Take Kodachadri trek to one of the highest mountains in Karnataka, and get ready to be amazed by the natural beauty of the place. This 4400-feet high peak is a part of the Western Ghats, and the trip is a good opportunity to see the natural treasures of the mountain range. The peak has a bit of history and mythology associated with it, which makes it even more attractive to tourists. It is said that a goddess killed a demon atop the hill, and that in the 11th century, Adi Shankaracharya meditated here. The goddess appeared to the sage and fulfilled his wish; hence, the trek to Kodachadri also has a spiritual aspect.

Kodachadri trekking will be organised on the second of the three days, which the tour is spread across. All along the journey, your eyes will feast at lush greenery, which will comprise many plants, endemic to the region. You will cross numerous streams and waterfalls, which will make the trip exciting. From atop the hill, you will be able to see a mesmerising sunset. If the day is clear and sunny, then you may also be able to get a glimpse of the Arabian Sea!

Your accommodation will be in tents or sleeping bags, near the mountain. As Kodachadri trek in Karnataka is a short one, you will easily be able to ascend the cliff, and return on the same day. This trip also includes travelling to Sharavathi Backwaters to enjoy a refreshing swim either on Day 02 or Day 03. The option of camping near the backwaters will elevate the adventure level of the expedition to another level. On the morning of Day 3, depart for Bengaluru and visit Nagara Fort on the way.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Pick-up from Bengaluru
Reach the pick-up spot in Bengaluru at the scheduled time, and board a coach to the homestay, located near the peak.

Day 02: Arrival at Homestay | Trek to Kodachadri and Back to Homestay
On arrival at the homsestay, freshen up and relish a delicious breakfast. Take rest, while your lunch for the trip is being cooked and packed. Post resting, travel to the Jeep stand, from where your Kodachadri trek begins. The trail is lined with tall trees on both sides, and you walk on it for about 1.5 km. After this easy walk, turn right and enter a dense forest. The humidity increases as you make your way deeper into the woods. This can be attributed to the fact that the area is near the Arabian Sea coast.

After a while, Kodachadri trekking will see an increase in altitude, which will be encountered continuously till you reach a meadow. Continue on the path for around 100 metres, and then turn left. A number of logs lie scattered on the ground, and you will be able to cross them with great ease. As you continue this Kodachadri trekking in Karnataka, you will be required to cross a small stream. Beyond the rivulet, the nature of the track will change drastically, and the trail will now be full of small and big rocks.

On the way, you will see a number of waterfalls, which make for excellent photography spots. Walking further will lead you to Hidlumane Falls, one of the highlights of this excursion. It is a series of seven drops, and the highest point of the waterfall is roughly 60 feet from the ground. Post enjoying in its plunge pool and under the falling water, turn right from the fall, and restart the trek to Kodachadri. The track again takes you through the forest, and after a while, a steep ascent of almost 60 degree gradient will be encountered.

Turn right after sometime, and then turn left to meet a proper road, which leads to a temple. Upon reaching a section, where the trail splits into two, take the one going straight. Just before you begin the final ascent, you will see a deep gorge below, which will make adrenaline sprint through your blood vessels. Take a break during the walking expedition to relish the lunch that you had brought along with you.
Plan A: After reaching the homestay, have tea and dinner, and follow them up with getting rest inside tents.
Plan B: From the homestay, travel to Sharavathi Backwaters for swimming. After the refreshing dip, embark on a boat ride on the backwaters to your camping site for the night.

Day 03: Departure from the Homestay
Return to the homestay in the morning, if picking Plan B, and relish breakfast. If picking Plan A, then travel to Sharavathi Backwaters for swimming, and then return to the homestay for breakfast. Thereafter, depart for Bengaluru and visit Nagara Fort on the way. The fort, captured by Hyder Ali in 1763, is set atop a high cliff, and it contains ruins of an assembly hall, bathing tanks, palace and a cast iron cannon. After exploring this amazing historical fortification, restart your journey to Bengaluru.