Kodachadri Trek - Best Getaway For Trek Enthusiasts

Trek To Kodachadri – [8^th- 9^th June 2019]

Its trek time during monsoon and Karnataka has some of the best trekking places that you can plan for almost every weekend. Kudremukh and Kodachadri trek were always on top of my list. But since I had heard that Kudremukh was low to moderate trek, I planned to do this first and then Kodachadri. And I had enrolled for this trek through BMC (Bangalore Mountaineering Club) along with couple of my trek buddies. But unfortunately just 2 days before the departure date we got to know that forest department did not give permission for trekkers and Kudremukh trek had to be cancelled. Now since we had already made up our mind, we asked BMC for alternate options and we were given - Tadiandamol, Kodachadri and Vatakkanal. Since Kodachadri was 2^nd in the list we decided to go for it. And from here starts the tale of yet another trek – Kodachadri J

Nestled deep in the Western Ghats in the district of Shimoga, Kodachadri is home to lush green jungle trails through dense tropical forests, picturesque waterfalls and mesmerizing landscapes. Being declared as the “Natural Heritage Site” by the Govt. of Karnataka, it is the 10th highest peak in Karnataka and one among the famous Western Ghat Treks.

Day 0 – Depart for Kodachadri from Bangalore – 7^th June

Distance to cover from Bangalore to Kodachadri is around 397 kilometers. A big bus was arranged since due to Kudremukh trek cancellation apparently most of them opted for Kodachadri. Hence our total strength was 41. Quite a big group though, but it was fun J.

We were all picked up from different pick up points and started our onward journey at around 11:30 on Friday night. Total journey time is around 7-8 hours from Bangalore.  If you are planning to reach by air, nearest airport will be Mangalore.

Day 1 – Trek to Kodachadri

We reached Sampekatte around 7 am in the morning and were put up in Chitrakuta homestay. The homestay was really spacious with separate properties for men and women. Each room had enough bath and toilet facilities for a big group to stay comfortably for a day or two. We quickly freshened up, had nice dosas for breakfast and set off towards the trail-head which was quarter kilometer drive away.

Our bus dropped us at the base camp. We started walking along the jeep trail that ferries tourists to the top of the peak. About a kilometer and a half later we deviate off the jeep trail and cross a stream to enter into the jungle. This is the Shola forest range.

We stopped here and had a quick ice breaking session to get introduced to our fellow trekkers. We were then briefed about the trek and day ahead. The peak is 1343 feet above sea level. And we were still at 600 feet. So we understood that the trek isn’t going to be easy. We were told that we have five milestone to achieve during this trek. The first is an open field of meadow that pops up out of nowhere amidst thick forest trails. This is the last point where we will see human civilization. The second stop is the much awaited Hidlumane waterfalls where we can refresh ourselves with nice water flowing down the stream. After crossing lush green meadows, we eventually end up to the open sky and reach the very first peak of this trail which is the third stop. Then again we start our trek and reach a place where the trail merges with Jeep trail. This happens to be the fourth stop. The fifth and final milestone is the actual peak where we will find Forest Bungalow for a quick refreshment and Sarvajna Mantapa. This a small temple-like structure made of stone where Adi Sankaracharya, an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian is said to have mediated.

With this briefing session finally we started walking across the jungle trail. The trails from here on are not very clear and it is easy to lose our way if we don't remain in one group. We had 4 trek leads since the group was quite big so each trek lead was mapped for one particular group depending on the pace. This stretch is about 2 kilometers long and passes through thick jungle. Please be careful about leeches if you are doing this during the monsoon.

The trail eventually opens out to an open field with a couple of huts and agricultural land (the last signs of civilization until we hit the peak). 

We can call this as our first and only rest area before we start our actual climb. We had taken two liters of water with us for the trek. But we wanted to save it for our trek. There was a couple in a house who were serving butter milk to trekkers at the cost of Rs.35. We quickly quenched our thirst with that, took a small break and then started our trek through the fields. As we started walking past this village and then re-enter the jungle, we could already hear the sounds of the Hidlumane falls. We could hear people screaming, so we knew the first stop is not too far.

