Kodachadri is a well-known mountain in the Western Ghats.  It is located in Hosanagar taluk, Shimoga district. The peak is 1343 meters high – the highest in the district. The Western Ghats are one of the biological hotspots in the world and Kodachadri is no exception.

Kodachadri peak can be reached by jeeps, which are available in small villages around its foothills. However, trekking is the best way to fully enjoy the forest’s beauty. There is a temple and a holy place called ‘Sarvajna Peetha’ at the highest point of Kodachadri, from where sunset is a treat to watch. On a clear winter day, one can even see the sun setting in the Arabian Sea! There is also a sunrise point at Venkatarayan Durga, a little before Sarvajna Peetha.

Equal or more beautiful are the Shola forests which spread over thousands of hectares at Kodachadri’s foothills. Like other forests of the Western Ghats, these too are evergreen forests and home to many species of flora and fauna.

Monsoon is the time of the year when the mountains and forests embellish themselves with green grass and small streams. It rains cats and dogs and the sun doesn’t show up for weeks together. For newcomers and tourists, it is a rare sight to watch, while for the residents, it is the most boring time of the year. Trekking in the forests at this time can be very thrilling and adventurous because of blood-thirsty leeches.

June to early August is the time when frogs mate. A curious eye and discerning ear can hear many mating calls and maybe even spot frogs indulging in mating.

Once the monsoon is over, birds become active. During winters, birds like the Scarlet Minivet and Crimson-backed Sunbird are amongst the many common sights. In December 2008, a flock of migrating Amur Falcons were seen atop Kodachadri, which was one of the first sightings of the bird in Karnataka.

There are many streams flowing through the forest to join the Sharavathi River, which create a mangrove forest-like setting. One of them is ‘Pandavara Thali’, where the Black-capped Kingfisher can be seen in winter.

This place is home to King Cobras and many other reptiles. Sighting them is common during February and March, which is their mating season. Their fight, called ‘combat dance’, can also be seen during this time.

This place is home to King Cobras and many other reptiles. Sighting them is common during February and March, which is their mating season. Their fight, called ‘combat dance’, can also be seen during this time.

Kodachadri and its surrounding places are less-studied and less-visited, and provide a lot of opportunities to both nature-lovers and biologists.

Getting there and accommodation:
Shimoga is the nearest well-connected town, from where public transport can be taken to reach Nagodi village, from where the trek route starts. Another option is Udupi, from where Nagodi village is three hours away.

Tented stay is possible near the peak, with the prior permission from the Forest Department. There is also an Inspection Bungalow maintained by the Government of Karnataka or a temple priest’s house, with simple food on request. There is little other accommodation at Kodachadri. Nearby towns of Kollur or Kundapura have guesthouses, lodges as well as home-stays.

Trekking tips:
There are different routes to reach Kodachadri’s peak and the difficulty level varies highly, based on the route chosen. Monsoon treks are very challenging due to heavy rains which make the routes slippery, and adequate precautions must be taken.