Kodachadri Hill — Attraction in Karnataka

Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests (elevation - 1,343 metres above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India 78 km from Shimoga. Kodachadri is the highest peak in Shivamogga district. It is declared as natural heritage site by the Karnataka Government. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park and considered as a biodiversity hotspot, 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, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, paradise flycatcher, Indian tiger, Indian leopard, Indian elephant, hyena, gaur, Indian rock python and many more, of which several are threatened. Kodachadri hill contains iron ore in its soil and test digging was also done here during the 20th century and it was identified that the stones found here have magnetic properties. Sarvajna Peeth is a small temple like structure near the peak where Adi Shankara meditated. This small structure bears a name which is similar to Sarvajñapīṭha, also called Sharada Peeth of Jammu and Kashmir.which was visited by Adi Shankara during his long spiritual journey, where he defeated other scholars in philosophical debate and opened the southern door of the temple. Another temple is located near travellers' bungalow and is believed to be the moola sthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi. From this spot, it is a 2 km trek to the peak. Just below the peak, an almost vertical path leads to a small cave called Chitramoola, from where the Mookambika temple of Kollur, is visible. The path to Chitramoola has been closed by forest officials citing various reasons. As of now a pilgrim can go only upto Sarvajnapita. One iron pillar of about 40 feet length is planted erect in front of Moola Mookambika Temple near peak of Kodachadri and it is compared with massive similar historic iron pillars located at Dhar, Mount Abu etc.Devotees believe that this is the trishula used by goddess Mookambika to slay a demon called Mookasura as per local tradition. Indian scientists from IGCAR Kalpakkam and KREC(Now NITK), Suratkal, Mangalore conducted a test on the iron pillar and found that it was made from traditional Indian metallurgical skills and not from modern...

Located near the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple in Shimoga district, Karnataka, Kodachadri is one of the most scenic trekking destinations in the Western Ghats. The hill is historically significant as it is mentioned in Skanda Purana and believed to be the place where Adi Shankaracharya meditated and established a temple for Goddess Mookambika.

Key Highlights Went with a group by booking online, which made the trip well coordinated. Reached the homestay early Saturday morning, followed by local sightseeing at Nagara Fort and the serene Devagange Pond Started the trek on Sunday around 6 AM, carrying packed breakfast in boxes for the journey. The trail passed through dense forests, alongside streams and waterfalls, offering refreshing views at every step. Continuous rain made the path more adventurous, raincoats weren’t very effective, so it’s best to carry a waterproof cover for phones. Some stretches of the trek are challenging Reached the peak around 12 PM, relaxed, and started the descent. For those tired, jeep rides are available from a certain point. Completed the trek by around 4 PM, had lunch at the homestay, and departed back.

Getting There You can reach the homestays near Kodachadri by car or as part of a pre-booked trekking package. If traveling independently, it’s important to contact the homestay in advance to arrange for a local guide and jeep. Trekkers must obtain permits via the Aranya Vihara portal before entering the forest area.

Additional Notes Mobile network is unreliable, so carry cash and inform friends/family about your travel in advance. Kodachadri also attracts pilgrims who usually opt for the jeep route to reach the temple at its summit. Plastic is strictly prohibited. Officials conduct thorough checks before the trek. A refundable deposit is collected for any plastic item carried, including wrappers. Packing food in steel boxes is highly recommended. Visitors should respect the environment by avoiding litter and, wherever possible, helping to keep the trail clean.

Final Thoughts Kodachadri is a must visit trekking destination in Karnataka, offering breathtaking views, lush greenery, and an immersive journey through forests and streams. The climb is rewarding, the atmosphere is rejuvenating, and the overall experience is well...

Must visit place, most young people visit here Kodachadri (Kannada: ಕೊಡಚಾದ್ರಿ) is a mountain peak with dense forests (elevation - 1,343 metres above sea level)in the Western Ghats in South India (Shivamogga District, Karnataka), 78km from Shimoga. It is declared as natural heritage site by the Karnataka Government. and it is 13th highest peak of Karnataka.The name comes from native word "Kodacha" or "Kodashi", which means Kutaja flowers, and "Adri", a Sanskrit word for mountain, both combined together to coin the word Kodachadri. "Kuţaja" in Sanskrit means Girimallika or Jasmine of the hill (Wrightia antidysenterica). The hilly region that is full of "Jasmine of the hills" plants is "Kutajagiri". It is also called "Kutachadri" and "Kodashi Parvatha".Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since early prehistory.[citation needed] Several monolithic structures or menhirs were built here in prehistoric times. Rocks with dimensions greater than 12 feet were used in their construction. These large structure can be found just 20 Kilometers outside of Nagara-Nilsakal.[citation needed] A temple dedicated to the Ancient Mother Goddess Mookambika is located near the top of the peak. The temple is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and it is said to stand where thousands of years ago Mookambika fought and killed the demon Mookasura. In Historic times, people used to trek from Nagara state, a nearby place and Europeans trekked to the peak during the 19th century. Lewin Bentham Bowring, who served as Commissioner of Mysore between 1862 and 1870, records that Kodachadri is "clothed with splendid forests, and the ascent is very steep indeed in one place near foot....The view from the top of the hill, which has a bluff appearance from the distance, though it is as sharp as a knife in reality, is very fine, commanding a long stretch of great Ghat range, a considerable portion of Canara (Kanara), and a wide view over Malnad".He further records that, Kodachadri is visible from Merti Peak...