The Complete Guide To Kodachadri Trek

Kodachadri is located in Shimoga district and one of the most spoken-about trekking trails in Karnataka. Situated in the heart of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kodachadri trek offers trekkers an adventure, a charm, and an experience that will remain throughout your lifetime.

Kodachadri Trek takes you through a quaint village setting with paddy fields, thick forests, marvelous grasslands, and a waterfall that will make you go weak on your knees. 

The rolling lush grasslands and hills surrounding the peak is a sight to behold. 

To add on to these experiences, you get to visit a temple believed to be built thousands of years ago which is filled with a rich history. Apart from the mythology, imagine trekking to a place that has stories from the 7th AD! This is the place where the famous philosopher, theologian, Adi Shankara visited and meditated at the peak.

You don’t get treks that are filled with many stories and history on the western ghats trek of Karnataka.

With multiple approaches to the trek, anybody can go and do this trek on their own. It is a paradise for first-timers, intermediate and experienced trekking enthusiasts. 

Just like you, we love trekking! And this is a trek we’ve documented in great detail to help you do it on your own. Drop-in comments if you need any help!

➤Table Of Contents

To navigate through the documentation easily, use this section of the Table of Contents. You will get all the information required to do the Kodachadri trek on your own.

• Highlights from Kodachadri Trek
• Trail Information
• GPX File for the trek
• Best Season to do the trek
• How to Reach the base of the trek
• Difficult Sections
• How to get fit for the trek
• Things to Take for the trek
• Permission, Stay, and other finer details about the trek
• Nearby Places to Visit after the trek

➤ Highlights from Kodachadri Trek

1. View of Rolling Green Hills 

Kodachadri Trek is known for the expanse of beautiful lush green rolling hills. The hills are covered in lush greenery and spread as far as the eye can see. Situated at a height of 5,735 feet, the grasslands with the Shola forest emerging are something you go on the trek of Kodachadri. 

The different shades of green vary from Parakeet green, Pine green, and Emerald green. Adding to the greenery, the drama and theatre of a combination of cloud and mist is a thrilling experience. 

2. Waterfalls of Hidlumane

A cascade or a series of seven waterfalls is what makes up the Hidlumane Waterfalls. The gushing falls that you see right above your head, is a sight to wonder and something you don’t get to experience on other treks.

The cold water spouting down is something you must take a dip in or at least have your feet inside these waters. 

3. Mythology, Legends and the Temple of Mookambika

Apart from trekkers, you see other tourists and pilgrims coming to the peak of Kodachadri. Built out of stones, it is said that the Goddess Mookambika fought and killed the demon Mookasura.

Situated at the peak, the temple is often covered with mist and fog during the morning and evenings. 

The temple is also dedicated to Adi Shankara who visited the peak, meditated here at the top of Kodachadri during the 7th AD. 

4. Trekking in the dense Shola forests of Western Ghats

The Kodachadri trek takes you through some of the dense Shola forests of the Western Ghats. A sensational experience for any trekker who likes trekking through the thick canopy and the right exposure of trekking in a forest. 

The Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide variety of flora and fauna to explore. 

➤  Trail Information

Kodachadri Trek can be accessed from three base villages. The trek can be done either from Nittur or Kattinahole or even from the Vallur side.

If you are traveling in your own car to the base, then start your trek from the village of Kattinahole side. You have the option to join the trail at Hidlumane falls or even take the jeep track all the way to the Kodachadri Top (a less exciting option with a constant movement of jeeps on the mud trail) 

Trekking from the Vallur side is comparatively easy through the forest section. But a major highlight of the Hidlumane Falls is something you would miss out on if you trek on this trail alone.

