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Jan142009
Trek to Kodachadri
For a bunch of put-in techies, exercise for whom, generally referred to stretching the hand to press ‘Alt’ and ‘P’ together, trekking 21 Km was nothing short of conquering the Everest or more. Kodachadri, the second highest peak in Karnataka is one of the most beautiful places to exhaust self and drown the work anxiety in cramps.
grassy patch along the trek to Kodachadri
Reaching Kodachadri is quite easy. One can book a vehicle to Nittur, a village near Kollur, which is sort of the base camp for the trek. From there one can start the 13 km long trek to the peak (always better to take a guide from the village). The first 3 kms are very easy and one gets a lot of small streams along the way, all parts of the Hidlumanne falls that one encounters at the end of this easy patch. The part of the trek after this fall is what takes its toll on the first/second time trekker.
The next 7-8 kms are a steep 45-60 degree trek and if its a sunny day, it can get quite nasty. Carry at least
View of the neighboring cliff while trekking Kodachadri
2 ltrs of water and glucose and it might be a good idea to take regular rests along the trek. The upside however, is the view. Absolutely mesmerizing view of the neighbouring peaks parts of which are sunlit, others that arent. There are grassy patches along the way with very few trees perpendicular to the slope (a very mathematically blaise description of a beautiful view). This stretch of the trek ends in a PWD guest house 2.5 kms before the peak. Usually this is the place where trekkers take food and rest before climbing the rest of 2.5 Km to the peak. The food served is nothing special but then, no one complains. This PWD guest house also provides rooms and a dorm. The rooms are usually unavailable for some reason or the other and in such a case, you will either need to stay in the dorm or a tent.
The rest of trek to the peak can be done via two routes, one shorter and more tougher route or the longer simpler route. We, having lost all faith in our guide who kept saying “a little more” everytime we asked how much more, took the longer simpler route. Turns out it was a good long trek with amazing view of mist
Shankara Peetha at the peak of Kodachadri
filtered sunlight on our right to give us company. In the hour of dehydration and cramps, I guess thats what keeps one going.
After 2.5 kms (just realized how easy it is to type 2.5 kms), we reached the best part of the trek, the partwhich is about 2-3 steps away from the peak, when one realizes that ones done it. All the thoughts of giving up that may have come along the way, rush through the mind and a strange confidence takes over. Those who trek probably do it for this moment, the only moment in a long trek when one is absolutely certain that one will complete it.
sunset at Kodachadri
At the peak there is a Shankara Peetha and a small shop that sells some refreshments. If you have made it in time, you can sit down and wait for the sun to set. If you have not realized till now, thats what you are there for. The sunset cannot be described by the author, all he can say is that it was beautiful and if you are lucky it would’nt be as cloudy as it was for him.
We came down to the PWD guest house and spent the night alongside a campfire playing Mafia and eating the same food they served us in the afternoon (again, no one complained) and trekked our way back to our base camp the next day. You can even take a jeep ride downhill which is rather expensive but recommended if you are feeling tired.
Kodachadri is a perfect trekking spot. Not too easy, not very tough, it guarantees a balanced test of will and physical fitness while offering some of the spectacular views you will ever see.
Please write to the author at ujj@mutiny.in for more details on the trek
The views expressed in this post are those of the writer and are not necessarily endorsed by Mutiny.in
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Madhu
001
7:43 pm
Hai
Nice write up. All the essential details were there. I am planning to go this weekend (21/22nd Feb) starting form cochin. Taking a train to Mangalore or udipi. Could you give me some idea, wherre i should get down?? and how to proceed from there?? If you have some details of the guide, that will be helpful..
Enjoy your day
Madhu
Prem Meena
002
1:02 pm
hi..very nice and comprehensive description of the place..we a group of 21 people r planing on the 21st of Nov’09 from Bangalore, will it be possible for you to advice us with the contact details of the PWD guest house at the peak. Also, it will be good to hear from your your views on the accomodation at Kollur and at the peak.
My contact: 9008306278, premprakash@gmail.com
Sanjay
003
3:36 pm
Hi,
Nice and well described info of the place , Iam thinking of going there in Dec09, can you help me know if there are any guides available . Also i was told that the trek is very tough , not for families, but by reading your writeup, iam feeling that it might not be all that tough . Also if we drive down ourselves any place you suggest for parking the vehicle and let me know the right time to start the trek. i was also told that you can reach that place from Sagar also.
rahul
004
6:09 pm
Hi,
Nice write up. Could you share the contact details of the PWD Guest House. Pls mail me at buzz.rahul@gmail.com
Thanks.
Vishwa
005
10:05 am
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” in local Kannada language. 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. The rain forests loom in a perpetual layer of mist around the peak. Around the peak, the shola forest is also there.
Patalagere resort is a unique place situated at the footsteps of the Kodachadri hill. It has many cottages,which will give you the warmth of staying very close to the nature.Considered to be the starting point of trekking, It would be very ideal to start your journey from here. The management will also arrange vehicles ,which will take you to the top of the hill.
This resort has cottages,which are very reasonable in price.
(Rs 400/- Per head including food (breakfast, lunch,dinner). 24 hours checkout)
For availability of cottages contact-9008087087 or mail to pathalagere@gmail.com
Link –>>> http://www.hobohideout.com/india/kodachadri/pathalagere-guest-house
Simha Farms
006
1:03 pm
We have very nice and affordable accommodation available at the base of Kodachadri. You can choose from Cottages, dormitory to camping tents. Please go through http://www.simhafarms.com for details.