the Arabian Sea.
- The characteristic of the western ghats of Shola Forest covers Kodachadri. Most of the year, they are thick and green.
- The rocks in these hills are magnetic and contain significant amounts of iron ore, zinc, and manganese.
- Compared to other mountains, a journey to Kodachadri is truly unique and suitable for all four seasons.
