Kodachadri is a mountain peak located in the heart of Western Ghats. It stands at 1,343 meters above the sea level, making it the 10th highest peak in Karnataka. Located 21 kms from kollur (115 kms from Manipal and 165 kms from Mangalore), it is declared as a natural heritage site by the government of Karnataka. There are different routes to reach the Peak of Kodachadri and the difficulty varies highly with respect to the route chosen. However it is challenging to reach the peak in monsoon due to heavy rains that make the routes slippery. Kodachadri receives an annual rain fall of 500 cm to 750 cm and it rains for about eight months in a year.
Sage Adi Shankara is said to have visited this place, meditated here and he also established a temple at Kollur. Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha, noted writer of Udupi District trekked to Kodachadri in 1940s and appreciated the natural beauty of this place by placing Kodachadri as most beautiful of three mountain peaks of coastal Karnataka (the other two being Kuduremukh and Kumara Parvata).
This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves to travel and trek. Trekking in the rain makes it challenging but more fun. It's also a home to Hiddlumane Falls.
Note: No-one in the area knows English or Hindi. It's better if you take someone who knows kannada or Tulu, the local languages of the state. Luckily, our cab driver knew Kannada and was able to communicate with the locals and give us directions.
Also, its better if you have snacks or fruits with you. You are gonna find yourself hungry with all the climbing you have to do. Its not tough finding your way up once you are in the jungle. All you have to do is follow the trail of water.