The trek can be divided into four sections over the course of two days

1. Nittur/Marakutaka to Last hut of Hidlumane
2. Last hut of Hidlumane to the PWD Guesthouse/Bhattara Mane via Hidlumane Falls
3. The final trek to the top with the temple
4. Descend through the trail on Vallur side

Section I: Nittur/Marakutuka to Last hut of Hidlumane

Trek Distance: 6.20 km
Trek Duration: 2 hours
GPS coordinates of Marakutuka: 13°55’0.38″N  74°53’20.78″E
GPS coordinates of the Last Hut of Hidlumane: 13°52’51.68″N 74°53’25.94″E

Start your trek early in the morning. If you have taken an overnight bus from Bangalore, you will reach Sigandoor bus stand or the Marakutuka bus stand on the next morning at around 7.15 am.

You can even get down one stop before at Nittur and walk towards Hotel Santosh to start your trek. This is about 1.2 km of walk on the road. Check the Trail Map to get more clarity. It is marked in blue color. 

If you get down at Sigandoor which is another official stop after Nittur, retrace your way to the Marakutuka bus stand. You will cross a small bridge after a few hundred meters and come to this local bus stop of Marakutuka. This would be a preferred option as well. 

From the Marakutuka bus stop, spot a mud road towards your right. This takes you towards the forest side.

You need to trek for another 2 km that takes about half an hour to reach a small stream. Crossing this chilly stream gets the inner child inside you bubbling out.

If you are trekking during the monsoon season, watch out for the force of this stream. The water level will be knee-deep.

After crossing the stream, continue your trek on the mud trail. You will pass through some lovely quaint villages with wooden fences. A small village with houses spread and filled with paddy fields. The greenery around these huts and a serene rustic touch, your trek already has a charm added to it.

Pro Tip: Just ensure that you keep to the trail on the right on any of the forks through the village. You will get a diversion about a kilometer into the trail from the stream crossing. 

Forty minutes into the trail from the stream crossing, the first signs of the hill ranges are now visible to you. 

A few more minutes into the trail, you are welcomed by the signboard with the lion-tailed macaque, as the air is filled with voices of hornbills, treepies, and robin calling out. You are now entering into the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Continue your trek on this trail for another 10 minutes. You will pass a few houses of Hidlumane until you reach the last hut which has wooden gates as the fence. There seems to be no trail in front of you. 

The trail actually passes through the last hut and towards the forest section next. If you are trekking from the Katinahole side, you can choose to join here.

Section 2: Last hut of Hidlumane to PWD Guest house

Trek Distance: 3 km
Trek Duration: 2.5 hrs
GPS coordinates of the Last hut of Hidlumane: 13°52’51.68″N 74°53’25.94″E
GPS coordinates of PWD Guest House: 13°51’43.47″N 74°52’30.29″E

The trail goes behind the last hut of Hidlumane. Paddy fields with two hillocks and this wooden hut make a perfect setting before you enter into the thick forest. 

As soon as you enter the forest, you see a small stream feeding the fields. However, there is a bigger stream that can be heard flowing to your right. This is the same water flowing from the Hidlumane falls.

Leeches start from this area and continue onwards ahead in this section. You are now entering the Shola forest. 

| Tip: Apply Dettol or Savlon at the last hut of Hidlumane, before entering the forest to avoid leeches. If you are not too worried, the best option is to remove once you reach the jeep track. A few leeches sucking some of your blood won’t do any harm.

Hidlumane Falls is a combination of seven waterfalls with the main waterfall cascading down from a height of 50-60 feet. 

It will take you easily half an hour if you are trekking during the monsoon or just after the monsoon season. Watch your step and be extremely careful when climbing up. The first two waterfalls are easier to climb. As you go higher, the trail is difficult to distinguish and is slippery with moss covering.

This section is perhaps the most adventurous part with climbing over fallen logs, boulders, going on all fours to hold onto the trees and branches. It is a true adventure that we all love.

| Tip: When you are climbing up the cascade of waterfalls, go onto the sides of the forest where it will be easier. Climbing on the slippery rocks will be risky. Carrying a trekking pole comes very much in handy. Watch this video to understand more about how to use trekking poles. 

Once you reach the last waterfall or the main waterfall of Hidlumane, you need to take the right here. The trail is through a bit of thick jungle and can be overgrown. You will come across a boulder. Follow this trail for another half an hour and you reach the jeep track.

