Kodachadri Trek: A Rainforest Trail to the Roof of Karnataka

Some treks test your strength. Others test your spirit. But the Kodachadri Trek does both—and gifts you moments that will live with you long after you’ve left the trail. Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, this trek takes you through dense forests, roaring waterfalls, hidden temples, and misty mountain peaks. It's not just a trek—it's a love letter to nature, written in green.

Beginning the Journey: Into the Wild Heart of the Western Ghats

Our journey began in Nagara, a quaint town close to Kollur in Karnataka. A short ride brought us to the base of Kodachadri hills, the starting point of the trail. As we laced our shoes and adjusted our backpacks, the air already felt different—cool, damp, and filled with the scent of earth and wet leaves.

The first stretch of the trek was through thick tropical forest. The trail was narrow and slightly muddy, but the canopy above kept us shaded and mesmerized. Tall trees towered over us, birds sang unfamiliar songs, and butterflies danced in beams of filtered sunlight. Every now and then, we’d hear a distant rustle or spot a macaque watching us with mild curiosity.

It wasn’t just about the view—it was about the feeling. Walking in the Western Ghats during the monsoon or right after is like entering a living, breathing forest that welcomes you like an old friend.

Hidlumane Falls: A Hidden Gem in the Green

A few kilometers into the trek, we took a short detour toward Hidlumane Falls—and trust me, this was no ordinary waterfall. We crossed slippery rocks and tiny forest streams, ducked under low branches, and finally arrived at a clearing where the water roared down a steep rock face.

The Hidlumane Falls are not just beautiful—they’re alive. Cold, gushing water from the hills crashes into a pool below, forming a natural spa for tired trekkers. I couldn’t resist the call. I dropped my bag and stepped into the waterfall, letting the icy water pound my back and rinse away every ounce of exhaustion.

It felt like the forest was blessing us—washing off the noise of the city and baptizing us into the rhythm of nature.

After a short break and some packed food, we continued upward, now thoroughly drenched but completely refreshed.

The Climb Gets Steeper: Jeep Tracks, Grasslands, and Misty Peaks

Beyond the waterfall, the forest slowly began to thin out. We soon emerged onto wider jeep trails that wound through meadows and shola grasslands. This part of the Kodachadri trek was more exposed, and the sun made its presence felt. But every once in a while, a cloud would descend, wrapping us in cool mist.

The landscape changed dramatically—lush green hills rolled into the horizon, and every turn offered a postcard-worthy view.

At one point, we stopped and turned around. The entire forest we'd trekked through lay below, like a velvet carpet spread out over the hills. Far in the distance, you could spot Arasinagundi Falls and the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary stretching into the haze.

It was exhausting, yes—but it was also deeply humbling. These weren’t just hills. They were ancient sentinels, watching silently over generations of wanderers like us.

Sarvajna Peetha: A Temple in the Clouds

At the summit of Kodachadri (1,343 meters) stands a small, unassuming structure—the Sarvajna Peetha, said to be where Adi Shankaracharya meditated centuries ago. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, and reaching it feels like reaching the soul of the mountain.

The view from here is surreal. On a clear day, you can even spot the Arabian Sea, shimmering in the far west. But most of the time, the peak is wrapped in a curtain of clouds and mist, giving it a mystical aura.

I sat on the rock next to the temple, the wind howling and clouds racing past. I wasn’t thinking about how far we had come or how tired I was. I was just… still. And free.

That’s what Kodachadri Hills do to you. They peel off your layers of stress, your need to rush, your constant hunger for distraction—and leave you bare, raw, and content.

Trekking Guide: How to Plan Your Kodachadri Trek Adventure

Thinking of doing the Kodachadri Trek? Here’s all you need to know:

Location: Shimoga district, Karnataka

Trek Duration: 1–2 days (depending on your pace and route)

Trek Distance: Approx. 14–16 km one way

Altitude: 1,343 meters (4,406 feet)

Best Time to Visit: September to February for clear views; monsoon (June–August) if you love lush green trails and waterfalls

Difficulty Level: Moderate (steep sections, muddy trails in monsoon)

Trekking Routes: Two main routes—via Hidlumane Falls (scenic and tough) and via jeep trail from Kattinahole (easier but less immersive)

Stay Options: Homestays in Nittur or Kollur; camping near the peak is allowed with permissions

Permissions: Required from Forest Department at the base

Essentials to Carry:

Good trekking shoes with grip

Poncho/raincoat (especially during monsoon)

Energy snacks, water bottles, and ORS

First-aid kit, torchlight, and insect repellent

Camera or phone for those stunning mountain photos

Final Thoughts: Where the Mountains Speak and You Learn to Listen

The Kodachadri Trek is more than just a physical journey—it's a lesson in simplicity, stillness, and surrender. You start as a trekker chasing views, but somewhere along the way, the forest whispers to you, the waterfall cleanses you, and the mountain teaches you how to slow down.

It’s a must-do for anyone who craves a raw, immersive Western Ghats trekking experience, far from crowds and closer to the divine.

So pack your bag, lace your boots, and follow the trail to Kodachadri. The mountain is waiting—and it has stories to tell.