Kodachadri Trek

Route Info

From Bangalore, catch a bus to Kollur From Kollur, catch a bus which goes towards Nagara,and get down at Karakatte Gate after 45 minutes (11 km). To your right, you’ll find a mud road where you can find a sign indicating the way towards Kodachaadri. Some 4 km (1 hour walk on the plains) on the way, you will find a small tea shop (“Hotel Santosh”, also known as “kaka angadi”). From here, it is roughly 4 hours of trek to the peak. Just half-an-hour before the peak you will find two temples and a PWD Guest House.

Summary

Kodachadri is the highest peak in Shimoga District and by far the most picturesque. It is believed that Shri Shankaracharya meditated here and to commemorate the same the Sarvajna Peetha is located here. From it’s vantage point, the peak offers breath taking view of the surrounding valleys at sunset and sunrise. If the weather is clear enough, you might be even lucky enough to catch glimpses of the Arabian sea, glistening at a distance, from here. Our journey starts from shimoga. We make our way to ‘Kodachadri Gate’ by bus. This gate marks the starting point of the trail leading to the peak. This path is a mud trail that snakes it’s way through the forest. Do not expect to find any settlements here except for a tea shop at the base. The trek to the summit takes anywhere between 5 to 8 hours, depending on your pace. From the peak you have the breath taking vista of the Lingamanakki reservoir and lush dense forest as far as your eyes can see. The other star attraction of this region is the Arishina Gundi Falls. The path leading to it is pretty treacherous and involves some rigorous trekking. The jungles are infested with leeches and hence protective footwear is advisable. But the beauty of the falls absolutely renders all perils faced en route worth it’s while. If you have enough time on your hands, do pay a visit to the eco village which is run by ISKCON. However this man made resort is no adventure compared to the wilderness of Kodachadri.

Things To Carry

• Personal medication (if any)
• Strong backpack (Preferably water proof)
• Fresh pair of clothes for two days.
• Toiletries.
• Water bottles (at least 2 liters of water)
• A torch with new batteries (must in case of emergency)
• You can carry Energy Food (Chocolate bars, flavored milk, Electrolyte drinks - Glucose etc.)
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen.
• Rain coat (Just in case)
• Camera (Optional)

Location info

• Distances:Bangalore 300+ km,Kollur 20 km

• Camping Sites: Actual camping possible at the peak,At the PWD Guest House.

• Trek Length:

Best time to visit

Mid October to Mid March

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

How to reach Kodachadri Trek

Kodachadri Trek is accessible from the nearest town by road. KSRTC buses connect to the base village. From there, the trek begins on foot. Local guides can be arranged at the base. It is advisable to arrive the previous evening and start the trek early morning.

Timings & opening hours

Trekking is recommended during daylight hours (6:00 AM to 5:00 PM). It is strongly advised to complete the trek and descend before sunset. Forest entry permits may be required — check with the local forest office.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee may apply if the trek is within a forest area or national park — typically ₹50-₹100 per person. Some trekking routes are free. Guide fees (if mandatory): ₹500-₹1500 depending on the route and group size.

Duration needed

The trek duration varies from 2-6 hours round trip depending on the route and fitness level. Moderate difficulty — suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. Some sections may be steep. Plan for 3-5 hours including rest stops and summit time.

Safety tips

Always trek with a local guide or in a group — do not trek alone. Start early (by 6:00-7:00 AM) to avoid the midday heat and complete the trek before dark. Carry sufficient water (at least 2 litres). Wear proper trekking shoes with good grip. Watch for leeches during monsoon. Inform someone about your trek plan.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other trekking peaks, waterfalls, viewpoints, temples, and forest trails. The Western Ghats offer multiple trekking routes in the vicinity.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on location — typically in the district headquarters. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Buses to the base village are available from the nearest town.

History of Kodachadri Trek

Kodachadri Trek is a popular trekking destination in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, offering challenging and scenic trails through lush forests and rocky terrain. The peak/area is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and forests. The region has traditionally been home to indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.

Things to do at Kodachadri Trek

The primary activity is trekking to the summit/viewpoint. Along the way, enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. Bird watching and photography are rewarding. At the summit, spend time enjoying the panoramic views. Camping is permitted in designated areas on some routes.

Things to visit & highlights

The summit/viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats, the forest trails themselves with diverse vegetation, any caves or rock formations along the route, and nearby waterfalls that can be visited after the trek.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide for the trek? Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended — they know the terrain, weather patterns, and can share local knowledge. Some treks require a mandatory forest guide.

What fitness level is required? Most treks in Karnataka are moderate difficulty. A reasonable level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is camping allowed? Camping may be permitted in designated areas on certain trekking routes. Check with the local forest office beforehand and carry all necessary equipment.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Trekking

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Kodachadri Trek

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Kodachadri Trek on popular travel photography sites and social media.