Kodachadri
Encyclopedia
Kodachadri [kannada: ಕೊಡಚಾದ್ರಿ ] is a mountain peak with dense forests(altitude - 1343 meters 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 as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist. 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.The difficulty level if you go by trekking route is 10 out of 10, it will be very slippery as the rain is continuous.
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 the 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 shelter different types of reptiles, birds, insects, vertebrates and 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.
' 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 metalurigal skills and not from modern casting methods. It is found as pure iron .http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/jun10/articles13.htm. 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 kilometers 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.
A night tented stay can be done. In case of any weather
disturbances there is a Inspection
Bungalow
and a temple
guest house
with good food
on request. Traditionally, piligrim-trekkers usually stay in the house of Temple Priest, who also acts as Guest, for a small fee and provides food and basic accommodation.
From Udupi, it is three hours joureny 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 manoeuver 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. Motor cycle riding one this highly uneven,steep, mud track with sharp hairpincurve 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 piligrims, on hire, to Kodachadri
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
in South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
(Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
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
Mookambika
The Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur, dedicated to Mookambika Devi, is one of the most prominent shrines for people in the state of Karnataka and Kerala, India. Located at a distance of 147 km from Mangalore in the picturesque surroundings presented by the banks of the river Sauparnika and...
in Kollur
Kollur
Kolluru is a tiny hamlet situated about from Kundapur Town, about away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in the southern part of India...
. 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 as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist. 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.The difficulty level if you go by trekking route is 10 out of 10, it will be very slippery as the rain is continuous.
Forests
The SholaShola
Sholas are patches of stunted evergreen tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest found in valleys amid rolling grassland in the higher montane regions of South India. These patches of shola forest are found mainly in the valleys and are usually separated from one another by undulating...
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 the 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 shelter different types of reptiles, birds, insects, vertebrates and 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 k.m 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. Original goddess is situated at the top of Kodachadri. Pilgrims from Southern India visit Kollur and some of them Kodachadri also, remembering the visit of Sage Shankaracharya.Places of interest
There is small a temple near the peak where 'ShankaracharyaShankaracharya
Shankaracharya, is a commonly used title of heads of mathas in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. The title derives from Adi Shankara, a 9th century CE reformer of Hinduism. He is honored as Jagadguru, a title that was used earlier only to Lord Krishna...
' did meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
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 metalurigal skills and not from modern casting methods. It is found as pure iron .http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/jun10/articles13.htm. 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 kilometers 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.
Trekking in Kodachadri
A brief itinerary for 2 days trekking.- Day 1: Overnight journey by busBusA bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
to Nittur - Day 2: Nittur - Kodachadri, 12 km trekTrekTrek or trekking is a long journey undertaken on foot in areas where common means of transport is generally not available. Trekking is not mountaineering; it is days of walking along with adventure.-Etymology:...
- Day 3: Kodachadri - Arishinagundi waterfalls via Nittur - KollurKollurKolluru is a tiny hamlet situated about from Kundapur Town, about away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in the southern part of India...
, 19 km trek. OvernightOvernightOvernight is a 2003 documentary by Tony Montana and Mark Brian Smith. The film details the rise and fall of filmmaker and musician Troy Duffy, the writer-director of The Boondock Saints, and was filmed at his request....
Journey
A night tented stay can be done. In case of any weather
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate...
disturbances there is a Inspection
Inspection
An inspection is, most generally, an organized examination or formal evaluation exercise. In engineering activities inspection involves the measurements, tests, and gauges applied to certain characteristics in regard to an object or activity...
Bungalow
Bungalow
A bungalow is a type of house, with varying meanings across the world. Common features to many of these definitions include being detached, low-rise , and the use of verandahs...
and a temple
Temple
A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...
guest house
Guest house
A guest house is a kind of lodging. In some parts of the world a guest house is similar to a hostel, bed and breakfast, or inn whereas in other parts of the world , guest houses are a type of inexpensive hotel-like lodging...
with good food
Food
Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals...
on request. Traditionally, piligrim-trekkers usually stay in the house of Temple Priest, who also acts as Guest, for a small fee and provides food and basic accommodation.
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 joureny 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 manoeuver 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. Motor cycle riding one this highly uneven,steep, mud track with sharp hairpincurve 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 piligrims, on hire, to Kodachadri