Unforgettable Views from Kodachadri Temple

Kodachadri Temple in Karnataka's Western Ghats is a religious pilgrim destination and a favourite trekking destination. It's 1,343 meters (4,406 feet) above sea level and the 10th-highest peak in the state. It's highly revered because of its religious importance as well as scenic beauty. The temple of Goddess Mookambika is situated at the summit of the peak where the goddess defeated the demon Mookasura. Kodachadri was the natural abode of Goddess Mookambika until she was installed in the Mookambika Temple at Kollur, 21 kilometres from here. Kodachadri temple is a simple one and not a new one but highly spiritually charged. A lot of people visit the place and pray there to get blessings and experience the spirituality of the location. It is said that the great Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya had meditated at the same place here, a sacred place for the followers. A temple by the name Shankaracharya Peetha was where he had meditated, piously renaming the temple once again.

God forbid, Kodachadri is heaven for trekkers. The journey to the top is an experience worth every rupee with roads cutting through forest, grassland-hills, and foggy valleys. The distance of the trekking is about 10–12 km where one can spot the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea in the horizon if the day outside is clear. The jeep travel from Kollur to the temple is also made available for the rest, those who do not wish to experience a bumpy ride. Kodachadri also boasts some of the nature spots, i.e., Hidlumane Falls, a whirlpool waterfall in the forest, and it's one of the abodes of mountaineers. Nature enthusiasts are also able to witness diverse fauna and flora as the place is situated in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and comprises the existence of elephants, leopards, and other bird species on our planet. The most ideal time to visit Kodachadri Temple would be October to February with beautiful weather and green forests making the view even more beautiful. Monsoons, although making the roads tough, add a pinch of magic with foggy mountains and streams running through streams. If you are a religious one seeking divine blessings, an ecologist seeking to explore virgin lands or an adventure tourist seeking to experience a great trekking experience, Kodachadri Temple is your perfect combination of nature and divinity. Trekking to the sacred peak is not only to locate the temple but to see the awe-inspiring natural wonder en route.

History of Kodachadri Temple

Kodachadri Temple of Karnataka's Western Ghats Kodachadri Hill is a monumentally historic and mythological place. It is a strong pious location closely related to Hinduism, i.e., the traditions of Goddess Mookambika and legendary sage Adi Shankaracharya. Kodachadri is considered in Hindu mythology as the actual birthplace of Goddess Mookambika, an incarnation of Adi Parashakti (the supreme deity). According to mythology, there was a demon named Mookasura, who after intense penance so that he became untouchable, was frightening the world. At the people's and seers' plea, Goddess Mookambika came and slew Mookasura and brought peace to an end. She got her name as Mookambika, who slew Mookasura.

The 8th-century Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya is said to have performed his prayers on the top of Kodachadri. Legend has it that God showed him a vision of the sacred goddess Mookambika and blessed a temple there, which was named later as the Shankaracharya Peetha. The sanctum sanctorum of Mookambika's main deity was constructed later in the Kollur Mookambika Temple at the base of Kodachadri. Tourists still climb to the top to worship within the historic temple. Kodachadri has been a holy place for over a few centuries. The Skanda Purana and Devi Mahatmyam, ancient texts, refer to the holy hill as the abode of the Goddess Mookambika. The Kodachadri temple was patronized by local princes and gained popularity during the Vijayanagara and Keladi Nayaka kingdoms. These princes preserved the temple and religious heritage.

Nearby Places

placed in the Western Ghats, Kodachadri is not only a pilgrim's paradise but also the gateway to some heavenly heritage and nature sites, is within reach of all from a pilgrim's, a nature enthusiast, as well as an adventure sport-lover perspective. Nature enveloping it makes it easy to travel from any perspective. Feel free to travel to sightseeing spots around Kodachadri worth beholding:

1. Kollur Mookambika Temple (21 km): One of the most travelled pilgrim centres of Karnataka, lying in the arms of Goddess Mookambika, who is an incarnation of Adi Parashakti. Dozens of devotees thronged to the temple, which was supposed to be sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is renowned for its mystical building, spiritual ambience, and adoration from sunrise to dusk.

2. Hidlumane Falls (5 km, on the way to Kodachadri): There is a waterfall along the trekking route to Kodachadri in the forest, Hidlumane Falls. Walking softly by drizzling waterfalls is a hunter's dream. One becomes a trekking route to the waterfalls, an experience, under green cover, brooks, and stone roads.

3. Nagara Fort (25 km): For historians, Nagara Fort is a location. Nagara Fort was built during the reign of Keladi Nayaka and it was a strategic fort. Though it is in ruins now, the fort offers a bird's-eye view of the location and is ideal for picnics and photography.

