Introduction:
Karnataka state has many heritage sites for visitors. Most of them are historical. Many natural photogenic places are also there as it belongs to the Western Ghat. Kodachadri Trek can be a soul-satisfying trekking experience for the adventure lovers. Change your mood from visiting normal tourist places to a trekking tour and select Kodachadri trek. I must say you will cherish rather than regret. The 10th highest peak in Karnataka is Kodachadri. It is in Shimoga district and in the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary. A photogenic view of waterfalls, trails of lush green jungle are some of the main attractions of this trek. The most beautiful part of this place is viewing the sunset in the Arabian sea from the top of the hill. Very few peaks have the combination of mountain and sea both in one go.
It is the local belief that Mookambika temple is the original residing place of Goddess Mookambika. This trek is one of the most challenging treks explored by a smaller crowd. The trek can be started from Sampekatte or from Marakuttaka. The route goes via Hidumane falls. Climbing to the top, making way through the dense forest and steep trail is not a matter of joke as well as an experience of doing something new. During monsoon it will become harder to climb a waterfall. Despite your hard effort, when you reach the top, you feel like conquering Everest. The surrounding views will demolish all your tiredness.
About Routes:
Another easy route to reach the top is from Karakate via Santosh Hotel, Valur. You can get to the hotel by private car and start your trek. It will take 4-5 hours to reach the peak. The third option is a jeep route, which is the longest route. This trail is better to avail at the time of descending. All three routes meet at Moola Mookambika temple and a PWD guest house is also there which tourists use as their landmark to Kodachadri trek. The peak is about 2 kms. from here.
How to reach:
From Bangalore, it is a one night journey. If you are starting by 9 p.m., You can reach early in the morning to any nearest homestay.
Itinerary:
Day1
- After reaching homestay, freshen up and have your breakfast. Bus or car will take you to the trek start point. After accumulating all co-trekkers start the trekking. The first part of the trek is an open field meadow that leads to a thick forest trail. This trail takes the tired trekkers to a small house in between numerous paddy fields, for a small surprise of refreshment.
- Your next stop will be at Hidlumane falls. This falls is a combination of seven waterfalls. The main falls cascading down from a height of 60 ft. Pouring this water on your body will take away all your trekking tiredness. Spend some time to enjoy the touch of falls.
- Start again and take a lunch break at Everest Meadow. To reach here, you have to pass through some steep meadows and slippery rocks. Have your lunch with some light food.
- Start trekking towards Mookambika temple. Enter the temple for offering prayer.
- Start again to finish the trek at Kodachadri summit. You can find a stone made structure here. An 8th century Indian Philosopher, Adi Sankaracharya has mediated here. Enjoy the sunset in the Arabian sea. Take pictures of the splendid view of the sea touching the foothill. Gather some cherishable memories as much as you can.
- Start descending by jeep ride and reach the homestay.
- Have some evening snacks and tea followed by dinner.
The best time for trekking Kodachadri is from September to January.
You can return back to Bangalore or if you want some more you can stay and enjoy another day.
Day2
After breakfast you can visit the beaches of Udupi. There are 2-3 beaches to visit. By the time of sunset, if you reach Sasihitlu beach, you can get some more opportunities to click pictures of beautiful sunset. Return to your homestay. Live for Bangalore so that you can reach early in the morning the next day.
Conclusion
To make a tour plan, the most important part has to take care about the time frame. Don’t make a packed up tour programme. Keep some relaxing time as well as time gap between two programmes. Nothing will happen as many tourists are going every day. Still due to traffic or technical faults in transport can delay your tour. So it is better to manage the time frame properly. When it comes to the question of budget, Kodachadri trek is cost wise budgeted trek but according to your emotional cost it is priceless.
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