INDIAN PHOTOS

Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests (altitude - 1312 metres above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The name comes from native word "Kodacha" or "Kodashi" which means hill and "Adri" a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. It is also called "Kudajadri" and "Kodashi Parvatha". Kodachadri forms a 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 peak is barren due to strong winds and the thick forest cover at the base makes the peak invisible from lower ground level and also several other smaller peaks and hills exist around the peak. The important animal life include Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Emerald Pigeon, Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Bison, Python and many more, of which several are endangered. There are different routes to reach the Peak of Kodachadri and the difficulty varies highly with respect to the route chosen, However it difficult to reach the peak in monsoon due to heavy rains that make the routes slippery.

The Shola Forests spread over the surrounding hill range as well as on Kodachadri hill range is unique. Shola forests are said to be the life of steams and rivers of such hills. Plants in Shola forests are neither shrubs nor big trees, but medium sized green plants with tough trunks, which is suitable to withstand the strong winds that lash the mountain sides continuously. The speedy winds that lash the mountains during monsoon can easily uproot bigger trees but do no harm to shola forest. Shola forest also shelters different types of reptiles, birds, insects, vertebrates;The flora and fauna of Shola forest is unique. Other than Shola Forest, there is a good coverage of dense evergreen forest with high canopy.

History - Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since long time. Probably prehistoric men also trekked in this area and several monolithic structures or menhirs (big rocks with a length more than 12 feet) are found near Nagara-Nilsakal, at about 20 km from this place. Ancient mother goddess temple is there near the top of the peak and legend says that the goddess slayed Mookasura several thousand years ago. This belief can be compared with ancient practice of worshipping Mother Goddess during prehistoric time all over the world. At present, Kodachadri is popular among locals and Keralites since at least 500 years or more. Sage Shankaracharya is said to have visited this place and established Kollur temple. A small temple built with stone dedicated to sage Shankaracharya is situated at the top of Kodachadri. Pilgrims from Southern India visit Kollur and some of them trek to Kodachadri also, retracing the foot steps of Sage Shankaracharya.

Places of interest - There is small a temple near the peak where Shankaracharya did meditation and ancient Sarvajna Peeta (built out of rock) at the top. There is road up to temple where a travellers' bungalow is also situated and from there one has to trek on a beaten track to the top. Moola Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the moola sthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi. Just below the peak, an almost vertical path leads to a small cave called Chitramoola, from where the Mookambika temple of Kollur is visible. One iron pillar of about 40 feet is planted erect in front of Moola Mookambika Temple at Kodachadri and devotees believe that this is the trishula used by goddess to slay the demon . Indian scientists from IGCAR kalpakkam and KREC Suratkal had a test made on the Iron pillar found that it was made from traditional Indian metallurgical skills and not from modern casting methods. It is found as pure iron. Several such pillars are also found in some places all along Western Ghats (e.g. near Kemmannu gundi, near Yemkalkere, Agumbe, where there are good iron/manganese deposits). Some of these pillars might have been erected by British people, to mark availability of iron ore. However mining in large scale did not take place at Kodachadri, though there are efforts to lease out the surrounding hills to mining companies to mine manganese and iron.

Around ten km from Kodachadri is Hidlumane Waterfalls and only a bridle path is there to reach this waterfalls - suitable for those who love a little adventurous trekking.

Another water falls in deep forest is Arasinagundi falls which is nearer to Kollur, at the bottom of Kodachadri. There is also one more distant waterfalls called Belakallu theertha, which is near Mudur, Jadkal (Kollur), also suitable for trekkers.

Nagara Fort is around 25 km from Kodachadri and there exists an old fort built during 18th Century and around Nagara, the landscape created out of backwaters of Linganamakki Dam on Sharavathi River is pleasant. There is also thick forested area and some villages with agricultural activity, all making good landscape.

Kodachadri is also a popular trekking route among the people of Udupi district and surrounding villages. Particularly, for students and for those who are beginners, this trekking route is ideal with fair difficulty and availability of hot food at the end of trekking. It is around five-hour trek from Nagodi village, near Kollur. In summer, it will be real hot to trek and during rainy season, it is almost impossible for beginners to trek due to heavy rain,cloud, chilly weather and leeches. Rainy season trekking can be undertaken as a unique experience, and trekking during winter is ideal. During winter, the weather will be all clear and the panoramic view is beautiful. Night trekking during winter on a full moon day will be thrilling and a good option for such trekkers who want a change. Another easier trekking route is on the jeep road, which starts from Sampekatte village (Hosanagara Taluk). At the top, there is a permanent settlement of one Bhat, whose main business is serving the trekkers and devotees who trek, with food and shelter - of course, a small amount is charged. For trekkers, much preparation is not required in respect of food and shelter. Travellers bungalow maintained by Tahasildar Hosanagar (Govt. of Karnataka) is capable of providing basic shelter for a dozen of people. Trekkers can take rest during night and return next morning.

The sunset watched from Kodachadri peak on a clear day is an enchanting experience. The Arabian Sea is visible from the top on cloudless day and sun literally goes down into the sea and due to the proximity to sea, the shape of golden sun changes every minute. At the beginning it looks like a inverted pot, then like a vessel, a hat, a ring with double edges and so many shapes are visible which is a interesting sight. The sunrise is also seen from another hillock behind the Tourist Bungalow and the hillock is called Venkatarayana Durga, with some remote connection to some Palegara Kings who ruled the surrounding places. During sunrise, the plateau below is usually covered with mist and it looks like a vast sea of curd with some high peaks peeping out of that misty plateau.

Transportation - From Bangalore, one has to go to Shimoga (285 km) and from there, one can take public transport to reach Nagodi village (Hosanagara Taluk): three hours journey. From Udupi, it is three hours journey to Nagodi village, from where trekking starts.

Kodachadri has all rough jeep road (partially metalled) on which only good jeeps can travel. Cars and Mini buses cannot maneuver the steep hairpin curves and highly uneven surface of the road. As this hilly road is not maintained properly, only expert local jeep drivers can take the jeep to the top. Jeeps for hire are available at Kollur and at villages near Kodachadri base. Shared hiring is also available at Kollur, nine persons in each jeep and this facility is convenient for odd time tourists. Motorcycle riding on this highly uneven, steep, mud track with sharp hairpin curve with gradients, will be challenging and may be sometimes risky.

Alternative means to reach the peak of Kodachadri is to board a jeep at Kollur. Every day around 30 jeeps take tourists and pilgrims, on hire, to Kodachadri

Where to Stay - There is little accommodation at Kodachadri itself. Kollur (15 km) has several Guest House and lodges as well as homestay accommodation and this is a good option. Nearest Town Kundapura has Lodging accommodation. The travellers' Bungalow at Kodachadri with very very basic facilities and for reservation, contact Officer in charge, PWD, Hosanagar, Shimoga district. One or two homestays are also available near Main Road.