Note: Do not take the left turn from the waterfalls. This leads you to a much longer route and is challenging. You need to trek later and cross three folds of grasslands to reach the main jeep track. 

From the jeep track, go towards the East to visit a famous sunrise point. It takes about 15 minutes to reach this point. The views from the point are breathtaking and worth the visit if you like to explore a bit. The wind blowing feels like it’s gushing out from the valley. 

If you are tired or getting late, then head on the trail to the west, which leads you to the PWD Guesthouse. The views can be taken from the top of Kodachadri as well. 

The trek to PWD Guesthouse takes you another hour and a half through the jeep track at a leisurely pace, exploring the widths of the grassland and taking in the views at clearings on the trail. 

Have a well-deserved rest near the base of Kodachadri. Carry your own packed lunch or you can contact the PWD guesthouse for your lunch here

Section 3: Base of Kodachadri to the Peak of Kodachadri

Trek Distance: 2 km
Trek Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes
GPS coordinates for Base of Kodachadri: 13°51’39.84″N 74°52’28.11″E
GPS coordinates for the temple, the peak of Kodachadri: 13°51’25.66″N 74°52’2.12″E

From the PWD guest house, the trail toward the peak is well-marked and laid out. You will see the trail going towards the south. There is a small checkpost or gate kept with wooden logs that you cross and carry forward. Camping is banned beyond this point. 

The trail from here onwards is a proper mud trail all the way to the temple. 

About 15 minutes of your ascent, you will reach a fork that leads one to the left and the other to the right. The trail on the left takes you to the main sunrise point. The trail to the right takes you to the top or temple of the trek. 

The trail to the peak is more of a ridge walk with a drop towards the left side when trekking. This section is notorious for being covered in mist and fog. If covered in mist, be careful of not venturing towards the left. 

Continue on the trail and you will reach the temple in another 15-20 mins. You have reached the highest point of the trek. 

There is a small diversion towards a cave and temple on the right. You can explore either while going towards the peak or while coming back from the temple point.

The serenity of the temple and environment feels like the best place to sit down, reflect, and enjoy the time at the top.

Pro Tip: There is a shoulder of the grassland to the south and just above the fork, where you get amazing views of the forest and grasslands. This makes an ideal spot for spending time in case the temple area is more crowded. 

Soak into the views of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and the rolling hills filled with greenery.

Head back to your place of stay for the night (PWD Guesthouse). Carry your own food for the entire duration of the trek.

Section 4: Kodachadri to Vallur, Roadhead

Trek Distance: 8.2 km
Trek Duration: 4.5 hours
GPS coordinates for the Kodachadri Base descent: 13°51’44.39″N 74°52’29.40″E
GPS coordinates for the Vallur, Roadhead: 13°54’46.32″N 74°51’54.68″E

This section covers the descent via Vallur which adds on to your experience and as a complete assortment for trekkers going on the Kodachadri Trek. 

In case you don’t want to continue on this adventure, the option of going to Katinahole by following the jeep track or taking a jeep to Nittur is available.

Get up early and catch the sunrise. The sight of the sunrise is another exhilarating thing you should not miss out on.

The descent starts from a narrow trail just after the fork of PWD Guesthouse. You will see the trail on the left . The initial trial is through a series of forest and clearings. 

Around 150 meters into the descent, you come across a small clearing in the forest. The trail again enters through a patch of forest for another 250 meters which takes you to the second clearing.

Trek for 20 minutes to enter an open grassland. You are reaching the shoulder of a ridge and descending through the ridge next. Towards the left, you hear a gushing force of water flowing down the valley. You cannot see this from the trail, however. It is hidden in the stunning thick jungle. 

Further down the trail is when you enter the thickest parts of the forest. It is much denser compared to your previous day. 

If you are trekking during the monsoon season, watch out for the leeches here. It is more in number at this side compared to Hidlumane. On a gloomy day, sunlight hardly reaches down to kiss the earth. You are covered with lush canopy all around. 

