Kodachadri Kudajadri, Karnataka

Kodachadri or Kudajadri peak is situated in Shimoga district in Karnataka about 115 kilometers from Shimoga and 36 kilometers from Hosanagara. Kudajadri is at a distance of 315 km from Bangalore & at a distance of 147 km from Mangalore. The king cobra, python, tiger, leopard, Indian gaur and a variety of birds, including the Malabar pied hornbill, inhabit these forest.



The Kudajadri peak presents a not to be missed lifetime opportunity in the evening as the sun sets in the west. You can also have a golden glimpse of the Arabian Sea for a moment. The altitude of 1343 m above sea level can be reached by a five-hour trek. At the peak it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya did meditation. And to substantiate the same you will find a 'Sarvajna Peetha' at the top. En route to the peak you will also find a moderate sized waterfall deep inside the evergreen forest of Kodachadri, which is called 'Agastya Teertha'. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12 km away.

Kudajadri hills form a scenic backdrop of the famous Mookambika temple in Kollur. It is believed that "Adi Mookambika" temple at Kodachadri village is the origin of Goddess Mookambika. This temple is said to be the original Mookambika temple, which is associated with the assassination of demon Mookasura by the lion riding Mother Goddess in nearby forests, where the demon Mookasura was disturbing the penance of the sages , devoted to the goddess. The Kodachari hills are a part of one of the largest forest areas in Karnataka and part of this region forms the Mookambika Nature Reserve. Kollur is an ideal base from which to explore the hills. The Mookambika Nature Camp is 4 km south of Kollur. The best time to visit Kodachari is October to March.

Bangalore to Kodachadri Road Route Map Driving Directions
Bangalore to Kodachadri KSRTC Bus Timings Fare
Kodachadri Trekking

Sarvajna peetha

Sarvajna Peeth (Wholesome wisdom) is a small temple like structure near the peak where Adi Shankaracharya 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. The roof from inside has various yantras and chakras carved and whole structure forms a Meru. 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.



From Mookambika temple, Kudajadri peak is at a distance of 40km. Mahindra Jeeps are use to commute to the peak. The jeep can only go up to the PWD rest house (Moolasthana) after which we have to climb about 1.9 kilometers on foot, to reach the apex of the mountain where Sarvajnana peedam or Sankara Peedam is situated.

Chitramoola Cave

4000 year ago, Adi Shankaracharya meditated and did penace at Chitramoola cave and Devi appeared before him. He requested the Devi to come with him to Kerala. She agreed, on one condition, that she would follow him and he should never look back to check if she is following. It would be a test of faith over senses.

Adi Shankara agreed and started walking. He could hear the sound of the anklets bells of Devi as she walked behind him. When he reached Kollur , after a 40 mile walk, suddenly the jingle sounds of Devi’s anklets stopped. Adi Shankara became suspicious that Devi has stopped following Him. He turned to check out. Devi was very much behind him, but, since the vow was broken, Devi said, "I will not follow you anymore. I will stay here at this spot".



That is the spot where Kollur Mookambika temple is today. Sankara was saddened by the turn of events and begged the forgiveness of the Devi whose heart melted for her devotee and promised that she would present herself at Chottanikkara temple in the mornings and he could meet her there.

There is a Shivalingam in the cave.

Ganesha Guha

Ganesha Guha is near the trekking path to Sarvajna peetha. There is a Ganapati idol in this cave and a tunnel which leads to Mookambika temple at Kollur and also to Chitra moola cave.



Iron Pillar

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 casting methods. It is found made of pure iron. It is also found to be less affected by corrosion, despite of humid conditions prevailing there due to heavy rains. This iron pillar is considered as testimony of ancient Indian iron craftmanship.



Hidlumane Falls

Around 5 km from Kodachadri is Hidlumane Waterfalls and it can be reached by trekking on a bridle path.





Arasinagundi falls

Another water falls in deep forest is Arasinagundi falls which 6 km from Kollur, at the bottom of Kodachadri near Dhalli village. The water fall has got its name Arasingundi because of the Arasina (yellowish) color produced while touching the ground. This falls are deep inside the forests close to Kodachadri hills and demands 1-2 Kms trek from the nearest approach road. The road can be reached by hiring Jeep from Kollur Temple. The trekking starts after 8 Kms drive through thick forest. There are signs showing way to the waterfalls on trek route. Entry permission can be obtained at the check post while entering into the forest.



Arisina Gundi Falls (Arasina Makki Falls) is located 67 Kms from Murudeshwar, 83 kms from Udupi and 10 Kms from Kollur Temple. Oct to Dec is best time to visit Arisina Gundi Falls.



Belakallu theertha

One more waterfalls called Belakallu theertha is located near Mudur, Jadkal (and 15 km from Kollur) and at the bottom of Kodachadri on southern side and involves easy trekking to reach.



Nagara fort

Nagara Fort is around 25 km from Kodachadri where an old fort built during the 18th century is located and the landscape created out of backwaters of Linganamakki Dam on Sharavathi River surrounds Nagara town.



Trekking in Kodachadri

A hill called Kodachadri in the district of Shimoga is a lesser known trekking destination. This peak in the Western Ghats winds through thick forests and is the natural habitat of a variety of wildlife.




Photo by Darren Tiumalu from Pexels

How to Reach Kodachadri Kudajadri

By Bus:
To reach Kodachadri (Kudajadri) one may catch a bus from Bangalore to Kollur (South Kanara Dist.) From Kollur one has to travel for around 45 minutes towards Nagara in Shimoga district. Reaching there, you'll find a mud road where you can find a sign indicating the way towards Kodachadri. On the way you will find a small tea shop (Kaka Angadi) after one hour walk. There you will also find a small stream nearby for the early morning business. From here it is roughly 5 hours of trek to the peak. Just half-an-hour before the peak you will find a temple, which is an ideal place for camping. There is also a travellers bungalow nearby. From the temple a slight deviation would lead to 'Agastya Teertha'. The route will take you inside dense forest it is advisable to take help from locals and not to venture at night.

By Air:
The nearest Airport is Mangalore

By Rail:
The nearest railhead is Shimoga

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