A monsoon trek to Kodachadri peak

The monsoons were pouring down heavily in the southern states this time. The South West monsoon usually retreats by the end of September. I was looking forward to a trek in the rain before it ends. The monsoon in the Western Ghats is something I like the most, the rain is so refreshing and liberating. It didn’t take much time to decide a trek to Kodachadri hills. I started my journey, along with a friend from Chennai in an afternoon train towards Banglore where I had booked an overnight bus to Kudachadri.

I have to get down at a place called Nittur. The trek to Kodachadri starts from here. It was a drizzling morning. The raindrops were soft like snow. It kept on falling as it ever exists, disturbing no one. Nittur is a small village between Shimoga and Kollur. Got a guide immediately. Trekking on our own was the plan but from Nittur, people told it will be a bit difficult to find the trails. Our guide was a nice person, ran immediately to his house to take an umbrella and he was ready to go. We bought some sniffing powder to prevent leeches, as per our guide’s instruction and started our trek to Kodachadri peak.

We took a small trail from the main road and began walking. There were houses on both sides, paddy fields, streams running all around them. It began to rain little later, our guide unfolded his umbrella and walked in front. I followed him, embraced by the rain.

After a while, our trail merged with the road that goes to Kodachadri. For a short distance, we have to walk by the road. Our guide started to talk, about the trek and different trails, then his stories. He told about a group who got lost in the forest during the trek to Kodachadri peak a few years back. There is an area in the forest, finding the correct trail is very difficult once we go inside, he told. He was one among those who went to search a group who were lost in the forest. I felt little difficult to believe his story completely, but I didn’t want to show the doubts on my face. He lead us very confidently as a person who knows these mountains very well.

The walk continued for about an hour, came across many small villages. The road was unpaved. We gradually entered into the forest. Leeches started to crawl on my legs. It was little scary in the beginning but later became used to it. The sneezing powder was effective. Most of us are a bit scared about leeches, one of the reasons why we are little hesitant to go into forests or trek in rain. But I felt they are much harmless compared to the mosquitoes, which we are ready to tolerate in the cities.

We reached a small house, Hidlumane ( “mane” in Kannada means house). Two forest officers were sitting there, gave us the permission to enter the forest after paying an entry fee. We joined some other groups from there. From Hidlumane, the trek continued towards Hidlumane falls. We were walking through the forest, the trails were little slippery.  Our guide led us to the waterfalls, more leeches on my legs. Before Hidlumane falls, there are other two waterfalls. They don’t have any names it seems, but they looked pretty with full water after the heavy monsoon rains.

From the waterfall, the trek is a steep climb through the forest. It rained heavily, hornbills welcomed the rain from the biggest trees. The streams were full. Water dripping from the trees made the sound of the forest more enchanting. During the rains, the forest has a different shade of green. It looked fresh everywhere. Whenever the rain stops for a while, the fog starts to crawl up between the trees to the hills. The forests gave way to grasslands as we climbed higher.

Once again, we met the road, which soon ended in front of a temple. A trail goes to the top of the Kodachadri hills by the side of the temple. There were many jeeps waiting for the those who went up to the top. Our guide took us to the government guest house. The caretaker of the guest house informed that we had to wait till 4.30 evening to get confirmation about the rooms. He assured us a place to sleep anyway. The guest house was a bit spooky. It was not that much well maintained. Water leaked through the roof at some places. The window panes broken, walls turned green with the moist. The air was damp inside but we found little warmth in a corner.

The rain showed no interest to cease. The fog made it hard to see anything, so we decided to wait.  People began to leave, it was evening then and started to get dark. There were only a few people staying in the guest house for the night.

The next day morning was calm, the rain stopped finally. As soon as I woke up, went outside to see the sunrise. Trekked to the top of the Kodachadri peak. It was fog everywhere, couldn’t see the sunrise but a beautiful morning.

When I was about to come back from the top, met the group who stayed with us in the guest house. They were hiking to Chitramoola, a cave temple located on the other side. It is believed that the sage Sri Shankaracharya meditated in this cave for about one year. I joined them. It was a trek down to the opposite side of the hill. We entered a thick forest, the trail was very steep. Leeches were very happy to see some people at their place finally. Walked down for about 30 minutes and heard sounds of a waterfall nearby. We followed the sound, the cave was behind the falls.

Sitting inside the cave, in front of the Shiva Linga, my thoughts went back to the time when Shankaracharya meditated here in the middle of the jungle alone.

Trek to Kodachadri hills: Few things to know

• There are three main trekking routes to reach Kodachadri. The trek to Kodachadri from Nittur is a 10 km trail and a moderate one.
• Camping is not allowed in Kodachadri.
• Nittur is a small town on the way to Kollur. You can get down at Nittur if coming from Banglore.
• You will easily get guides from Nittur itself, they will approach immediately when you get down there. They normally charge INR 600.
• It is better to carry something to prevent leeches. Tobacco and salt are very effective. The sneezing powder also works well. I have seen some spraying Volini to remove leeches (but it kills them).
• Carry enough water and some food, you won’t find any shops on the way.
• It is better to carry some plastic bags to keep your phone and other electronics, especially during rain time.
• I advise to carry a small bag, the trek is very steep and it will be difficult with a heavy bag.
• Though it is a moderate trek, the trails will become slippery during rain and trekking will be difficult.
• Once you reach the end of the road in Kodachadri, you can find the government guest house nearby
• You won’t find it difficult to get a room but sometimes there will be advance booking. You can book the guest house in advance from Hosanagara. If not booked, you have to wait till evening.
• You may find the guest house little uncomfortable. It is the best option for accommodation if you can adjust for a night. And an experience too.
• The guest house will provide food also.
• You will also get accommodation in the temple priest’s house with simple food
• On top of Kodachadri, there are many trails. Each towards different places where you can get the best view of sunset and sunrise.
• The trail to Chitramoola can be found behind the Shankaracharya temple at the top. It is a steep trail and a little tricky. Only a few people opt for the trek to Chitramoola.
• To reach back to Nittur, you can take the same trail or walk the jeep route or can take any jeep going back. They will charge about INR 250 per person to drop in Nittur. The ride in jeep is an adventure.
• Taxis are available from Nittur if you don’t prefer the trek to Kodachadri. Also, you can take taxi up to Hidlumane and continue the trek from there.
• Local buses are available from Nittur towards Kollur. Kollur is a well-known temple town. Karnataka government and private bus companies have services from Kollur to most of the cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Chennai etc.

Hope you got enough information about the trek to Kodachadri hills. Make time to continue the trek to Chitramoola. I didn’t write much about Chitramoola, that was intentional. Felt it is unfair to spoil the thrill of your experience. 

Please join together to keep our trails clean and protect the nature. Be a little conscious not to put anything like plastic bags, snack covers or papers on the trails.

Read about another beautiful trek to Baba Budangiri in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.

If you like the post, please share it on your social media pages to help reach out more people.

Follow “the roads and beyond” in Facebook and Instagram for more stories and updates.

Feel free to put your queries and suggestions in the comment box below.

Keep travelling…

Check some more stories from the Western Ghats.

Pin it to read later