This trail to the falls is extremely slippery with sharp rock and winds upwards towards the waterfall.

Twenty minutes of scrambling and stumbling up the path and you are at the falls. One tip, please ensure you have good trekking shoes which has good grip (My first choice – Decathlon Forclaz shoes. Please buy this as a onetime investment if you are a regular trekker. Trust me it is worth the purchase and you won’t regret it).

We did not take a dip in the falls since it was already crowded with fellow trekkers. We just splashed water on our face with chilled water from the falls and re-started our jungle trail which was the toughest part of the trek. Do refill your water bottles here as you’re going to need it for the trek ahead and you won’t find any place to refill it till the forest bungalow. The trail here on is extremely steep (60 degrees at certain points) and passes through thick rainforest. You will be climbing up rocks and branches at certain parts until half an hour later the trail leads out to the hilly grasslands of Kodachadri. Here on, the trail overlooks panoramic views and winds up and over a couple of hills. But for me personally this was the toughest part of the trek, since the scorching sun rays are hitting you directly and there is no tree or any shady place to relax for a bit. It is a steep climb uphill and in case you get exhausted, you need to sit on the trail itself. But at one point, we could see one small tree and some shade. Decided to take a break there and relax for a while. The moment I sat and turned around only then I realized the view I was missing all this while. The scenic landscape of lush green mountains around was truly magical. I sat there enjoying the view until my trek buddies reached that spot.

Then again we started walking scaling one mountain uphill and then again descending one after the other. 

Finally at one point, we were totally exhausted with no energy left even to move a leg. Decided to have a lunch there, relaxed a bit, regained our energy and started our trek again. Finally around 45 minutes later, we could see Jeeps passing up hill and it was a happy sign that this trail is finally merging with the jeep trail.

 It was around 4:30 PM when we reached this point. From here the next stop was the forest bungalow and then actual peak which is another 7-8 kms uphill climb. But unfortunately by this time our stamina gave up. We asked our trek lead to arrange a jeep for us (Rs 2000 for 9 of us) and we started our journey back to homestay on yet another bumpy adventurous ride along the jeep trail. Best jeep ride ever had on the rocky terrain with the fearless driver. One important information for people who want to return back from this place – Jeeps are available till 6:30 PM only to return back to the base camp. Post this if you miss the jeep, only way back to descend down the peak along the Jeep trail which is really scary since the trail is not a leveled road and there is absolutely no light. Our other fellow travelers who scaled the peak, took this trail while descending back and it took for them almost 3 hours hike back to the base camp. So only advise would be to plan properly, start early so that you can return back early. In case you are tired, at least you have jeeps to bring you back to the base camp.

We reached homestay at around 6 PM, freshened up and waited for our fellow trekkers to return back. They reached almost at 9 PM walking down the jeep trail and the exertion on their faces was clearly evident. We then had a nice dinner and everyone slept immediately.

Day 2 – Return Journey To Bangalore En-route Nagara Fort

We were woken up by our trek leads at 5:30 in the morning since around 40 people had to freshen up, have breakfast and then leave which would take time.  So we woke up, freshened-up, had idlis for breakfast and bid adieu to our homestay at around 8 AM. During our return journey to Banglaore, our first stop was Nagara Fort built by Shivappa Naik which was just 30 kilometers away. The fort belonged to the Keladi dynasty of 17th century and gives a complete view of the landscape in all directions. We spent an hour here, clicked lot of pictures since this fort has good scenic views at each spot of the fort. 

We then started our journey towards Bangalore only stopping for lunch (self-sponsored) at Shimoga with wonderful memories and great friends. And not to forget, one more goal for me to improve my fitness level and come back next time to scale upto the peak J 

With magnificent scenic views and evergreen jungle trails, Shimoga indeed makes a great place for Western-Ghat treks and a must go place for trekking enthusiasts.