Enjoy the experience of trekking through the rich and abundant flora, fauna region of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The descent and the trail are well laid out. Do not take any major turns on a fork. 

Take this route down to reach the end of the forest section. It takes about an hour and a half to reach down. 

You can take a break for a quick brunch or grab a bite at Hotel Santosh. Do not expect any lavish menu or fresh food. The food prepared during the morning like Idly or Dosa might be available which you can relish after a nice intense trek.

The trek from Hotel Santosh to the main road head of Kollur-Sampekatte will take around 1.5 hours. The distance is close to 5.5 km from Hotel Santosh to the road head. You won’t find any vehicles from the hotel to the road and need to walk through a mix of mud and broken tar road. 

If you are heading back to Bangalore, then head towards Kollur where you will get an overnight bus. You can pre-book the bus before going on the trek. Local buses are infrequent. You might have to wait for 30 to 40 mins sitting on the road to get a bus going to Kollur. The other option is to head to the major city of Shimoga/Shivamogga which takes about 2.5 hrs on a local bus.

➤ Best Season To Do The Kodachadri Trek

The best season to do Kodachadri trek is from October to February. Post monsoon or the winters are the best seasons to do the Kodachadri Trek. 

Post monsoon, you will witness the lush greenery of the region in its full glory. The trek can be extended till the pre-summer season when most part of the trek has a mix of brown and green. During the winter season, you will have much clearer views compared to the monsoon season.

The trek can be done during the summer season. The colors will be much browner in the shade once you move from the forest section towards the grasslands. 

The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. If you want to take this option, be prepared for the challenge of trekking during the monsoon. Have the right gears and go with somebody who has the experience of trekking, navigating. The difficulty of the trek increases when you trek during the peak of monsoon.

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➤ How to Reach Kodachadri Trek

The Kodachadri trek starts from a small village called Nittur situated in the Shimoga district. From Shimoga, Nittur is close to 110 km towards the west. 

Even if you are planning to start from other villages of Katinahole or Vallur, you need to pass this village of Nittur.

Those who don’t want to trek and are looking to take a jeep, Nittur would be the place where one can hire the jeep. You can see the costing of these jeeps below.

Reaching Kodachadri by Public Transport System

The base village Nittur is easy to reach if you are traveling from Bangalore. You get direct buses from Bangalore (Majestic/Anand Rao Circle) to Nittur. These buses go to Kollur via Shivamoga.

Go through the details here. There are many buses from Bangalore to Kollur that can be booked online at KSRTC website.

An overnight journey will take around 8-9 hrs to reach Nittur. 

| Tip: There is an option of taking a jeep from Nittur all the way to the PWD Guest House if you don’t want to trek. The roads are treacherous and only jeeps can take these paths.

The entire cost for the jeep will be around Rs 3,000. If you have other travelers, then the shared cost will come to approximately Rs 350 per person two ways. If you are going in a group, the cost can be reduced to Rs 2,500 or 2000 depending on the season you are trekking. 

Reaching Kodachadri by your own vehicle

If you are planning on reaching Nittur or Kattinahole using your own vehicle from Bangalore, you can use this link to help setup navigation in google maps. For a more detailed explanation, read through the information below.

Take the Bangalore-Mumbai highway, NH48 from Bangalore. Cross Tumkur and head ahead to Hiriyur. At Hiriyur, you need to take a left and head towards the west on the State Highway, SH24. This road takes you to Shimoga.

After Tarikere, you have the option of either going via Shimoga city or taking the route through the perimeter of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The route via Shimoga is more well laid and a faster route. If you want more greenery and roads which are scenic, then going via Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a preferable option. 

Your target from here would be going to Nagara first. From Nagara, you are half an hour away to Nittur. Depending on where you want to start the trek, you can either head to Kattinahole or Marakutaka. 

Nearest International and Domestic Airport

Mangalore International Airport – 170 km

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➤ Difficult Sections On The Kodachadri Trek

Kodachadri trek is of Moderate difficulty if you are trekking from Nittur/Marakutuka to Vallur. Your endurance will be tested if you are trekking in this route. Also, the factor of Hidlumane Falls makes the trek more challenging with some slippery sections. 

