Kodachadri is a mountain peak (altitude - 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). Kodachadri lies in Hosanagara taluk of Shimoga District. The name is a corruption of the Sanskrit word "Kutakachalam." In local Kannada language, it is also called Kodashi Parvatha.Kodachadri forms a picturesque background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The rain forests loom in a perpetual layer of mist around the peak. Around peak, shola forest is also there.

This peak is where 'Shankaracharya' did meditation. You will find an ancient Sarvajna Peetha, (built out of rock) of Sri Shankaracharya at the top.

Adi-Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the moola sthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi.

It is also an excellent locale for Trekkers and backpackers.

It is around five hour trek from Nagodi village, near Kollur. Another easier trekking route on jeep road is also there, which starts from Sampekatte village (Hosanagara Taluk). The trekking route is very beautiful experience. At the top, there is permanent settlement of one Bhat, whose main business is serving the trekkers and devotees with food and shelter - of course, small amount is charged. So much preparation is not required in respect of food and shelter.

Alternative means to reach the peak of Kodachadri is to board a Jeep at Kollur - the return fare from Kollur is Rs. 175/-(Dec2008)per person or Rs. 1400/- per Jeep, which will be useful for those who could not walk (eg. old people, children, women). And it is worth to visit the peak.

The sunset watched from Kodachadri peak on a clear day is enchanting experience. The sunrise is also seen from another hillok behind Tourist Bungelow.

The Karnataka govt. has plans to tar the road right up to Shankarapeedom. Environmentalists allege that this would destroy the peace and tranquility as well as natural habitat of many species in the region.

How to reach there

• Nearest Town Kollur - 20 km
  • Kodachadri can be reached from Kollur by jeep on a 40 km long winding and slippery mud road with many hair-pin bends.
• Mookambika Nature Camp - 4 km south of Kollur
• Nearest airport is Mangalore - 147 km
• Nearest Railway station is Kundapura on Konkan Railway route.

Accommodation

The temple priest provides accommodation for a very cheap price of Rs 300 per room which can accommodate 6 comfortably. He also provides Vegetarian Food [ breakfast, lunch, dinner]. breakfast costs Rs 10/- and dinner Rs. 30/- [as of January 2009]

Trekking

The Kodachadri trek is approximately 10 km from the base to the peak. One can reach the trekking point via a bus from the Kollur Bus stop for Rs 10/- For people trekking for the first time please do travel with a lot of water and start early. Its a five hour drilling trek. So do carry glucose, food and water as inexperienced trekkers need them whenever they take breaks on their way to the top. Various places along the trekker's path offer vantage points for spectacular sceneries of the surroundings. Another endearing aspect of the trek, is the presence of clouds as one nears the top of Kodachadri especially during the monsoons.

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