4. Arasinagundi Falls (12 km): A secret treasure within the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Arasinagundi Falls is famous for its peaceful scenery and peaceful climate. A moderately challenging trek in dense forests to observe the waterfalls is the reason why the spot is an adventure destination for the adventure enthusiasts. The waterfalls are extremely scenic during monsoon seasons.

5. Jog Falls (85 km): Among India's highest waterfalls, Jog Falls is a perfect piece of nature created by the Sharavathi River. The waterfalls plunge 830 feet (253 meters) through four cascades Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. Don't forget to visit during a Western Ghats tour.

6. Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple (45 km): Sharavathi River backwaters is where Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, Goddess Chowdeshwari temple of devotion worship, is situated. The goddess has the power of goddesses and individuals take a visit to be blessed there. A boat ride on the river to the temple is a part of the exclusive experience.

7. Sharavathi Backwaters (50 km): Sharavathi River Backwaters at Linganamakki Dam are scenic, and for that reason alone it is one of the finest spots for boating and wildlife photography. The serene waters, bordered by evergreen forests, are a world of peace far from the bustle of city life.

8. Maravanthe Beach (95 km): If coastal Karnataka is your destination, then Maravanthe Beach is an Arabian Sea golden beach. The reason why the beach is so special is because the Souparnika River flows parallel to the beach, and a scenic view where the river and the sea flow side by side.

How to Reach Kodachadri

Roads to Kodachadri

• Bangalore (400 km, 8-9 hour drive)

• Via Tumkur on NH 75, and then via NH 206 through Arsikere – Tarikere – Shimoga – Hosanagara – Nittur.

• via NH 48 through Channarayapatna – Hassan – Belur – Chikmagalur – Koppa – Hosanagara – Nittur.

• Via Mangalore (175 km, 4-5 hour drive)

• Then to Udupi on NH 66, and take a diversion towards Kollur, and to Nittur.

• Via Shivamogga (115 km, 3-hour drive)

• By, the shortest and most picturesque route, to Hosanagara

• Transport Facility: Bangalore, Mangalore, and Shimoga to Nittur and Kollur: private and KSRTC buses.

• Jeep from Nittur or Kollur to ascend to the top of Kodachadri, if trekking is not on your bucket list.

By Rail

• The nearest railway stations of Kodachadri are Shimoga Railway Station (115 km) and Kundapura Railway Station (80 km).

• Kundapura Railway Station (Konkan Railway line), which is comparatively well linked with Mangalore, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kerala. Taxis or buses may be used to go to Kollur and Nittur from Kundapura.

• Shivamogga Railway Station, also called Shimoga Railway Station, is a railway station in Karnataka with railway connectivity to Bangalore and other towns. Kodachadri can be accessed by road from Shimoga via Hosanagara and Nittur.

• Byndoor Railway Station (60 km) – Another way of transportation is through the Konkan Railway line.

• Udupi Railway Station (100 km) – Well connected to other big cities like Bangalore and Mumbai.

By Airport

• Mangalore International Airport (180 km) – The nearest international airport, with regular flights from Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Bus or taxi from Mangalore to Kollur/Nittur, and then Kodachadri.

• Bangalore International Airport (400 km) – If the travel is from far away, use Bangalore Airport. Direct bus or drive from Bangalore to Shimoga – Hosanagara – Nittur.

Accommodation

Homestays Near Kodachadri

• Homestays are the most suitable for travellers who wish to stay in the local hospitality and Malnad home food.

Kodachadri Homestay (Nittur)

• Recommended close to the foothill of the Kodachadri trek, with the view and prepared food.

• Recommended for trekkers and adventure seekers.

Hill View Homestay (Hosanagara)

• anointed in a greenish setting with plain facilities and a peaceful stay.

• Recommended for family and nature lovers.

Simha Farms (Near Nagara)

• A farm stay amidst coffee plantations with comfortable rooms and nature walks accompanied by guides.

• Hospitality for photographers and relaxation.

Resorts and Hotels

• For the extra comforts of stay, resorts and hotels are located near Hosanagara and Kollur.

• Vanavasa Resort (Kollur, 25 km from Kodachadri)

• Forest camp cottages, adventure games, and night campfires.

• Best for groups and families.

Green Acres Homestay (Nagara)

• Good food and peaceful atmosphere with affordable stay.

• Apt for tourists who need to travel to nearby Nagara Fort.

Kollur Mookambika Residency (Kollur)

• Neat and clean hotel close to Mookambika Temple, with satisfactory facilities.

• Apt for pilgrims and travellers