If you are taking the route from or to Nittur via Hidlumane Falls, then the trek can be considered as an easy-moderate trek. 

One way, the trek will be close to 19.5 km if you are going on the route suggested in the trek guide.

1. The section from the last hut of Hidlumane to the keep track is one stretch which makes the trek moderate difficulty. The trek through rocks and the slippery trail can be risky if you are not careful and don’t take the right measures. Make sure you wear proper trekking shoes and a trekking pole.

2. The stretch in the forest section can be tricky when covered with mist and fog. There are high chances of trekkers taking a wrong turn and ending up taking either a difficult route/incorrect trail. Having the GPX file downloaded is a strong suggestion from us.

3. In case of any injuries or accidents, evacuation will take a longer time compared to other treks. This would be another reason why the trek is classified as a moderate trek. 

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➤ How To Get Fit On The Kodachadri Trek

The Kodachadri Trek is classified as a Moderate grade trek. Trekking for two days and for close to 12 hours will require good strength in legs and also cardio. The trek can be demanding for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Training yourself for a medium-altitude moderate grade trek

Here’s a guide to help you get fit for the trek in 4 weeks:

❖ Cardiovascular Endurance

In case you’re just starting with a fitness routine, start slow and increase your pace everyday in the following manner

• Target completing a jog of 5 km in 40 minutes when you begin.
• Gradually increase your pace by running 5 km, 4 times a week.
• As you become more comfortable, introduce another day of running in your routine. 
• Progressively increase the distance you run in a workout until you can complete 5 km in 40 mins.

If you prefer cycling over running, target covering 18 km in 60 minutes when you begin.

• Progressively increase your pace to cover 25 km in one hour.

❖ Strength Training

This is an important area you need to work on.

Strength training is equally important to trek comfortably. Work on your glutes, calves, and knees. Additionally, work on strengthening your core.

You must strengthen your core muscles. For strengthening your core muscles, holding a plank and it’s variations (elbow, side planks) are the best exercises to go about doing it.

Also, try these exercises for strength:

Target 4 sets of squats with 20 in each set.

– Squats (Mix it up with sumo squats)

– Lunges (Forward, backward, and lateral lunges)

– Planks

❖ Flexibility

Flexibility determines the amount of movement your bones can make in any direction around joints such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.

It is an aspect that will help you trek comfortably. Carrying a backpack, however, light can become a strain. Stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, and lower back muscles regularly, promotes relaxation in the tissues reducing the strain on your back.

If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.

➤ Things To Take On The Kodachadri Trek

• Basic First Aid kit*
• Identity Card
• Cap/ Scarf/ Bandana & Sunglasses
• Water (Minimum two litres)
• Lemon and salt OR Electrolyte Powder/Drink (Electral/Gatorade/Glucon D, etc.)
• High-calorie snacks (Nuts & dry fruits, home-baked cake, etc.)
• Safety Pins, Rubber bands & Whistle (Useful in emergencies.)
• Quick Dry T-shirts are preferable over cotton tees.
• Poncho, only during monsoons
• Plastic sheet to wrap electronic devices, only during monsoons
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Optional: Trekking poles

❖ First aid kit:

• Scissor
• Band aids (Regular & Waterproof)
• Analgesic spray (Relispray, Volini, etc.)
• Antiseptic Liquid (Savlon, Dettol etc.)
• Antiseptic powder (Povidone-Iodine based powders like Cipladine, Savlon, etc.)
• Cotton roll & Bandage
• Crepe Bandage
• 1 inch wide medical tape (paper or cloth.)
• Micropore tape
• Tablet for motion sickness (Avomine), Acidity (Gelusil, Digene, etc.).
• Mild pain relief tablet (Crocin)

| Note: Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine

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➤ Permission And Other Finer Details About Kodachadri Trek

1. Are there Food and Water sources on the Kodachadri Trek?

You need to carry packed food in your own tiffin boxes for breakfast and lunch. Hotels or eateries will not be open early in the morning at Nittur. If you are reaching a bit later, then you can have a quick bite at Hotel Santosh before starting the trek.

