Kodachadri Peak

"True Heaven !! Very easy to climb up but once on top very difficult to come back as the view, climate, place, so beautiful u want to be there.. the ride up and down in Jeep lovely experience (differs for each person) 500Rs per head 8 ppl and then they start the journey from Kollur Jeep stand. Takes abt 1.5hours from Kollur to Kodajadri. Nice normal Road, once check post past it's awesome off roading those who loves it will certainly love it, others hold on to ur things.. the amazing drivers takes us to top and from there we hike one and half KM to the temple on top. So lovely to be there.."

Vishak Narayan

"Located near the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple in Shimoga district, Karnataka, Kodachadri is one of the most scenic trekking destinations in the Western Ghats. The hill is historically significant as it is mentioned in Skanda Purana and believed to be the place where Adi Shankaracharya meditated and established a temple for Goddess Mookambika.

Key Highlights
- Went with a group by booking online, which made the trip well coordinated.
- Reached the homestay early Saturday morning, followed by local sightseeing at Nagara Fort and the serene Devagange Pond
- Started the trek on Sunday around 6 AM, carrying packed breakfast in boxes for the journey.
- The trail passed through dense forests, alongside streams and waterfalls, offering refreshing views at every step.
- Continuous rain made the path more adventurous, raincoats weren’t very effective, so it’s best to carry a waterproof cover for phones.
- Some stretches of the trek are challenging
- Reached the peak around 12 PM, relaxed, and started the descent. For those tired, jeep rides are available from a certain point.
- Completed the trek by around 4 PM, had lunch at the homestay, and departed back.

Getting There
- You can reach the homestays near Kodachadri by car or as part of a pre-booked trekking package.
- If traveling independently, it’s important to contact the homestay in advance to arrange for a local guide and jeep.
- Trekkers must obtain permits via the Aranya Vihara portal before entering the forest area.

Additional Notes
- Mobile network is unreliable, so carry cash and inform friends/family about your travel in advance.
- Kodachadri also attracts pilgrims who usually opt for the jeep route to reach the temple at its summit.
- Plastic is strictly prohibited. Officials conduct thorough checks before the trek. A refundable deposit is collected for any plastic item carried, including wrappers. Packing food in steel boxes is highly recommended.
- Visitors should respect the environment by avoiding litter and, wherever possible, helping to keep the trail clean.

Final Thoughts
Kodachadri is a must visit trekking destination in Karnataka, offering breathtaking views, lush greenery, and an immersive journey through forests and streams. The climb is rewarding, the atmosphere is rejuvenating, and the overall experience is well worth the effort."

Likith Srinath

"Kodachadri Trek was amazing experience😎. View from peak is truly breathtaking, making efforts worthwhile as trail goes through moist deciduous forest and cascading waterfalls.

We did treak by foot 🦶 because Taking jeep is for weaklings😈.

We booked the tickets online with option of 'kodachadri Trek via hidlumane' which costs 400/- per person.

From our stay we came to kattinahole base camp from nittur via Jattimane - Ambladi in our private vehicle. From here we had to get the guide which is mandatory for Trek, guide charges were 1200/- varis based on group size.

Started the trek from kattinahole to Hidlumane Abbi falls checkpost ~3km.
At checkpost your bags(all plastic items will be counted and deposit money will be taken which can re claimed by showing all plastic items) and is proof will be checked. By the time we complete the process it was already 11:30am.

Trek goes through dence forest and beautiful hidlumane waterfall. Trail is bit difficult due to slippery rocks and moderately high steep.

We reached peak by 2:30. So its takes around 3hr to reach peak on foot.

While climbing down from kodachadri betta you have 2 options
1) Take jeep route to kattinahole on foot because ascending route is not allowed after 4pm. As it gets dark and descending is difficult.
2) On board the Jeep till kattinahole check post and enjoy the off-road experience with amazing views from top, whole jeep cost 2700/-.

It's recommended to start the trek early morning, while ascending use foot and descending use jeep😌. Trek is of 9km one way if starting from kattinahole base camp."

Siddharth Gabu