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. For a guided trekking and temple experience, many travelers choose our Kodachadri Trek Package.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 trek is about 10–12 km, where one can spot the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on 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. 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. Travelers interested in mountain adventures and spiritual destinations can explore more experiences through our Weekend Getaways From Bangalore guide.Nearby Placesplaced in the Western Ghats, it 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's, as well as an adventure sport-lover's perspective. Nature enveloping it makes it easy to travel from any perspective. Feel free to travel to sightseeing spots around the hill worth beholding: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.Hidlumane Falls (5 km): 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.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.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.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.Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple (45 km): Sharavathi River backwaters is where Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, a 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.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.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 that 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 KodachadriRoads to KodachadriBangalore (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 HosanagaraTransport Facility: Bangalore, Mangalore, and Shimoga to Nittur and Kollur: private and KSRTC buses.Jeep from Nittur or Kollur to ascend to the top of the peak, if trekking is not on your bucket list.By RailThe nearest railway stations 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. It 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 AirportMangalore 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.