If you are not staying at PWD Guesthouse, you need to plan for dinner as well. There are no other eateries or other food sources on the trek.

For water sources, if you are trekking in the monsoon or post-monsoon season, you will find streams and also the Hidlumane waterfall on the trail. This is clean; freshwater is flowing down. You can fill your bottle from there. 

The other option is to fill two bottles of water from Nittur itself. Two liters of water per person will be sufficient to start the trek with. 

| Tip: If you are not comfortable with having water from the stream or the waterfalls, carry purification tablets or a life straw bottle to purify the water.

2. What about the Permissions and Camping on the Kodachadri trek?

Trekkers need permission for the Kodachadri trek since 2023. One can obtain for this here by filling the details online - https://kudremukhanationalpark.in/?page_id=709

The trek falls in the middle of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Camping on the Kodachadri trek is not allowed. The forest department put a ban on camping after 2015.  

3. How long is the Kodachadri trek?

Kodachadri trek is 11 km one way through the hidlumane falls.

4. What are the Stay Options on the Kodachadri Trek? 

If you want to stay overnight, the most popular, convenient option will be staying at the PWD Guest House.

Trekkers who would like to stay in the PWD guest house can book this in advance from the Karnataka Tourism Department. They can even contact Sridhar Shetty – 8105722976 or 9480175032 for food and accommodation at the PWD guesthouse.

There are a lot of homestays available around Nittur. You can book one according to your budget.

5. Are there leeches on the Kodachadri trek?

Post-monsoon, you can find a lot of leeches on this trek. You can apply Dettol on your shoes before the start of the trek. You can remove the leeches once you reach Kodcahdri base or at the peak.

6. Emergency contacts for Kodachadri Trek

Hospital: The closest hospital is around 30 km from the base village of the trek. Government Hospital, Nagara is the nearest hospital on the Kodachadri trek. The other option is an Ayurvedic hospital at Kollur. 

For a bigger hospital, you need to head towards Hosanagara or Shimoga.

Police Station: Nagara Police station is the nearest state police station on the Kodachadri Trek. 

ERSS: For any kind of emergency help, you can contact the Pan-India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number- 112

7. Nearby ATMs and Networks on the trek

ATMs: There are no nearby ATMs near the base of the trek. Nittur is a very small village with one Canara bank. The nearest ATM is around 20 km away, either at Kollur or towards Hosanagara which is 40 km

Mobile Networks: The network on the trek is very sparse. The best chances of receiving a network will be either BSNL or Airtel. Vodafone does not get good or any connectivity throughout the trek.

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8. which is the best time to visit Kodachadri?

The best time to visit Kodachadri is after the monsoon season. from September to March. During the monsoons, the path through hidlumane may get extremely tricky due to heavy rains and during the summer months, the weather gets extremely hot.

9. Can a beginner do the Kodachadri Trek?

Kodachadri is a moderate trek, which can be done by fit beginners.

➤ Places To Visit After The Kodachadri Trek

• Mookambika Temple, Kollur:

A famous pilgrimage place considered sacred and situated in the foothills of Kodachadri hills, on the southern bank of Souparnika River. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had a vision of Sri Mookambika Devi and installed the deity here.

Kollur is around 20 km from Vallur. After ending your trek, this would be the closest town from where you can board your return bus to Bangalore as well. 

• Nagara Fort: A historic fort which lies in the Shimoga district. This place is worth a visit if you are going in your own vehicle. On the hill, within the fort, there remains a palace and two tanks and a cannon. Nagara Fort is about 30 km from Nittur and towards Shimoga.

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented by Usha Hariprasad, Veerendra Patil, Suhas Saya

Special thanks to Vijay Kashyap, Suhas Saya for the pictures of the trek
Banner Image by Suhas Saya

The trek was written by Suhas Saya