Kodachadri, Hosanagara

Kodachadri is a peak of delight. It is a trekkers paradise. Kodachadri is one of the highest mountains in Karnataka after Subramanya and Mullayanaigiri.

Standing at a height of 4,400 feet, Kodachadri offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea to the west and forests, plains and reservoirs to the east.

The peak of Kodachadri is the best option for trekking especially for the views from its summit, among the various trekking options             across the Western Ghats.

The peak, located between Kollur and Hosanagara in Shivamogga district, is tall and beautiful.

Start from Hosanagara to reach Sampekatte village via Nagara and take left turn towards Kodachadri hills. Trekking route start from Nagodi or Nittur village which are at the foot of Kodachadri. Kodachadri is 46 km from Hosanagara.

Kodachadri hills has many interesting places such as Sarvajna peetha, Ganesha guha, Iron pillar, Hidlumane falls which is on the way while trekking to Kodachadri.

Forest around till Kollur is declared as Mookambika National park and Kodachadri has been announced as a Heritage Site.

The grassy peak is steep and offers stunning views. The waters of the Arabian Sea is visible to the west. To the east, the backwaters of the Linganamakki Reservoir is visible.

Camp here enjoying the mountains beauty at dawn and dusk. Sunset at Kodachadri is beautiful.

The peak of Kodachadri is also home to a simple shrine called Sarvajna Peetha, dedicated to the great saint Adi Shankaracharya. Built entirely with stone, the tiny structure has an idol of Shankaracharya.

The stone walls and pillars outside have carved sculptures on them. Iron pillar which is 40 feet height made of pure iron was made by the natives of Kodachadri to welcome Shankaracharya can be seen here. 

The association of Shankaracharya with Kodachadri dates back to the ages. From the peak here, a very steep descent goes down through the dense woods, right into the heart of the forest called Ambavana.

There, on an elevated platform of a rock, is a cave called Chitramoola, where the great saint is said to have meditated and made Goddess Mookambika appear before him. 

According to legend, many saints were involved in penance here. But they were frequently troubled by a demon. But the demon, who was also an ardent devotee of Shiva, obtained a boon that he would be granted whatever he asked for.

Fearing that the demon would acquire all destructive powers, Goddess Durga entered his throat and made him mute.
As a result, he could not ask any boon for he could no longer speak.

As such, he was called Mookasura. Yet, his troubles and nuisance to the sages did not stop. When it was too much to bear, Goddess Durga assumed her fiery form and killed the demon with her spear.

Having killed Mookasura, the Goddess also went by the name Mookambika, and so, the forests around are named after her. 

Even though the temple of Mookambika is at Kollur, where devotees normally go, some ardent devotees make a pilgrimage trek to Kodachadri, for they believe it is the ‘original’ abode of the Goddess.

Such a pilgrimage is considered as auspicious as a visit to Sabarimala in Kerala. Naturally, it is not surprising to see hordes of Keralite          pilgrims trekking up this hill.

The trek  involves moderate climbing of about 13 km to the top. The ideal time to visit is anytime except monsoons.

There is bus facility from Hosanagara which stop at nearby villages. Buses from Sagara, Nagara, Shivamogga stop at Kodachadri. Most of the tourists come in vehicles as trekking till the peak is time consuming. Private jeeps are also available at the nearby village which charge according to the season.

There are hotels in Nagodi and Nittur village. There are few home stays available nearby Kodachadri hills and also there is an IB at the top of the hill. The Priest's house nearby the temple also offers accommodation. 

Hidlumane waterfalls and Kalyanai Chowka are tourist places which are on the way while trekking to Kodachadri.